Japonica – Izakaya dining has been mushrooming in popularity, and our readers are obviously fans of the style – once again they have favored the small plate delights of Japonica over more traditional Japanese restaurants. “Izakaya” literally means “place to sit and drink sake,” and Japonica has a well-stocked sake bar to pair with the pub snacks that are at the heart of this cuisine. Try earthy stewed daikon radish, squid in garlic butter, grilled pork loin in citrusy yuzu sauce, or other regional Japanese delights and you sample real Japanese flavors.
Japonica: 1304 1/2 S. PCH, RB. (310) 316-9477. www.japonicadining.com
Runners-up (tie): Izaka-ya by Katsu-ya, 1133 Highland Ave., MB. (310) 796-1888. Rice Things, 2401 W. Artesia #G, RB. (310) 214-9033. ricethings.net
