TOT Little Tokyo

For Californians seeking an authentic taste of Japan, the vibrant streets of Little Tokyo in Los Angeles often serve as a culinary beacon. Nestled within this historic district is TOT Little Tokyo, also known as Teishokuya of Tokyo. This esteemed Japanese restaurant has long been a favorite among locals and visitors alike, celebrated for its dedication to delivering delicious, high-quality Japanese comfort food with a blend of traditional techniques and modern flair.

TOT Little Tokyo offers more than just a meal; it provides an immersive dining experience. From the moment you step in, the "vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff" make you feel "right at home." While their menu boasts a "delightful mix of traditional and modern Japanese dishes," particular highlights frequently include their incredibly "crispiest potato croquette" and "ridiculously delicious" curry, along with satisfying ramen and perfectly prepared katsu. It's a place where presentation matters as much as taste, ensuring every dish is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. If you're in Los Angeles and craving genuinely enjoyable Japanese cuisine, TOT Little Tokyo is a must-visit.

TOT Little Tokyo is conveniently located at 345 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA. This address places it right in the heart of the iconic Little Tokyo district of Downtown Los Angeles. Little Tokyo is a historic and culturally rich neighborhood, known for its Japanese shops, cultural centers, and, of course, its diverse culinary scene.

The restaurant's central location in Little Tokyo makes it highly accessible. For those utilizing public transportation, numerous Metro rail and bus lines serve the area, including the Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, which is just a short walk away. If you're driving, there are several paid parking structures and metered street parking options available throughout Little Tokyo, though as with any popular urban destination, it's always wise to factor in potential parking time. The "cozy yet lively ambiance" makes it a welcoming spot for both casual dining and special occasions, easy to find whether you're exploring the neighborhood or making a dedicated trip.

TOT Little Tokyo's operating hours are generally:

• Daily: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM (some sources indicate closing as early as 7:30 PM or 8:30 PM on certain days/platforms, so it's always best to check current hours before visiting)

These hours typically cover both lunch and dinner services, offering ample opportunity to enjoy their diverse menu.

TOT Little Tokyo offers an expansive menu that truly caters to a wide array of Japanese culinary preferences, moving beyond just sushi to encompass a range of comforting and authentic dishes. Here's a breakdown of their key offerings:

• Katsu Varieties: Their specialty, praised for being "ridiculously delicious" and "crispiest." Options include:

  • Premium Black Pork Loin Katsu

  • Premium Black Pork Tender Katsu

  • Millefeuille Shiso Cheese Katsu (deep-fried multi-layered sliced black pork loin cutlet with shiso leaf and cheese)

  • Millefeuille Katsu (deep-fried multi-layered sliced premium black pork loin cutlet)

  • Chicken Oroshi Katsu (deep-fried chicken breast cutlet with radish ponzu)

  • Chicken Cutlet

• Curry Rice: Highly recommended, with options like:

  • Cutlet Curry (with choice of pork or chicken cutlet)

  • Potato Croquette Curry (with "ridiculously delicious" potato croquette)

  • Creamy Crab Croquette Curry

  • Vegetable Curry

• Donburi (Rice Bowls): A variety of flavorful rice bowls, including:

  • Sukiyaki Donburi (thin sliced beef and onion cooked in sukiyaki sauce)

  • Katsu Don Bento (katsu with egg and sweet onions over rice)

  • Avocado Salmon Donburi

  • Spicy Fried Tofu Donburi

  • Spicy Chicken Donburi

  • Unagi Bento (eel over rice)

• Ramen & Udon/Soba Noodles: While some noted ramen wasn't their historical strong suit, customer reviews indicate it's now "rich and satisfying, with fresh ingredients." Options include:

  • T.O.T Ramen

  • T.O.T Spicy Ramen

  • Nabeyaki Udon (shrimp tempura, chicken, assorted vegetables, and egg in hot bonito broth)

  • Curry Udon

  • Tenzaru Soba (tempura with cold soba noodles)

• Bento Boxes: Comprehensive meal sets that often include a main dish, vegetable tempura, small sides, miso soup, and rice. Examples:

  • Teriyaki Chicken Bento

  • Teriyaki Salmon Bento

  • Hire Cutlet Bento (premium black pork tender cutlet)

  • Mix Bento (pork cutlet, cream croquette, karaage, shrimp pop)

• Appetizers: A wide range of starters to begin your meal:

  • Takoyaki ("perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, bursting with flavor")

  • Potato Croquette (homemade with ground beef)

  • Creamy Crab Croquette

  • Ebi Tempura (shrimp tempura)

  • Kara-Age (deep-fried chicken legs)

  • Gyoza (pork or vegetable)

• Sushi Rolls: They offer a selection of classic and specialty rolls like California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Salmon Roll, and their signature T.O.T. Roll.

• Desserts & Snacks: Sweet options like Daifuku (sweet rice cake) and Mitarashi Dango.

