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Inaka
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Seafood Restaurants Vegan Japanese, Seafood, Vegan [Edit]
131 S La Brea AveLos Angeles, CA 90036
Neighborhood: Mid-City West
(323) 936-9353
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 12 pm - 2:30 pm
Tue-Fri 6 pm - 9:30 pm
Sat 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Sun 5:30 pm - 9 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Karina M. said: "What a great atmosphere! I already loved it the moment I walked in and everyone greeted me with "irashaimasen!" Felt like I was back in Japan. The food is great. I had the ramen. My guests had the special ramen with garlic oil in the…" read more »
46 reviews for Inaka
Review Highlights
"especially (when the have it) the Chilean Sea Bass."
(in 5 reviews)
"Delicious macrobiotic japanese cooking."
(in 15 reviews)
"i recommend the lotus root."
(in 7 reviews)
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46 reviews in English
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Review from Amanda S.
Los Angeles, CA
9/25/2011
I have been going here for years. It's not fancy AT ALL !! But if you want healthy, tasty, clean food that is DELICIOUS !! This place is for you. My standard there is the Sea bass simply grilled with Diakon, Kale, tofu salad. My new fav is the Hot Pot with Kabocha broth with Salmon and Sea Bass. You have to ask what all the different Japanese veggies are, but you will not be disappointed.
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Review from Suzie Q.
Santa Monica, CA
1/8/2012
Isn't your typical Japanese restaurant. Very simple. I and several others have walked by this place, not even realizing it was a restaurant (it has a weird, solid wood door that implies it's a different type of establishment).
The first time there, I had a rather dull veg plate. This time I had one of the "hot pots" (the one with brown rice on the side, a garnish, and kabocha squash broth). It was surprisingly delicious - satisfying and very filling.
I would take a vegetarian or vegan friend here anytime.
Service can be a little non-existant/ indifferent. My water and iced barley tea were not refilled until I flagged down a waitress and specifically asked that I get a refill (her response was prompt and friendly). You almost feel like you're eating in someone's spare zen-like dining room. -
Review from Donna G.
Los Angeles, CA
11/17/2011
I went there with a large group of friends on a busy Friday night. The restaurant was pretty full in addition to our group. Lots of customers were coming and going.
But Inaka was very understaffed. The waitress apologized and said she was the only waitress working that night. On a Friday night ?
It seemed that people who ordered vegetarian dishes got their food very quickly. But three of of us ordered fish plates, and we were served our food just as our friends were finishing theirs !
The waitress did apologize for our food taking so long - but it was so long it was ridiculous.
In between my veggie friends getting their food, and us fish plate people getting our food, many other tables were being served their food.
So the chef in back was not cooking the food according to which table ordered it.
It was really bad as my friends were finishing up their plates, and we were joking that they must have driving to the beach to catch our fish.
My scallops in a teriyaki sauce were really good. Small scallops, but a good size serving.
As my four sides I got a salad with sesame dressing which was delicious, brown rice which was plain with no seasoning, kale which was a cold dish with
some kind of vegetarian cream in it, and the bean of the day which was a white bean and also very bland.
The best things were the Sesame salad dressing, and the teriyaki sauce for the fish. All the other items seemed to be very bland and not seasoned enough.
It is a health food restaurant and serves organic vegetables. But the vegetables needed more seasoning.
Also, with all the people in the restaurant eating and talking, the sound just bounces off the walls. Everyone's voices echoed through out the restaurant.
And the chairs were wood with no cushions - so it was very uncomfortable waiting the long wait for my food on a hard chair while my friends were all
eating their dinners. -
Review from Mari M.
The place has great macrobiotic food!
The interior is really simple and impeccably clean.
I guess it's like Wabi Sabi.
I came here with my friend for lunch and I had the ozouni (in Japan we usually eat it during new years, it's mochi with soup broth and has veggies or fish in it) with kabocha (Japanese pumpkin) soup and he had Orange Roughy lunch special which you can select 3 sides, so he got Kale, hijiki and brown rice.
Kabocha soup was sooooooooo good. Ozouni had kale, carrot, kabocha, horse raddish and mochi. I had some of the Orane roughy and my friend's side dishes and they were delicious too!
