Otomisan Restaurant

What a hidden gem. Love how dainty and cute it is. It’s very special that this place is still operating and the food is delicious. Highly recommended. Under new ownership and the food tastes so good. Definitely would come back.

If you're looking for the best udon soup in town, look no further! This gem offers a delightful dining experience with its rich, flavorful udon soup that keeps you coming back for more. The teriyaki chicken is a standout, perfectly cooked and bursting with taste. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, enhanced by the charming backdrop of Japanese television, which adds to the authentic feel. The service is exceptional—super sweet and polite staff made us feel right at home, attending to our needs with genuine care. It's rare to find a place where food, ambiance, and service come together so harmoniously. I absolutely love this place and can't recommend it enough!

Small but cozy place! Got the chicken teriyaki w/ combo spicy tuna roll. Service was great!

Great history and food. Very impressive tempura and curry, and of course the sashimi was super fresh. I do miss AOI, so the home estylen cooking here was a real rad treat. I loved it, we came pretty early and on a weekday as you must do because it gets filled up so fast!! So glad we made the effort because it had been on our list so long and it didn't disappoint

Nothing fancy, home style historic Japanese restaurant. Very small and quant around four to five booths and around 6 seats and counter. Food is good and well prepared but very basic. Given the size and popularity expect a short wait. Service is pleasant and efficient. Lots of locals eat here. Street parking only.

This quaint amazing Japanese restaurant is a hidden gem in Boyle Heights. Very friendly staff and great food. They also let me order 10 minutes before closing. The only, minor, complaints are that there is very limited seating, they have a limited menu and they operate limited hours.

First the atmosphere: it's a cute, well put together little Japanese restaurant. Walls line with art and photos. You can read the history of the place as you eat. Dining tables and a bar to sit and enjoy a meal. Second, the food: impeccable food displayed on nice plates. Large chunks of fish in the sushi rolls. Spicy tuna and salmon roll had a smooth texture and world-class taste. I did not use soy sauce or because the fish was amazing by itself. This alone will bring me back. I ordered a combo with beef teriyaki and pork cutlet. The pork cutlet was succulent. Pick it up with chopsticks and marvel at the juiced flow. The crust had standalone flavor that I might use as a topping by itself if that were an option. The beef was cooked to perfection. The yeriyaki sauce had a unique taste to it. Came with soup and salad. Miso is a simple dish that this establishment has perfected. The salad was a standard side salad with ginger dressing. Great way to cleanse the palatte. Tempura was also served, and it was again a world-class dish. Fresh tasting veggies and two healthy shrimp. Lastly, the service:the older woman who was there was a gem, and this review is not about her. This review is about the young, inexperienced waitress. I don't think she has enough experience to be serving folks, so this may not be the best place for her to learn. This establishment is the longest running japanese restaurant in Los Angeles. That comes with a heavy burden. The young waitress was not warm or inviting. These two traits are set in stone within japanese culture. As the older woman tried coaching the younger, she younger woman gave dirty looks and rolled her eyes. She seemed uninterested and worse than that, unwilling to learn from her elder. I will be back at some point and hope to see how her journey is going. Overall, you will be satisfied here. Please come one and all to a modern marvel of japanese cuisine in the greater Los Angeles area.

Purely for charm and LA history, Otomisan is outstanding. The oldest continuously operating Japanese restaurant in the city, there's certainly a retro feel to this place that can't be replicated. Ever since a few well-received profiles (Vice, PBS, etc), Otomisan has experienced a burst in popularity. On Saturday, we arrived at 11:30am, which is when they opened, and already all three booths were taken. Our party of four sat at the counter, which honestly might have been the reason we had such swift service. The owner is SUPER nice and even though she was obviously totally overwhelmed with a long waiting list and a bunch of takeout orders, she handled everything with a smile and didn't rush anyone out. The food is exactly like what I had when I ate at my friends' parents' or grandparents' houses who were Japanese American, so this meal was a lovely hit of nostalgia. Highly recommend the katsu, teriyaki, tempura, edamame, and salmon roll.

As someone who is half-Japanese and deeply connected to Japanese culture, Otomi-san Restaurant holds a special place in my heart. Originally established within a Japanese community, it now stands as the last remaining Japanese restaurant from that era. It's heartbreaking to see the Japanese community diminish, but it makes this restaurant's existence even more crucial. Otomi-san is more than just a place to eat; it's a cultural anchor for those of us who cherish and wish to preserve our heritage. With the challenges Little Tokyo faces today, as the Japanese population continues to decline, this restaurant's role becomes even more significant. I sincerely hope Otomi-san continues to thrive, not just as a business, but as a beacon of Japanese culture in Los Angeles.

