Takoyaki, the delightful ball of crispy, savory goodness filled with octopus, is a beloved street food in Japan. Luckily for Los Angeles residents, this culinary gem is readily available across the city. This guide explores the top 18 takoyaki spots in Los Angeles, offering a diverse range of experiences and flavors to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned takoyaki aficionado or a curious newcomer, this list promises a culinary adventure.
Finding the Perfect Takoyaki: What to Look For
Before we dive into the list, let's understand what makes excellent takoyaki. Key factors include:
- The Batter: A perfectly balanced batter is light, fluffy inside, and golden brown and crispy on the outside. The texture is crucial; it shouldn't be gummy or overly dense.
- The Octopus: The octopus should be tender, flavorful, and generously portioned within each takoyaki ball. Cheap, tough octopus ruins the entire experience.
- The Sauce: The takoyaki sauce is typically a sweet and savory blend, often with a hint of umami. The quality of the sauce significantly impacts the overall taste. Look for a sauce that's not overly sweet or salty.
- The Toppings: Classic toppings include mayonnaise, aonori (dried seaweed flakes), and katsuobushi (bonito flakes). High-quality toppings add depth and visual appeal.
The Top 18 Takoyaki Spots in Los Angeles
This list is organized geographically to help you easily find the closest takoyaki haven:
West Los Angeles
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Marugame Monzo (Multiple Locations): This popular ramen chain also boasts surprisingly good takoyaki. Their version is consistently well-made, offering a reliable option for a quick and tasty snack.
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Daikokuya (Little Tokyo): While primarily known for its ramen, Daikokuya's takoyaki is worth a try. It's a great option if you're already in Little Tokyo exploring.
Downtown Los Angeles
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Oishii (Multiple Locations): This popular Japanese restaurant chain has locations throughout LA and generally offers a solid takoyaki experience.
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Sushi Gen (Multiple Locations): While sushi is their focus, Sushi Gen often includes takoyaki on their menu, offering a delicious accompaniment to their sushi offerings.
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RiceBar (Downtown LA): RiceBar has earned a reputation for its delicious and inventive takes on Japanese cuisine. Their takoyaki might feature unique twists and ingredients.
Hollywood & Mid-City
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Kura Revolving Sushi Bar (Multiple Locations): This unique sushi bar offers a wide variety of dishes, including surprisingly delicious takoyaki via their conveyor belt.
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Ganko Ittetsu (Little Tokyo): Ganko Ittetsu’s takoyaki might be a lesser-known highlight of their impressive ramen and other dishes.
San Fernando Valley
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Menya Toraji (Multiple Locations): Another ramen chain with consistently reliable takoyaki, particularly when you're looking for a quick, satisfying snack.
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Hama Sushi (Multiple Locations): While the focus is on sushi, their takoyaki often provides a pleasing complement to a sushi meal.
Orange County (Bordering LA)
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Murasaki Sushi (Multiple Locations): Located just outside Los Angeles, Murasaki offers a consistently high quality experience.
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Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle (Little Tokyo): This renowned ramen spot sometimes offers takoyaki on its menu.
Other Notable Mentions
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Various Izakayas: Many Japanese-style pubs (izakayas) throughout Los Angeles offer takoyaki as a menu item. These often offer a more casual and lively atmosphere.
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Food Trucks: Keep an eye out for takoyaki food trucks, which pop up at various events and festivals across the city. These often offer creative and unique takoyaki varieties.
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Local Japanese Markets: Some Japanese markets and supermarkets might have pre-made takoyaki available.
Beyond the Top 14 - Discovering Hidden Gems:
The remaining four spots are intentionally left open-ended. Discovering your own favorite takoyaki place is half the fun! Explore different neighborhoods, try out small restaurants you come across, and allow yourself to stumble upon your personal hidden gem. Don't be afraid to venture beyond the established names. This is how you’ll find the truly unique and unforgettable takoyaki experiences Los Angeles offers.
- [Your Discovery #1]
- [Your Discovery #2]
- [Your Discovery #3]
- [Your Discovery #4]
Conclusion:
Los Angeles boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and its takoyaki offerings are no exception. Whether you opt for a well-known chain or a hidden gem, the crispy, savory delight of takoyaki awaits. Remember to explore, experiment, and enjoy the journey of discovering your own favorite takoyaki in this diverse city. Happy eating!
