# Izakaya Gazen > Izakaya Gazen is a modern, cozy izakaya tucked into Little Tokyo at 362 E 1st St in Los Angeles, where Japanese "drinking food" gets an elevated treatment. The menu spans a wide variety of dishes, so there is genuinely something for everyone, from homemade tofu samplers and sushi to heartier plates like beef tongue and seared duck chashu. Guests consistently rave about the freshness of the chirashi bowl and the standout yuzu tofu appetizer. The space suits everything from a quick solo lunch to a celebratory night out with a group, and the warm, attentive service rounds out the experience. Valet parking is available for added convenience. ## Key facts - **URL**: https://frankiapp.com/business/izakaya-gazen-30183 - **Type**: Restaurants - **Cuisine**: Sushi - **Location**: Los Angeles, CA - **Address**: 362 E 1st St (Central Ave), Los Angeles, CA 90012, Los Angeles, CA, US - **Phone**: 12136131415 - **Website**: https://www.e-k-c.co.jp/gazen/la - **Coordinates**: 34.049067, -118.239412 - **Claimed**: unclaimed - **Vibes**: Modern, Cozy ## About Izakaya Gazen is a modern, cozy izakaya tucked into Little Tokyo at 362 E 1st St in Los Angeles, where Japanese "drinking food" gets an elevated treatment. The menu spans a wide variety of dishes, so there is genuinely something for everyone, from homemade tofu samplers and sushi to heartier plates like beef tongue and seared duck chashu. Guests consistently rave about the freshness of the chirashi bowl and the standout yuzu tofu appetizer. The space suits everything from a quick solo lunch to a celebratory night out with a group, and the warm, attentive service rounds out the experience. Valet parking is available for added convenience. ## Hours - Monday: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9pm - Tuesday: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9pm - Wednesday: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9pm - Thursday: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9pm - Friday: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9pm - Saturday: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9pm - Sunday: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9pm ## Highlights - **Premium chirashi bowl** — The chirashi bowl is praised for its freshness and generous, vibrant presentation. - **Homemade tofu sampler** — The tofu sampler features creamy, house-made varieties that keep regulars coming back. - **Elevated izakaya plates** — Dishes like squid ajillo and seared duck chashu take Japanese bar food to another level. - **Cozy modern setting** — The warm, contemporary interior works equally well for date nights and group hangouts. ## FAQ ### Where is Izakaya Gazen located? Izakaya Gazen is located at 362 E 1st St (at Central Ave) in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA 90012. ### What are Izakaya Gazen's hours? Izakaya Gazen is open every day of the week for lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and for dinner from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. If you plan to visit on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evening, reservations are strongly recommended, as the restaurant can fill up quickly. ### How can I contact Izakaya Gazen? You can reach Izakaya Gazen by phone at (213) 613-1415 or browse more details at e-k-c.co.jp/gazen/la. ### What kind of food does Izakaya Gazen serve? Izakaya Gazen specializes in elevated Japanese izakaya cuisine, spanning a wide variety of dishes beyond just sushi. You will find homemade tofu preparations, fresh chirashi bowls, sushi rolls, carpaccio, and heartier options like beef tongue and seared duck chashu. The menu is large enough that first-time visitors and regulars alike can always find something new to try. ### What are popular items at Izakaya Gazen? Diners frequently highlight the premium chirashi bowl for its freshness, the tofu sampler for its creamy, house-made varieties, and the yuzu tofu appetizer as a standout starter. The squid ajillo and seared duck chashu are also beloved plates, and the zabuton beef cut has earned repeat orders for its tenderness. For a great value, the premium sushi set at lunch is a