Otomisan Restaurant was established in 1956 and is located in Boyle Heights. Boyle Heights was once home of a large Japanese community, but over the years the Japanese population has dwindled. It's the last remaining Japanese restaurant in Boyle Heights. It's the oldest continuously operating Japanese restaurant in LA. As you can see on the sign outside the restaurant, it's considered a Historical-Cultural Monument in LA. We ordered teriyaki chicken, Mixed Tempura with shrimp, vegetables. The batter of the tempura is very light and crispy. It pairs well with a dipping sauce. The teriyaki chicken was very tender and the sauce was flavored perfectly. The wife ordered teriyaki beef and also thought it was delicious. However, we were in agreement that the teriyaki chicken was much better. We also ordered some sushi and it was pretty good. It didn't wow me, but it was bad either. It was just okay. I would definitely come back for the Chicken Teriyaki and Tempura Combination. We ordered some green tea and they offered free refills. The tea was very light and came inside these very beautiful tea cups with different pictures of sushi. The decor is very cool. It has all sorts of different kinds of Japanese artwork. The service was very good. The waitress was very attentive. We came a little early and they were nice enough to open the doors of the restaurant for us to sit down and order. That was very kind of them! The food here is simply delicious. I recommend you come here to eat at a historic restaurant in LA.

Everything we had was so good! The combination meals come with solid portions. Loved the cold udon especially now that its warming up outside and the katsudon is a must try. Be prepared to wait as the restaurant is on the cozy side. The owner is a sweet lady who does her best to manage the large volume of customers during busy hours. Its worth the wait!

It was so cool trying the oldest Japanese restaurant in LA! I ordered the chicken teriyaki bowl with vegetables which was around $17. The miso soup was very tasty and rich! The chicken was pretty good as well, but I just wasn't too impressed with the flavor, it's probably not the better dishes at this place but still pretty descent!

My experience at Otomisan Restaurant in Boyle Heights left me with mixed feelings. As a fan of "Takeout with Lisa Ling" on HBO Max, I was eager to visit this famed establishment, touted as "the last remaining Japanese Restaurant in Boyle Heights" with a rich history and cultural significance. However, my lunch meeting on a weekday didn't quite live up to my expectations. Upon arrival, I was promptly seated by an elderly woman, but it took a considerable amount of time for someone to attend to our table and provide us with menus. When our food finally arrived, I was disappointed to find that there were no sauces provided, and it took even longer to request them. I opted for the entree set with mackerel (saba shio), which came with soup, salad, and a separatebottled green tea. While the mackerel was decent, the miso soup was lukewarm and excessively salty. Service-wise, I couldn't help but notice that the attention seemed to be disproportionately directed towards other diners, presumably regulars, who engaged in lengthy conversations with the staff. Unfortunately, this left me feeling neglected as a newcomer to the restaurant. Despite these shortcomings, I appreciate Otomisan's longstanding presence in the community and its unchanged charm, both inside and out. The restaurant's historical significance undoubtedly adds to its appeal. While the food was passable and the ambiance charming, the subpar service detracted from the overall experience. Considering its cultural significance and the potential for improvement, I would generously rate Otomisan Restaurant with 4 stars. However, would I be returning? Probably not. It was great to try just to try it for my own curiosity.

My friend and I have been wanting to try this restaurant for a while now. We finally were able to try it on a Tuesday night. They do close early so definitely a before 7 pm dinner type of place. I was able to find parking on the street across from the restaurant. It was meter parking. Parking is limited and don't park in the back of the restaurant. I believe you will get towed. This place has limited seating. I want to say like three tables and counter seats up front. It does have a homey vibe which I like. I really enjoy the food. I got the pork katsu with tempura and it was delicious. My friend got the chicken teriyaki with California rolls and the California rolls reminded me of a place I used to go to so that brought me some joy. The service was good. The ladies were super friendly. Overall, if you're craving some Japanese food this will satisfy your cravings.

