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Mitsuru Cafe
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 11 am - 9 pm
Sun 11 am - 7 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dessert, Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
283 reviews for Mitsuru Cafe
Review Highlights
"hands down the best imagawayaki this side of the U."
(in 161 reviews)
"I always get my Red bean munchies here."
(in 121 reviews)
"The takoyaki (octopus balls) are so delicious and very..."
(in 15 reviews)
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283 reviews in English
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Review from Christie M.
Walled Lake, MI
12/14/2011
Yay!! My friend took me here for some takoyaki but I actually liked the red bean cake and dango so much better. It was down pouring and we looked like a couple of drenched kitties standing under the huge umbrella munching away on our dango sticks. Warm chewy goodness feels so good in the cold.
Now I'm totally having withdrawal. I want more! Someone overnight me some to the D please! -
Review from Jen M.
1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Imagawayaki!!!
So, I don't get out enough, especially to Little Tokyo. This is how I always feel, and I wonder when I'm going to get my act together and get out here more often!
Mitsuru Cafe is a little Ma & Pa type place, and I remember that I ate here about 6 years ago. I will say that whatever it was that we ate, was just decent. The only memory I can conjur up about the food was that it was not great, but nor was it horrible. Just okay. Besides, my palette for onolicious food has evolved anyway, so I am a much more scrutinizing eater these days. :)
But what I do remember, and what I continue to enjoy from here are the ever popular imagawayaki. There are not other places that I know of that make them fresh, and honestly, this is the ONLY way that I will eat azuki beans or paste. It is so good! I love the fluffy little pancakes that the paste is sandwiched in. There is a reason why there are always long lines for the stuff.
This has become sort of our ritual must have when we are in the area. I love that it's located just across the street from the Japanese American National Museum too.
Downtown LA is full of history and great for spending a day to discover. Throw in hidden gems like these, and it makes for quite a nice day indeed. -
Review from Sean Y.
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Imagawatfukinever...
Listen lady you're sweet enough but do me a favor...when I ask for my ten-don with an egg on top, please don't argue with me...just do it. If we can make a fictional movie about putting a man on the friggin moon then you can crack a goddamn egg on my donburi. Strike one.
Your teri chicken had the taste and texture of boiled chicken and your mac salad tasted pretty goddam bland and your teri glaze was bleh...talk to your messican cooks back there because there ain't nothin nice about this plate. I would recommend a skosh of salt and a metric ton of ajinomoto. Strike two and three. Whatever. My baachan curses you.
I'm sure the takoyaki, imagawayaki and chicken karaage on a stick that everyone was lining up for and raves about is all oishii and shit so I'll throw in an extra star...maybe I'm just barking up the wrong tree but come on people...that's some basic shit and it plain sucked...and I really don't bitch that much.
Ah screw it...come eat here...who the hell am I anyway?
Egg-less In 2012Listed in: Japo-licious
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Review from Cindy W.
1/1/2012
Long wait, cash only, over-hyped, mediocre food.
The imagawayaki were average. Nothing special besides the fact that no other bakery makes them fresh in the area.
Takoyaki are not made fresh. If you're unlucky enough to get an old one from the bottom of the pile, I feel for you. Also, I couldn't find any tako in my takoyaki.
Skip it.Listed in: All Hype in LA
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Review from Elnino F.
I wish we didn't eat so much during our LA trip, but I had to have just one, at least one Takoyaki from Mitsuru Cafe. I couldn't leave LA without trying one. My stomach was overwhelmed, but my mental state of mind kept saying, "EAT!"
Located in Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles, next to Nijiya Market is Mitsuru! Even during a slightly rainy day, lines were forming outside for these tasty Japanese octopus dumplings. And I don't blame them. For $2 you get 3 savory pancakey, tempura, octo-NOMiNOUS covered in Takoyaki sauce, aonori, and sesame seeds. It's worth the wait, considering the door is pretty narrow and there's only one cashier dispensing your order.
Get them fresh and eat 'em right away, otherwise you'll end up with soggy-yucky!
The Shumai & Imagawayaki were good, but nothing like the Takoyaki!
