Hakata Izakaya HERO
Restaurant · West L.A.
1929 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
Highlights
Authentic Japanese izakaya, famous for stuffed wings, ramen, and hot pots
Authentic Japanese izakaya, famous for stuffed wings, ramen, and hot pots
"A supremely simple, spot-on Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen: the milky pork broth has a terrific balance of umami and richness, with satisfyingly chewy wheat noodle strands typical of the style. The seared pork belly is modest and the bowl itself is on the small side, but the soup—tinted with white pepper and sliced scallions—works as a kind of finisher to the restaurant’s playful izakaya fare like rolled and stuffed pork belly skewers or crispy chicken karaage. The reviewer notes they’ll “probably be thinking the most about the tonkotsu ramen.”" - Eater Staff
"Across Los Angeles, there are quality izakayas, or Japanese drinking dens, with no-fuss cooking and varied menus meant to pair with sake, crisp beer, and shochu. Hakata Izakaya Hero, located along Westwood Boulevard in West Los Angeles, offers some of the best Japanese this side of the Pacific, featuring dumpling-stuffed grilled chicken wings, tonkotsu ramen, and chicken karaage. The tiny kitchen helmed by chef and owner Hiro Chiya churns out sizzling plates of sliced wagyu beef, whose mesmerizing aroma permeates the small, boisterous dining room and turns heads with its ASMR sounds. Larger parties can share the specialty intestines hot pot called motsu nabe, a trademark of quality izakayas but a rarity stateside. While ramen tends to be an afterthought at most izakayas, the versions here, based on thick, milky tonkotsu broth, accurately reflect the style from Hakata, located near the southeastern tip of Japan. With thin, chewy wheat noodles and a stellar broth, it’s one of the best bowls of ramen in town. Be sure to try at least a few of the daily specials, like seasonal sashimi, written on a single sheet of paper and posted on the front door. — Matthew Kang, regional lead, Southern California/Southwest Know before you go: The tiny dining room fills up quickly so reservations are recommended, though tables are easier to secure early on Sundays and Mondays. Just call the restaurant after 5 p.m. to book a table." - Mona Holmes
"Hero had the unfortunate luck of opening a few months before March 2020, which meant this homey izakaya in Westwood flew under the radar for its first years in business. That's no longer the case though, so make sure to call ahead and reserve a table like the rest of the regulars packing the bar. From pork tonkotsu shabu shabu and daily sashimi platters to tender teba gyo (chicken wing gyozas), Hero excels at shareable plates designed to be eaten with a big glass of beer or sake. This is the kind of place you might roll into at 6pm with a few friends and accidentally stay for three hours, with plans to return next month." - garrett snyder, sylvio martins
"Anyone who’s ever tried to cross under the 405 during rush hour knows it’s not for the faint of heart, which is why we always bookmark Hakata Izakaya Hero as our come-down spot. Walking into this Japanese izakaya in Westwood, you’ll be immediately hit with the tranquility of it all. The tiny, minimalist space holds about seven or so tables, with the sounds and smells of sizzling meat emanating from a semi-open kitchen in the back. The menu features dozens of shareable small plates—all of which taste great with beer or sake—but our favorites are the pan-fried Champon noodles, potato salad, and crispy chicken wings that’ve been stuffed with pork." - brant cox, sylvio martins
"Hero had the unfortunate luck of opening a few months before the pandemic, so this tiny izakaya on Westwood Blvd. started as a bit of an unknown commodity in the neighborhood. That's no longer the case, as the line of regulars waiting for a table might tell you. From pork tonkotsu shabu shabu and daily sashimi platters to perfectly moist teba gyo (jidori chicken wing gyozas), everything on Hakata’s tremendous menu is shareable and designed to be eaten with a big glass of beer or sake to wash it all down. This is the kind of place you might roll into at 6pm with a few friends and accidentally stay for three hours—with concrete plans to come back next month." - nikko duren, brant cox