Small historic gem close to the Downtown Los Angeles area! It's been a here a very long time, family run with a busy and cozy feel. I was coming back from an event in LA, so I thought to atop by this small but mighty Japanese shop. It was packed when I came by, and it took 15 minutes to get a single seat, just off the ledge of the counter. It was a bit of a squeeze for me and the waiting area of two chairs were very close to me, so a little awkward having waiting patrons inadvertently looking me way as I inhaled my tempura and teriyaki chicken plate. The portions were huge and robust, with miso soup, rice, and salad! Very filling, good family atmosphere, decent prices! Would like to come back if I'm the Rowland height area. There is metered street parking, but do not charge after certain hours. There was a line outside by the time I left, and they had to turn people away as it was getting close to their closing time

Came here and it definitely brought me back to my visit in Japan. The staffs was so nice and welcoming. The food was amazing! They close at 730 and we got there at 620pm. Really enjoyed the dishes and the old school vibes since it is the last japanese restaurant 8n boyle heights

Imagine a tiny, cozy mom and pop type diner that serves Japanese food. This is Otomisan. The menu is really straightforward with comforting Japanese classics. The lady that helped me was super sweet. She also had to be very efficient because it seemed she was by herself taking care of the room and taking takeout orders (I came on a weeknight). The vibe is like having dinner at my friend's family's house. Otomisan is the oldest operating Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles and was founded in 1956. Boyle Heights was once one of LA's largest Japanese American/ immigrant neighborhoods and this gem of a restaurant is one of the last remnants of that era. Just a note about seating/availability: I came on a weeknight right after work. I've been wanting to come here for a long time, and this was actually my second (actual) try on a weeknight. Understand that this place is TINY. So they stop seating probably about an hour before close. If this was my family running the place, I'd want them to wrap up around closing time as well. I haven't tried coming on the weekend, but I would imagine this place gets packed and backed up. So go early or right at opening. I ordered the natto and the tonkatsu curry plate. I've never had natto before, so I was super curious. I definitely think it is an acquired taste due to the flavor and the texture. I probably would order it again, because it is a nutrient dense superfood. The tonkatsu curry was super flavorful and crispy. Not sure if it was because I was super hungry, but I absolutely cleaned the plate. Parking could be tough. There's street parking, but I ended up parking about a block or two away in the residential area. This is a busy area of Boyle Heights with lots of traffic coming through.

I've been wanting to come here for the longest and so happy to finally make it!!!! An absolute gem and so rich in LA history. I am so happy this spot has become historic landmark as evidence of Japanese communities in East LA. We were warmly welcomed and immediately served. I got a classic veggie curry to warm myself up on a rainy day. I love how cozy it is inside and how nostalgic the food is. It feels like coming home and having home cooked Japanese dinner. I am such a fan and cannot wait to be back!

Finally came to the oldest Japanese restaurant in LA ,very small inside to eat so be patience if it full inside. Service was great ,food was average . Good flavor beef,chicken & salmon teriyaki . Simple plate,price range average.

Placed a phone order since I was in Boyle Heights area and needed a quick bite. Arrived 15 minutes and my order was ready. It appears there's metered street parking only. The restaurant is cozy with a few tables. The nice lady rang me up and after paying $29, I was on my way out. The spicy tuna roll was rolled thicc! The ratio of rice to tuna was balanced. Nothing special but definitely hit the spot. The katsudon (pork cutlet with egg over rice) was slightly sweet. I wish I asked for more ginger because it's such a nice pairing with all that rice and pork. Overall, a solid authentic meal. I'll definitely dine out again if I'm in the area.

Very solid food. Sushi was fresh. Katsu was crispy and not dry. Just a little pricey for the portion size. Otherwise a great local find.

I've seen this place all over social media. After hitting the DMV, we decided to treat ourselves to some Japanese food so we thought 'why not hit up a historic spot for lunch?' we were able to find some street parking pretty easy. We had quite the wait right before the end of the lunch hours. Fortunately, the lady (I'm assuming the owner) deemed us the end of the line before changing the Open sign to Close. We honestly had to let some people know and turn them away. After the wait we were seated inside and, to be honest, it was quite charming with a mix of Japanese ephemera and Los Angeles memorabilia. The space itself had a few booths and some seats at the bar. Space is limited hence the wait outside. I got myself a combination and a natto and croquette to share. My partner got a chicken udon. All came out and were quite good in proportion. The sashimi was fresh and delicious and the pork cutlet was a good main course.

You come here to appreciate the history and family like ambiance. The food itself was ok, I've definitely had better but again, it's supporting local small businesses and appreciating the history of this place. We came on a weekend and were lucky to find street parking (you have to pay for it). We put our name down around 1:15pm-ish and got seated at 2:00pm. It is definitely a small restaurant but you can't miss it because of their big sign and the fact that it's next to a popping Mexican dance workout studio. Definitely lit. The old lady working the customers was adorable and had a friendly presence. We ordered tempera udon, gyoza & chicken katsu combo meal. The total for these 3 items were around $55 which is a bit hefty but the family duo running and cooking in this place is what mattered to us. Overall, we think you could get better Japanese food elsewhere but we enjoyed our experience and were glad to support these long lasting and that home mom and pop type of restaurants.

