"Verdict: This moody California-leaning izakaya from the former Gjelina chef has Abbot Kinney buzzing. Booking a table could take a week, but the payoff includes fun highball cocktails and delicious, pared-down Japanese small like little gems with smoked shoyu, pork belly gyoza you’ll want to order by the dozen, and assertively grilled vegetables that might not be in season next week. Online reservations are released 30 days out at midnight daily. For walk-ins, plan on lining up before doors open at 5pm, or arriving after 8:30pm—you'll likely be seated at the wrap-around bar either way." - brant cox, sylvio martins