Izakaya Osen on Sunset Blvd.

Izakaya Osen on Sunset Blvd.

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Expressive takes on traditional sushi offerings drive the popularity of Izakaya Osen on a busy Sunset Blvd. corner in Silver Lake.  A generous covered entrance patio off the parking lot is already staked out by regulars at 5 pm while inside, casual comfort with the flair of fine dining is lorded over by an elite line of sushi chefs and personable servers (like Skye, amazing!) who deftly craft your izakaya experience.

Starting with lush Seabass Croquettes and Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice with spicy almond aioli and eel sauce we decided to pair with beer and wine and save exploring the extensive list of curated sakes for the next visit.

Next, the sublime Yellowtail Jalapeño was a naughty pleasure with a hint of garlic which led us down the decadent road of ordering Chef’s 18-piece Premium Sashimi Hashimori, an irresistible cornucopia of variety, sensual mouthfuls, brine, and flavorful accents that turns the idea of sashimi heaven Thanksgiving on its head.

All in all, Damon Cho’s Izakaya Osen Silver Lake offers an updated take on the sushi tavern concept that is beguiling and also authentic. 

Izakaya Osen

SILVER LAKE

2903 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles CA 90026
323-928-2220

HOURS

Sunday – Thursday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Friday – Saturday: 12 pm – 11 pm

https://izakayaosen.com/

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Oh Mona!

Oh Mona!

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Left to right: Pesce Crudo, Spaghetti alle Vongole, Caesar Salad, Casarecce.

Below: Calamari Fritti; Devin in the new digs; a view of the restaurant; Executive Chef Freylin Morales Salazar

“A rare gem that feels like Ettore Sottsass meets Taylor Swift on a date night gone right.”

Downtowner Devin Carlson has designed and opened Mona Pasta Bar, a rare gem that feels like Ettore Sottsass meets Taylor Swift on a date night gone right. Carlson’s reimagining of the former 9th Street Ramen space is a welcome, sexier surprise to the row of storefronts stretching to Spring Street.

Walking into the slowly seductive, jewel box space you feel a comforting intimacy that prepares you to relax and savor the delightful Italian wine selections and smartly crafted menu. Chef Freylin Morales (Silverlake’s L&E Oyster Bar) offers sensual takes on Italian stalwarts from delicate, light as a feather calamari fritti; a divine pesce crudo in kosho beet vinaigrette from the appealing list of starters to pastas including spaghetti alle vongole and casarecce with lamb sausage and rappini. The vongole suffered from an uncharacteristic overdose of butter but that won’t deter future explorations into the menu including a whole branzino for a fair $37 and a coffee-dark rum tiramisu!

Carlson’s experience crafting a successful fashion line and immersive yet minimal designed environments shines through joyfully at Mona.

Address: 111 West 9th Street, Los Angeles, California 90015

Happy Hour 5-7pm Wednesday thru Sunday

Website: www.monapastabar.com

Dinner Hours:
5pm-9pm Wednesdays and Sundays, 5pm-10pm Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays
Happy Hour: 5pm – 7pm nightly (all wines by the glass – $10, dishes $10 – $13)

Menus (dinner and beverage):

Reservations or Walk-Ins: Available on OpenTable and walk-in’s also welcome at the bar
Executive Chef: Freylinlsai Morales Salazar
Architect/Interior Design: Suplex Agency
Floral Artist: Lera Pen
Other Design Collaborators: Bar Stools by Suplex Agency – Build by OTG, Soffit Sculpture and
Bathroom Artwork by DOT

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