Home to the original friend chicken! If not friend, why friend shaped? Ask about the secret menu, you may or may not need a password.

Lovely little hole in the wall in Boyle Heights! Obviously this place is very well known for being some of the oldest and most traditional food in LA and it deserves its local fame. Definitely worth a stop for a home-cooked, cozy meal. Owner was also super cute, she knew many regulars by name and was very kind. Parking was not great, area wasn't that great either but no surprises there.

Parking is either a meter, or free around the neighborhood...both difficult. Don't come for the media, or with unrealistic expectations. It's a simple old place, that continues to serve the community with comfort Japanese food. Everyday eats. We finally got to pass by. It's an 8min stroll/2min drive from Cake Girl (a must desert!! But they close at 6pm, so go there 1st?). On a Wednesday 5pm and the place was packed. And then got more cleared out at 6pm. It's a tiny place. Feels like you've either traveled back in time, or walked into an offbeat area/mom pop shop in Japan. Seating: There are 2 waiting seats inside, 3 booths that'll fit parties of 4 each booth or possibly 6 very lean people, and 5 individual stools at the bar. - $3 Natto was more than expected. A great addition to my spicy tuna bowl. + Combination for 2 items is usually $21.95 We got the combination Pork Cutlet, and Salmon Teriyaki (add $1). + And $18.95 Spicy Tuna Bowl (THIS IS A MUST GET!!). It comes with small cuts of tuna mixed into it too. We came with low expectations. We already went through getting Western Japanese fast food bento box near ELAC that came with large portions, ate fast food sashimi via Korean and Japanese markets within this month. Reason we didn't order any sashimi, or my guilty pleasure CA rolls. But this place doesn't seem like a focused sashimi place, but just mainstream Japanese comfort food. If you're looking for high end, this is not your place. But if you're down for rice, or noodle bowls then this seems to be the place.

Very small location and hard to find parking. Will have to wait for counter to become available or 1 of the 3 booths. Make sure to put your name on the list. Everything I tasted her was delicious. The soup wasn't salty and the udon noodle was cooked perfectly. The tempura was light and crispy without any excess oil. Spicy tuna was fresh and not fishy. It's a historical place and has a lot of decor. The lady running the show is friendly and busy. It's not frills and loved experience this gem.

Excellent little spot in east LA. My girlfriend and I came around 4 on a Saturday afternoon. There is very limited seating with only a handful of booths and counter stools. The inside had lots of paintings and old article clippings from the restaurant's long history and significance. The woman working the front immediately attended to us and sat us in one of theirs booths. Our waters were quickly filled and we were asked for our order shortly after. There were only a couple other people who seemed to know the worker and It surely felt very much like a family business as another customer came in shortly after and seemed to be very familiar with the worker. My katsu curry was out steamy and looked epic as soon as it was served. My girlfriend's Udon Tempura also came out hot. Everything looked just right... We ate our food up so quick with nothing to spare lol. The curry had great consistency, nice savory flavor with a hint of sweetness. I enjoyed having some fresh greens on the side as well to help break up the heavier side of the plate. My girlfriend shared some of her soup with me and I also loved the soup's broth. The tempura was slightly flaky and had nice crunchy bites. The meal was very worth the price. I'd happily return, the workers seemed very friendly, I liked the food a lot, and it was so nice experiencing a spot with historical significance.

What a cute and homey restaurant! Everything we got was soo delicious and flavorful, cant recommend it enough! The staff was so friendly, she saw it was my first time trying natto and advised me on how to eat it properly. Theres also ample street parking so theres no reason to not try this place. The tempura shrimp curry was soo delicious. The crispy on the shrimp tempura was perfection. I also loved the mackerel, be warned, its salty so eat it with the rice and then its amazing. We also got the chicken and egg rice which had so much chicken flavor, and so homey feeling. This place is truly a hidden gem that everyone needs to come and find!

