Tenkatori Sawtelle (West LA)

The Baseline: For Karaage chicken that must be crispy, meaty, and flavorful, the accompanying items must compliment the chicken, and sauces must be tasty. Food: The Karaage chicken is really delicious with a crispy breading and thick pieces of chicken. The chicken had a nice spicy kick to it. I also tried the shishito peppers than were also very good. Service: The service was excellent and I picked up my Karaage chicken and peppers. The staff provided great service. Atmosphere: The seats are comfortable and the tables are well situated in a corridor fashion. Not made for a long time to sit in the restaurant but enough for a quick bite.

The chicken came piping hot and it tasted was very crispy. 👍 It will not be the easiest shop to find. It is located at the 3rd floor of the strip mall where the Japanese grocery is at. One little note was I requested for water, I got a tiny little mini cup like the ones they give you in dental chair to gargle your mouth with😂 It will be nice to just offer a pitcher or a dispenser outside.

Stopped by on a Friday night with my boyfriend and ordered two 5 piece Karaage chicken, rice, and sauce. We tried the yuzu aioli and the spicy mayo for the sauces - the yuzu aioli was very unique and enjoyable. The spicy mayo wasn’t that spicy so if you’re concerned about spice, know that it’s manageable. It took about 10 minutes for the food to come out. There was some indoor seating. There is a bathroom key on a ladle at the tablet if you need to use the restroom in the back. We found street parking but there is a lot where you can validate. The chicken was crispy, large, and juicy - I really enjoyed it!

Oh man do I absolutely love Tenkatori!! I *think* I heard the owner or main cashier say his name was Katsu? Either way, he was super friendly, attentive, and informative when explaining the different dishes, sauces, and history of Tenkatori saying they import the sauce directly from Japan! I ordered the combo bento adding wings to the plate, along with a side of the sweet and sour sauce, which totaled about $14-15. He said it would take about 15 minutes but my food was ready in less than 10. It's a good size bento and very reminiscent of what you'll find in Japan - balanced and not too big, not too small, with still plenty of flavors. The potato salad is simple, creamy, and tasty. The noodles are an interesting twist and slightly sweet. The pickles are crunchy and fresh. The rice is simple. The chicken is outstanding. The chicken thighs are so juicy and crunchy with delicious umami flavors. The wings are crispy, meaty, and share the same flavor profile. A sauce isn't needed but the sweet and sour is amazing - rich, gooey, slightly sweet and with a kick.

Wow what a cool fun place, it's like going back in time to the 80's with old VHS movies mesmerizing me while I enjoy the chicken Tenatori! I didn't know about this place, now I know. Thank you for the great experience, super friendly staff!

Tenkatori West LA was a disappointing experience for me. I ordered the Karaage Boneless Thigh (10 pcs), Crispy Popcorn Chicken (7 oz), and two sauces—Yuzu Aioli and Sweet & Sour. Unfortunately, the sauces were underwhelming and definitely not worth the $1.30 each, offering nothing special in terms of flavor. The Karaage Thighs had an odd texture, with what seemed like a filler or breading mixed into the chicken itself, making it thicker in a way that felt unnatural. The Crispy Popcorn Chicken, while crispy, was small and overly hard by the time it arrived, making it unpleasant to eat. For about $40 including delivery, I expected far better quality and value. The food lacked the flavor and execution I’d hoped for, and I don’t see myself ordering from this place again. While the concept of crispy, flavorful chicken sounded great, the execution fell short across the board. Save your money and try somewhere else.

Tucked away on the second floor, this little Sawtelle gem isn't just about grabbing a quick bite; it's about experiencing crispy chicken nirvana. Sure, the bar-height tables and open kitchen vibe make it casual, but the happy tunes and friendly service add a touch of warmth. Their menu's a treasure trove of chicken delights, from bowls and bentos to solo adventures. I picked Combo A: ten karaage nuggets and ten tebanaka wings, each one a masterpiece of golden, crackly perfection. The karaage? Imagine juicy explosions of savory bliss, not a hint of greasiness, just pure crispy joy. Don't forget the dipping sauces – they're like flavor paintbrushes, adding bursts of tangy, sweet, or spicy magic. And hey, bonus points for cashless convenience – no fumbling for cash here!

