Izakaya BIZAN

A little pricy, but not much considering its location. Absolutely delicious authentic cuisine tucked away at the top of the Galleria. Love the inside. Wonderful service too

Izakaya Bizan is located inside the Little Tokyo Shopping Center, on the 3rd floor. One piece of advice for fellow diners: If you prefer a regular table, it's best to make a reservation in advance. However, if you arrive on the day without one, consider yourself lucky as you might get a chance to sit at the sushi bar.

The Japanese yakitori at Izakaya Bizan was simply delicious. The flavors of the skewered and grilled meats were perfectly balanced, making it a delightful culinary experience. Each bite was a burst of umami goodness, and I couldn't help but try several different varieties.

For our meal, I ordered the monkfish liver as a starter, and it was a delectable choice. Creamy, rich, and delicately flavored. As for the main course, I went with the Chirashi bowl, and it did not disappoint. The fresh assortment of fish and toppings over a bed of perfectly seasoned sushi rice was a delight for both the eyes and the palate. My friend opted for the poke bowl as the main course, and they were equally delighted.

To complement our meal, we decided to try the Green Tea Plum Wine. It was an intriguing choice with a unique and captivating taste that perfectly complemented the dishes we had ordered.

Was in downtown Los Angeles with family and decided to check out it out as it was nearby.

To be to the point it is a 5 out of 5. However there are certain things to be aware of. This is a place where you go to for flavor. Each dish was delicious but the price isn't cheap.

Pricing 1/1
You can expect to pay from 17 to 30 per dish.

Portion 1/1
They are a bit on the smaller side but surprisingly filling. Great for foodies but not so much for people that love quantity.

Flavor 1/1
Delicious, each ingredient was full in flavor and clearly defined. The sukiyaki was rich in both sweetness and beefiness. Shrimp tempura was an even amount of breading and shrimp. Udon noodles blended perfectly with all the other flavors.

Service 1/1
They are friendly and not overwhelming. Quick to explain the focus of their dishes and provide a bit of humor.

Presentation 1/1
You can clearly tell what each ingredient is and that it is presented to show highlights.

Overall I would go again but will consider the pricing and aim for going with only select people.

I have mostly good things to say about this place.

Great value, both drinks and food are priced reasonably.

I have been to many other izakaya places where only kitchen food (hot food) is good but sushi is very mediocre or the other way around, but this place is good with both sushi and yakitori.

Must try food items:
Chicken liver $3.5/ skewer - for someone who usually doesn't eat liver because of the bitter taste, i can say that Bizan did very well in making it tasty and I can actually enjoy it!
Beef tongue $6/ skewer - so tender, so tasty!
Premium beef $7/ skewer - pricy but worth the money!
Uni Chawanmushi $13 - large piece of uni and lots of fixings inside. Worth the money, and feels food when you enjoy it as last item of your meal, just warm your body and soul!
Kamasu sushi - $10 for 2 pcs. Looks like white fish but with high fatty content, they torched it a bit so the whole piece just melts in your mouth.

Sake is priced reasonable too. They actually serve Daishichi Kimoto Honjozo as house cold sake. $9 only, good value and so versatile and pairs well with all kinds of yakitori.

Great service, we requested to switch table when the booth became available. Our serve help us to swtich without hesitation.

The only area for improvement would be the atmosphere! I have never been to an izakaya so quiet......Usually izakaya is a little bit noisy (with people drinking, chatting) with uplifting music. Perhaps it's located in a mall (3rd floor) and the customer base are mostly older people.

I'd definitely revisit if I am in the area.

I can see why this place is popular. Seats for big and small groups throughout. While my family and I didn't have to wait on a Wednesday @ 7pm, people kept coming to be seated. The tables are all wooden with square wooden seats with cushions, except for the long bench booths. If your by the wall, there are hold for your belongings. The food is good and the plates were bigger than I expected. If you like Coke, then you'll like that it is fountain and refillable. I ordered a combination plate that was really big and came with a salad. We also had California roll and spicy tuna roll, fries and shrimp tempura. The food came out promptly, but I did have to get the waiters attention to refill the drink a couple of times. Otherwise, I would recommend coming and will come back.

Izakaya with true Japanese flavor and an enormous menu selection. Eating in the tatami mat room is pretty cozy and they will also validate your parking.

Located inside Little Tokyo's galleria, an older mall, don't be afraid to come inside. The restaurant itself is quite spacious with it's friendly staff and amazing tasting, authentic Japanese food, it's so easy to see why this place stays as popular as it has for years. That being said, the hot sake we had ordered was not that great tasting, but it didn't take away from the experience. Definitely anything you get here will be tasty. I enjoyed the pork belly yakitori, calimari, Poke Bowl and super California roll

Great food, great service and always an awesome atmosphere. They also have traditional Japanese tatami rooms for an authentic izakaya experience.

Always a great time coming here. The food and atmosphere is top notch. Perfect place to enjoy good conversation with your friends while having a great meal and drinks

Definitely a local favorite. It's in a building about a block or two down from the busy Little Tokyo plaza where all the tourists go and comes with validated parking. I honestly have not had anything bad here and always get the specials! Also, they have coat hangers at every table so you don't have to put your purse in your lap when you're eating.

Best Japanese food I've had outside of Japan. Unreal and lovely staff.

Delicious skewers, great happy hour specials, and the staff were friendly and attentive. From the pork belly skewers to the sparkling sake, there were no issues.

Great place to hang out, food was great.
But, it cost a lot if you are starving.

Tried Fried Garlic for first time: excellent. I had shrimp tempura (delicious) and an Alaskan Jalapeno Toll (superb). We also sampled some small skewer dishes that were extremely tasty (such as barbequed bacon-wrapped okra). There really wasn't anything we tasted here that my wife and I didnt love. She and I have dined in the best sushi spots in Tokyo and we both agreed that this is some of the best sushi this side of the Pacific! Kind of a dive/hole in the wall type restaurant, but very charming and comfortable. You must try this restaurant in downtown LA.

Monkfish liver nigiri was absolutely lovely. The skewers were delicious as well. Must try at least the scallop skewers

I do not have enough words to describe how amazing the food is here! I had a special of the day, the Japanese style Mac and Cheese with crab and shrimp, my daughter had the Niku Udon, and my guy had the Katsu Don. Everything was amazing! The pork cutlet was tender and melted in your mouth. The Niku Udon was filling, and the Mac and Cheese was a culinary trip! The light cheese and seafood ingredients melded so well together, I was thoroughly impressed! We can't wait to be back to make it a date, and for the yakitori!

Ended up in this place accidentally because the one next door was already closed. The service was mind-blowing! We ordered bunch of rolls and sake and were super satisfied with the food quality as well. Great place.

Love it here. Relaxed atmosphere + great food + lovely staff. Wait times can be a bit long when they're busy (understandably so) but they're so friendly here I don't mind

It was amazing night with awesome Sashimi. As a Japanese I’m so proud of this place! It’s all fresh and taste perfect:)
All the drinks was fantastic, I totally recommend this place to Japanese as well.

This is THE place that I take my non-japanese food eating friends. Service is great and their choices are amazing for Izakaya.

Great for groups but make sure to make a reservations (for 6 or more / weekends).