Came here on a Friday around 6 pm because we were shopping in Little Tokyo area. There was very little parking available close by but we were lucky to get a spot. When we went inside (make sure to close the front door behind you) there were 2 of 3 booths open and one person sitting on the stool. After we were sat, 2 couples came in. It seemed like everyone there were regulars who knew the owner or the other woman working. We were immediately sat at one of the booths and given menus. I decided to order the tempura udon and my boyfriend ordered the tonkotsu curry. We just got waters to drink. The food came out very quickly. First came a miso soup that came with the curry. It was simple and refreshing and you knew that jt was just put together because the tofu was a little cold on the inside. Then came the tempura and udon. The tempura was so light and flaky and was kept on the side to prevent it from becoming soggy. There was 2 shrimp, a kabocha squash slice, a green bean, a slice of green bell pepper, a slice of zucchini, and a piece of cauliflower. Dipped in the extremely savory broth of the udon made it perfect. I also added a little sriracha onto some of the bigger chunks of tempura that was provided at the table. I also got a little shaker of Japanese assorted chili pepper seasoning which I generously added to the soup. The udon was perfectly cooked and there was so much of it. It was so delicious and filling! The pork cutlet curry was also delicious! The familiar taste of curry was perfect and there was a good amount of sauce to go with the rice. There was also a nice little salad with sesame dressing, an orange slice, and a little pile of pickled ginger. The pork cutlet was thick and soooo juicy, rare because pork becomes dry easy. A great experience to be inside one of the oldest restaurants in LA. The establishment has been around since 1956 and they have a historical marker on the outside and newspaper clippings on the inside. It was so cool to step inside and I'm grateful to have had the experience. I would definitely like to come again sometime if I'm in the area!

Food = the way I like and know good Japanese beef teriyaki. Tempura batter is also original and the tempura sauce had the perfect sweetness. Service = it was a weekday with one server, so a little slow. Tables were full and the bar had two individuals. The entire restaurant fits like 20ppl Ambiance = old school looking restaurant

Great Japanese food! Great historical importance, cozy spot, with wonderful service. Wide variety of options on the menu. Get here early, it fills up fast!

Love a cute mom and pop shop! Lots of history in this small restaurant. The food brings a warm home feel. Service is straight forward. If you're looking for a Japanese home cooked lunch, this is the place. No thrills or frills, just all feels.

Absolutely a waste of money, I ordered the chicken curry rice. The chicken is entirely too chewy to even digest, the curry sauce tasted burnt and old. They gave me lettuce and a piece of broccoli for a salad. I sent $25 and only ate the rice and lettuce because I'm starving. I won't be back and would never recommend to anyone. Everything they have is freezer burnt. I didn't realize until after I order and she started pulling things from the freezer in the front.

We came across a review of this hole in the wall gem on YouTube and made our way to Boyle Heights to try it the next day. The owner was so sweet and we were lucky enough to be served by her. She was the only person working the floor, and as an older server myself, I have much respect for that. It seemed the locals all knew her by name. The restaurant is so cute and cozy, full of charm. I love eating at older restaurants. They are full of history. The ambiance was so relaxed, and it felt as if I was at an auntie's home. The food was delicious and service was fast. Parking was relatively easy to find as well. We will definitely be back!

If you want to feel like you're sitting in "okaasan's" dining room / kitchen, you've come to the right place. I found out about this place because of a documentary I saw on PBS. This place is small and POPULAR. A colleague and I had to try on two different occasions to eat here because the waitlist was long and the place itself is tiny. NOT fast food so allow yourself more than thirty minutes to sit, order, and eat. A lot of people who work in city government and law enforcement seem to know this place. Find out when she opens and come early. Trust me.

I always come back to this place as a break from a lot of the noisiness around. The food is prepped with a lot of love and care, and the owner is always wonderful and attentive to her customers.

Took my sister and my mom here, due to the story behind this restaurant. It was opened since 1950s! It was raining, on Monday lunch hour when we get there. This place is so tiny! It was packed! 3 of 4 seaters booths & 4 stools for dine in customers and 2 groups (included ours), were waiting by the entrance door. While we were there, more people were coming and tried to come in for the food. But the lady "closed" the restaurant for a while because it was FULL! LOL This was a good sign! The lady owner was busy running around to cater to everyone. We were waiting for quite a while to be seated. We ordered Tonkatsu, Curried chicken katsu plate & spicy fried chicken bowl.. and 1 side of sweet potato croquettes. The prices were decent, portions were big! The taste of each meal was so authentic! We enjoyed our food & the authenticity of Japanese homey vibes! It's definitely worth the drive.. the wait and the entire experience!

There is metered street parking. There is limited seating inside, can probably seat about 5 small parties. This restaurant gave homey, cozy vibes. Natto: Fermented soy bean that's so sticky and stringy when you pick it up. Be careful with this one. It's pungent and packs a unique taste that's hard for me to describe. Ppl either love it or hate it. I would not order it again but it was nice to try. Tofu teriyaki bowl: This rice bowl is HUGE. It's bigger than my hand! It's fried tofu with ginger on top of a bed of rice and teriyaki sauce. Good stuff. The tofu was crispy on the outside and soft and pillowy on the inside. I liked this a lot. Unagi bowl: also huge! Can honestly have 2 meals with these bowls. The grilled eel had crispy skin and was perfectly cooked. The sides like the orange slice and egg paired well with the eel.

