Ōwa Introduce
Welcome to Ōwa, a culinary gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Venice, California, offering an unparalleled Japanese dining experience. For those of us in the Golden State, particularly in the Los Angeles area, Ōwa has quickly become a beloved destination for authentic and innovative Japanese cuisine. It's more than just a restaurant; it's a meticulously crafted experience designed to delight your senses and create lasting memories. From the moment you step inside, you're transported to a sophisticated yet inviting space where exceptional food, unique cocktails, and outstanding service converge.
Ōwa stands out in a city known for its diverse culinary scene, not just for its delectable dishes but also for the entire atmosphere it cultivates. Whether you're a local resident or visiting from elsewhere in California, Ōwa provides an ideal setting for a variety of occasions. It’s perfect for a relaxed happy hour with friends, an intimate date night, or even impressing out-of-town guests with a taste of Los Angeles’s refined dining. This introduction aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what makes Ōwa a must-visit spot for anyone seeking an authentic and high-quality Japanese dining experience in California.
---Ōwa is conveniently located at 1635 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291, USA. This prime location places it right in the middle of one of Los Angeles's most dynamic and popular streets. Abbot Kinney Boulevard is renowned for its eclectic mix of boutiques, art galleries, and diverse dining establishments, making it a lively and desirable destination.
The restaurant's position on Abbot Kinney means it’s easily accessible for residents across Los Angeles and surrounding areas. For those who enjoy a stroll, the location is fantastic for walking around and exploring the vibrant neighborhood before or after your meal. However, it's worth noting that parking in the Abbot Kinney area can be challenging, especially during peak hours. Patrons should plan accordingly, perhaps by arriving early to find street parking or considering ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles. Despite potential parking difficulties, the appeal of the area and Ōwa's exquisite offerings make the journey well worth it for many Californians.
---- Dine-In Service: Ōwa provides a full-service dine-in experience with various seating options, including window seating, a winding bar, and a more intimate backroom.
- Full Bar Service: Enjoy a comprehensive selection of beverages, including signature cocktails, fine wines, and an extensive sake list.
- Happy Hour: Dedicated happy hour specials on select appetizers, sashimi, rolls, cocktails, wine, and sake.
- Takeout/To-Go: While not explicitly detailed, most modern restaurants offer takeout services. It is advisable to call ahead to confirm.
- Reservations: Given its popularity, making reservations is highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings or larger groups, to ensure a seamless dining experience.
- Beautifully Designed Interior: The restaurant boasts a stunning interior with an open atmosphere thanks to large front windows, a unique winding bar, and a cozy backroom, catering to different dining moods.
- Exceptional Service: Ōwa is celebrated for its truly outstanding service. The staff, including manager Chris and bartender Hako, are known for creating an engaging and fun dining experience that goes beyond just serving food.
- Extensive and Curated Menu: The menu offers a wide variety of meticulously crafted Japanese dishes, ensuring there's something incredible for every palate.
- Signature Dishes & Drinks: Highly recommended items include the Spicy Garlic Edamame (with a unique sauce), Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, The Kinney roll, Tuna Love, and signature cocktails like the Spicy Ōwa.
- Premium Sake and Wine Selection: Patrons can enjoy high-quality sake bottles like Dassai 45 and Brooklyn Kura #14, along with a good selection of wines.
- Clean Facilities: The restrooms are notably very clean, contributing to an overall pleasant dining environment.
- Versatile Dining Spot: Perfect for various occasions, from casual happy hours and romantic date nights to impressing out-of-town guests and larger gatherings.
- Positive Customer Reviews: Consistently receives high praise for its food quality, ambiance, and especially its exceptional service, which many customers highlight as a key reason for their repeat visits.
Ōwa offers a fantastic Happy Hour with special pricing on a range of popular items. This is a perfect opportunity for locals in California to experience Ōwa's acclaimed cuisine and drinks at a more accessible price point.
- Happy Hour Schedule:
- Monday - Thursday: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
- Friday - Sunday: 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
- Happy Hour Menu: The Happy Hour menu includes various options from their regular extensive menu, such as signature cocktails, wine, sake, appetizers, sashimi, and rolls. It's an excellent way to sample some of their best offerings without committing to a full dinner. Given the quality and variety, this promotion provides significant value and is highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy Ōwa's unique flavors.
For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about Ōwa, you can reach them through the following contact details:
- Address: 1635 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291, USA
- Phone: (424) 252-6737
- Mobile Phone: +1 424-252-6737
It is always recommended to call ahead for reservations, especially for evening dining, to ensure the best possible experience.
---For Californians, especially those residing in or near Los Angeles, Ōwa isn't just another Japanese restaurant; it's an experience that resonates deeply with the local dining culture. Its location on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, a bustling and trendy hub, makes it a convenient and exciting destination. The thoughtful design of the space, offering everything from vibrant window seating to intimate backroom tables and a dynamic bar area, ensures there's a perfect spot for every occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner with friends or a significant celebration.