• Beverages: Including over 20 sake selections, Japanese beer, soju, and soft drinks.

• Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery & Reservations: TOT Little Tokyo provides various dining options, including comfortable dine-in service, convenient takeout, and delivery through platforms like Uber Eats and Grubhub. Reservations are also available.

TOT Little Tokyo has cemented its status as a highly regarded Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles due to several distinguishing features:

• Exceptional Katsu and Curry: The "crispiest potato croquette" and "ridiculously delicious" curry are consistent highlights. Their katsu, including premium black pork varieties, is often praised for being "fried very well so not greasy at all."

• Vibrant Atmosphere and Friendly Staff: Customers consistently report a welcoming and lively environment. The "friendly staff" and "vibrant atmosphere" contribute significantly to a positive dining experience, making guests "feel right at home."

• Outstanding Service: Reviewers commend the "outstanding" service, noting that servers are "knowledgeable and attentive, making excellent recommendations." This personalized touch enhances the overall visit.

• "Amazing Dining Experience": The collective feedback points to a truly enjoyable and memorable experience, with customers frequently expressing eagerness to return.

• Delicious Takoyaki: The Takoyaki is singled out for being "perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, bursting with flavor," making it a must-try appetizer.

• Satisfying Ramen: Despite not being their traditional focus, their ramen is now noted as "rich and satisfying, with fresh ingredients that made every bite enjoyable."

• Excellent Presentation: "Food was really good as well as the presentation!" indicates their attention to detail and aesthetic appeal, enhancing the dining pleasure.

• Extensive Sake Selection: With over 20 varieties of sake, many top-rated in Japan, TOT offers a sophisticated beverage program for enthusiasts.

• Versatile for Occasions: The "cozy yet lively ambiance" makes it "a great spot for both casual dining and special occasions."

• Vegan and Vegetarian Options: While not fully vegan like some specialized spots, TOT / Teishokuya is noted for offering "a variety of vegan and limited vegetarian options," broadening its appeal.

TOT Little Tokyo, like many established restaurants in a bustling area, may offer various promotions to attract and reward its customers. While specific, active promotions can vary, here are types of offers you might typically find:

• Bento Box Deals: Their "Variety Bento Box" options, such as Teriyaki Chicken Bento or Katsu Don Bento, are often designed to offer a complete meal at a competitive price, representing a standing value offer.

• Delivery App Promotions: As TOT Little Tokyo partners with major delivery platforms like Uber Eats and Grubhub, they frequently participate in app-specific promotions. These can include:

  • Discounts on certain menu items (e.g., "$2 off" specific katsu or donburi dishes).

  • Percentage-based discounts for new customers or minimum order values.

  • Free delivery for subscribers to premium delivery services.

• Combo Deals for Donburi/Noodles: They offer "Noodle with Bowl Combo" options (e.g., Katsudon Bowl Combo with udon or soba) which are structured as value meals.

• Local Collaborations/Events: As a key establishment in Little Tokyo, TOT has participated in community events and stamp rallies (like the "Slime x Little Tokyo" food festival), which can offer special menu items or prizes for diners. Staying updated with Little Tokyo community events can sometimes reveal such opportunities.

For the most current promotions and special offers, it is highly recommended to check their official website, popular food delivery applications, or contact the restaurant directly.

To experience the vibrant flavors and welcoming atmosphere of TOT Little Tokyo, or for any inquiries, you can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: 345 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA

Phone: (213) 680-0344

Mobile Phone: +1 213-680-0344

You can also explore their menu and place orders online via their presence on platforms like Uber Eats and Grubhub. For more information, their official website is typically linked through these platforms or a quick search for "Teishokuya of Tokyo" might lead you to it.

TOT Little Tokyo is an exceptional choice and highly suitable for locals in Los Angeles, particularly for those who cherish authentic Japanese cuisine in a vibrant and welcoming setting. Its prime location in the heart of historic Little Tokyo makes it a cultural and culinary destination that's easy to access for many Angelenos.

The restaurant's unwavering commitment to quality is evident in their critically acclaimed dishes, from the "ridiculously delicious" and "crispiest potato croquette" to their perfectly fried katsu and rich, satisfying curries. The menu's "delightful mix of traditional and modern Japanese dishes" ensures there's something to please every palate, whether you're a connoisseur of classic Japanese comfort food or eager to explore new flavors like their well-regarded ramen and Takoyaki.

Beyond the food, the "vibrant atmosphere," "friendly staff," and "outstanding service" contribute to an "amazing dining experience" that makes diners feel "right at home." This combination of high-quality cuisine, impeccable service, and a lively ambiance makes TOT Little Tokyo ideal for everything from a casual lunch to a special evening out with friends or family. For any Californian seeking a truly authentic, flavorful, and enjoyable Japanese dining experience in Los Angeles, TOT Little Tokyo is a must-visit that will undoubtedly leave you eager to return.

TOT Little Tokyo

345 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA