"This tiny spot in Sherman Oaks couldn’t be less similar to the upscale Katsuya locations that spun off from the original Katsu-ya, which are more like nightclubs that serve sushi. In fact, Little Izaka-ya is a spinoff in the opposite direction, a low-key branch of a Valley staple where you'll find couples on casual dates eating $15 rolls before catching a movie. The sushi here is similar to the original Katsu-ya, except with more specials we like better, such as the $33 Little Izaka-ya plate with three kinds of sashimi, spicy tuna crispy rice, and a baked crab roll." - garrett snyder, cathy park, brant cox, jess basser sanders