Osen Izakaya, the freshest find in Silver Lake

Move over Nobu prices, come to Silver Lake for premium sushi, and innovative Japanese dishes thanks to Chef Damon Cho, formerly from Matsuhisa, Masa (NYC), and TAO Hollywood. If I only lived closer, I would frequent this traditional style restaurant weekly.

Lunch specials are offered regularly with melt-in-your-mouth super fresh fish like Red Snapper with shiso dressing, Citron Salmon with a ceciche dressing, and delicate tender Miso Glazed Sea Bass on a stick.

The Miso Soup is prepared traditional style from fish bone. Every dish is artfully presented. The Miso Glazed Eggplant doused in colorful plants tasted as good as it looks with crisp skin and a slightly sweet sauce.

Indulge in the Uni Bowl (from Hokkaido Japan) with gold flakes over rice, the Baked Alaska King Crab Hand Roll, or the Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice.

Sit at the bar or one of their cozy wooden tables with a cherry blossom tree hanging with customer’s photos and make sure to leave room for their dessert – warm green tea and black cake with green tea ice cream and sesame ice cream, complete with a floral presentation. The scrumptious cake reminded me of mochi.

Sushi and the ingredients prepared the Japanese way offer countless health benefits, such as protecting the heart, maintaining hormonal balance, boosting metabolism, reducing cancer risks, and improving circulation throughout the body.