Is Tsubaki an authentic izakaya restaurant in Los Angeles?

Yes — Tsubaki 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 Tsubaki located?

Tsubaki is located at 1356 Allison Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (,), Los Angeles, USA in the Echo Park neighborhood.

Do I need a reservation at Tsubaki?

Tsubaki accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.

What is the price range at Tsubaki?

Tsubaki sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for izakaya of this format in Los Angeles.

Cities/Los Angeles/Izakaya/Tsubaki

Los Angeles · Izakaya · a la carte

Tsubaki

Name: Tsubaki
Address: 1356 Allison Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (,), Los Angeles, USA
Telephone: +1 213-900-4900
Price range: ¥¥¥

IzakayaIzakayaSake BarMichelin BibCalifornia IzakayaEcho Park

Charles Namba and Courtney Kaplan's Michelin Bib Gourmand izakaya in Echo Park — California-Japanese small plates, a deep sake program, and one of LA's most refined casual Japanese dining rooms.

Price: ¥¥¥
Area: Echo Park
Since: 2017
Chef: Charles Namba
Owner: Charles Namba & Courtney Kaplan

Tsubaki — authentic izakaya restaurant in Los Angeles, Echo Park — Editorial placeholder

About

Tsubaki opened in 2017 under chef Charles Namba, whose Japanese parents raised him in Beverly Hills and whose mother ran a Japanese cooking show. Namba trained at EN Japanese Brasserie in New York and Bouchon Beverly Hills; partner Courtney Kaplan spent years living and working in Japan and curates the sake list. The restaurant has held a Michelin Bib Gourmand and operates next door to its sibling sake bar, Ototo.

Neighborhood & visiting

Tsubaki sits in Echo Park, 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

Michelin Bib Gourmand (multiple years)
Chef Charles Namba trained at EN Brasserie NYC; Japanese parentage
Courtney Kaplan's deep sake program (sibling bar: Ototo next door)

Links

Reserve →Website →Map →Yelp →Tripadvisor →Instagram →Michelin →

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Frequently asked

About Tsubaki

Is Tsubaki an authentic izakaya restaurant in Los Angeles?: Yes — Tsubaki 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 Tsubaki located?: Tsubaki is located at 1356 Allison Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (,), Los Angeles, USA in the Echo Park neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Tsubaki?: Tsubaki accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
What is the price range at Tsubaki?: Tsubaki sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for izakaya of this format in Los Angeles.

Keep exploring

All Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles →Izakaya in Los Angeles →Authentic izakaya worldwide →All cities →