What truly sets Ōwa apart for locals, however, is the commitment to an unparalleled dining experience. While the salmon blue crab is highly recommended and the spicy garlic edamame's sauce is legendary among patrons, it's the consistent quality across the extensive menu that truly shines. Every dish, from the crispy rice to The Kinney roll, is crafted with precision, balancing flavors and textures to perfection. This dedication to culinary excellence aligns perfectly with the discerning palates of California residents who appreciate high-quality ingredients and innovative preparation.
Beyond the food, the exceptional service at Ōwa is a significant draw. In a city where dining options abound, the staff's ability to create a warm, welcoming, and fun atmosphere—making every visit feel like an occasion—is what fosters loyalty. Many customers highlight the staff, including manager Chris and bartender Hako, as integral to their enjoyment, creating an environment where patrons feel valued and genuinely entertained. This level of personalized and engaging service is a strong reason why locals return repeatedly.
Finally, the happy hour offerings provide an accessible entry point for new visitors and a regular treat for returning customers, allowing more Californians to indulge in Ōwa's delights without breaking the bank. In essence, Ōwa embodies the best of California's culinary scene: innovative food, a vibrant atmosphere, and service that makes you feel at home. It’s a true Los Angeles staple that we hope continues to thrive, offering memorable dining experiences for all who walk through its doors. For anyone in California seeking a premier Japanese dining destination, Ōwa is an absolute must-visit.
Ōwa Photos










Ōwa Location
Ōwa
1635 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291, USA
Ōwa Reviews
The salmon blue crab was delicious! Highly recommend. The spicy crispy tuna was not the best.The service was very slow - even at 8 pm on a ThursdayAtmosphere is beautiful.The seating by the window is so fun and cute but the chairs are very uncomfortable. I am 5 feet tall and they were hard to sit onParking can be difficultGreat walking areaBathrooms are very cleanFull bar and good wine choices
May 28, 2025 · Ana FrandellŌwa is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles. The interior is beautifully designed with the open windows in front creating an open atmosphere type feel, a winding bar creating a more unique dining experience to the backroom for a more intimate date night feel. This spot is perfect for a happy hour, date night, impressing out of towners and just a space to have a great time.What sets Ōwa apart from many LA restaurants is that it's not just the food that's incredible but it's the service. This isn't just another restaurant, to dine at, grab drinks then just leave - it's an experience and the staff really makes sure of that. Chris, the manager, Hako, the bartender and everyone else working here truly makes sure you're having a great experience and at the same time, they're all having fun with each other. The service is truly what keeps us coming back constantly.The menu is pretty extensive but everything we've tried so far has been incredible.Here's what I recommend thus far:5/5 | Spicy Garlic Edamame (The sauce is nothing like you've had before and I promise you'll want to take a jar home - if only they sold it)4.5/5 | Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice (So crispy & flavorful)5/5 | The Kinney (Incredible flavor & textures, just melts in your mouth)4/5 | Tuna Love5/5 | Signature Cocktail (Spicy Ōwa)5/5 | Sake Bottles (Dassai 45 & Brooklyn Kura #14, such a clean taste)Other recommendations we've heard but haven't tried:- Toro Tataki- Oysters- Hotate Sashimi- Ōwa Spicy HotateI honestly think you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. It's clear that each of their dishes have been carefully crafted with flavors & textures that jive so well together.There are plenty of different options on signature cocktails, wine, sake, appetizers, sashimi & rolls for Happy Hour.Monday - Thursday | 5 - 6:30pmFriday - Sunday | 3 - 5:30pmThis is one of those Los Angeles staples that we hope sticks around forever. It's just the perfect spot for all groups, any occasion and offers a memorable experience each time you dine there.
Mar 18, 2025 · Michael VFriday dinner time, super crowded! Very loud. Food was creative and solid. Wish they had tofu or something on the menu since most rolls were equally salty. I liked kinney / soul roll.
May 03, 2025 · Jenna MThe vibe and atmosphere of this place was fantastic. I actually was lost trying to find it because it does not look like a place that has sushi. Since the server was not there yet for lunch, I sat at the bar (which was cute, but the bar stool seats were wildly uncomfortable). The drink list was fantastic and I ordered the lunch special. Spicy tuna crispy rice is a must! The maki and sashimi I got were subpar though. I would come back to try more of their items not on the lunch special. In terms of parking, this place is located in a busy area so look for street parking or park in the garage behind the building in the alley!!
Feb 09, 2025 · Kelsey MontgomeryNice place! Not very friendly host, but great waiters!Long wait for food, but we read about it in reviews, so we were prepared for it.Food was tasty and fresh - 5/5. We ordered 4 different cocktails, but we liked only 2 out of 4.DJ played in the evening (we were there on Saturday, booked a table in advance), almost all tables were occupied, the atmosphere was nice and fun.A bit dirty in the restroom
Aug 07, 2024 · Kate
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