We also split the chocolate soy mousse. Although we were already pretty full. Chocolate mousse was very chocolaty and good.
In the previous posts there were comments that the food was too salty or bland but I think it was perfect. I thought the Roughy was a little salty but my friend said that it's just the kind of fish.
It seemed like the chef and waitress were Japanese, where macrobiotic originated.
If you look out the post of the picture from outside of the store, it looks like it's closed from the street. I think it's because it's so simple and you can barely see their sign.
There was a health inspector there so the waitress wouldn't let me use the bathroom until she left which was a bit weird. But all in all great food and you leave feeling healthy and great! -
Review from Woger W.
Los Angeles, CA
4/29/2011
I went there and had the Inaka plate. Some people ordered the Inaka bowl instead. It seems both are almost identical in size, so between those w choices I'd recommend the bowl for less money.
Next time I want to try the fish.
What I ordered was all vegetarian, and it was delicious.
I am subtracting a star because everything seemed very salty to me. People have complained about how "bland" the food is here, but I had the opposite experience, everything was very flavorful. But *too* flavorful I'm afraid; I felt afterwards like I'd been hit by a freight train of salt the likes of which I haven't felt before, maybe because otherwise veggies are mild (in other words - say - fried chicken probably has a lot more salt but because fried chicken isn't mild, the sensory freight train of salt may pass you by but it hit me at Inaka because of the otherwise essentially subtle flavors of the food).
I want to go back to make sure they aren't continuing with this overly salty thingamajig, perhaps they are reacting to the "bland" complaints or I just had an unusual experience.
In any case, I really like this place and would recommend it to take out of towners or family members for special outings where you want to keep things intimate and a little less formal yet feel you are doing something special. -
Review from Aaron A.
Santa Monica, CA
3/23/2011
This is more of a warning, less a review. I think Cricha J. has written a very well thought out and knowledgeable review that needs no elaboration.
The warning is this:
The flavoring is VERY subtle. They skillfully rely on the quality of their ingredients to flavor the dish. I would say that you have to actively taste the food, focus on it. The generalization would be that most LA residents eat food that is seasoned to do the opposite, food with bold flavors that jump out at you.
I think of this style of dining as more of an interactive experience. Eat slowly and find the flavors...Take friends that might have the same patience,,,not for first timers I would say,
Oh yeah, Madonna used to come here. -
Review from Reed R.
Los Angeles, CA
6/15/2011
Great great great place to get japanese food thats not a sushi place.
Extremely healthy and fresh. Legit food too not some hollywood fusion diaper rub that costs more for the looks and aesthetic than the taste.
The girls that work there are amazing too! They're what make that place the amazing establishment that it is.
But...the food...ugh..the food...Incredible. Some of the best fish ive ever had. The fish soup is just heavenly, its delicate and light but also really savory and soothing! All their sides are great, ALL OF THEM.
However....a bit pricey ( minus one star).......now I'm fashioned........as in im not rich. So its definitely like a weekend dinner or bring a date kind of spot.
I love the interior too, its pretty much just painted solid grey or off white but its very simplistic and minimal, which really reflects the food.
A quiet and serene dinning experience with simple, healthy and fresh seafood and vegg. -
Review from Kevin J.
Santa Monica, CA
4/27/2011
Have eaten here on and off since 1980!
just called, they didnt answer phone nor did VM activate.
What are their hours? -
Review from Lynn C.
12/14/2010
Yes, restaurants like M Cafe and Seed are considered "contemporary macrobiotic" but Inaka is really the only place I've found that serves food according to "traditional" principals. I have only eaten there once, and every other time I've tried they've been closed. It's really not a place you can just swing by. In fact, when I arrived at noon today, the door was shut and I stood outside waiting for 5 minutes until I realized they were, in fact, open.
My friend and I split the Orange Roughy special, and ordered small Kabocha soups to start. They were terrific - perfectly seasoned pumpkin-y delicious. We split the Orange Roughy special, and ordered small Kabocha soups to start. For our 3 sides, we chose kale, burdock root (gobo) and bean sprouts.
The Orange Roughy was perfect, especially with a squeeze of lemon. The side veggies, however, needed work. Both of us didn't like the flavor/texture of any of them, and the table condiments didn't help, either.
