Sumbiyakitori Kidori Review: Yakitori Omakase at a Strip Mall in Arcadia | Eater LA

"An unassuming strip mall yakitori spot next to its sister restaurant Sushi Kisen in Arcadia, this intimate hideaway sits behind Japanese noren with just 12 bar seats and three small tables. There are two seatings nightly (5 p.m. and 7 p.m.), and everything is cooked to order, the aroma of binchotan charcoal unfurling as the meal progresses. The $80 yakitori omakase highlights all parts of the chicken — hearts, tails, skin — with skewers served rare or well done, plus small bites like fresh chicken liver mousse and tsukune with a soft-boiled egg; four choices cap the savory courses, and my favorite is the comforting chicken porridge at the end of the long meal. Pair the meal with cold sake from the extensive selection or a bright, refreshing yuzu highball. The vibe feels like a secret: minimalistic, jazz softly playing, and wholly focused on the craft of perfecting chicken skewers. Go for a careful, technique-driven adventure in this trendier take on omakase; though the price point is higher, it’s great for a fancy date night or special occasion for someone who truly appreciates the art of Japanese cooking. Insider tip: sit at the bar to watch each dish being prepared and to smell the binchotan; you can request bar seats when reserving." - Kat Thompson