Bought 14oz popcorn chicken for more than 17 dollars but only received 12.6oz(plus the box and the sticks)

Not sure why there's never a line because this place really does have the best chicken. I've only had this place twice but both times were amazing. The chicken is juicy and fresh. I recommend getting the spicy mayo as the sauce. Great options for drinks as well.

What a crunch!!! I was craving some juicy and crispy fried chicken and had bookmarked Tenkatori for some time so finally I had a chance to check it out. It's a bit hard to figure out where it is. I've been here dozen of times when I frequent Nijiya Market at the street level but I had no idea that it was actually in the same Sawtelle Place mini. It's on the second floor, right above Daiso. It's more of a takeout place than a sit down, although they have about 5 barstools available for dine in. Note: All chicken is GLUTEN FREE as they use potato starch. It also helps make the chicken extra crunchy! I came around 4pm on a weekday so it was pretty quiet. Fuku, the owner and Tatsu greeted me and Tatsu took my order. He helped me decide what to order as there are so many choices. I picked the Karaage Bento Box with popcorn chicken and a 4 piece Butsu Giri. Tatsu told me that Tenkatori first opened in Oita, Japan by a man who opened Japan's first Karaage takeout restaurant after he had perfected his recipe over 70 years ago. Warning that the Karaage, which comes in two big portions in the bento box is their #1 seller and quite hot so take your time eating it so you don't burn your tongue! It was very tender and tasty! Way better than the ones you get at other restaurants. There was a lot of chicken in the 4 piece Butsu Giri which was delicious and juicy! Definitely try their different sauces. The Spicy Mayo is extremely spicy for me so I preferred the Yuzu Aioli which is the only gluten-free sauce, and the Sweet-and-Sour sauce. Tenkatori really know how to perfect their fried chicken and my craving for it was fully satisfied!

You can't go wrong with some good crispy on the outside, moist on the inside karaage! What makes Tenkatori unique is that they make karaage out of many different parts of the chicken. Unique for sure! They're located in this extremely busy shopping plaza with multiple businesses and eateries, but we got street parking within walking distance, so we were good. Service is very welcoming and polite, making sure to answer all of our questions and getting us all of our utensils and sauces. Apparently, they have been using the same sauce recipe for the same 70 years and their oil is changed daily. Makes sense since everything that we ordered was nicely juicy without being too heavy and oily and crispy as well. The meat inside was moist and cooked nicely as well. We got the Karaage Boneless Thigh, Sunagimo Gizzard, and the Nankotus Chicken Gizzard. Obviously, the latter two were more chewier, tougher bits of chicken, but something nominal to try since it's not something I generally see fried in karaage form. Of course, we also had to get the classical boneless karaage which went great with their Yuzu Aioli Sauce which had a nice citrus taste that was also creamy too. I wouldn't mind trying their other locations for some more finger lickin' fried chicken Good stuff and the little chicks they have in samurai gear for a mascot, fingers crossed they have stickers or merch for them one day!

Inferior to the gardena location. The other location has uneven pieces of chicken, here its proportioned! they are smaller and more expensive. Taste wise it also has less skin :(

I was on the west side, trying to head back home in terrible traffic when I decided to stop off at Tenkatori upstairs in a commercial center north of Olympic on Sawtelle. I called ahead and waited about five minutes. I ordered the spectacular Gluten Free chicken thighs and gf chicken wings. I got the one gluten free sauce and did all I could to resist eating the Kaarage (thighs) on the way home. Once home I enjoyed dipping the chicken thighs, alternating with a wing in the slightly tangy sauce until I had eaten half of my order. I ate the other half the next day. Just the best. Mata atode (see you soon).

Food is delicious! I usually go to the location in San Diego but this time I was ordering for a small gathering to celebrate by baby turning 1 in LA. When I inquired about ordering a few of the 1 kg boxes of karaage chicken, the person who answered the phone told me there was a catering link online that was slightly cheaper than just walking in. He even gave me a promo code to use for 10% off! Thanks you for allowing me to save some $$ while still eating delicious food. :) highly recommend!

