Izakaya Osen

Chef Damon Cho opened Izakaya Osen on July 20, 2017 in a remodeled Sunset Boulevard strip-mall bay (the former Aroma Italian), after cooking at Matsuhisa, Nobu in Hawaii, and Tao Hollywood. The room mixed sushi and sashimi with kushiyaki skewers, rice bowls, tempura, and hot pot, the kind of stay-drink-place izakaya that Eater, Time Out, and The Infatuation keep on Silver Lake shortlists. Signature pulls that reviewers return to include chirashi and donburi (toro-unagi among them), grilled skewers, and Nobu-coded plates such as yellowtail jalapeño when they are on. In June 2026 the restaurant reopened a few doors down at 2861 West Sunset in a larger former Wood space with a patio and attached parking; the menu stayed largely the same. Sibling Omakase by Osen sits farther down Sunset for a counter tasting. Yelp reservations help on busy nights at the izakaya. Hours often run roughly noon into late evening; confirm live on osenizakaya.com. An Irvine location exists under the same brand.

Public reviews praise fresh fish, generous bowls, skewers, and a lively neighborhood energy. Recurring friction includes waits without a reservation, a check that climbs once sushi and drinks stack, and a room that can feel loud. Diners who like it usually want a shareable Silver Lake izakaya night with sushi on the table, not a quiet tasting-menu room.