Food was delicious! Really a hole in the wall. I felt like I was sitting at someone's house watching tv while I ate home cooked meals. My friend and I really enjoyed it.

I had this place bookmarked for so long, I finally tried Otomisan for lunch last week! I arrived right at opening because I had heard this place is tiny. I scored a seat at the counter between strangers. As I ate my meal and chatted w a nice lady sitting beside me I could see the crowd accumulating waiting outside on the sidewalk. The tonkatsu was delicious. Overall this was a lovely experience.

So glad to have found this gem. Hole in the wall, and a historic restaurant in the Los Angeles area (Boyle Heights). You can even see a sign on the street for the restaurant showing that it was founded in the 50s and still standing! The restaurant is very unassuming. I would have never spotted it had I not had it on my to-try list. As you enter the joint, you'll notice that it's fairly small. I counted three booths and 5 stools to sit on at the bar. It's got a very homey feel unlike any other restaurant I've been to recently. Definitely dug the vibes! Right as you go in, you'll be greeted by the owner, who also takes your order. The owner is probably one of the most adorable and friendliest you'll meet. Her English didn't seem to be the best, so be prepared to hear some combination of Japanese and English (I even caught her saying "poquito" in Spanish). We ordered the Salmon Sashimi bowl and the Oyakodon, both of which came with miso soup on the side. The sashimi was really fresh and a good amount of decently sized salmon pieces came with it. It also came with a slice of orange, radish, lemon, cucumber, a cherry tomato. The rice was slightly sweet with sesame seeds. A very well-rounded option. The oyakodon also did not disappoint. It came with some red ginger on the bowl, and the chicken was very tender and tasty. I think the rice might have been a bit on the soggy side, but still tasted delicious. Based on the reviews on this spot, it seems like you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I saw that the gyozas were a popular choice when I was there, so that will probably be one of the items I try out the next time I go, which will definitely be soon!

Located in Boyle heights. Everything we ordered was delicious! We had the miso soup followed by the spicy tuna roll. Both were very good. The tuna was very fresh and the spice level was perfect. Next was their gyoza- homemade and very savory. Wife and I shared the tempura and chicken teriyaki plate with a side of rice and salad. The chicken was a mix of dark and white meat. I asked our server if they can make it as pure white meat but she said they only make them mix - maybe it's because they don't want to compromise the flavor of the dish since dark meat is usually more flavorful than white. Their lightly battered tempura shrimp and veggies were very delicious as well! This place is very small. Three booths and a bar that could sit 5 people. Some people might find very unusual that they haven't renovated it BUT this is what makes this place SPECIAL. I felt like I was having a special homemade meal in an average home. The servers were very nice and friendly. Additional notes: I'd like to mention that they don't have a bathroom so make sure your bladder is empty before coming in. :) They have sanitizers on the counter. They do not serve alcohol so if you're expecting to enjoy your meal with a glass of cold beer or any alcoholic beverage, please do not be upset. Their food will make up for it. I promise! We will definitely come back for more!

Such a cute little spot. Stopped in for lunch with a coworker and just so glad that this restaurant is still around. I can only imagine that dinner and weekends would be very busy, so parking and seating might be a bit difficult. Had to circle around a few times before finding a spot right in front. Please, support this small business! Will be back soon! Portions are worth it!

It's now post-COVID, so I was able to eat inside this tiny restaurant after about a 15 minute wait. The owner is so kind and speaks broken English. Fortunately, I was able to use my broken Japanese to communicate everything the wife and I wanted to order. Actually eating inside brought me a lot of memories as a child, dining in one of the Japanese restaurants downtown. The food was right on the mark in tenderness and flavor, and probably a must to eat while dining inside the restaurant. The decor and atmosphere is genuine LA and much of the atmosphere is typical of the 1960's. Try their tempura or cold soba, which is the best that I've had in a long time...

The food and service were very good, Sally ate her whole lunch. We had to wait a bit for a table as the restraunt is small.

