Tsubaki
Authentic Japanese restaurant · Greater Echo Park Elysian ·
Seasonal small plates, noodle specialties, dumplings & drinks
Seasonal small plates, noodle specialties, dumplings & drinks
"When fresh crab from a reputable spot is on the menu, I order it — and at chef Charles Namba and Courtney Kaplan’s Tsubaki, that led me to the creamy, salty chawanmushi with crab. Typically a silky egg custard steamed in a cup, this version is wonderfully fluffy with a healthy dose of salty ingredients, served in the most adorable bowl and layered with flavors that surprise from the interplay of egg, Dungeness crab, and a light dusting of truffle salt. Paired beautifully with sake, it’s exactly what I’ve come to expect from this Echo Park restaurant: everything is thoughtful, well-sourced, and multi-layered to match the energetic feeling in the dining room." - Eater Staff
"This izakaya near the entrance to Dodger Stadium has everything you want for date night: indoor and outdoor seating, a sake list longer than some dictionaries, and incredible Japanese food. Prioritize the yakitori (we like chicken oysters), but don't ignore the larger dishes. Tsubaki's garlic fried rice with dungeness crab is a requisite order unless you have a shellfish or fun allergy." - brant cox, sylvio martins
"First things first: Tsubaki is not a sushiya. Barring a lovely plate of sashimi (kanpachi), the menu at this delicious Japanese gem is comprised of classic izakaya food. Think fluffy whipped miso tofu, topped with marinated cherry tomatoes and pickled scallion kimchi; Salmon Creek Farm pork shumai with braised bacon dashi; and tender grilled chicken “oysters” kicked up with yuzu kosho. Dishes are meant to be shared and paired with beer or sake. Beverage lovers will thrill to the excellent selection of local craft and distilled sake—and they’ll also get to choose their own cups to enjoy these sips.Reservations and use of the restaurant’s valet are highly recommended, especially in the summer when nearby Dodger Stadium is stormed with traffic." - Michelin Inspector
"The sister restaurant of Ototo, Tsubaki is a 35-seat izakaya with an extensive wine and sake program from Courtney Kaplan. Expect dishes like donabe steamed clams, wagyu kushiyaki, yaki onigiri, and charcoal-grilled chicken hearts from chef Charles Namba, a veteran of Bouchon. Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time; though Tsubaki has been open since 2017, it tends to fill up every night. Monday evenings tend to be the best bet to get a seat in the dining room, or in the outdoor sidewalk seating area, even if booking last minute." - Rebecca Roland
"You spent five hours smiling and nodding at strangers at a work conference today, and you’re pretty much done having conversations. Spend some quality alone time at the bar at Tsubaki, the modern izakaya in Echo Park. This spot is arguably better experienced by yourself - when you sit at the bar, the chefs will pour you sake without you even asking, tell you stories, and generally make every part of this already-great izakaya even better." - amy clark, brett keating