It was expensive, and I left hungry. This is why I could never stick to the macrobiotic diet I dabbled with 3 years ago.Listed in: For the Vegetarians
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Review from Helene D.
Los Angeles, CA
9/25/2011
I will never ever step it this place again: it was the most depressing experience I ever had in a restaurant. We went there on a Friday night and waited 10 minutes to be seated, but the waitress never aknowledged our presence, we finally seated ourselves , waited 10 more minutes, while nothing happenned except for an unpleasant remark from the patron sitting at the next table. This was so bizarre that we left this weird and negative atmosphere. it was the first time of my life I left a restaurant without having food....
HD -
Review from Jenny B.
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA
1/11/2012
the food is really good. it's a bit healthy for me but the pumpkin soup is great. it's a bit spendy.
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Review from Jeffrey M.
Los Angeles, CA
8/20/2011
This place is consistently great. I think they have the best miso soup that I've tried in Los Angeles. Their simple fish preparations are so good & I really enjoy all of their vegetable preparations. I feel like if I were disciplined to eat this way more often, I'd live longer.
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Review from Say N.
Los Angeles, CA
9/18/2010
I should point out that Inaka is not for everyone. If your palate is sodium-enriched from eating burger king three times a week, you will not like Inaka.
I eat out at restaurants a lot. Well, at least I used to. Now I live in a small town with two decent restaurants. I like to visit Inaka for the Japanese "country food" I ate growing up like hijiki and kabocha. This is also one of my mom's favorite places to eat (she's been coming here for two decades?).
I usually order the salmon with the pumpkin soup. Last time I was there it was still byob so bring a couple wines (trader joes is a block down).
Do not forget to order the chocolate mousse. Sooo good. -
Review from cynthia q.
Los Angeles, CA
6/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here with my boo the other night for a quick dinner. We were both pretty hungry and found this place through Yelp! Well, speaking for myself, I gotta say I prefer a restaurant with somewhat.. heartier dishes. I understand that this is supposed to be a natural, healthy food kind of restaurant but that just isn't my cup of tea. I suppose if i come back it'll be when I'm not SO hungry & just for something light. Different strokes for different folks.
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Review from annie r.
Denver, CO
12/20/2008
I can appreciate dining at a restaurant that doesnt sneak butter, oil and extra "unhealthies" into the food.
Dining out can seriously ruin your diet..and most of the time..you dont even know it!
If anyone is trying to "eat clean" this is a fantastic place to go.
I ordered the miso, tuna, and the steamed kale (without the sauce) and the seaweed..it was great..good sized fish..and lovely side dishes..
my boyfriend ordered the shrimp and veggies..
another buddy had the lotus root and seabass..fantastic!
There is a 6$ corking fee which I love..
and it is SO easy to miss..in fact i drive up la brea daily and I have never seen it..TINY place
It is simple, quiet, dark yet clean.. -
Review from Apple B.
Los Angeles, CA
1/25/2009
Pros: Very light, macrobiotic, healthy, delicate, minimal.
Cons: Can be incredibly bland, is open weird hours, pretty expensive for bland.
Last time I went I saw Lisa Bonet there with her kid, along with other bohemian yuppy types who probably just left their hatha flow class. I would recommend getting the combination bowls because they're the most flavorful from the many dishes I have already tried. -
Review from Tom J.
Los Angeles, CA
3/22/2011
I think the food has gone downhill - yes it is traditional macrobiotic - but too SALTY. And the fish soup is tasty but SALTY - but the price is outrageous because for $10 you get hardly more than a cup and a few pieces of scrap fish. I got the Inaka Plate and the fish soup - spent $25 and walked away hungry. Not what it used to be!
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Review from Bruce D.
Los Angeles, CA
12/18/2008
Ok, it's natural/health/organic/macrobiotic/whatever -- but even so, food is supposed to have a *taste*, right? I found this place on Yelp because I was looking for a ramen shop near me and one of the posters mentioned Inaka. First of all, they don't have ramen. :-) But I had the udon noodles in the vegetable broth -- and there was no taste whatsoever. It was like a new work of art, taking blandness to a degree that I didn't think was possible. There were vegetables in the soup -- and somehow Inaka even managed to suck the life out of them. And pretty damn expensive for a lunch -- $9 for a bowl of colored water and tasteless noodles.