I have been coming here for the better part of 15 years now. There are plenty of good Japanese restaurants out there but if I am looking for Japanese comfort food this would be it. The food and feeling of being there can only be equated to going home to eat at your grandma's house. The owner is so kind and has remembered us and greets and catches up with us every time we come in. It really feels like coming home. The food is the best, simple no fuss but done right every single time. If you are in a rush this is not the place for you. No one goes to their grandma's house to rush in and out, But if you want to experience going home to eat at your japanese grandma's house there is no better place you go,

If there's one thing to be said about LA, it's that this place is an incredible amalgamation of cultures and human innovation, and Otomisan is a great example of this. It is an honor to eat at a true historical LA gem, Boyle Height's last standing Japanese restaurant. After watching the Munchies video about this restaurant, my partner and I have been dreaming about eating in Watanabe-san's presence. If it wasn't for social media, I don't think we would have ever heard about this place, but that's what makes it unique and special. Unassuming and humble, this restaurant illuminates the neighborhood not with its obvious grandeur, but a quiet beauty. Otomisan is a physical manifestation of Watanabe-san. Fueled by her pure ambition and support from her family, I find her drive to run this restaurant so admirable. Atmosphere: 10/10. I almost teared up when dining here because of its healing aura - you feel as though you are visiting your family home, here to nourish yourself, after a long journey out in the cold world. The knickknacks, eclectic decorations, and maximalist clutter allude to the owner's lack of desire to cater to anyone's preference. It is simply Otomisan, and there's nothing to apologize about! You will feel like you are whisked away in some whimsical world where the only focus is to recharge, refuel, and contemplate. Service: 10/10. Despite being run by three people, our food came out so quickly, and everything is cooked by Watanabe-san herself and her assistant. It is rare that you will encounter a Japanese restaurant run by Japanese people, COOKED by Japanese. I can appreciate this genuine and direct expression of her craft. Her daughter, a server, is so charismatic, striking up conversations with customers at the bar table. Her presence was so captivating and I loved listening to the banter. I felt so welcomed here. Presentation & flavor: 10/10. Love, love, love was poured into every dish. The photos will speak for themselves, but the there is so much thought put into these entrees. Miso soup: Delicious and did not make me feel parched after, I was wondering if this was homemade because it did not have that powdery, artificial taste that most "Japanese" restaurants serve. Hiyayakko. A MUST GET. This tofu is the silkiest tofu I have ever eaten. The texture is incredible. Served with bonito flakes, ginger and green onion, you can season it to your liking. Rainbow roll. Delicious!! The fish is so fresh and the texture of the rice was perfect. Although the Rainbow roll is an American invention, she is inclusive and aware of the diverse tastes of LA. I personally loved this addition to her menu. Teriyaki salmon and tempura bento: Salad, miso, rice included! The salmon was tender and flaky, while tempura satsfyingly crunchy. The batter was not too thick! Unagi bowl: OMG GET THIS!! The prettiest bowl ever. This traditional entree is a crowd pleaser for sure: Unagi was fatty and tender while sitting on top of a bed of sauced rice. There's an edible of assortment around the eel: egg cake, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc. Parking: Street parking only. Can be tough, you might have to circle around! Pricing: I would say this is mid-tier pricing, about $20/person. I will absolutely come back!

Groan.... This may be the hardest review I've written. To put it bluntly, the restaurant is a tiny hole-in-the-wall. It's even a bit rundown. I said in a different review that I don't know Korean food, but I do know Japanese food. I lived there for 7 years. There is nothing remarkable about the food. It's just fine. If anything sets it apart it's the people. I was greeted warmly and welcomed in and cared for. I came early so I could get a seat and by the time I left people were waiting so they have a loyal following. This is one of those treasures that are disappearing in the city. When it's gone nothing will replace it. Bottom line: Enjoy it while you can.

A great little spot nestled in the heart of Boyle heights. Very limited seating inside but worth the wait. Extremely good chicken teriyaki and tempura. Definitely a great spot to eat at in the city

Not much beats a home cooked meal surrounded by good company- and that's exactly how it feels at Otomisan. The space is cozy and well-loved, and the employees here are welcoming. Some of the painted art pieces displayed on the table were made by one of their sons years ago when he was a kid. My friend and I ordered beef udon and oyakodon. It was a simple, no frills type of meal. I had no complaints :) *** do expect a wait time unless you are able to come right when they open, they have limited seats.

This historic restaurant is the oldest continuously operating Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles, and the last one in Boyle Heights. It is very tiny and apparently hasn't changed much in decades. That said, the food here is excellent, truly authentic Japanese, and worth waiting in line to get in. We came on a busy Saturday when it opened. Ordered 4 two-item combinations, all with tempura and some other protein. Everything was so so good. From now on will time visits to the area when this place is open. Service is great, the cosy interior is a blast from the past. The owner, Watanabe San, was working the front of house and she is very kind. The seating consists of 3 booths and 5 seats at the counter so get there early.

