Los Angeles · Izakaya · a la carte
Otafuku Restaurant
IzakayaSobaTonkatsuIzakayaGardenaEel TempuraFamily-Owned1997
A family-owned Gardena soba and izakaya restaurant since 1997, where chef Mieko Akutsu — daughter of founder Seiji Akutsu — is known for an eel tempura that even David Chang has praised.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Gardena
- Since
- 1997
- Chef
- Mieko Akutsu
- Owner
- Akutsu Family
Plate № 01
About
Otafuku was founded by Seiji Akutsu in 1997 on Western Avenue in Gardena and is now led by his daughter Mieko Akutsu. The restaurant serves Tokyo-style soba, tonkatsu, and Japanese izakaya plates in a warm family setting. The eel tempura, made from whole eel rather than fillets, has attracted national attention including praise from chef David Chang. Food GPS and Eater LA list it among South Bay's essential Japanese stops.
Neighborhood & visiting
Otafuku Restaurant sits in Gardena, one of Los Angeles's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused izakaya counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Family-owned since 1997 — founder Seiji Akutsu, now daughter Mieko
- Eel tempura praised by David Chang
- Tokyo-style soba and tonkatsu; Eater LA essential pick
More authentic izakaya in Los Angeles
See all →
Other authentic cuisines in Los Angeles
See all →
Authentic izakaya in other cities
See all →
Frequently asked
About Otafuku Restaurant
- Is Otafuku Restaurant an authentic izakaya restaurant in Los Angeles?
- Yes — Otafuku Restaurant is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for izakaya in Los Angeles: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Otafuku Restaurant located?
- Otafuku Restaurant is located at 16525 S Western Ave, Gardena, CA 90247 (,), Los Angeles, USA in the Gardena neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Otafuku Restaurant?
- Otafuku Restaurant accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Otafuku Restaurant?
- Otafuku Restaurant sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for izakaya of this format in Los Angeles.
Keep exploring