Top 18 takoyaki in Los Angeles
Takoyaki, a beloved Japanese street food, has made its way to the vibrant city of Los Angeles. These savory ball-shaped snacks, filled with diced octopus and various other ingredients, are a popular choice for foodies seeking a taste of Japan in the heart of LA. From food trucks to Asian fusion restaurants, takoyaki in Los Angeles offers a unique and delicious culinary experience.
- 1. Takoyaki Tanota
- 2. Daikokuya Little Tokyo
- 3. Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen - Little Tokyo
- 4. Izakaya Osen
- 5. Marugame Monzo
- 6. Chinchikurin
- 7. IKI RAMEN
- 8. Kouraku Japanese Ramen & Grill
- 9. Suehiro Mini
- 10. Izakaya BIZAN
- 11. Mitsuru Cafe
- 12. Ramen Tatsunoya
- 13. Blosom Japanese Restaurant
- 14. Ten Ramen
- 15. Chinchikurin
- 16. La Brea Ramen & Sushi
- 17. IKI Ramen
- 18. Daikokuya Sawtelle
1. Takoyaki Tanota
Authentic Japanese street food, fresh ingredients, casual atmosphere

A street vendor in Little Tokyo, located on 2nd Street, offers authentic takoyaki. These ball-shaped Japanese snacks are made fresh as you wait, unlike the frozen, reheated imitations commonly found elsewhere. While the size of these takoyaki may not be as large as those seen on Japanese television, and each ball contains only a small amount of octopus, the price and authentic preparation method make this a worthwhile experience.
The takoyaki I tried was topped with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese and truffle, creating a perfect combination of flavors. The heat of the takoyaki caused the cheese to melt, adding a delightful creaminess to each bite. This satisfying and filling snack was even more enjoyable due to its freshness, which was unlike anything I had tasted in Japan before. The unique and high-quality ingredients used in this dish made it an addictive and memorable experience.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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2. Daikokuya Little Tokyo
Authentic Japanese cuisine, cozy atmosphere, friendly service

The takoyaki at Daikokuya is a must-try due to its exceptional cooking and delicious flavor. It boasts a crispy exterior and a soft interior, creating a satisfying texture.
Takoyaki, a popular Japanese street food, is expertly prepared at Daikokuya. Its exterior is crispy, while the inside remains soft and flavorful. This delightful dish is sure to impress with its perfect balance of textures and tastes.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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3. Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen - Little Tokyo
All-you-can-eat tapas with ramen or curry order

Takoyaki, a popular Japanese street food, is known for its crispy exterior and gooey interior filled with diced octopus and other savory ingredients. Some people find takoyaki to be a bit too salty, which can overpower the other flavors in the dish. However, despite this, many still enjoy trying takoyaki, especially if it is well-cooked and prepared with quality ingredients.
One particular establishment is known for its exceptional takoyaki, which is always cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. The perfectly crispy exterior and soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior make for a delicious experience. Whether you're a fan of takoyaki or looking to try it for the first time, this place is definitely worth a visit.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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4. Izakaya Osen
Authentic Japanese izakaya with a lively atmosphere and extensive menu

Izakaya Osen is well-known for its exceptional takoyaki, which should not be missed when visiting this establishment. These popular Japanese snacks are skillfully prepared and cooked to perfection, resulting in a delicious and satisfying treat. The savory sauce that accompanies the takoyaki adds an extra layer of flavor that elevates the dish to new heights.
For those who have had the pleasure of trying takoyaki in Japan, Izakaya Osen's version is sure to bring back fond memories. The taste and texture are strikingly similar, making it a great option for those craving a taste of Japan. The restaurant's commitment to authenticity and quality is evident in every bite, making it a standout choice for fans of Japanese cuisine.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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5. Marugame Monzo
Hand-pulled udon, made fresh daily

Marugame Monzo is an excellent choice for dining in Little Tokyo, offering an authentic Japanese culinary experience. The restaurant is so impressive that our group visited twice in the span of a week, both times for dinner. The staff at Marugame Monzo were friendly and attentive, ensuring that our dishes arrived in a timely manner. The establishment appeared clean and well-maintained, with an open kitchen layout that allowed guests to witness the creation of their meals.
The standout feature of Marugame Monzo is their fresh, homemade noodles. During our visits, we enjoyed their udon, a small bowl of rice and tuna, and a serving of tempura. Each dish was skillfully prepared and showcased the authentic flavors of Japanese cuisine. For those planning a visit to Little Tokyo, Marugame Monzo is a must-try destination, offering delicious food that is sure to impress.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Dinner
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6. Chinchikurin
Authentic Osaka-style street food, lively atmosphere

