Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise

For residents of California seeking an authentic and delightful Japanese dining experience, Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise in Monrovia stands as a welcoming and highly-regarded destination. More than just a sushi restaurant, Oto-Oto offers the diverse culinary landscape of a traditional Japanese izakaya, a casual pub-style eatery where patrons can enjoy a wide array of small plates, grilled skewers (yakitori), fresh sushi, and a selection of beverages. This establishment has earned a strong reputation for serving "very good and taste authentic" food, attracting locals who appreciate genuine Japanese flavors in a comfortable setting.

Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise prides itself on its commitment to authenticity, with one reviewer from Tokyo affirming the food's genuine taste. This dedication extends across their varied menu, from perfectly grilled yakitori skewers like the "very good" mushroom and miso salmon, to a comprehensive selection of sushi and sashimi. Their offerings often include bento boxes during lunch, providing a well-rounded meal with various components. The emphasis on fresh ingredients and traditional preparation methods ensures a high-quality dining experience.

Beyond the delicious food, Oto-Oto is celebrated for its inviting and "very comfortable" seating and overall atmosphere. Despite facing south, the interior is described as "dimly lit," aiming for a cozy ambiance, though some guests have noted the sharp contrast when sunlight blasts in. Regardless, the relaxed setting makes it an ideal spot for family gatherings, a casual night out with friends, or a satisfying solo meal. With its combination of authentic flavors, a diverse menu, and a pleasant environment, Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise has become a beloved Japanese culinary hub for the Monrovia community.

Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise is conveniently situated at 929 W Huntington Dr, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA. This address places the restaurant along a prominent and well-trafficked corridor in Monrovia, a charming city nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley, part of the greater Los Angeles County. Huntington Drive (also known as Historic Route 66 in parts) is a major east-west artery, ensuring excellent visibility and straightforward navigation for diners.

The restaurant's location within a shopping center or plaza along Huntington Drive typically provides ample parking, a highly valued commodity for diners in Southern California. Easy access to parking contributes significantly to a stress-free dining experience, allowing patrons to arrive comfortably and focus on enjoying their authentic Japanese meal.

Monrovia's position within the San Gabriel Valley makes Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise accessible to a wide range of residents. Whether you're coming from neighboring communities like Arcadia, Duarte, Bradbury, or even further afield within Los Angeles County via major freeways such as the 210 Freeway, reaching the restaurant is generally uncomplicated. The local road network around Huntington Drive is well-connected, ensuring a relatively easy commute. Its visibility on a main road also means it’s a natural stop for those passing through or looking for dining options in the area. The combination of a central location, easy access, and convenient parking makes Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise a practical and appealing choice for a wide array of local patrons seeking authentic Japanese cuisine.

• Authentic Japanese Izakaya Cuisine: Oto-Oto specializes in a wide array of traditional Japanese izakaya dishes, which are small, shareable plates often enjoyed with drinks. This includes a diverse menu beyond just sushi.

• Yakitori (Grilled Skewers): A prominent offering, featuring various grilled items such as mushrooms, miso salmon, chicken wings, sausage, tsukune, negima, shishito peppers, shiitake mushroom, beef tongue, and pork kalbi, all grilled over Bincho charcoal for authentic flavor.

• Fresh Sushi & Sashimi: A comprehensive selection of fresh sushi (e.g., Scallop, Tobiko, Spicy Tuna, Sweet Shrimp, Albacore, Unagi, Yellowtail, Salmon, Ikura, Halibut, Snapper, Uni, A5 Seared Wagyu) and sashimi (e.g., Premium Sashimi Bento with Spain Blue Fin Toro, Yellowtail Belly, Salmon Belly, Amaebi).

• Sushi Rolls: Offers various sushi rolls including classic California Roll, Crunchy Roll, Philadelphia Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Cucumber Roll, Vegetable Roll, and Teriyaki Roll.

• Bento Boxes: Available during lunch, offering a complete meal with choices like Miso Cod/Salmon Saikyouyaki, Grilled Mackerel, Chicken Karaage, Chicken/Beef Teriyaki, Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura, Pork Kakuni, Ginger Pork, and a Premium Sashimi Bento. These typically include rice, salad, and a side dish.

• Traditional Japanese Appetizers: A wide range of starters such as Agedashi Tofu, Fried Chicken Wings, Jidori Chicken Karaage, Takoyaki (deep-fried octopus ball), Shishito Pepper Poppers (stuffed with spicy tuna), Ankimo (monkfish liver), and various Edamame preparations (Salt, Truffle, Spicy Garlic).

• Japanese Main Dishes: Includes Miso Marinated Salmon, Grilled Mackerel, Grilled Whole Calamari, Grilled Yellowtail Belly, Grilled Bluefin Tuna Kama/Collar, and various donburi (rice bowls) like Spicy Tuna Avocado Bowl, Yakitori Bowl, Beef Bowl, Chirashi Bowl, and Salmon Ikura Bowl.

• Noodle Dishes: Offerings like Yakisoba (stir-fried noodles) and various ramen (e.g., Tonkotsu Ramen) are available, providing comforting options.

• Desserts: A selection of delicious desserts such as Spumoni Bomba, Cappuccino Truffle, and Monterosa Cake.

• Full Bar with Japanese Beverages: A full bar featuring hard-to-find Japanese whiskies, craft beers, and sake, perfect for complementing an izakaya experience.