The service here is okay. He's kinda pushy when you're trying to order and you have never been there before. Also there's no cups of water you have to buy the bottle for $2.50... Food was just okay. The karaage was just thick pieces of chicken so the skin wasn't crispy enough it was just chunks. The karaage bowl came with teriyaki but it was salty. Ambiance is very casual, small amount of seating. Plus the inside smelled like cleaner of some kind. If you want good karaage go to Josui in Torrance!

I came to this area after work and was craving something filling, so stopped on by and ordered the karaage and the sweet & sour karaage; these were chicken boneless thighs that were both so tasty. I must say that every bite was delicious and luckily, there were 5 pieces for each item, which was more than enough to satisfy my hunger. I usually finish everything there and highly recommend to consume these meals when everything is still hot. I look forward to going back soon and am excited for my next visit!

Place hasn't changed much since the first time I came. Karaage is still given as big, hot, juicy pieces as I remembered! I tried a few other dishes but nothing really out of the ordinary, but again really wasn't bad!!!

This was easily one of the best bites of Karaage I've had outside of Japan. The batter was light and crispy and the chicken was incredibly juicy, tender and flavorful. The price and portion were ridiculously reasonable especially in LA. Ambiance is fast casual with a few seats inside. Everything is made to order so I recommend consuming it there for maximum impact. Tip: don't forget sauce with your chicken. I recommend the spicy mayo and yuzu aioli sauce. I honestly can't wait to come back

There are so many Japanese restaurants packed into the small street that is sawtelle, and I feel like I get to try something new every time. Tenkatori is on the 2nd floor of a plaza in a small shop with a dozen or so tables to eat at. They offer a variety of options for fried chicken with even gizzard and bone cartilage. The karaage bento box with curry was delicious and the popcorn chicken was nice and crispy with a tenderness inside. The prices were very reasonable and the man taking orders and serving at the counter was extremely friendly. Would come back here again for a simple lunch.

I tried Tenkatori only a few weeks after returning from a trip to Japan and I would defend anyone who says that it's the best karaage they've tried. They have a cute story of how the recipe started in a small village of Japan and it was brought over and still ran by the same person. We ordered karaage, but they offer a variety of other fried chicken options including popcorn chicken breast and bone in wings. The karaage was crispy, very sizable, and beautifully juicy. They also offer four sauces, and we decided to try the yuzu aioli and the spicy mayo. Both dipping sauces were a contrast to each other, which was perfect to alternate between with each piece. They were both flavorful and delicious in their own right and complemented the chicken perfectly. Loved it! They are very reasonably priced and have a small shared parking garage that can be validated with purchases. The service is quick, but they cook everything to order so you'll have to wait a little bit, but it is well worth it. It lived up to the hype and I will be waiting for the day that I get to go back.

Pretty awesome experience. Best karaage I've had ever. Before dining at Tsujita down the street, I decided to give Tankatori a try. It's located at Sawtelle Place shopping plaza on 2nd floor, next door to dental office. Place specializes in Japanese style karaage, wings and fried chicken. I got the karaage boneless thighs, $7.50. They offer handful of sauces which are extra charge 1.25-1.50 each. Karaage is made to order, arrives piping hot and beautifully glistening golden-brown exterior. So amazingly good perfectly crisp, and succulent. The white sauce that I got with my order really enhances the flavor of the chicken to extra yumminess. Though most people were taking their orders to go, they do have some seats inside. I highly recommend you try this place out.