The takoyaki served at this establishment is a must-try dish. Its crispy exterior and soft interior create a delightful contrast in texture. The skillful preparation of the takoyaki ensures that it is cooked to perfection.
Prior to enjoying the main course of okonomiyaki, the takoyaki was a perfect way to start the meal. The appetizer was a great representation of the quality of food that was to come. The delicious takoyaki left a memorable impression and enhanced the overall dining experience.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
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7. IKI RAMEN
Traditional Japanese decor, cozy atmosphere, friendly service

Takoyaki at IKI RAMEN is a must-try for anyone who loves this popular Japanese street food. The dish features perfectly cooked balls with a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. The dough is made from a batter that includes octopus, green onion, and pickled ginger, giving it a unique taste that is both savory and slightly sweet.
Whether you're a fan of takoyaki or just looking to try something new, IKI RAMEN is the place to go. The restaurant's takoyaki is consistently delicious, with a perfectly cooked exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. The dish is made with high-quality ingredients, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you're dining in or ordering takeout, IKI RAMEN's takoyaki is sure to satisfy.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Hidden Gems
8. Kouraku Japanese Ramen & Grill
Traditional Japanese decor and friendly service

The takoyaki served at this establishment is truly remarkable. It boasts a delightful crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and tender interior. The contrast in textures creates an enjoyable eating experience. Upon trying the takoyaki, it's clear that it is skillfully prepared and packed with flavor.
Takoyaki is a popular Japanese dish typically made with wheat flour-based batter, filled with diced octopus, green onion, and pickled ginger. The mixture is cooked in a special molded pan until it becomes crispy on the outside and remains soft on the inside. The takoyaki served here perfectly exemplifies this satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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9. Suehiro Mini
Authentic Japanese street food, Friendly staff, Cozy atmosphere

Suehiro Mini is a family-run restaurant chain known for its diverse menu of delicious Japanese dishes. Prices are reasonable and service is fast and attentive. The menu includes popular options like miso ramen, cutlet curry, and yakisoba, all of which are highly praised for their authentic and savory flavors. Vegetarian and vegan diners can also enjoy a variety of options, such as vegan tomato ramen, vegan mapo don, vegan vegetable udon, and vegan yakisoba.
The portion sizes at Suehiro Mini are generous, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place to enjoy a meal. Although the service may be a bit slow, it is made up for by the generous portions and authentic flavors. Overall, Suehiro Mini is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a taste of Japan in the heart of Chinatown. On a recent visit, we enjoyed two donburis with miso soup and some takoyaki, and left feeling completely full and satisfied.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
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10. Izakaya BIZAN
Authentic Japanese izakaya with a focus on takoyaki

Izakaya BIZAN offers delicious takoyaki, reminiscent of the street food found in Osaka, Japan. This establishment is a must-try for anyone looking for authentic Japanese small plates. The takoyaki stands out as one of the best versions available outside of Japan.
Takoyaki is a popular Japanese street food, and Izakaya BIZAN has perfected their recipe. The savory balls filled with diced octopus, green onion, and tempura scraps, all mixed into a wheat flour-based batter, are cooked to perfection. The outer layer is crispy, while the inside remains soft and gooey. Dipped in takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise, and topped with dried bonito flakes and seaweed, these morsels create an unforgettable eating experience. Highly recommended for anyone seeking exceptional Japanese cuisine.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Vegan Options
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11. Mitsuru Cafe
Offers traditional Japanese tea ceremony

The dish that stands out to me is takoyaki. These ball-shaped snacks have a delicious taste that is hard to put into words. A key element of their flavor comes from a large piece of perfectly cooked octopus inside, which provides a pleasant texture and savory taste. The seasoning of the takoyaki itself is also well-balanced and appetizing, without being overpowered by sauce.
During the tasting, we had the opportunity to try takoyaki balls as well as mochi balls on a stick with a sweet and salty soy sauce glaze. Between the two, I found the mochi to be more enjoyable. Despite my preference for takoyaki, the mochi balls offered a unique and delightful combination of flavors and textures. The glaze added a nice touch of sweetness and saltiness that complemented the chewy and slightly crispy mochi.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Gluten-Free
12. Ramen Tatsunoya
Handmade noodles, traditional Kujy Kai sauce