Found this spot on a TikTok video via LAEats. Came in on Monday during lunch with my favorite coworker. We are so in love with the kindness and courtesy of this restaurant and the owner. We also noticed they had regulars and befriended a cute elderly couple. We loved the comforting feel of the old location and its history. Such a quaint, cute, little spot. We were happy to try it and support a local and historical business. Pricing was very fair and dare I say more affordable than most Japanese spots in LA. I ordered an iced green tea and the beef udon. The broth was delicious, I drank the entire bowl of soup and ate all my noodles. My coworker ordered the Unagi Bowl, which was a more than generous portion - 3 pieces of unagi with a large portion of rice. She couldn't finish it and was happy to have some to take home and eat again. We will definitely be back again! I'll have to try some of the sushi next and I hear the tempura is the best! Thank you for keeping this historical establishment alive and thriving! What a hidden gem!

The BEST udon ever! I love ramen, but I love udon more if it's done right. And Otomisan definitely does it right. With udon, there's very little to hide behind, so quality has to be a forefront. And ooooh, this was absolutely delicious. The noodle was so "Q", chewy, perfect. The broth was astounding, light and flavorful. I usually never fully finish broth for noodles, but I drank it all up. I got the beef one, and the beef was tender, plentiful, and juicy. My husband got the combo, and the tempura was perfect. Crunchy, crispy, not too oily, perfectly fried so the inside was crispy too, and just the right amount. Seating is very limited. But WORTH the wait. Service was amazing! It's all ran by one single lady, and she is super nice and is great at her job. The ambiance is as people say, it's as if you're transported back to the 60's. It's got a real "diner" feel, but japanese food, in Boyle Heights. Everything about this place was astounding. I'm 100% coming back for more! I really want to try their chicken kaarage and curry.

Iconic LA establishment, serving authentic homestyle Japanese cooking to Boyle Heights since 1956. The place is tiny, with just a few booths and counter for seating. The interior is cute and homey; likely not updated in decades. They have a small staff, so be prepared to wait a bit for your food. Trust me, it's worth it. The menu offers comforting classics like curry, maki (cut sushi rolls), tempura, rice plates, soups, and more. Prices are reasonable, and portions are large. My main fed me for two meals. We started with Potato Croquettes; crisp on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside. The miso soup was rich in flavor, and the Spicy Tuna Roll was fresh and expertly composed. I loved the Tofu Curry Rice. Huge chunks of tofu and rice were swimming in a decadent, authentic Japanese curry, brimming with fresh ginger flavor. The texture was super rich and velvety. They serve a little fresh salad alongside, which provides a nice contrast. An excellent vegetarian option. They accept credit cards, but no American Express. The one woman working was genuinely kind. An absolute must-try in LA.

Well ain't this a cute little spot? My husband and I came here for dinner. This place gets a little packed with people trying to squeeze in for a spot at one of their three booths or 5-6 bar seats. Seating is very limited. We got there w one group ahead of us. We waited about 20 minutes to get seated. Make sure to get in line before 7pm. They put up their CLOSED sign well before 7:30pm once they had a sufficient wait outside. The Japanese lady is super cute! She spoke to us quite a bit in Japanese, which my husband didn't understand at all. Haha! Thankfully I speak a little Japanese so it was fun to converse. (Don't worry... she speaks English too!) My husband got the salmon sashimi bowl, which he enjoyed for its lightness. I got the oyakodon, which was lovely and felt like a nice home cooked meal. We also got a side of tempura. Our meal came out to $52 and we left $11 in tip. The food was good and the service was very cute. My only qualm is the price. We weren't informed on how much a side of tempura would be since it wasn't on the menu, but it must've been the most expensive side of tempura ever. (The oyakodon was priced at around $14, the salmon bowl was ambiguously $19 and up, and the tempura side was unknown.... But regardless, we're not sure how this ended up being $47 + $5 tax... + $11 in tip we left.) anyways, for this simple Japanese meal, we spent $63... which seems uncharacteristically high. Hence, while I liked this little spot, we'll probably never come back. Hahaha Parking: there is meter parking for one hour at a time.

Can't say enough but we make this drive over from Santa Monica weekly because the vibe, food, and service is all immaculate, it's such a sight to see such a hard working family dedicated to their cultures food and hospitality. Enough good things can not be said about this place, be aware that it fills up so quickly. Like right when she opens so if you have a large party good luck, worth the wait but not if your in a rush because she's working the ordering and front of house while I believe her family is in the kitchen cooking up all the glory and flavor. This place is amazing