We went here for a late night snack which is located on the second floor of the plaza. It was tucked away but luckily we found it! This place is known for their chicken, so we ordered the chicken karaage. I also wanted to try something new so we got the chicken gizzards (14 oz, it was a bit too much) which has a more chewy/tendon texture. You have to order sauce as an add on (an extra 1.25) but the worker said we only needed 1 sauce which was nice. I think for the price point it was okay, but I think the other meals on Sawtelle are more filling and worth your money. This place is mainly good for a small snack

If you're craving some delicious juicy chicken and rice, this is the place to get it. I highly recommend getting the chicken karaage! The pieces are big and filled with flavor. I've had many chicken karaage spots but this one takes the cake! No wonder it has a perfect rating! I just stumbled upon this place looking for chicken in the area and so glad that I did. Pretty decent pricing for what you get too. I am absolutely coming back as a regular and will bring friends and family as well. Not a big spot, it's on the 2nd floor of the plaza above DISO. Really authentic, you can tell by the love the cooks put into their service and food. Do yourself a favor and get there now!

5/5 At first, I thought this bento wasn't gonna be super filling but I was wrong! The karaage pieces were large and juicy and the sides, which were an airy potato salad, a small salad with a light dressing, slices of pickled daikon, and a tomato-y spaghetti with a slightly spicy pepper, complemented the rice and karaage well! I also paid extra for the yuzu aioli and it had a good citrus flavor to balance out the slightly heavier karaage. It was an overall delicious and satisfying meal! Definitely the best karaage I have ever had. The space maybe had about 10-12 seats but I was lucky to catch someone leaving right as I ordered. Additionally, the service is great and the cashier was very friendly! Definitely coming back again!

Tenkatori is still my favorite karaage place in California. I don't get karaage at any other place because of it. I think the 5 piece will satiate one person as the chunks of chicken are HUGE. The breading is nice and crispy. Highly recommend attempting to split the chicken in half instead of taking a bite after getting your karaage because it is piping hot. Burned my mouth the entire time but it was worth it! Service is always friendly and polite. There is a bathroom and key at the cashier.

My favorite place to eat in Sawtelle! Their pop corn chicken is the best comfort food you could ask for and the bento boxes are the best to go meal for a quick and easy lunch/dinner. The staff is super nice and generous in the portion they give everytime.

The karaage has a unique almost potato-like batter on the exterior and is super juicy on the inside. You can definitely taste the seasonings and garlic marinade in the chicken. It's fried to order so the karaage took about 18 mins to be ready but it's worth the wait :) it comes out piping hot so wait a few mins for it to cool down in order to prevent burning your mouth!!

We came here because we heard they had delicious karaage, and they did not disappoint. Large, thick pieces of dark meat wrapped in a crispy coating. Both crunchy and juicy, this Japanese chicken more than meets the mark. Made fresh to order, they were served to us piping hot. They also offer multiple different dipping sauces, and the Yuzu Aioli sauce is perfect. They have a few tables inside to sit and enjoy if you wish. Parking has the potential to be difficult if it's peak times. Otherwise, we had no problem. A great stop for karaage.

This is one of my to-go Gluten Free fried chicken places! Not only they're gluten free, they're flavorful and No MSG! Since I was diagnosed with gluten allergies few years ago, it's so hard to find or for me to consume gluten free karaage. Not only gluten, unfortunately I got double jeopardy with the dairy allergy. They claim to change the oil daily which is so important to maintain the cleanliness and quality of the food, which I love about this company. The people are always so friendly and nice. I originally went to the one in Gardena, which is in the food court inside a supermarket. They're always busy there but food always comes out orderly. So since I have gluten allergy, I can only have the original flavor, but I don't miss anything since it's flavorful and crispy, I recently found out that one of their sauces is gluten and dairy free which is the yuzu aioli sauce. Last year (2023) they received a "People Love You" recognition. Thank you for providing amazing gluten free fried chicken!

This is hands down the best Japanese food I've ever tasted! The chicken was delicious and the sauce to dip it in, was equally Amazing ! This place is located on the second floor in a shopping center, above Daiso. It wasn't that busy i'm so surprised because the food is delicious! If you're in this area this is definitely somewhere you should stop. You can thank me later!

I've been passing this plaza a lot of times and seen their sign saying "best fried chicken". They are not lying. I got the $14.95 bento with karaage and sunagimo (gizzard). The karaage is juicy, the sunagimo has a great bite to it and tastes amazing. Even if you never liked gizzard before, give it a try. It won't disappoint. The bento comes with a good amount of rice, a meh spaghetti, a good small salad and mash potato salad. Definitely will come again to try the tebasaki and others.