The only reason that it was a "healthy lunch" is that it was so void of any flavor that I could only eat a few bites. -
Review from Mlle G.
Los Angeles, CA
3/27/2007
Yummy and good for you! I had no idea that seaweed and daikon could taste so delicious. This place was great; a sweet retreat from bustling La Brea Street...four of us food savvy co-workers came out for a birthday lunch on a Tuesday. We were able to get a table easily though several patrons began to trickle in after us. There was one waitress who literally did everything for us! She was very helpful and quick considering she was the only one in the front of the house.
Three of us started with the pumpkin soup and one had the Miso Soup- Scrumptious! For lunch, I had the Inaka Plate which was a colorful array of greens, root and sea veggies, beans and a healthy helping of brown rice. Two of my friends had seafood, one the salmon and the other the Albacore Tuna. Both looked amazing...my other friend had the veggie combination plate which was made up of her selection of 5 items from a long list of about 15 different choices.
We couldn't stay for dessert but next time you bet we will. I'll definitely be back soon! -
Review from Kathleen W.
Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA
9/28/2009
I've been going to Inaka for more than 15 years now and have watched it go from what looked like a shabby cafeteria (florescent lights and all) with the BEST natural food around........... to quite a lovely, relaxing, softly-lit spot ... with the BEST natural food around.
Back in the old days it used to be filled, alongside us "regular folk," mostly with rock stars and cancer patients. Then, in the later 90s, it became M's (Madonna's) favorite spot and, with some new management stepping in (with the same family/chef running the kitchen), the place took on quite a new look -- and, for a while, us regulars found ourselves waiting for, or even unable to get, a table without a reservation!!
Things have since settled back down... the crowds are now back to normal and interesting... and, although the portions are no longer as hefty as they were back-in-the-day, the food at Inaka remains some of the best you'll have -- if, that is, you're into (or want to be into) TRUE healthy/hearty/natural foods.
Don't miss their salmon (ask for it pan-fried with their light/dee-lish teriyaki on the side, OR try their incredible salmon patty and ask for their tofu dressing on the side for it...YUM!!!) ... the kabocha squash and lotus root are major favorites, and definitely do NOT miss the chocolate tofu pudding if you're into chocolate (oh my GOD) !!!!!! -
Review from Brandon L.
Studio City, CA
1/22/2009
The first thing I noticed about this place is that it's bare and utilitarian, like a Mexican restaurant in a small dusty town. No decoration on the walls, no music, no atmosphere. We got there right at the beginning of lunch and were the first patrons. Service was just fine.
The food itself was very good. I loved the miso soup and the pickled vegetables. I also had the tofu. The tofu was a little rough, not silky like it is in Japan. But it was pretty good. What really wowed me was the chilean sea bass, which was the best sea bass I'd ever had. My dining companion was a business associate but I had to insist he try some, and he did and he said this was his new favorite restaurant.
The brown rice that came with my sea bass was very healthy tasting. The vegetables were soaked in what appeared to be a light curry sauce.
I lived in Japan for 10 years and it's really easy to eat healthy there. But I got the sense that the food at Inaka is even healthier than most of what I got in Japan. All in all, I really enjoyed it.
I am giving it 4 stars because it's WAY too overpriced (lunch for two came to $58!!) and for that price I expect a much nicer ambience. So if you can expense it, definitely give it a go. -
Review from Cricha J.
Los Angeles, CA
11/3/2010
Aaah...Inaka...not for everyone, but for me who lived in Japan during my formative years, it's paradise. They have natto (fermented soybeans) which are ooey, gooey, sticky and an acquired taste, something akin to eating Fourme D'Ambert or Gorgonzola but much healthier. They have REAL yosenabe in various broths that are beyond delicious. They have Ume-Cha - salted plum tea - when you drink it, your body becomes electrified. The Inaka bowl is a feast of Japanese country vegetables - kabocha, lotus root, gently pickled cabbage something like sunomono but a million times heartier and healthier (probiotic). Fish is extremely fresh, often wild caught. The hijiki is plentiful and good. The sauteed kale is gently flavored with some sesame/soy seasoning - incredible. And the brown rice - wow. It's such high quality that it's almost sweet. Desserts are tasty (chocolate tofu pudding) or apple kanten (very refreshing on hot days). Sometimes there are interesting vegan cakes or pies, depending on if the dessert lady is in from Tokyo (she is in LA periodically and graces Inaka with her presence.)
