N/Soto

Step through the noren curtains at N/Soto and you’ll find yourself in one of LA’s most refined izakayas. Tucked along Washington Boulevard in Mid-City with a vine-covered facade, this restaurant from the team behind the legendary N/Naka feels like being let in on a delicious secret. The interior is bathed in warm blonde oak and perpetually dimmed lighting, while indie jazz drifts through the air and servers move with quiet grace. There’s even a tranquil covered patio out back for those who want to dine under the stars.

The extensive menu spans over fifty items organized by cooking method, offering both izakaya classics and innovative chef-driven creations. The kitchen demonstrates remarkable skill across the board—from the pristine cubes of baby bluefin tuna with pickled wasabi stems to the sake-steamed clams swimming in complex, garlicky dashi. The toro osetra nigiri delivers an unforgettable burst of luxury in a single bite, while the crispy geso karaage with chili mayo might just change your relationship with fried squid forever. Don’t miss the miso-glazed bone marrow paired with a smoky rice ball hiding a tangy plum surprise at its center.

This isn’t your typical boisterous beer hall izakaya—N/Soto operates on a different level entirely. The cocktail program leans toward sake and shochu-based drinks that are refreshingly lower in alcohol, and if you spot one featuring kakigori, the bartenders will crank out delicate shaved ice from an antique machine right before your eyes. Expect to spend around $150 per person with drinks when you’re done exploring the menu.

While the price point firmly places N/Soto in special occasion territory, it delivers an exceptional dining experience that justifies the investment. This is the place for date nights when you want to impress, celebrations that call for something memorable, or anytime you’re craving Japanese cuisine executed at an extraordinarily high level. It may be the more accessible sibling to N/Naka, but make no mistake—the sophistication and attention to detail here are anything but casual.