#eat&drinkresponsiblyListed in: [ PAN AZN ]
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Review from Sara C.
Los Angeles, CA
12/13/2011
The first time I passed by Mitsuru Cafe, I noted the respectable line that was slowly forming around the establishment. I did not want to wait in line at the time, but I decided to yelp Mitsuru to see what all the hubbub was about.
Turned out that the takoyaki and imagawayaki were what people were pursuing.
So the next time I went to Little Tokyo, I passed by Mitsuru Cafe and was pleasantly surprised to find no line! We darted in and hastily asked for two takoyaki and two imagawayaki.
Unfortunately, the takoyaki had been sitting out for a bit, so it was not piping hot. Nevertheless, it was still crunchy, doughy and flavorful - sesame seeds, sauce, dried seaweed and all. The imagawayaki, on the other hand, was still warm, which made it all the better - perfectly sweet red bean paste in between two warm and thick, faint honey-flavored pancakes.
I'd like to try dango next time, especially since these two snacks were so good!Listed in: Little Tokyo
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Review from Sarah A.
11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have to confess... I'm in total nerd for Takoyaki! BF and I were starting to get hungry after spending the afternoon at the nearby Geffen Contemporary. We decided to walk around J-town village when we saw a small line forming outside of a small cafe. Wondering what the commotion was we wonder over to see what the hubbub was all about. BF said this place is known for their small eats and of course their Imagawayaki and Takoyaki. It did not take much for us to know we wanted this as a snack, the line (which moved fast, mostly because half of the people who were in line were waiting for their Imagawayaki to be ready). We ordered four of their Takotaki plus a bottle of water. They accept cash and credit (but only if you spend $10.00 and over).
Decided to sit outside since it was a nice afternoon, plus they had a street musician who kept making me laugh trying to get the audience to participate. While I'm totally open to trying different place for Takoyaki, this place is pretty good (Kappo Honda still holds the title as of right now). Mitsuru's was tasty and freshly made; it has some flavor to it and hit the spot without making me totally full. Next trip I am totally trying the Imagawayaki!Listed in: Los Angeles Pimpin'
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Review from Marlyn A.
12/4/2011
I'm almost positive that I'm not being original here starting off by saying:
TWO WORDS: TAKOYAKI and IMAGAWAYAKI
Anyone who's been to the Japanese Village in LA will tell you, go to that spot that sells takoyaki and those japanese red bean cakes.
Every single time I come here, I fail to acknowledge the name of this business. In actuality, I did a bit of research just to figure it out. A Yelp review is definitely worth it and it also helps to beef up my LA Foodie List.
But yes, Takoyaki...can't complain there. Imagawayki, always made fresh or to order right by the register. You can even peek inside their front window to watch them make it. Oh man, their imagawayki is always so fluffy. Mmmm, to die for. Unlike the many I've had before, this is definitely the fluffiest and so far in the running for number one in my book.
So if you're a Japanese fan, immerse yourself in the culture and eat like the locals do. Order some Takoyaki, eat it, enjoy it. Then return back for a fresh batch of Imagawayki and take it with you as you stroll the Japanese Village or even all of Japan town. That's definitely the ideal way to do it. Maybe after your first visit, this will be your so cal tradition as well. -
Review from Erica J.
12/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
A must stop if you're taking a stroll through Little Tokyo. There is usually a line out the door for the freshly made "street food" snacks, but it moves pretty fast (unless the person in front of you just bought out all the snacks and you have to wait for more to be made -- this has happened to me a few times). If I have the stomach space and cash on me, I make it a point to stop and get my imagawayaki, a Japanese dessert that has sweetened red bean paste baked in between two moist, pillowy soft "buns." It never disappoints, although one never seems enough. Fresh and toasty warm in your hands, you want to savor every sweet and chewy bite. It's fun to watch them make it through the shop window too, since they use a special cast iron pan and you can see the experts' speed and skill.