This is a place for macro or vegan acolytes who worship spare, nutritious and very delicate cooking. If you have multiple food allergies, IBS, ulcerative colitis or even GERD, your tummy will thank you over and over for eating this food. I'm always amazed at people who can drink wine with this food (BYOB, btw) because from a macrobiotic/holistic standpoint it doesn't improve health, although you'd never know it from several diners who bring all sorts of red wines (ick, but whatever floats your boat). Don't come here for some kind of sexy food feast unless your taste really runs to Zen cuisine. As for me, I'm there about 4 nights a week. Husband lost 22 lbs in 6 months just by eating there religiously every night. As a matter of fact, we're getting takeout from there right now, only because I have a conference call at 8pm and don't have time to get there.
And oh, did I mention the adorable waitresses? Kawaii, kawaii, and very knowledgeable when it comes to the curative powers of Japanese natural foods. Yes, there are celebs - I've seen everyone from Meg Ryan to Josh Groban, Elliott Gould, Amy Heckerling and other power players in Hollywood. But there are no paparazzi and it's safe to go there with no makeup and raggedy sweats. And yep, they do take Amex. Love, love, love. -
Review from Raquel U.
Irvine, CA
6/5/2011
Walk into a simply decorated clean room. White tablecloths and thats about it. Greeted immediately...I arrived with one other person and waiting for 3 others who arrived late and near closing. We all ordered differently and were accomadated with our requests. Everyone was happy with their orders and would go back again. I agree with Mari M (5/21/2011) review and that is why I am not putting in the dishes. One pumpkin soup was on the luke warm side and the salad had to have soy sauce added for flavor that is why I am giving it 4 stars.
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Review from Lacey W.
Highland Park, CA
2/7/2008
My fave macrobiotic restaurant in LA. There are not too many of them, but this place is damn good.
I like to get the inaka bowl, very standard macrobiotic dish, prepared perfectly. The food here is so healthy and delicious, you really can't go wrong.
non related food note-
if you need any art work framed, GET THE PICTURE next door is fantastic. Frank has been in business since the 70's, and they do an awesome job in caring for your art. -
Review from Raul M.
Los Angeles, CA
1/8/2007
I am addicted to the fish udon soup bowl. I add about 3 tablespoons of shoyu and a bung-load of the chili flakes. Terrificalicious...
btw, this is a traditional macrobiotic restaurant (for the most part) so yes, the food is healthy to the squared power... -
Review from stephen p.
Los Angeles, CA
9/30/2007
I had a challenge out to my Japanese friends for the best ramen in town. We were neck and neck when the decider was a place in Torrance. But if only I knew about Inaka then...pah! It would've been game over!
The broth in my fish noodle soup was sweet and not too heavy for the delicate fish (salmon and seabass I think) chunks. I got soba noodles and was happy to slurp away as I know it's the best way to get the hot flavor without burning your tongue (too much)!
The chopped green onions were unlike ones I've had elsewhere - almost like they were blanched first as the flavor, again, was subtle. There were hints of ginger in there too along with the spring greens which were finely chopped.
This is hands down the best noodle dish I've had. For sure. Not stodgy, or overpowering like a miso-based noodle dish. Soooo good.
Ok, I'll stop now. Go try it yourself. I was the first person in tonight and everyone else was a regular who got a warm welcome from the sweet wait staff. This isn't the cheapest spot nor the most lively, but it's a great place for a quiet dinner that is fresh, natural and flavorsome. -
Review from Ayu-chan I.
Los Angeles, CA
7/29/2008
True Organic Restaurant!!
Quality of Seafood and Vegitable is excellent!