Calling all fried chicken fanatics! Nestled in the heart of Sawtelle's vibrant Japantown, Tenkatori Sawtelle promises crispy, juicy perfection - and they deliver. Forget your usual fast-food scene; this intimate, bar-height table nook churns out made-to-order magic right before your eyes. The friendly vibes and bustling counter add to the charm - it's the perfect spot for a quick, soul-satisfying bite. The menu boasts various chicken wonders, from bowls, bentos to tempting solo options. But I went straight for Combo A: 10 karaage nuggets and 10 tebanaka wings, and a free sauce. Each karaage bite is a revelation - savory, juicy, with a hint of sweetness that dances on your tongue. The tebanaka wings? Their golden skin crackles with every bite, revealing tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Choose your dipping sauce wisely - each adds a unique twist to this crispy symphony. And hey, bonus points for cashless convenience - no fumbling for cash here! Trust me, your taste buds (and happy tummy) will thank you!

Pictures don't do this karaage justice! Beautifully fried chunks of chicken almost the size of my palm! The breading has a nice light crisp not oily whatsoever. Inside you'll find JOOOOSEEE marinated chicken pipin hot. Awesome karaage! I also had the curry and rice plate which I highly recommend, if your looking for more of a complete meal! Fast and friendly service, parking can be hard, it is located on the second floor of a busy shopping center. Definitely worth the visit!

We usually get the Sweet and Sour with a side of mashed potatoes. The cashiers are super nice and the waiting time is usually less than 7 minutes. There are 18 seats in the restaurant. Overall, this is the best food place in Santa Monica.

Tl;dr: great service but their chicken karaage was not my cup of tea. Large dark meat pieces were juicy, but too chewy and fatty. This place had great reviews, so I had high hopes. The owner was Japanese, and I could tell he put great consideration into every aspect of the experience. After I ordered, I asked if I needed a number, and he said he would remember my face. It took about 15 min to prepare my 5 piece karaage chicken - thankfully there's Daiso and Nijiya market downstairs to explore while waiting. When I got back, I saw the owner package the dipping sauce carefully, placing a small piece of parchment paper between the chicken and the sauce, and he left the top of the to go container open so it wouldn't get soggy. The chicken was piping hot and juicy, but there was too much fat and chewiness. It was primarily dark meat, and I think they use tapioca starch or something in the batter to make it chewy. Normally I like chewy (mochi and rice cakes are some of my favorite desserts), but for karaage I like the skin crunchy. It didn't come with lemon or anything to cut the fat (I asked for lemon and he said they don't have it). The yuzu aioli I got for $1.50 extra helped a tiny bit, but it also added fat, so overall the experience was too heavy/indulgent. So despite the excellent service and care put into the food and overall experience, I unfortunately can't recommend the karaage here because the chicken itself was not pleasing to me. Go to Anzu or Menya Tigre (owned by Anzu) up the street for some amazing karaage instead.

Really great fried chicken!! I loved how fresh they fry the chicken and it was so juicy and tender. Really liked the yuzu aioli sauce. This place offers cartilage which is really nice. Very crunchy! My only issue is that they don't offer water and you have to pay for bottled. Very solid spot for food though!!

Small place but delicious fried chicken! Very juicy and flavorful. We got 3 combination boxes. The chicken gizzard was off the hook! The gizzards was seasoned and fried to perfection. I love the crunch and the texture. Next time I would get entire box of just gizzards! Soo good. The place is small and tiny, not really ideal for a large party. By hey, get to go and have the fried chicken party at home

This is a no thrills, high quality Japanese Fried Chicken joint. The service is very friendly and the person taking my order was very patient and helpful. The restaurant is small and reminded me of the small hole in the walls near the train stations in Japan. The chicken is fried very well and remained hot and fresh for a long time (did some takeout to Ventura County and it tasted good at home). The parking is a little confusing if you are not used to parking in LA. The parking garage charged a fee if you parked too long, but you get a discount if you validate your parking ticket here. Stick with the chicken thighs and karaage, you won't be disappointed.

