Ita-Cho
Los Angeles, CA 90036-2534
Phone: (323) 938-9009
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- N Pointsettia Place
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 11:30am 2:30pm, 5:30pm-11pm, Sat 5:30pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Ita-Cho – by Melanie Abrams
The Scene
Despite the uninspiring industrial space and cheesy tie-dye wall hangings, this crowded restaurant is a favorite with both local hipsters and Hollywood elite. There's often a line, but the food is shuttled to and from the table at such breakneck speed, the wait is never long.
The Food
There's nary a clinker on the short menu of traditional Japanese fare, from the firm eggplant served piping hot and doused with sweet miso sauce to spicy, soy-glazed, wheel-shaped lotus roots, similar in taste and texture to bamboo shoots but with an added kick. Sashimi is fresh but unremarkable, and cooked dishes like broiled eel with teriyaki sauce, are flavorful, but slightly overdone. Instead, order Japanese fried chicken, which is crisp and tender, and served with tangy lemon mayonnaise. The dessert menu is limited, and even the server-suggested red bean ice cream tastes more like plain vanilla.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Look GoodSkip dessert altogether and head across the street to Insomnia for a sweet treat. Better yet, if it's early enough, stroll down to SugarPlum.
The ExtrasWith the prices reasonable and the portions small, order an assortment of dishes and plan to share.
ParkingGood luck finding a free spot on the weekends. Spring for the valet.
Know Before You GoThe restaurant is only open for dinner, so make sure to call after 5:30pm if you want to speak to a human.
User Reviews for Ita-Cho
04/28/2008 Posted by terieaton
One of my first dates with husband of 7 years was at the old, old Ita Cho (strip mall), and we've dined with them reguarly ever since. Nearly everyone we know has gone to Ita Cho on a regular basis over the years (that's the kind of quality, unique, delicious place it is). At the end of last year we heard the owners had sold the restaurant, and to NON-JAPANESE people (not that we're Japanese, but it had always seemed so authentic, we thought it must matter...) Friends jumped on the phone, "have you heard the terrible news?" We thought one was going to move out of town such was his devotion. Since the change of ownership, each of us tread back, lightly, with trepadition. And not ONE regrets the change. Incredible! The food is not only exactly the same, it's even better. The sushi is a welcome and perfectly executed addition. Though we miss Satchko, the new owner and hostess is lovely and gracious (and does know what toro is). The rest of the charming staff remains the same. So go and eat the best traditional mountain Japanese food and NOW some fantastic nouveau Japanese/French yummy creations, and hang out with some hip, beautiful people (not us, but who doesn't like to people watch?). Also, Citysearch, the tie-dye tapestries are not cheesy, they are gorgeous, very much in fashion, and an ancient Japanese craft ;)
Pros: Carlos the valet parker may be psychic!
Cons: none
04/16/2008 Posted by AlanGJewelers
We have been going to Ita Cho for business meetings with my Japanese clients for and also as a family for personal dining. We have always enjoyed the fabulous food and drinks there. This is a place where my Japanese clients feel at home without actually being there. The food is served as small portion allowing us to sample a variety of foods. The restaurant recently changed ownership. The new owners have kept the old and incorporated new to improve our dinning experience. The added sushi bar gives a very warm feeling to the restaurant and allows us to view the chef from anywhere in the restaurant. The added sushi menu is fantastic with exceptional sushi and sashimi dishes offered, this is something which was missing with the old owners. The Lotus root and deep fried flounder fish are excellent, although half portions are available; we always order the full size. The wine and sake list has been improved to showcase better and more variety of wines and sakes. The service is always excellent and friendly. Keep up the good work.
Pros: Excellent food at right prices