I had a shrimp dish here, and I had never seen that big shrimp before. The shrimp was really juicy and tasty. And I had a Zouni "Mochi (Sweet Rice)" in pumpkin and miso mix soup. Mochi was made out of Brown Sweet Rice. It was really good. You would feel like you are eating very healthy in this restaurant. This restaurant is quiet, so it might not be good for a big group.
Oishii yo =) -
Review from John Henry B.
Los Angeles, CA
9/5/2007
Zen in the art of a restaurant...
My enviromental/health food junkie friends introduced me to this place. I was sceptical at first, I was too used to greasy, big portions, semi-fast food restaurants. "A macrobiotic restaurant?!" i said to myself, "Well, i'll just stop by 'In and Out' afterwards and get a real meal. Was I ever so wrong...
This is one of my favorite restaurants. When you walk in, the minimalism is abundant. The walls are bare, simple seats and tables, soft lighting and ambient music. For some reason this place makes you feel relaxed and quiet despite it's LA location.
The food is amazing! I didn't know what most of the dishes were, but the waitresses were more than happy to explain to me what they are. The chilean sea bass is one of my favorites pair it with some nice veggies and you got yourself a treat... i recommend the lotus root. Another thing i enjoy there is the cleansing drink that they call 'ume sho' it's healthy and leaves me refreshed and pumped with natural energy. It's definatly divine ambrosia.
Pros: Great healthy food. Decent portions. Corkage. Great atmosphere. Friendly waitresses. Relaxing
Cons: Can be pricey. Bathroom is small and too far in the back.
The cons do not detour me from going to this place. Check it out when your in the mood for a healthy meal. Great for dates! Stop by 'Trader Joes' down the street and buy a bottle of wine, they provide corkage and the candles. -
Review from Suzy T.
Los Angeles, CA
3/11/2009
I don't know what everyone is talking about! The decor at Inaka is lovely! The lighting was beautifully glowy, and the simple yet tasteful interior compliments the food. Although some of it is a bit bland (the tofu dipp, for example), some of the dishes and sides are so good I could eat them every day.
I highly recommend the sea bass and the kabocha pumpkin soup. Yum! Also, the chocolate pudding is SO GOOD you'd never know it was macrobiotic.
Pros: Pleasant atmosphere, quick service, deeeelicious food where you can really taste all the flavors, as healthy as it gets, never too crowded
Cons: Overpriced, hard to find, could get a bit boring after repeat visits -
Review from Z B.
Los Angeles, CA
11/13/2008
A recurring conversation between the fiance and yours truly:
Fiance: "Where do you want to eat?"
Me: "I feel like Inaka."
Fiance: "But we just ate there the other day."
Me: "I know. But I really want Inaka again."
Fiance: "Try to pick something else."
*silence for several minutes*
Fiance: "Fine... let's go to Inaka."
*I smile and engage in the happy dance*
I'm almost certain that Inaka was especially fabricated for me. It's an organic, classically Japanese, macrobiotic restaurant that is difficult to find with it's low-key sign and wooden door. That in itself is a huge plus for me as I prefer hole-in-the-wall places and love healthy, fresh food. Upon entering the intimate restaurant, the Japanese rooted minimalism is clearly apparent with the little if no decor, stark white walls, pastel blue-green tablecloths floating above beech wood chairs, 3 Japanese lanterns hanging from the ceiling, exposed air ducts, and classical music filling the room. You always see familiar faces and it's not uncommon to see people dining by their lonesome selves here. It definitely makes for a pretty comfortable and relaxing destination after a long crazy-filled day.
The food is based on the Japanese macrobiotic concept - low fat, high fiber, predominantly vegetarian, whole grains, soups, beans, and minimal amounts of fish/seafood. Meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, and refined sugar are generally avoided in a macrobiotic diet. Since Inaka is not about dousing their foods with sauces or seasoning, their food is INCREDIBLY fresh and clean. The fish is one of the freshest in town... the Chilean Sea Bass makes me salivate just thinking about it. You can order your fish in 3 different ways: broiled, pan-fried, or teriyaki-flavored. (I always order my fish broiled.) They also offer an abundance of Japanese hot pots (udon noodles/ soba noodles) and vegetables, such as kabocha pumpkin, hijiki, lotus root, kale, kidney beans, lima beans, daikon, and burdock root. One of my favorite dishes is the 5 vegetable combination where you literally pick 5 vegetables. It's great for the creature of habit that every now and then needs a little twist (that would be me). And yes, they have dessert. I highly recommend their chocolate tofu mousse... tastes marvelously better than it sounds. They don't serve any alcohol, however you can bring your own (corkage fee: $4.50).
