Izakaya Osen

Step into Izakaya Osen and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a neighborhood tavern somewhere in Tokyo. This Silver Lake gem stands apart from the slicker, more contemporary izakayas popping up around Los Angeles by embracing tradition wholeheartedly. The entire interior is clad in warm wood paneling, and by the time you leave, the aromatic smoke from the yakitori grills will have worked its way into your clothes—a delicious souvenir of your evening.

The menu here is straightforward and focuses on what matters most: quality yakitori at prices that won’t break the bank. The skewers are the star of the show, each one carefully grilled over charcoal to achieve that perfect balance of char and juiciness. While you could explore other offerings on the menu, the smart move is to concentrate your order on those beautiful grilled skewers and let the kitchen do what they do best.

The crowd at Osen tends to run lively, creating an energetic atmosphere that perfectly captures the convivial spirit of a true izakaya. Despite its popularity, getting a seat rarely requires an unreasonable wait, making it an ideal spot for those nights when you want good food without the hassle of a lengthy reservation process.

If you’re looking for an unpretentious evening of excellent Japanese pub food in a genuinely authentic setting, Izakaya Osen delivers. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in with friends, work through a few rounds of skewers, and enjoy the simple pleasure of great food in good company.