One skewer at a time, Gokigen Tori is holding Japanese flavors together.

Opening up its doors to Culver City on April 19, the Yakitori restaurant offers patrons a traditional Japanese grill experience. With menu items ranging from chicken skewers to mini ramen, the newly minted restaurant is proving itself to be a Los Angeles staple despite the empty wallet one might have after eating here. The attention to detail in both preparation and presentation sets it apart from trendier spots that often prioritize style over substance.

According to an Instagram post made by the establishment, Kiyoshi Nagae, the executive chef and owner of the restaurant, and his childhood best friend, Ken, decided to chase their goals to be restaurant owners at just 20 years old. As the first eatery of the Gokigen name to hit the streets of LA, the restaurateurs did not fail to reach that juvenile dream.

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Inside the restaurant, guests are greeted with dim lighting reminiscent of the mom-and-pop shops of Japan. Seating – filled up by reservation – is difficult to come by but nonetheless possible to secure, unlike other high-end dining establishments in the area. The art scattered throughout is scarce yet inviting, paraded with Japanese characters and Gokigen branding. A mix of wood paneling and minimal decor gives the space a clean, focused atmosphere. Conversations stay low and meals take center stage, allowing diners to fully immerse themselves in the food. The ambiance, while simple, reinforces the restaurant’s quiet sense of purpose.

As for the dishes offered, their presentation is colorful, intricate and ultimately mouthwatering. Plated as if it were made of the highest craftsmanship, the A5 unagi – described as grilled freshwater eel flown in from Japan’s Toyosu Fish Market – is gorgeous in its composition and flavor. At a whopping $18 per skewer, the steep price may call for ordering a cheaper dish – and understandably so. However, if one decides to stay for the pomp and circumstance of ordering an item as exclusive as stated in its description, they will not be disappointed.

For diners looking for a cheaper alternative, the mini tori-tori ramen, a chicken stock ramen that is simmered for 12 hours, satisfies a craving that is initiated when walking through the doors of the restaurant. Delectable in its texture, the meal is a warm welcome that keeps patrons engaged with the culture the eatery strives to implement in LA. At $13, its affordability does not undercut its quality, making it an ideal entry point for first-timers hesitant to commit to the pricier dishes.

A tip that all restaurants can use to fortify their legacies in a foodie-heaven like Southern California is to keep customers on their toes in terms of surprising them with the best new thing. Regular menu updates, seasonal specials or limited-time offerings can create buzz and keep patrons engaged.

Gokigen Tori does just that.

When asking for the dessert menu, diners will be intrigued to find that dessert changes day by day, shaping an individual and unique experience for all. With that in mind, restaurant-goers might be blindsided by the unfamiliarity of what will be served, yet the reputation Gokigen Tori has begun to establish inspires trust in the unexpected. Each offering reflects the chef’s whimsy and seasonal sensibility, often blending Japanese tradition with a playful, modern twist. This unpredictability becomes part of the charm, inviting guests to embrace a moment of culinary spontaneity.

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Beyond the skewers, ramen and rotating desserts, it is the restaurant’s commitment to intentionality that lingers — the intimacy of its space and the care behind each dish. For a city teeming with culinary ambition, Gokigen Tori doesn’t just add to the noise; it composes its own melody. While the prices may prompt hesitation, the experience justifies the splurge.

Whether a seasoned foodie or a curious newcomer, this Culver City gem offers a taste of Japan worth savoring slowly.