2 things that I find funny about this place. 1. The "Specials" menu states "We serve the fish plate of lunch size" above the lunch specials and "We serve the fish plate of dinner size" above the dinner specials. 2. Every dish I order comes on a perfectly white dish... very fitting for the ambiance/lack of decor, right?... Well except for when I order the 5 vegetable combination. They seem to always serve this to me on a Mexican fiesta decorated plate! I find it so out of context and am confused by it every time!
Yet, despite the poor grammar and unbecoming plate, I can't wait until a few days have gone by and I can ask to come eat here again. -
Review from Rob S.
Los Angeles, CA
2/5/2007 1 photo
First, let me clarify that I'm anything but a macrobiotic eater. I'm writing this review for all of the "conventional eaters" who may pass by this restaurant and discount it because of a bad experience at some other macro-type sprout-shacks. I'm also writing this review for all of my fellow dudes who have dated die-hard vegetarians and struggle with acceptable restaurants for both of you to enjoy. I was a skeptic too about Inaka.
When I first moved to LA about 12 years ago from NYC, I had never stepped foot in any restaurant as focused on whole foods as Inaka. Back then, Inaka's dining room was ugly as hell and I had to be dragged kicking and screaming to eat in what I thought was a roach den. I was as tough a convert as they come.
But a funny thing happened. I actually had a great meal. And so me and my LA girl kept going back (Inaka was one of the few restaurants on her acceptable list), and each meal was just as consistently good as the last.
Among the best things for non-macros at Inaka is the miso soup. This is the heartiest and best miso soup in LA - I shit you not! This non-conventional miso is made with a mix of dark and light miso paste and it has a ton of root veggies to go along with the standard miso soup inclusions. A big, dinner sized bowl of this is a meal in and of itself (and it's only about $5). I also really enjoy any of their fish specials prepared with the teriyaki glaze...especially (when the have it) the Chilean Sea Bass. You get a choice of 3 or 4 side dishes with it (from a list of about 14 items), of which I usually stick to the brown rice, stewed vegetables and salad. They also offer grilled shrimp prepared this way, which I also really like. Used to be a dinner portion came with huge helpings of fish or more than a dozen shrimp. Over the years, they've pared back their portion generosity (probably because they were losing money on these helpings and the macro set isn't exactly the kind of clientele to jam down 16 shrimp in one sitting). Still, it's a really hearty meal and...bonus of bonuses...it's extremely good for your health.
While non-macros like myself will probably stay away from some of the more aggressive items on the menu (it'll be a cold day in hell before I get a spoonful of natto down my trap and the hijiki isn't much easier), there's still 4 or 5 solid choices remaining. Among those is a really delicious Nabeyaki soup with veggies and soba noodles, and a Yakisoba Noodle dish which is a similar thing without being served in a soup broth. Again, it might sound a little odd to the uninitiated, but the end result is a very good meal.
Since the mid 90's, Inaka got an interior face lift. The dining room is now much nicer and doesn't have the same scary health food restaurant feel. Service has ALWAYS been slow and reserved there. Don't take it personally, it's just the way things go. I always look at it as a chance to slow down a little bit myself. The diners at Inaka are usually quiet and the whole vibe is just so much more peaceful than the standard restaurant in LA. Enjoy it.
Quick parking tip. Try to time your dinner for 7pm. This is not a kitchen that's open late anyway, and you can't park on LaBrea before 7pm. But, once you hit the magic hour, all the spaces on LaBrea in front of the restaurant are back in play.
I far prefer Inaka to Real Food Daily. In fact, no comparison. Inaka is not a restaurant where everything on the menu is "substitute" something normal. No substitute turkey sammy, no substitute meatballs and spaghetti...just decent food at Inaka. When you order shrimp, you get shrimp...not some tofu-shaped substitute. I wish Real Food Daily was more like that.