The kids each gave this two thumbs up. We ordered the sweet and spicy and those were good and satisfying as well. The man taking our order has a pleasant demeanor and made a good impression of our first visit here. The place is quite small with small tables and chairs but it is quiet enough and clean.

Best karaage I've had in Los Angeles. The thigh meat is perfectly juicy and tender. The batter outside is airy and light. I usually get my karaage with the yuzu aioli sauce. The bento boxes is a pretty good deal if you want a meal for one person. Service is friendly and quick.

We saw this restaurant's booth at a summer festival recently, and really enjoyed their karaage. Each order was cooked right after it was placed, which gave the chicken a perfect crunch. The inside was also still deliciously juicy and hot, and each piece was relatively large. We dipped them into some special sweet and sour sauce, the perfect compliment to the meaty chicken. The owner was super friendly and chatty, and we received our order promptly and quickly. I would definitely recommend someone to come and support this business, and I will surely visit their restaurant soon!

I think I just had the best chicken karaage known to man! One bite and that's all she wrote! Mind blown! They also have different kinds of crispy goodness! The chicken wings were spectacular! I thought nothing gets close to Semenza's Pizzeria chicken wings in Reno, NV. I think I have a new benchmark. We had to travel 40 miles just to try this new place and one way to extend the umaminess was to order 1 kilogram of karaage to-go. Easy to air fry. I have to comeback for their tendon (sold out). Food came out exactly 12 minutes! As promised by the gentleman who served us. Inside was clean and there are a few tables where you can sit and enjoy these crunchy, crispy, juicy, mouth watering heavenly treats. Parking maybe tough especially on weekends.

Quick update. Went back to try the Nankotsu (soft cartilage). Also very good. Crispy outer shell along with the snappy inner cartilage and a little bit of meat.

It's definitely freshly fried since it did take a while for it to be ready. It was juicy and thick but I'm not sure if it was worth it for the price. I feel like I've had better karaage elsewhere that are more flavorful and juicier...

Great Japanese fried Chicken! I had to try this place after reading all the great reviews and it did not disappoint. I only ordered the 12 pieces Karaage but mind you- it was so good! The chicken looked more like chicken balls that are way bigger than meatballs. They were so crispy with very light coating and it has a lot of chicken meat that was super juicy. I don't know how long they been in Sawtelle but truly a great addition to the neighborhood. And the price is very reasonable and affordable for all the students that hang around Sawtelle a lot. Must try!

I am a big fan of Team Tenkatori WLA! It is always worth coming up there when I have extra time to enjoy my lunchtime. It is a great upgrade from Nijiya bento to reward myself for the week!

This place has probably the best chicken karaage I've ever had!! The karaage pieces are HUGE and sooo juicy, the crunchiness of the batter is also perfect! Their sunagimo (gizzard) is also super good! Make sure to eat them while they're hot though since they get oily when cold. Each order is made to order so its super fresh! They have bentos as well if you want a full meal. Its located in the second floor of the nigiya plaza. The store is small but has a few tables if you choose to dine in! The service is also fast and friendly.

Ordered from Uber Eats. WOW this was some of the best karaage I've had in recent memory. The chicken was incredibly juicy and seasoned/fried perfectly. The pieces are large and filling. I liked the uniqueness of the yuzu aioli and how the citrus flavor cut into the fattiness of the chicken. Even thought I got this delivered, it was clear that the food was freshly made. Definitely hoping to come back soon!

Listen friends, don't let the picture fool you. This is by far the best fried chicken I have ever had - PERIOD. Each batch of karaage is made to order. And for the low, low price of $8.50, you can get your own (six) piece of heaven. And don't forget to purchase a dipping sauce or two! My favorite is the sweet and spicy sauce, which reminds me of the Trader Joe's Soyaki. After you receive your order feel free to sit at one of the few table tops, on the bench directly outside the shop, or anywhere your heart desires!

