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Welcome to Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise

Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise is a hidden gem in Monrovia, California, blending authentic Japanese flavors with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Named “Oto-Oto,” which translates to “sound sound” in Japanese, the restaurant features an open kitchen where chefs skillfully prepare dishes that resonate with quality. Guests are treated to a diverse menu that excels in both yakitori skewers and fresh sushi, making it ideal for sharing. The attentive, friendly staff enhances the experience, contributing to a vibrant dining environment. With an array of vegan and vegetarian options, Oto-Oto caters to all, ensuring a delightful meal for everyone in the family.

Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise: Reviews & Ratings

Marcos L.
Marcos L.

Quick service, the plates are staggered perfectly, and the portions are a great size for sharing and enjoying solo. Lots of seating in the restaurant, it gets extremely busy around dinner so it might be smart to get a reservation if you plan for a weekend night! Very kind waitstaff thank you guys for the help!

Jon R.
Jon R.

We came to have some lunch, and were seated quickly. Our waitress was nice and refilled our drinks. We ordered sushi roll to split and a lunch box. Was about $30 a person. The restaurant was clean but pretty dark inside. We'd come back and get lunch again.

Rish C.
Rish C.

My family and I love to come to Oto Oto for their happy hour. You can really get a good deal of food at a fair price. We personally like to share a bunch of the yakitori skewers on their happy hour menu and then we also order quite a few rolls from the same menu to share amongst each other. The food always comes out very good! I'll say that the sushi/sashimi is a hit or miss, but their yakitori skewers are always delicious! Honestly, my family mainly comes here for their skewers rather than their sushi just because of how good they are. I definitely recommend Oto Oto if you're coming with someone who's picky with sushi because their menu has a huge variety! Their service is very good as well! My mom became friends with one of the female servers and she's always so sweet. They both speak Japanese so they always like to talk to each other in their language. But she is such a sweet person and we also love to see her when we come in!

Teeling L.
Teeling L.

Great little Japanese restaurant gem in this neighborhood, one of the few Japanese owned and operated Japanese restaurant in the area. The high quality offerings of Oto-Oto make it a very viable option in the area for those looking for a more variety of cooked Japanese food options. This is by far our family's favorite lunch spot for Japanese food in the area. Oto meaning sound or echo in Japanese, so Oto Oto could be loosely translated as "sound sound", which you can see a large bell when you walk in the restaurant. The restaurant has a very cool and sleek decor with a relaxed feeling. The servers are dressed in a traditional Japanese uniform, friendly and welcoming. It has an open kitchen and you can see the chefs making your food. Having been to my fair share of Japanese restaurants, I'd say that Oto-Oto is above average in quality. Some memorable dishes to us are premium sashimi, chirashi, miso cod, tempura and premium sushi. Chirashi don is my favorite here, freshly prepared sashimi with bouncy and lightly vinegar seasoned rice. The tempura was very light and crispy, not overly batter. The side salad with just right amount of wasabi dressing which opens up the palate well. You can also request for none wasabi dressing. The server was great, very nice and attentive and brought out our food in a timely manner. I'd definitely come here over some of the lower quality or cheaper Japanese restaurants.

Austin W.
Austin W.

Oto Oto delivers an exceptional dining experience with its great service and elegant decor. The salmon ikura bowl stood out, offering fresh and flavorful salmon. The uni pasta was another highlight, boasting a rich and well-balanced flavor. A fantastic spot for a refined and satisfying meal!

Michelle T.
Michelle T.

The restaurant was clean, but the food took a while to come out. The uni pasta was an interesting dish, though I wouldn't order it again. The salmon bowl was tasty, and I would recommend it. I plan to return to try the chirashi bowl. There's plenty of seating inside and parking is convenient.

Yasmin C.
Yasmin C.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!! We have been going there for a while now and it's always EXCELLENT!! Food is always very fresh and delicious!! Service is amazing!! Check out their happy hour from 5:00 to 6:30 pm!! Definitely worth it!! Great spot!!

Assunta L.
Assunta L.

Service is friendly but can be slow here. Looks understaff to me but food is great! Love their yakitori with salt. Not charred. Tonkotsu ramen is also a good option. Size is a bit small compared to other restaurants but right size for us as we don't like leftovers. Premium Chirashi is a good deal! Uni, sweet shrimp, fried shrimp head, avocado, unagi, roes, and other typical sashimi with side tempura. Sushi rice tastes especially good with furikake - rice seasoning with toasted sesame seeds, nori etc. the rice seasoning are under sashimi. It was a wonderful surprise when i see that. Parking in huge private parking lot.

Location

Welcome to Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise, a hidden gem nestled in Monrovia, California, where the essence of Japanese cuisine resonates in every dish. The name "Oto-Oto," meaning "sound sound," evokes a symphony of flavors, making it an ideal spot for both casual diners and culinary enthusiasts alike. With its sleek decor and inviting atmosphere, Oto-Oto offers a unique dining experience that harmonizes traditional Japanese dining with contemporary flair.

What sets Oto-Oto apart is its extensive menu that caters to a variety of tastes, offering a delightful selection of both vegan and vegetarian options alongside premium sushi and sashimi. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in its carefully crafted dishes, from the light and crispy tempura to the delectable miso cod, all prepared in an open kitchen where guests can observe the talented chefs at work.

  • Signature Dishes: Highlights include the chirashi don, featuring fresh sashimi on vinegared rice, and the indulgent salmon ikura bowl, celebrated for its rich flavors.
  • Yakitori Skewers: A customer favorite during happy hour, these skewers are grilled to perfection and perfect for sharing among friends or family.
  • Ambiance: The restaurant’s trendy yet relaxed atmosphere, coupled with friendly waitstaff dressed in traditional uniforms, enhances the overall dining experience.

Oto-Oto's flexible dining options make it suitable for any occasion—be it a leisurely lunch, a fun dinner with friends, or even a lively night out with happy hour specials that invite you to indulge without breaking the bank. The spacious layout accommodates both large groups and intimate gatherings, making it a family-friendly destination.

Additionally, the restaurant embraces modern conveniences, accepting various payment methods, including cryptocurrency, and offering amenities such as outdoor seating, wheelchair accessibility, and even a pool table for those looking to unwind. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or a newcomer to Japanese cuisine, Oto-Oto Izakaya Japonaise promises an experience that resonates on every level.

Join us at 929 W Huntington Dr, Monrovia, CA 91016, to immerse yourself in the flavors of Japan, where every meal is a celebration of taste and culture. Don’t forget to make a reservation, especially on busy weekend nights, to ensure your spot at this culinary escape!