Guys, next time you've got that date with a girl who has a list of food requirements longer than Pam Anderson's list of "friends" on MySpace, The Decider says to take her to Inaka. I'm sure she'll love it and you'll actually get to eat too. -
Review from Vic P.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 5/12/2010
I have had to make several trips here to try out their chocolate mousse. I recommend it 100%.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/2/2009
People sometimes slag on the restaurant for having bland food, but that's not the case. Food in… Read more »
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Review from william c.
Santa Monica, CA
Updated - 4/30/2010
I still hate this place. Why is it still in business?
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/11/2009
I usually give a restaurant the benefit of the doubt but in this case I just can't. It seemed like… Read more »
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Review from Cristalle T.
Los Angeles, CA
3/2/2010 1 Check-in Here
OMG! The Chilean Seabass is awesome here! The Japanese sides are excellent...Try everything and anything! I come here for the lunch specials...
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Review from Amy L.
Burbank, CA
6/26/2007
The deco is sparse and very white, and there is a very un-restaurant-like door on the front of this place, which made me drive past it four times before realizing it was a restaurant. Once seated though, it's all happy surprises. The server was happy to explain what the heck was in the food. I had no idea that hajiki is seaweed. But oh, hajiki, you are delicious. All the food was terrific. My seabass arrived in a glorious white flakey mound, all moist and tasty and wonderful. The lotus root should be a delicacy. And the pumpkin squash! Their miso is also very, very good and hearty. Healthy eating has never been so sinfully tempting.
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Review from Steven L.
Eagle Rock, CA
10/29/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Delicious macrobiotic japanese cooking. The restaurant can be easily missed if you don't pay attention since the store front does not have a splashy presence and they do not need it. The interior decor is simple and feels very comfortable. Food is amazing. Keep in mind that due to the macrobiotic cooking guidelines, food is a tad bland compared to other restaurants where over salting is not an issue. Some of our favorites are: chilean sea bass (ask for it pan fried), their vegetable soup, gobo (a roots that is super tasty and is served as a side), the deep fried mochi appetizer is a must have, mix the white shaved turnip with some soy sauce and then put some of that goodness on your deep fried mochi and the taste is heavenly. Dinner prices are a bit steep but coming here for lunch is a bit more affordable since they do offer lunch special menu with a smaller portion but it is still a good enough portion to fill you up. This is a great little gem in Los Angeles. No hype, just great food, friendly and warm service. Oh, I almost forgot, if you have room after your meal, try their non-dairy chocolate mouse, it is simply amazing and it is made with tofu. The rich chocolate velvety texture is simply amazing. I still can't believe it's tofu.
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Review from John P.
La Canada Flintridge, CA
9/29/2007
inaka vegetable place very good. I'm a meat eater. hmmm, salty plum drink very strong... like a punch between eyes. "Natto" (sp?) fermented beans strong, weird to me.
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Review from Patty C.
Beverly Hills, CA
8/20/2007
Hail Inaka for there uber healthy tasty cuisines. Small and simple joint with few seatings so first come first serve (it can get packed). I have only repeatedly ordered their miso seafood dish and it is sooooo good...served with brown rice it is definitley packed with all the healthy sustenance. Please save room for tofu chocolate thingamabob...can't tell its healthy at all
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Review from Ngoc H.
Los Angeles, CA
9/4/2008
I am in this area at least once a week, and I had no idea Inaka existed. I'm so glad I know now.
I was in a soup mood, so I ordered the fish noodle soup with soba noodles. The broth was wonderfully light but still flavorful, and there was a great ratio of noodles to fish.
The entire time I was eating my food, though, I was drooling over my friend's Inaka Plate, and then we both drooled over the chow mein-looking dish a neighboring diner ordered. I can't wait to go back! -
Review from danielle w.
Los Angeles, CA
1/29/2010
ehhhh......I thought u go to restaurants to entice your appetite and taste buds. I love healthy food, but this takes it to a whole new level. Everything was soooo bland, and one thing was actually spoiled. Funny how we asked if they had sugar, and the waitress said they do not serve anything sugar related...and a juice they served us was from concentrate with 30g of sugar! What a joke. Don't waste your time or your hard earned money! 15 dollars for a bowl of tastelss noodle? I'll take some msg any day.
