Itacho

08/08/2008 Posted by jumasi

Itacho has been our "go-to" Japanese restaurant for a couple of years. We make a special trip from the South Bay for Itacho cravings. Some of the cravings: the yellow tail on crispy rice is a nice fusion of textures and flavors, the black cod is like butter, the soba is the best we've ever had. Their expanded sushi menu is another reason to make the drive over. The sushi is consistently fresh. So, when I found out that there's now an upstairs area open for small parties, I knew where my next birthday party would be. There were about 20 of us but the space could have accommodated another 20 people comfortably. The room was cozy yet spacious and the food and service was as good as it was downstairs in the main restaurant. The staff was so patient and helpful from the planning stage to the very end of the party. Thanks to everyone there and the great food my party was a success. Many of my guests are now planning their parties there after attending mine.

Pros: Fresh, creative food

Cons: I wish it was closer to me

07/28/2008 Posted by gregls

Can't add much to the most recent reviews. Food is fantastic, service fast, sushi selection is awesome, and Japanese dishes superb. Very friendly. However, hours shown on Citysearch are incorrect. Dinner service does not start until 6 pm.

Pros: Quality and Service

Cons: Parking

04/28/2008 Posted by terieaton

One of my first dates with husband of 7 years was at the old, old Ita Cho (strip mall), and we've dined with them reguarly ever since. Nearly everyone we know has gone to Ita Cho on a regular basis over the years (that's the kind of quality, unique, delicious place it is). At the end of last year we heard the owners had sold the restaurant, and to NON-JAPANESE people (not that we're Japanese, but it had always seemed so authentic, we thought it must matter...) Friends jumped on the phone, "have you heard the terrible news?" We thought one was going to move out of town such was his devotion. Since the change of ownership, each of us tread back, lightly, with trepadition. And not ONE regrets the change. Incredible! The food is not only exactly the same, it's even better. The sushi is a welcome and perfectly executed addition. Though we miss Satchko, the new owner and hostess is lovely and gracious (and does know what toro is). The rest of the charming staff remains the same. So go and eat the best traditional mountain Japanese food and NOW some fantastic nouveau Japanese/French yummy creations, and hang out with some hip, beautiful people (not us, but who doesn't like to people watch?). Also, Citysearch, the tie-dye tapestries are not cheesy, they are gorgeous, very much in fashion, and an ancient Japanese craft ;)

Pros: Carlos the valet parker may be psychic!

Cons: none

04/16/2008 Posted by AlanGJewelers

We have been going to Ita Cho for business meetings with my Japanese clients for and also as a family for personal dining. We have always enjoyed the fabulous food and drinks there. This is a place where my Japanese clients feel at home without actually being there. The food is served as small portion allowing us to sample a variety of foods. The restaurant recently changed ownership. The new owners have kept the old and incorporated new to improve our dinning experience. The added sushi bar gives a very warm feeling to the restaurant and allows us to view the chef from anywhere in the restaurant. The added sushi menu is fantastic with exceptional sushi and sashimi dishes offered, this is something which was missing with the old owners. The Lotus root and deep fried flounder fish are excellent, although half portions are available; we always order the full size. The wine and sake list has been improved to showcase better and more variety of wines and sakes. The service is always excellent and friendly. Keep up the good work.

Pros: Excellent food at right prices

04/01/2008 Posted by sfbbqueen

This restaurant was once one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in the city. I've been going there regularly for years and have always loved it.. But something awful has happened under the new ownership. The last time we went there -- we haven't been back since -- we enjoyed our usual orders of grilled Yellowtail collar and various shioyaki dishes. But the sashimi plate, which is usually impeccable, was AWFUL, and they actually misrepresented what it was. We ordered a $70 plate of what was supposed to be top grade toro, which we assumed was O-toro, or at the very least, good Chu-toro. What we got, however, was definitely NOT toro. It was 6 pieces of some unrecognizable, stinky, bad fish. I don't know if it was even tuna. When we complained the new owner came over, apologized profusely and blamed their new sushi chef for falsely claiming that it was toro, and told us that she welcomed our input. HUH? We had to explain to her what the hell toro was. This woman knew nothing about Japanese food! We will not be returning to our beloved Ita-Cho any time soon. Sad.... :(

01/12/2008 Posted by laurelgray

I have been going to Ita-Cho regularly for the past six years and it has remained one of my favorite restaurants in Los Angeles throughout. I have had each item on the menu at least once and I always eagerly anticipate the wonderful Golden Dream sake. They do not serve sushi, but have some sashimi (excellent toro), and a wonderful variety of Japanese small dishes, ideal for sharing. I revisited Ita-Cho two nights ago to find that they had reopened after the holidays with some changes to both the interior and the menu. They have added a considerable amount of bar seating along the kitchen giving full view of the chefs in action and creating a sushi bar environment. Not only does this allow for more seating and less wait, but it is much more conducive for the single diner to enjoy a more casual meal. The menu is essentially the same with only a few additions and a few items missing. Fortunately when I inquired about the absence of the yellowtail collar from the menu they were still able to whip it right out. It's served with ponzu sauce and daikon and is a wonderful dish. The shrimp shumai and marinated black cod were, sadly, no longer options. We began our meal with the Shisito peppers, simply and perfectly prepared, slightly crisped, browned and full of flavor followed by the spicy, soy-glazed, wheel-shaped lotus roots. One of my favorite dishes is the uzaki, fresh water eel and cucumber in a vinegary brine. The eel is tender and fresh with all of the flavors comingling in perfection. The tatsuta age (Japanese-style, boneless, deep-fried, chicken), which is crisp and tender, and served with tangy lemon mayonnaise is extremely popular but I find it slightly uninspired. There is a dish of braised pork, simmered in a broth for two days that is just divine. It's served with eyeball popping, spicy mustard and some spinach. It's very tender and rich and I almost always want to order a second serving. The miso soup with steamed clams is wonderful.

07/10/2007 Posted by xstrike1

For a Japanese restaurant like this, I was expecting a large menu (izakaya style). But I was wrong. Their menu is very limited, but their food is great especially their tatsuta age. I would recommend to others.

Pros: Great food prices are fair

Cons: small menu

07/11/2006 Posted by johnserene

This is a great place for the ambiance. it can get a little loud at times when at the peak times but it's worth it. the food is a fantastic and the service is delightful. I really enjoyed their cheese-cake and wonderful apple pie.

05/20/2006 Posted by ak40sarah

I had the idea that this was a sushi restaurant when reading some of the reviews, but they DO NOT SERVE SUSHI. There is no sushi bar. The serve a little sashimi, but you have to buy about $16-$20 worth at a time. You can't just get a usual personal serving. The lighting is like a cafeteria and restaurant did not look anything like the photos above. It was anything but pleasant. And not that it's a big difference, it was just one of many others that I saw vs. what I read here...valet is not $3.50, but $4.50. I was expecting a much different experience than what I got. Personally, it was very unpleasant.

Pros: no line

Cons: lighting, cost, food

05/18/2006 Posted by debaoki

Tucked away on a trendy stretch of Beverly Boulevard, Ita-Cho looks like any other sushi bar in L.A. -- but go inside and take a look at the menu and you'll be suprised to find some delights that aren't on every Japanese restaurant's roster. Skip the California roll and sample the other treats. I especially love the miso eggplant (not just for veggie eaters -- it's worth the trip alone to eat this) and the crispy chicken karaage -- crisp-fried, bite-sized bits of marinated boneless chicken. Order several appetizers or small plates and share with your companions, along with a tall Sapporo beer. Soo good!

Pros: delicious food, good for sharing, nice decor

Cons: sometimes crowded