Ototo

Tucked away on a quiet street in Echo Park, Ototo is the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret among locals. This intimate sake bar, run by the same team behind neighboring Tsubaki, operates with a refreshingly casual approach—no reservations, no fussy table service, just a clipboard for your name and ordering at the bar. It’s designed for spontaneity, making it an ideal spot to kick off an evening before a concert, show, or any other adventure.

The compact menu features around fifteen small plates that pair beautifully with sake. The okonomiyaki is the standout—a hearty cabbage pancake filled with corn and cheese, generously topped with okonomi sauce, mayo, and those distinctive fermented tuna flakes. The yakisoba with tender pork belly offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory, while the sesame-glazed chicken wings have become an essential order for regulars.

What truly sets Ototo apart is its impressive sake program. The selection reads more like an encyclopedia than a menu, organized by flavor profiles to help navigate the extensive offerings. Even if you’re not a sake connoisseur, the quality here is consistently high enough that any choice will likely be a good one. The intimate atmosphere, where you’re shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow diners at the bar, adds to the convivial energy.

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite before heading elsewhere or a relaxed evening of sake exploration, Ototo delivers. It’s the kind of neighborhood gem that reminds you why Echo Park has become such a dining destination. Just don’t expect to linger too long—with the efficient setup, you can easily be in and out in under an hour, perfectly warmed up for whatever comes next.