Budonoki

"At this neighborhood izakaya in Virgil Village, the energy in the dining room is so infectious you'll feel like you just hopped off a flight to Vegas. Friends crowd into dimly lit booths passing dishes like fermented Thai sausage and wagyu yakisoba. A glowing Orion beer sign casts a pink sheen over dates ordering shochu cocktails at the walk-in-only bar. Lauryn Hill and '90s Kylie blast over the speakers. We love that drinks arrive in adorable little penguin mugs, and servers will pull up a chair to discuss the restaurant’s Spotify playlist like it’s a family heirloom (it’s that good). It’s rare to find a legitimate party restaurant, let alone one with great food. Budonoki pulls off both." - brant cox, sylvio martins, cathy park

"Despite being located in a new apartment complex in Virgil Village, Budonoki feels like it’s been around for years. And that’s a compliment. The casual izakaya is dimly lit with exposed piping and has a sort of sticky grunginess that suits a semi-riotous birthday dinner. You’ll eat tons of delicious, shareable plates like jidori chicken oyster skewers and bowls of wagyu yakisoba. Old-school Missy and Ja Rule blast over the speakers. Someone will absolutely do a sake bomb. And by that, we mean you. It is your birthday." - brant cox

"A Thai Japanese izakaya known for its creative takes on drinking dishes and snacks. Notable for its steak frites made from wagyu zabuton and served with smooth au poivre sauce and crispy fries." - Eater Staff

"Eater Awards winner Budonoki is now open seven nights a week, offering dishes like Budo-gnocchi and wagyu steak frites with special promotions on sake and cocktails." - Rebecca Roland

"When longtime pop-up Budonoki went permanent in September 2023, Angelenos quickly realized something special had opened in Virgil Village. The dimly lit izakaya from partners Eric Bedroussian, Dan Rabilwongse, and Josh Hartley emanates a certain cool that’s hard to manufacture. All dark wood and neon lights, it’s not uncommon to find tables entirely obscured in food and drink as diners try to taste a bit of everything. Executive chef Rabilwongse’s experience at acclaimed restaurants like Urasawa, Bouchon, and Hayato comes through on a menu that blends Thai and Japanese flavors: The naem (Thai pork sausage) is a must-order for every meal, but don’t stop there. The best dinners at Budonoki are made up of as many dishes as is reasonable for the group size, like the grilled pork jowl, curry pan, and the Budo-Gnocchi, a take on gnocchi with rice cakes. For drinks, try the Matini, a take on a martini with sake and shochu, or the Hato with shochu, grapefruit, agave, and jalapeño. With Budonoki’s presence in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood, the restaurant also offers a monthly night for the local community called Makanai Monday, where a full meal set is available for only $15. — Rebecca Roland, associate editor" - Eater Staff