Explore LA: Sawtelle
By Sophia ‘22
Looking for great Japanese food and cute plushies but don’t want to deal with Little Tokyo tourist traps? Visit Sawtelle instead. Just 10 stops heading west on the Metro Expo line from USC is West LA’s “Little Japantown.” This mini center of East Asian food and novelties is located on Sawtelle Blvd. As a West LA resident, this was one of my go-to spots growing up. Here are some of my favorite things to do at Sawtelle.
Activities
Karaoke
No better group bonding activity than singing in one of the private karaoke rooms at Max’s. If you go before 8PM, on weekdays it’s only 4$ an hour per person. On weekends, the price goes up to 5$ per hour per person.
Cuddle with cats
Every Saturday PetSmart does a collaboration with Kitty Bungalow and they have the best-behaved kittens. Kitty Bungalow is a nonprofit organization that rescues cats from LA and trains them to be domestic house cats.
Food
Kura: Revolving Sushi Bar
The best place to sample quality sushi and Japanese food in a fun, interactive way. Only 2.75$ a plate. Plus every 15 plates you eat, you get a super cute gachapon that contains a cute gift! What more must be said?
Curry House
Really cute, family-friendly restaurant with delicious curry and pasta. This was a favorite for my high school friends and I. I highly recommend trying their tofu cheesecake and other desserts!
Marugame Udon
A cafeteria-style restaurant that serves delicious ramen, udon and other tempera appetizers for a college-friendly budget.
Chinchikurin
A really tasty restaurant that serves okonomiyaki (Japanese savory “pancakes”). You can watch the chefs create it live. A must try for anime and food lovers.
Tatsu
My favorite ramen place on Sawtelle. You order ahead on an electronic menu and they send a text to your phone once your order is ready so you can take it out or sit down in the community bar/tables on the inside. In the time that it takes to get a seat, I recommend checking out the Japanese boutiques in the same square for Asian skincare as well as adorable plushies.
Dessert
Creme Brulee Crepes at Millet Crepe
At the end of the Sawtelle strip going towards Santa Monica, is a wonderful french bakery called Millet. They have amazing macarons, chocolates, but their creme brulee crepes are a must try!
Shaved Ice at Blockhead
My favorite Japanese shaved ice spot on Sawtelle. They also have very cute animal-shaped macarons and tasty boba.
HoneyMee
Really amazing ice cream and milkshake place. I highly recommend their lavender latte (and honestly all floral flavors).
Matcha Cha
Tasty Matcha ice cream and latte store.
Volcano Tea
My favorite boba store in West LA. They have so many customizations and flavors. My favorite flavors are rose milk tea, lavender milk tea, and Hokkaido milk tea – all 50% sugar!
Shopping
Black Market
Over-priced boutique but full of very cute, odd things
Giant Robot
Based on an LA-based magazine founded by a guy now working at USC’s Visions and Voices. There’s a bunch of quirky souvenirs and gifts. Check out the art gallery Giant Robot 2 across from the street!
Daiso
Japanese store with cute stationery supplies and other household items. My favorite place for school supplies and dorm decorations. Most things are only $1.50 aka college-budget friendly (:
Tokyo Outlet
Exactly what the name says: all the cutest things from Japan! My favorite store for plushies. If you want to buy a super cuddly gift for a friend, this would be the spot.
Nijiya Market
An affordable supermarket full of Japanese snacks. If you go on the weekend, there’s also a bunch of free samples.
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