Customers often enjoy the housemade gyoza and tonkotsu light at this establishment. Another favorite is the takoyaki, which is highly recommended due to its perfectly crispy exterior and soft interior. The tonkatsu is also a popular choice.
This establishment's takoyaki is a standout dish. Its exterior has a satisfying crunch, while the inside is tender and flavorful. In addition to the takoyaki, the housemade gyoza and tonkotsu light are customer favorites. The tonkatsu, with its juicy pork interior and crispy breading, is also worth trying.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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13. Blosom Japanese Restaurant

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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14. Ten Ramen
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Japanese comfort food

Takoyaki, a popular Japanese street food, is known for its delicious taste and unique flavor. Consisting of small balls of dough filled with diced octopus, takoyaki is cooked in a special pan until golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside. Despite the slightly doughy texture, the flavor of takoyaki is highly enjoyable with a perfect blend of savory and sweet.
While the takoyaki had a delightful flavor, it was a bit too doughy for my personal preference. Nonetheless, the dish was skillfully cooked with a nice crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. The pieces of octopus within added a nice texture and flavor to the dish, which was further enhanced by the savory takoyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise on top. Overall, the takoyaki was a delicious and enjoyable culinary experience.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Dinner
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15. Chinchikurin
Traditional Japanese street food in the heart of LA

Takoyaki, a popular Japanese street food, was a highlight of the meal. These ball-shaped snacks are made with a batter that envelops diced octopus, green onion, and tempura scraps. The octopus in the takoyaki was tender, and the batter was cooked to perfection with a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. The dish had a great balance of flavors, with the savory taste of the octopus and batter complemented by the sweetness of the takoyaki sauce and the tanginess of the mayo. Overall, the takoyaki was a delicious and satisfying dish that left a lasting impression.
Trying takoyaki for the first time, I can confirm that it is indeed a delicious dish. The exterior of the takoyaki was crispy and golden brown, while the interior was soft and chewy. The diced octopus inside was tender and flavorful, adding a nice savory note to the dish. The sauce and mayo toppings provided a nice contrast to the savory taste of the takoyaki, with the sweetness of the sauce and the creaminess of the mayo enhancing the flavors. Overall, the takoyaki had a great balance of textures and flavors that made it a standout dish.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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16. La Brea Ramen & Sushi
Homemade sauce for takoyaki, generous toppings

Takoyaki, a popular Japanese street food, is known for its delicious taste and unique texture. One report states that the takoyaki served here has a crispy exterior with a soft and tender interior, making it a must-try dish. However, another person's experience differed slightly, as they found the takoyaki to be good but a bit too salty for their preference.
Despite the slight discrepancy in taste, both parties agree that the takoyaki is a decent appetizer. Its delicious taste and unique texture make it a popular choice for those looking to try something new or satisfy their cravings for Japanese street food. However, those who are sensitive to salt may want to request a lighter hand on the seasoning.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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17. IKI Ramen
Using traditional Japanese methods and ingredients

Takoyaki, a popular Japanese street food, is known for its delicious taste and unique texture. At IKI Ramen, takoyaki is prepared to perfection, with a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. The balance of flavors in IKI Ramen's takoyaki is excellent, making it a must-try dish for anyone visiting the restaurant.
The octopus filling in IKI Ramen's takoyaki is especially noteworthy. It is perfectly tender, adding a satisfying bite to each piece of takoyaki. The toppings, which can include ingredients like green onion, bonito flakes, and mayo, are also carefully selected and prepared to complement the flavors of the takoyaki. Overall, IKI Ramen's takoyaki is a standout dish that is sure to delight fans of Japanese cuisine.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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18. Daikokuya Sawtelle
Cash-only, Long queues during peak hours, Vibrant atmosphere

The restaurant's daikoku ramen broth is a standout, rich in flavor yet not overly salty. Accompanying the ramen, the takoyaki is a delightful dish with a crispy exterior and soft interior, filled with a generous portion of well-cooked octopus.
The takoyaki is a must-try dish at this restaurant. Its crispy exterior and soft interior, combined with a generous amount of tender octopus, make for a delicious experience. The daikoku ramen broth also deserves recognition, boasting a rich flavor while avoiding an overpowering saltiness. Both dishes offer a satisfying and enjoyable meal.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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