They also have freshly made takoyaki and other delectable quick eats. I have yet to find a restaurant that has better takoyaki than the chewy, fried goodness that it is at Mitsuru. Most places have soggy takoyaki, especially since they drench it with sauce long before it gets to you. Here, they drizzle the sauce on right before they hand you the skewer or only shortly before; and it's so delicious, it doesn't have time to get soggy.
Most items cost about $2. I know for sure that the imagawayaki is $1.25 and has been for a while. Most people stand in line, grab their snacks, and go; but there is also a restaurant that serves food, beyond the enticing snack counter in front. I have yet to eat there myself. I've always been content with my snacks to go. -
Review from Jessie B.
Huntington Beach, CA
1/22/2012
The imagawayaki is imagawayummy!
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Review from Tiffany P.
Chino, CA
12/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Quaint little cafe nestled inside the Little Tokyo Plaza. The katsudon is pretty good here. They also sell some fried goodies (takoyaki, dango, etc.) at the entry of the cafe and fresh red bean cakes, yum!
Service is true Japanese...very kind and efficient.
Don't forget to order the ramune soda! -
Review from Jayne L.
TAKOYAKI & IMAGAWAYAKI
Those are the only two things I go to Mitsuru Cafe for.
Imagawayaki (cake with sweet azuki bean paste): http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Takoyaki (octopus ball: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
They aren't the best I have ever eaten, but they are definitely FRESHLY MADE and do the trick for my -yaki cravings.
ADVICE: Eat them while they're hot!!!Listed in: Sweet Treats & Tea, Photo Votes, It's a -yaki thing~
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Review from Christine W.
White Plains, NY
The Dorayaki was delicious! My cousin and I came here just for that so it's all I can write about. The place is quaint but is housed in the very cute Little Tokyo part of downtown LA. It's nice to just walk around the area and sightsee (a given as I was visiting from out of town). We were there on a weekday during a holiday week so it wasn't very crowded. There were several people in front of me to order, but it wasn't a long wait. We were blessed to be able to see them being made and got to a fresh batch so it was pretty darn scrumptious. I can see how it wouldn't be as tasty if it wasn't warm and freshly made. The fluffy cake part is nice enough to make you feel satisfied and fuzzy in your belly. The red bean filling is a little sweet, but was just the right texture.
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Review from Andrea W.
1/7/2012
Crowded little cafe with red bean filled cake was fresh, warm, with gooey red bean goodness that is cheap and tasty. great people watching. arthur the one man band is right outside serenading people with this guitar, harmonica, keyboard, pvc piping instrument. Cash only.
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Review from Denise K.
10/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
takoyaki. Check.
shu-mai. Check.
mochi balls. Check.
But why should you really go here? Imagawayaki!
I have never had a real meal here but I always stop by to pick up some Imagawayaki and other snacks. I just can't resist. You walk by the window and you always see someone making them fresh. I smile upon first bite - warm, perfectly chewy, generous azuki filling. Perfect ratio of cake to azuki bean. YummMMmmm. -
Review from Matthew P.
Los Angeles, CA
10/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Everytime I come by Little Tokyo, I always stop by Misturu Cafe for one reason: Takoyaki's!
I discovered these little mini treats while the GF and I were waiting for the Shabu Shabu house. I asked the owner what these "takoyaki's" were and she told me its a egg based treat with octopus in it. So I bought some and WOW, addiction at first bite! There kinda sweet because of the brown sauce that coats the takoyaki but savory inside because of the octopus.
At $2.00 per stick, these bits are affordable and yummy. I suggest anyone thats in Little Tokyo next time, try it out! -
Review from Sophia V.
Anaheim, CA
1/7/2012
IMAGAWAYAKI!!! I can't even say it but i ate 4 of them in one sitting! I am bad....
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Review from Kevin K.
Los Angeles, CA
11/13/2011
Delicious. The red bean cake, takoyaki, dango, fried chicken, all yummy. They are all roughly about two bucks each. It's a tad bit for the amount they give, but wow they are delicious. I love this little place, i have yet to try the food in there, but i would love to soon.
the workers are also very friendly, very good place. -
Review from Charlotte Y.
