Nanbankan

The sheer variety of ramenyas, sushi bars, boba shops and other eateries on Sawtelle might preoccupy most unfamiliar diners, but this yakitoriya just down the block on Santa Monica Boulevard is one of our favorite spots in the area for a casual Japanese dinner. Perfect for pairs or groups of four, Nanbankan happens to also be the rare budget-friendly restaurant in L.A. that will transport you to Japan. Pairs of skewers come quickly from the two giant yakitori grills located behind the glowing central bar (which is almost always full), from shiso-wrapped pork loin to juicy thick slices of beef tongue, while cooked bites like rice bowls, onigiri and ochazuke add bulk to an otherwise lightweight meal of delicate bites of seafood, meat and vegetables.