Wow, the chicken karaage is so good, tasty and juicy. The Nonkotsu (chicken cartilage is extremely good, wow. 5 stars place for sure.

Delicious seasonings on this fried chicken in a low-key jazz-infused atmosphere -- as friendly counter man takes your order while playing vintage jazz records on his old-school turntable. Love this place!!

The best Chicken Karaage on Sawtelle resides on the second-floor of a shabby shopping center. It's got zero ambience, but you're just there for the expertly breaded and oh-so-moist fried chicken anyway. Grab an order (not a fan of the Yuzu Aioli sauce; prefer the spicy mayo and the sweet & spicy dips) and head over to Marugame across the street for a bang-bang of house-made udon and said Karaage. You won't have to settle for Marugame's sad tempura to complement their udon. . .and other patrons will do a double-take when they see what you've combo'd. Ample subterranean parking (don't forget to validate), very limited seating indoors, excellent value, and service with a smile. This Karaage is downright craveable. Bon Appétit.

Great spot to pop into for a quick meal. Prep time with no line was about 10min... so everything was fresh. Rice was on point, which is often neglected. Stuff was awesome and venue was clean. Parking may be a bit difficult if you come during a busy time.

their karaage is worth a try - juicy and tender! ordered their curry plate that comes with 2 chicken karaage pieces on the side and the karaage bento box. their rice was cooked perfectly, and the chicken karaage was soooo tender! try their yuzu dipping sauce - it's an extra cost but worth it. the side dishes were alright, and i didn't like that they don't provide water cups. but overall, their service was good, and the food was great. food - 9/10 customer service - 8/10

This place has become a holiday tradition! My family and I came here on Christmas day (they were open 11-5) and managed to snag one of the last spots in the lot downstairs. We ordered the 12-piece karaage with the yuzu aioli and spicy mayo sauces and a Calpico, which was just enough to cut our appetite while also leaving room for dessert across the street. They make the food right when you order so it coming out piping hot and crispy, though that means you might be waiting 5-10 minutes for your order. I've been here 3 times now, and the karaage quality is consistent and top notch! I'll have to venture out and try some of the other stuff in the future, but sometimes I just want to get what I know will be good haha. The space is on the smaller side so it might be a bit tough to come with large groups, by the way!

Tenkatori is located in Sawtelle (West Los Angeles area) and their main speciality is karrage. I really like how jumbo and juicy their karrage is. The staff are really friendly and they have a pretty quick turnaround in regards to service. Something interesting to try would be their sunagimo (gizzards). The best way I can describe the taste would be like a little bit more chewy than other parts of the chicken, but gizzard is known to be high in vitamin B. Their chicken tastes really good with their sweet and spicy sauce, however, my favorite sauce is still their yuzu sauce. That's the one sauce I haven't seen other places try to replicate yet. One thing to note though is if you park in the plaza you do need to pay for parking after you exceed the hour time limit. I'd recommend parking across the street possibly, but it's up to you. Definitely recommend this place. They are in an accessible/safer area and there are lots of other shops to walk around to after you are done eating.

located on the second floor right above daiso. there was some seating inside, but not that much. it took around 10 minutes for us to get our order! - we ordered combo A (10 karaage, 10 tebanaka, 1 sauce) and 7oz of the popcorn chicken. this kept us satiated, but it got a little monotonous towards the end - karaage boneless thigh (4/5): good crunch, great flavor, and juicy! the karaage is shaped into balls which i thought was kind of interesting, and they are slightly larger than normal, so you don't get as much batter/crunch. this was my favorite out of everything we got though - tebanaka flats (4/5): coated in the same batter as the karaage and just as juicy and flavorful - crispy popcorn chicken (3/5): these aren't coated in the traditional popcorn chicken batter, it reminded me more of chicken nugget batter? also a little drier and less flavorful in my opinion, but my friends actually liked these the most - yuzu aioli (5/5): creamy and flavorful! the yuzu added a nice bite that worked well with the fried chicken solid karaage spot and reasonably priced, would come back!