Los Angeles, CA
10/6/2011
My grandmother lives next door and loves Mitsuru Cafe's imagawayaki so every time I visit the little tokyo plaza I buy a bundle of 8 cakes for 10 dollars. Her face always lights up upon noticing the little red bean snacks and it always makes me happy to see her smile. Everything about these little cake is perfect. The texture, ratio of batter & bean, consistency.
The Japanese man who makes these cakes is really nice, not to mention. PRO!
If you love red bean have one as dessert after eating at one of the many delicious spots in little tokyo. -
Review from Nick C.
9/21/2011 4 photos
Mitsuru Cafe has two parts. There is a restaurant, and a counter in the front which sells snacks and finger food. The most famous of these snacks, are the imagawayaki which is a pastry the size of a hockey puck. On the outside it has the consistency of a pancake and in the middle has a gooey red bean paste. When it is hot, it is very good.
From the window you can see the process of cooking the imagawayaki. For $1.25 for one, I think it is well worth the experience. -
Review from Kevin L.
8/1/2011
Best Imagawayaki I've ever had. Each and every time we're in Little Tokyo, we have to come to Mitsuru Cafe so my wife can spend a small fortune on these hot and delicious treats.
I remember a time when each was less than 50 cents. Times may have changed and the price has gone up, but they still have the same amazing taste and texture that will keep us coming back for as long as they're open. -
Review from Catherine N.
Long Beach, CA
Imagawayaki! The only thing you need to get here. They are hot chewy pancake-like griddle cakes filled with sweet red bean paste. I haven't found any other place that makes them this good. Hot, fresh, chewy and so yummy. Drooling. Cheap too! The yakitori and takoyaki skewers they have aren't great. They don't turn those over fast (since everyone wants the imagawayaki), so they are often cold and old. No biggie since imagawayaki is all you need!
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Review from Vanessa K.
San Francisco, CA
12/3/2011 2 photos
The red bean cakes were sooooo good! I like the crunchy carmelized exterior, that's super warm on the inside. The red bean paste wasn't too sweet, and there were actually whole red beans. I love how fresh it was. Curious to try other items next time.
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Review from Nick H.
7/1/2011 3 photos
2.5 Stars.
I ate here with the crew for lunch. 5.75 for a combo plate with a croiquette, rice, pork, and salad. I tried one of the fried items (shrimp). I also opted for their red bean dessert and their mochi.
The lunch combo was AOK because of the price. It's a good deal. 3 stars.
The red bean dessert (Imagawayaki) is like a cake with red bean in the middle. It looked so tasty. It was AOK. The bread portion was soft but too dry.
Mochi-2 Stars
Wo. The mochi alone would have been yummy. It was drowned in a not-too-good tasting teriyaki sauce. No one could eat it in my group. They even drowned it in sugar...still a no go. -
Review from Bernadette M.
Valley Center, CA
8/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
For the imagawayaki....
After grabbing the best ramen ever from Daikakuya down the street, we passed by Mitsuru and noticed a line of people out of this little place. So of course we had to stop to see what the hype was all about. Through the window, I saw a little old lady making these doughy snacks and I just had to have one. The doughy snack, not the little old lady...
For $1.25 you too can have a bite of a imagawayaki, which look like mini pancakes filled with red bean. Delicious if you eat them right away bc they are still hot. I recommend not bringing them home for later like we did...cold and so not the same. -
Review from Daniel M.
Daly City, CA
8/16/2011
While waiting outside to eat at Daikokuya, I remember having to use the bathroom VERY badly. After about 5 minutes of doing the infamous "Pee Pee Dance", my buddy and I decided to travel across the street to the Plaza. It was 9 o'clock, so most places were closing. That's when we came across Mitsuru Cafe. Because it was almost closing time, they only had two orders of imagawayaki left. So we bought one each.
Friends, I've gotta tell ya. It was the only time I was happy that my bladder was about to explode. Had it not been for that...I wouldn't have discovered the delicious imagawayaki here.
For those of you who don't know what it is...imagine a hockey puck made out of waffle batter with sweet red bean paste inside. Crispy on the outside, warm and soft on the inside. It's the perfect treat for any kind of weather. Especially cold weather.
