Kinjiro
Japanese restaurant · Los Angeles
424 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
About
Tucked away in the Honda Plaza in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo, Kinjiro has earned a reputation as an intimate, owner-operated izakaya that prioritizes a personalized dining experience. With a solid 4.6 rating from nearly 150 reviews, the restaurant is known for its minimalist, cozy atmosphere and a menu focused on small, shareable Japanese dishes. Guests often highlight the attentive, polite service, noting that the staff is dedicated to detail, frequently replacing plates between courses to ensure a clean and thoughtful presentation. The menu features a diverse range of offerings, from fresh seafood like uni, scallops, and crab, to comforting staples such as beef bowls and truffle mushroom creamy udon. Many diners point to the grilled beef tongue and various dessert options, such as the black sesame mousse or hojicha panna cotta, as standout choices. While the restaurant is widely regarded as a hidden gem, its popularity means that securing a table requires planning; reservations are managed exclusively via email and are typically booked weeks in advance. It is a destination for those seeking a quiet, deliberate meal where the quality of ingredients and the warmth of the hospitality take center stage.
What clients say
Kinjiro is a highly regarded, intimate izakaya in Little Tokyo known for its exceptional food quality and attentive, personalized service. While the dining experience is widely praised, guests must navigate a competitive email-based reservation system and should be prepared for a premium price point.
Strengths
- Exceptional food quality
- Attentive and friendly service
- Intimate and cozy atmosphere
- High-quality uni dishes
- Excellent sake selection
Weaknesses
- Difficult reservation process
- Premium price point
- Slow dining pace
Best for
This restaurant is best for diners seeking an intimate, high-quality izakaya experience who are willing to plan their visit weeks in advance.
Opening hours
- Friday
- 5:30–10 PM
- Monday
- 5:30–10 PM
- Sunday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Saturday
- 5:30–10 PM
- Thursday
- 5:30–10 PM
- Wednesday
- 5:30–10 PM
Contact
- 424 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- (213) 229-8200
- www.kinjiro-la.com