Welcome to Mitsuru Cafe
At Mitsuru Cafe, nestled in the heart of Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, the legacy of authentic Japanese street food comes alive. This beloved mom-and-pop spot has become a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike, known for its freshly made treats like red bean cakes and imagawayaki. With a history spanning over four decades, the café remains true to its roots, delivering an inviting, no-frills dining experience that emphasizes speed and quality. Each dish, from savory takoyaki to sweet dango, is crafted with care, evoking nostalgia and joy. At Mitsuru Cafe, every bite is a celebration of tradition and taste—true comfort food in a vibrant setting.
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117 Japanese Village Plaza Mall, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Hotline: (213) 613-1028
Welcome to Mitsuru Cafe, a beloved gem tucked away in the vibrant heart of Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. Located at 117 Japanese Village Plaza Mall, this quaint cafe has been delighting visitors with authentic Japanese street food for decades. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time explorer, Mitsuru Cafe promises to transport you straight to the flavors of Japan with every bite.
As you step up to the ordering window, you’ll be greeted by a mouthwatering display of traditional dishes that showcase the essence of Japanese cuisine. The Sukiyaki ($11.50), a savory blend of beef and vegetables simmered in a special broth, offers a warm embrace on cooler days. For those who crave crunch, the Tonkatsu ($10.95), a deep-fried battered pork cutlet, will satisfy your cravings with its crispy exterior and tender interior.
- Shrimp Tempura - Exceptionally light and crispy at $11.95.
- Buta Dofu - Pork and bean curd cooked in a delicate broth for $10.95.
- Teriyaki Beef - Glazed to perfection for $11.95.
- Mix Tempura - A delightful duo of deep-fried shrimp and vegetables for only $10.95.
For those seeking variety, the Mitsuru Special Combination ($20.50) is a highlight, showcasing fresh sashimi paired beautifully with tempura and teriyaki. The Combination Platter options also promise a delightful mix of flavors, satisfying both the curious and the hungry. Dishes like the Niku Dofu ($11.50) exemplify the wholesome care put into crafting each menu item at Mitsuru Cafe.
What sets Mitsuru Cafe apart isn’t just the food; it’s the experience of savoring these delicacies in a lively environment teeming with culture. Customers rave about the imagawayaki and dango, easily the most talked-about items on the menu. Diners comment on how these fresh, sweet treats evoke nostalgic childhood memories, making each visit feel like a homecoming. The red bean cakes ($3), in particular, have garnered quite a following and are a definite must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a heavenly treat.
This mom-and-pop shop maintains its charm even amidst the bustling city, serving quick bites that cater perfectly to those on the go. With reasonable prices and fast service, it’s no wonder there’s often a line out the door. But fret not—the line moves quickly, and every minute spent waiting simply heightens your anticipation for the delicious food to come.
Despite recent changes that mean no indoor seating, the spirit of Mitsuru Cafe remains strong with its friendly staff and excellent service. As you enjoy your meal, take a moment to appreciate the authenticity and care that this establishment has upheld for over 45 years. So, if you find yourself wandering through Little Tokyo, make sure to stop by Mitsuru Cafe for an unforgettable culinary experience that is as heartwarming as it is delicious.
4++ the spot is located in the heart of the main plaza in Little Tokyo downtown Los Angeles. I'm not sure if there's more to it, but my buddy and I were walking through and we stopped by here to order a snack - the red bean cakes. It seemed like there's only an ordering window here. Again, we were walking through and did a really quick stop just to order. So it's possible that there's more than just an ordering window, I just can't tell for sure. The red bean cake itself was delicious and is a very fun snack to eat while walking around in the area. There were some other food items, but we were in a hurry so we just got that one.
$3 for 3 takoyaki pieces: 9.2/10. The takoyaki balls are a little bit on the smaller side but nonetheless DELICIOUS. My favorite takoyaki I have ever had (I've even been to Japan before). Extra delicious when it comes out hot. Sometimes its room temperature, but when it comes out hot and steaming it is even better. Similar to japanese food stall. Fast and easy to order. Good for a quick bite or if you are hungry and waiting to get off the waitlist somewhere in little tokyo.
I've always wondered what the hype was about Mitsuru Cafe, especially with the long lines I'd see whenever I passed by. Finally decided to check it out, and I'm so glad I did! I tried the dango and imagawayaki, and wow-- the imagawayaki was incredible. It's a small mom-and-pop spot, so make sure to bring cash (they do take card). Be ready for a wait, but the line moves pretty quickly and is totally worth it. They serve the imagawayaki fresh, so be sure to dig in right away to experience its full deliciousness. Highly recommend!
Nice Japanese street food type of food. All very reasonable price. Apart from the red bean pastry that is freshly made as a display. They do have a lot of other savory options. And they are all $3 per. We tried the fried fish ball and fried chicken. Both pretty good for a price of $3 each. The fish ball is the Japanese kind of fish ball (as compare to other Asian types). Very satisfying street food for me
There was a line when we went but it went by super fast. I tried their Red Bean Pancake and it was so yummy. $3 for one. They take card but your purchase has to be over 10$ to use it. Staff is super sweet and patient. There is no sitting but there are benches around.
Whenever I'm visiting my friend in LA we'll hit up little Tokyo to eat some snacks. The service at this spot is always super quick, so it's the perfect place to get hot food. Here are my food ratings: Shrimp ball, 7/10 - delicious but I think I've had better elsewhere. I would get again if I was craving shrimp while walking around little Tokyo. Chicken karaage, 9/10 - WOW great crispness on the outside but still moist on the inside Dango, 9/10 - this is a must! I love to just find a place to sit outside, like on a bench to eat these snacks. Always a great day in little Tokyo.
Another of my favorite old school businesses in J Town. It has changed since the pandemic. They are still selling their version of dorayaki and dango which had a healthy line waiting to buy. But they no longer have seating inside for meals. I remember eating breakfast and I munch at the counter and with friends in the booths in the past and miss that Japanese Diner experience. The food is still consistently good and the service is still fast and courteous. Wish they still had indoor seating and a full menu it still a regular stop anytime I go to Little Tokyo.
I've been coming here since I was a little kid with my family. My mom always loved the red bean cakes. They're freshly made, and you can watch them work their magic at the windowsill. Came back for the first time in years, and it's exactly as I remember. Same crispy outside and sweet red bean goodness on the inside. Good times.
One of my favs and musts in Little Tokyo, especially if I happen to be lucky enough to be in the area when they're opened! Service is efficient and friendly. Quick, yummy, cheap eats. You can't go wrong with Mitsuru Cafe. You just order at their door/window and the foods are already prepared for you (aside from the red bean cakes). Everything is delicious, warm, and you can tell it's all home made. Love their dango (soy sauce and the classic tricolor ones), super cheap takoyaki on sticks that don't break your bank, shumai, karaage skewers, etc. One of the very few mom & pop shops/cafes left in the area. You gotta go if you get the chance!
My family's favorite imagawayaki place for 45 years! I don't have enough words to describe this place. My parents took me to this cafe ever since I was little and the way they make and sell it has never changed. If I take a bite of their imagawayaki, it takes right back to my childhood. The texture and flavor is exactly the same. Also, their service is incredible. So sad that I can't go inside anymore and have to order from outside of the store but I'm so happy that they are still there as many of the stores in the Japanese Village Plaza has dramatically changed or no longer exist. I still see their old cash register inside through the window, which shows how old this place has been there. Please stay there forever and keep up the great work!