And the owners are really friendly. They cautioned us that the store was closing, but they saw my clear distress when I asked to use the restroom. I feel most people would've rejected my request...but they did not. I like them a lot for that.
If you're in Little Tokyo, do yourself a favor and try this place. The imagawayaki is only $1.25 a piece. So there's no excuse to NOT try one.Listed in: Southern Cali
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Review from Wan L.
Imagawayaki = Yum! It's a cross between a waffle and a pancake, filled with red bean paste. It's super yummilcious and smells so good too! I'm a fan! This dessert is best enjoyed warm and fresh. Don't let the long line deter you, they are definitely worth the wait!
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Review from Carissa U.
Long Beach, CA
6/1/2011 23 Check-ins Here
Imagawayaki. That's all I get here. $1.25 each. Great treat to take back with you to enjoy now AND later.
I really should try other things here... -
Review from Lucy N.
Berkeley, CA
6/21/2011 1 photo
Mitsuru Cafe is a cozy little shop that makes Japanese snacks. Walking by their window, I saw the pastry chef making fresh imagawayaki and was captivated by the smell. It's practically impossible to pass by without feeling compelled to walk in.
Imagawayaki: a pancake-like dessert stuffed with red bean paste. The dough is simple, chewy, and not overly sweet. If eaten fresh, the crust is perfectly crisp while the inside remains soft. Carbs + red bean, what's there not to love? At ~$1.25 a piece, they are the perfect dessert or snack to satisfy your sweet tooth.
A must-try in Little Tokyo for sure! Unfortunately, it's closed on Mondays. Boo.Listed in: Sweet Tooth
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Review from Chris A.
It's always nice to stop here for a little snack when roaming Little Tokyo. I like their takoyaki and red bean filled bun (imagawayaki). I've also tried their pork shu-mai, which isn't bad. But I just like how everything is made fresh, although some sit around after they are cooked. The takoyaki has good flavor and the batter is soft enough, but not soggy. The red bean in the imagawayaki is consistent throughout, rather than being lopsided and has that soft mushed bean texture. I wish they had the fish shaped ones just for presentation, but taste-wise, it still hits the spot.
One day I'll have to actually sit down at this place and eat the other items they have. -
Review from G. I.
La Crescenta-Montrose, CA
7/6/2011
Know what to order:
You can sit and eat here. However, I find that their forte is in "street food". The Fried Shumai on a stick is great, and their Tatsuta Age (fried chicken Japanese style) on a stick is tasty. To enhance the flavor, an Ebisu or Orion beer that you can buy across the way from the Nijiya Market would be recommended for those who like to pair their food with a beverage.
A hidden menu item is the "Ohagi" which is a rice pastry slathered with really good tasting sweet azuki bean paste that has a healthy sheen that beckons you to bite it. (Comes 4 to a package.) The Ohagi from Mitsuru Cafe is the best I have eaten so far in L.A. Take this home and have it with a strong green tea such as Sencha and/or Matcha as a counter point to the sweetness of the azuki bean paste and the subtly sweet mochi rice.
Imagawa Yaki is for people who like pancakes since the batter is reminiscent of that American breakfast favorite, and the center is filled with sweet azuki beans called "Anko". (It's probably better to eat Imagawa Yaki while it's still warm unless you have a hankerin' fer cold pancakes.)
Mitsuru Cafe is a great place to go to when you want to walk around Little Tokyo and have some goodies to nosh on. Great place to tide you over until you want to do some heavy duty "fressen" later on. -
Review from Calvin H.
7/21/2011
I had vague memories of coming to Little Tokyo as a kid and eating some sort of chewy cake filled with red beans. I had no idea what the cakes were called or where the shop that sold these was located, but a few weeks ago I was window shopping and saw these cakes for sale. Yes!
I walked in, and 30 seconds later came out with the imagawayaki of my childhood. The batter was chewy like an American waffle but without the crisp exterior. The red bean center had the right amount of sweetness, not like the subpar colonial descendants of imagawayaki I had on the streets of Taiwan that tasted like they were filled with under-salted microwave burrito filling.