crowd favorite. ### What is Franki? Franki is a restaurant discovery app that helps you find great places to eat through real video reviews from actual diners. You can browse reviews, photos, and videos of Izakaya Gazen on Franki, and earn cash back when you dine there. Download Franki on the App Store or Google Play to start exploring. ### Is Izakaya Gazen good for groups or special occasions? Yes, Izakaya Gazen is well suited for group hangouts, date nights, family meals, and celebrations. The spacious, cozy setting and extensive menu give everyone at the table plenty of options, and the attentive service helps make special occasions feel looked after. ### Is parking available at Izakaya Gazen? Yes, valet parking is available at Izakaya Gazen, and the restaurant offers free parking with validation. ### Does Izakaya Gazen offer lunch specials? Yes, Izakaya Gazen serves lunch every day from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and reviewers note that the lunch specials offer strong value, including a premium sushi set that diners praise as an exceptional deal. ## Reviews ### las_0909 — 5.0/5 · Feb 23, 2025 Cozy Izakaya with a solid menu of offerings. Their different tofu dishes were great. The zabuton was tender and juicy and called for a second order. Excellent service and great for a night out with friends. ### letseatdinner — 4.3/5 · Jun 29, 2025 portions were kind of small for $70 but it was good. ### tastynoodzonly — 4.3/5 · Feb 20, 2026 Not the best Japanese food you will find, but great lunch specials and huge menu so there’s something for everyone. Really good comfort food and love the variety. ### dfung02 — 4.3/5 · Feb 28, 2026 Very good. ### user_foodie — 5.0/5 · Mar 6, 2026 $55 for a premium sushi set! amazing! ### oi — 4.3/5 · Apr 3, 2026 food is a little salty but still good. And they have valet ### wanderingnuggett — 5.0/5 · Sep 26, 2022 Izakaya Gazen is definitely a hidden gem in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. The restaurant elevate Japanese “drinking food” to an other level. Everything is well cooked and presented. My favorite item to get must be their Squid Ajillo and Seared Duck Chashu. Definitely recommend this place! ### hollie.days — 5.0/5 · Jun 30, 2024 So many hidden gems in Little Tokyo, LA 🍣🇯🇵 Highly recommend making a reservation Friday through Sunday or else you may be turned away 👀 📸 🍣 premium chirashi 🤍 tofu sampler (the creamy tofu was AMAZING) 🥩 beef tongue 🐠 seared albacore roll 🐟 carpaccio of the day 📍Izakaya Gazen Izakaya, Little Tokyo 🏷️ #japanese #littletokyo #sashimi #izakaya #Foodie #bitesbashweek4 ### kecedy — 5.0/5 · Oct 24, 2024 First time here! Had free parking with validation! Their items feature so many things that are not just fish! However, their chirashi bowl was so fresh and delicious! ### user_178989309 — 5.0/5 · Feb 1, 2025 The food was great! Great quality. I will be definitely coming back. One of my favorite Japanese restaurants now. ## Nearby - [Holbox](https://frankiapp.com/business/holbox-31954) — Mexican - 3655 S Grand Ave #C9, Los Angeles, CA 90007, US - [Rok Coffee and Tea](https://frankiapp.com/business/rok-coffee-and-tea-760658) — Coffee Shop · $$$$ - 3060 W Olympic Blvd #150, Los Angeles, CA 90006, US - [Chagee](https://frankiapp.com/business/chagee-761201) — Tea Room · $$$$ - 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067, US - [Stagger Coffee](https://frankiapp.com/business/stagger-coffee-129695) — Coffee Shop · $$$$ - 3069 1/2 W 8th St, , Los Angeles,, CA 90005, US - [DAMO](https://frankiapp.com/business/damo-39317) — Coffee Shop · $$$$ - 3510 W 8th St , Los Angeles, CA 90005, US - [BCD Tofu House](https://frankiapp.com/business/bcd-tofu-house-13892) — Korean - 3575 Wilshire Blvd , Los Angeles, CA 90010, US - [LASUNG TOFU & POT RICE](https://frankiapp.com/business/lasung-tofu-pot-rice-756341) — Korean - 3060 W Olympic Blvd #150, Los Angeles, CA 90006, US - [Hangari Kalguksu](https://frankiapp.com/business/hangari-kalguksu-19452) — Korean - 3470 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020, US --- View full profile, photos, videos, and reviews on Franki: https://frankiapp.com/business/izakaya-gazen-30183