Shelley D.
Yelp
Guzzu Bento-ya is a foodies dream in a very industrial area of downtown LA. This restaurant has it's own private lot with free parking, huge win in DTLA. Came here on a Saturday and loved every second of the experience. This place is deceptively large, you walk in, go to the counter to the left and to the right is a spacious restaurant, where minimalist meets amazing art.
The food is amazing. This restaurant specializes in two-tiered bentos. I came with friends and we shared the Norwegian Mackerel, Honey Miso salmon and the hamgu in a demi glaze sauce. My favorite was the Mackerel, but all of them were amazing. One tier has rice, a perfectly cooked egg yolk that you can mix into the rice which when it bursts is ooey and gooey in the best kind of way and the protein and topped with sesame seeds. The second tier has the side dishes. I'll be honest, I'm not sure what everything was, but I ate every bite and everything was delicious. I'll probably dream of the Japanese sweet potato and how perfect they cook it forever. I really liked the noodle dish as well, and the small scoop of potato salad. There was a shisito pepper, which was too spicy for me but that's because I'm a wimp, and some delicious chicken. My friend and I tried the strawberry yuzu drink, and her husband got the matcha drink, all of it amazing.
The service was also great. Super friendly, knowledgeable people at the front desk to ask questions to, and when I left I had boxes and without even asking I was handed a bag. Perfect spot to hit up for a delicious lunch. I love that you can come and grab your food quick, or stay and lounge about. If you're in the mood for a quality bento (or Norwegian mackerel, seriously, not the easiest to find) then try this place out!