Yummy, and for $1.25 a better deal than the tiny, pre-fabricated mochi ice cream at Mikawaya across the way. (Think about it. You could get a whole box of those at the supermarket for much less per piece.)
Next time, I'm coming here to try the dango. -
Review from Jimmy X.
Anaheim, CA
4/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
There are few things that remind me of my time in Japan more than street food. I label the dishes at Mitsuru as street food openly, however this should not lead one to thinking that this guilty delights as simple or pedestrian...corn dogs and deep fried twinkies they are not!
I can remember two specific Matsuri (festivals) where street food is served in endless rows of hastily constructed stands; the Kanda Matsuri and Sanja Matsuri. While both of these festivals are centered in religious celebration, they also afford, Tokyo in the case of these two Matsuri, a chance to be transformed into a spectacularly vibrant and pulsing explosion of color and life. The aforementioned stands sprout up from seemingly nowhere, bookended by racks of novelty toys, beautifully crafted and often playful masks as well as games of fortune or luck. In the case of the Kanda Matsuri, massive floats make their way in and about the streets, casting cooling shadows on spectators who are, more times than not, snacking on delicious street foods.
Cue Mitsuru Cafe.
Mitsuru is unbelievably simple to miss. As you walk through the plaza it is located directly to your right, under an unassuming red and black sign. Through the paned window near the entrance one can see the freshly prepared food waiting to be gobbled up and more importantly one can smell them, oh the pungent aroma of shoyu and thick sweet teriyaki. Their general menu consists, mostly, of the following:
Takoyaki - The quintessential street food! Molded balls of batter and octopus (romantically translated as Octopus Balls on the menu board) are bathed in a rich shoyu vinegar dashi and tickled with sesame seeds. They come three to a stick, each the perfect size to be enjoyed in one bite. There is a distinct sea flavor, courtesy of the dashi, which may be initially off putting to some but the flavor is considerably muted as the ingredients mingle together.
Imagawayaki - Absolutely spectacular! Rich pancake like batter surrounds succulent azuki bean paste of an almost jelly like consistency. Served warm and tasting very similar to jam filled donuts, they are an amazingly sweet treat. They generally are made fresh, nearly to order and served always hot.
Dango - Balls of Mochiko dipped and served in a thick soy sauce that resembles in many ways a syrup. They have a somewhat sugary aftertaste and if I am not mistaken are likely Mitarashi Dango or some basic variant.
Meatballs - Balls of chicken or pork, steamed and salted, a perfect companion to the gohan cakes that are served as well. Fried cakes of fish are also often placed alongside the meatballs and while a tad greasy at times, also make a wonderful pair when eaten together.
Street food, vendor food, carnival food, Matrsuri food, call it what you will. What matters is they are simple in composition, complex in flavor and low in price. For an authentic slice of a generally oft neglected aspect of Japanese cuisine, give Mitsuru Cafe a try...you will definitely walk away both educated and impressed. -
Review from suban h.
Arcadia, CA
11/23/2011
Good foods delicious desserts
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Review from Miya C.
South Pasadena, CA
11/20/2011
One word - IMAGAWAYAKI!
Must have - fresh off that old, original pan they squeeze the batter into - heaven! I'm not even a huge fan of red bean but I must get at least one of these fresh and hot when we're in Little Tokyo. During Nisei Week I also love the mochi balls with the sweet shoyu (soy sauce) glaze...reminded me of treats I got in Japan...so yummy!! -
Review from Smitcha B.
Los Angeles, CA
4/21/2011 4 photos
Definitely another hidden gem in the Japanese Village Plaza In Little Tokyo. Here's the funniest thing, I have never taken more than 3 steps into this place and I've eaten here many times. Why, you say? Because it only takes a few steps to pass the door's threshold to order the red bean cakes and takoyakis (rice, battered octopus rounds). If you read most of the reviews for this joint, that's what everyone raves about. Yes, order some of those awesome pastries and share them with everyone while they're still hot. That's the perfect time to chomp them down, nice and fresh.
