Izayoi

LITTLE TOKYO. Izakaya, a style of Japanese restaurant serving primarily small plates, is a relatively unfamiliar concept stateside, but Izayoi is bound to change all that. If you're in the mood for trying something new, you're in luck: panko-crusted seafood croquettes, grilled sardines stuffed with roe, homemade tofu, and braised pork belly are just a few of the adventurous dishes on the menu. Wash it all down with top-notch sake or shochu, a distilled alcoholic drink that's stronger than sake and wine. Pleasantly casual atmosphere and reasonable prices add to the restaurant's appeal.