Silver Lake’s Osen Izakaya Expands With a Second Location into Santa Monica | Eater LA

"An offshoot of a Silver Lake izakaya after roughly 18 months, this Santa Monica restaurant from chef Damon Min Cho shifts from a casual izakaya toward a more formal kappo-style experience with a ryokan-like interior. The menu centers on sushi, complemented by kushiyaki skewers and hot-pot offerings, and includes multiple tiers of sushi omakase priced from about $40 up to $150; the bar also features an extensive sake selection. The dining room emphasizes traditional Japanese touches — screen panels, floor-style seating, and dim lighting — and is positioned as a great later-night option with planned hours from 5 to 11 p.m. The Westside concept, which recalls kappo-style spots like Shibumi in Downtown LA, was targeting a May 2019 opening and held an opening party on February 28, 2019. Cho’s background includes time at Nobu in Hawaii and helping open Tao in Hollywood, informing the elevated yet authentic Japanese approach." - Matthew Kang