On this day, I actually walked further into the restaurant and sat down to eat. To my surprise, it was quite dead passed the door. It seems like all the attention is up there and just stays there. The nice older Japanese ladies who came to serve us are mom-like so be nice!
I wasn't expecting anything great since it seems like they only concentrate on the food items in front of the store but I sure was wrong. My party ordered a variety of stuff which included numerous donburi bowls, as well as ramens, udons, zaru sobas (Japanese cold buckwheat noodles), etc. I myself had the tonkatsu donburi - egg, onions, fried batter pork, over rice in a bowl. That was shizzle was legit son!
I sampled the Nabeyaki Udon - egg, tempura, and tons of fish cake. Served traditionally in those iron pots that looks like they hang right above the fire back in the hay day. The soup base was strong and quite tasty. Another winner. Someone had the ramen but I wasn't too impressed with that.
Overall, the menu/food was very simple but was jam packed with yumminess. Don't expect some crazy Chef Emeril Lagasse type dishes here. And if you're down with the octopus, get yourself some takoyaki sticks. There's about three per stick. They also have other goodies served on skewers. Always great apps to start with! Look pass the touristy trap - door and give their normal food a shot.Listed in: So Cali Ramen FTW sucka!, Japanese-Town, LA favorites!
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Review from Robert C.
4/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
After a good meal of shabu shabu or a bowel of ramen, we often walk around and pass by this place. We usually get the usual mochi ice cream but wanted to try something different.
So we end up in Mitsuru Cafe. This cozy spot is located in the Japanese Plaza across from the Mikawaya and right next door to the Sanrio Store. It's not a cafe, more like a to go bakery.
They have one of the best Imagawayaki I have ever tasted. It is a small round baked bread stuffed with sweet bean paste. Best served piping hot right off from the oven. SOOooo GOOood. For only $1.25. WOW.
They sell the goodie tidbits like shumais, takoyakis, happosai (fish cake on a stick), and those yummy mochi balls for $2 or under.
Next time, I'm going to try the takoyaki and shumais next.
I love these small stores with delicious treats in LT.Listed in: Good Grub, Yelptastic!, I love HOLE IN THE WALLS.., LT Adventures
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Review from Katherine S.
Fontana, CA
7/14/2011
The smell of freshly cooked pastries and watching them cook in the window drew me in. For a few bucks you can try a number of "street food" style snacks.
Try the imagawayaki! They're usually always piping hot and they're delicious. Tastes just like a red bean filled pancake :] -
Review from Matt A.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
8/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is the best Japanese food I've ever had. Their Takoyaki is THE BEST. The mitarashi dango is really tasty too! (Even though their on-a-stick foods are a bit expensive, it is still worth it). A lot of people wait in line for hours for their food! Fast service as well!
They don't have gender neutral restrooms though and the place is really small, but has a cozy feeling.
They also partake in the festivals and have a stand, which is fun.
Floors and walls are a bit dirty and discolored, but hey, the food totally makes up for it.
Try their takoyaki, I'm serious, you will love it forever! I commute a whole hour on my anniversary just to eat the stuff with my boyfriend! It is the best! -
Review from Ellie F.
Tustin, CA
8/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Since I live quite a ways from LA now, the only time I'm able to eat my FAVORITE imagawayaki is during the obon festivals and Nisei Week. That's basically the only time I'm in Little Tokyo now. So sad! However, the long drive up the 5 fwy to 101fwy is totally worth it just to taste the sweet and moist imagawayaki. The outer dough is the moist and the sweet red bean center is not too sweet. They all come out fresh right off the pan.
I introduced my hubby to this place, and he loves it too. He mainly gets the takoyaki and fried shrimp, which are both pretty good.
This store has been here for a long time. I remember coming here when I went to school in this area. The surrounding stores are newer, so this store has lasted through the tough times. If you grew up here, do you remember a Shakey's (now Tokyo Outlet), Ikeda Bakery (now Yamazaki Bakery), and Enbun Market (now Nijiya Market)?
