3of five · Restaurants · Echo Park

Tsubaki

Japanese · Izakaya · $$$

Charles Namba and Courtney Kaplan's izakaya runs on farmers'-market vegetables, Peads & Barnetts pork and a sake list deep enough to order blind. Chatter, not hush: raw, steamed and charcoal-grilled snacks meant to be shared across the table, ending with the hojicha parfait.

Reservations strongly recommendedParties of one to six book on OpenTable; walk-ins taken when space allows. Seven or more is a prix-fixe, arranged by email. Valet $11, or street parking on Allison and Douglas.

Good for

AnniversariesQuiet, careful cooking and a deep sake list.

Date nightBook a two-top by the window.

Bigger groupsSeven or more get a set menu.

Save is private and adds it to your shortlist. Vouch is public: it tells the editor, but doesn't change the rank.