• Dine-in Experience: The restaurant offers a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for sit-down dining.

• Online Ordering for Takeout/Delivery: Oto-Oto facilitates convenient takeout and delivery services through platforms like ChowNow and DoorDash.

• Authentic Japanese Cuisine: A major highlight is the restaurant's commitment to authentic Japanese flavors and preparation methods, confirmed by reviewers, including one from Tokyo, ensuring a genuine culinary experience.

• Diverse Izakaya Menu: Beyond just sushi, Oto-Oto offers a rich variety of izakaya-style small plates, including an extensive yakitori selection grilled over Bincho charcoal, a wide range of fresh sushi and sashimi, and various Japanese main dishes like bento boxes, noodles, and donburi.

• High-Quality Ingredients: The menu features premium ingredients such as Jidori chicken for karaage, Spain Blue Fin Toro for sashimi, and A5 Wagyu for sushi, indicating a focus on quality.

• Reasonable Pricing: Despite the high quality and authentic offerings, customers note that the "prices are very reasonable," providing excellent value for a comprehensive Japanese dining experience.

• Comfortable and Inviting Atmosphere: The "very comfortable" seating and generally "dimly lit" ambiance create a relaxing and pleasant dining environment, suitable for various occasions, from family meals to casual outings.

• Responsive and Friendly Service: While it can be busy, the staff is noted for providing "very good" service and contributing to a pleasant dining experience.

• Established Reputation: The restaurant's popularity is evident from reviews mentioning it being "too busy" on prior attempts, indicating a well-loved and frequented local spot.

• Full Bar Selection: Offers a selection of Japanese whiskies, craft beers, and sake, enhancing the izakaya experience.

While the provided customer reviews primarily highlight the consistent quality and reasonable pricing at Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise, public information indicates that this establishment does indeed offer promotions, particularly happy hour deals. For many izakayas, happy hour is a core part of their offering, and Oto-Oto is no exception.

Based on available data, Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise has been known to feature a "Double Happy Hour," offering deals on both food and drinks during specific windows. An older mention noted happy hour going from "5:00PM to 6:30PM & 10:00AM to 12:00AM," suggesting early evening and late-night specials. These could include discounted appetizers like spicy trio cones, yakitori, or special pricing on drinks such as beer and sake. Ramen, like their original Tonkotsu Ramen, has also been featured at a promotional price during happy hour.

To confirm current promotions and special offers, locals are highly encouraged to:

• Contact the Restaurant Directly: Call Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise at (626) 359-3000. This is the most reliable way to get the most up-to-date information on their happy hour times, lunch specials, or any other ongoing promotions.

• Check their Official Website: Many restaurants, including Oto-Oto, list their special menus or promotions on their official website (e.g., the "MENU" or "About Us" sections of otootorestaurant.com).

• Follow their Social Media: Businesses often announce limited-time offers, new menu items, or special events on platforms like Instagram or Facebook. Checking their social media channels can provide real-time updates.

• Inquire During Your Visit: When dining in, ask the staff about any current daily specials or happy hour offerings that might not be widely advertised.

Taking advantage of these promotions can make an already "very reasonable" dining experience even more appealing, allowing patrons to explore a wider range of their authentic izakaya dishes and beverages.

To connect with Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 929 W Huntington Dr, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA

• Phone: (626) 359-3000

These details provide direct avenues for locating the restaurant or making inquiries. Whether you're planning your visit, want to confirm their current operating hours (which, as noted, can include Monday, Wednesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner, with Tuesday typically closed, but subject to change), or have specific questions about their extensive menu and services, the provided phone number is the most efficient way to reach the staff at Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise. Their official website also offers online ordering options for convenience.

For locals in California, particularly those residing in Monrovia and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley, Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended dining destination. Its unique blend of authentic Japanese cuisine, diverse menu offerings, and comfortable atmosphere makes it a compelling choice for a wide array of occasions.

One of the most significant reasons for its suitability is its commitment to authentic Japanese flavors, a quality specifically highlighted by a reviewer from Tokyo. This ensures that residents seeking a genuine taste of Japan, whether through their excellent yakitori (grilled skewers), fresh sushi and sashimi, or traditional bento boxes, will find their cravings satisfied. The extensive menu, characteristic of an izakaya, means there's always something new to try, from savory miso salmon to comforting yakisoba, catering to diverse preferences.

Furthermore, Oto-Oto offers a comfortable and unpretentious dining environment. Despite being a popular spot that can get busy, the "very comfortable" seating and generally relaxed ambiance create a pleasant setting for conversations and enjoyment. This makes it an ideal spot for family dinners, catching up with friends, or even a solo meal where one can truly unwind.

The "very reasonable prices" for the quality and authenticity of the food represent exceptional value, making it an accessible option for regular visits without feeling like an indulgence. This affordability, combined with the diverse offerings and welcoming atmosphere, encourages locals to make Oto-Oto a go-to spot for their Japanese food cravings.

Conveniently located on W Huntington Drive with likely ample parking, Oto-Oto is easily accessible from various parts of Monrovia and beyond. It's a place that fosters repeat visits due to its delicious food, welcoming vibe, and great value. For Californians desiring a taste of true Japanese culinary tradition in a comfortable and approachable setting, Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise truly hits the mark, offering a slice of Japan right in their neighborhood.

Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise

929 W Huntington Dr, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA