Set on a quieter stretch of Sepulveda in Culver City, Gokigen Tori serves a parade of binchotan charcoal-grilled chicken skewers, along with other Japanese bites like sashimi, chawanmushi, and karaage. Nearly every part of the chicken hits the grill here, including the liver, the gizzard, the heart, and wings; go all in with the $120 omakase, slung from the restaurant’s bar counter and never the same on any night. For kushiyaki purists, the binchotan charcoal imparts a smoky flavor that’s unachievable with a gas grill, which makes Gokigen Tori worth seeking out.
Westside or Culver City locals who don’t want to deal with the Sawtelle crowds and are looking for a more low-key, neighborhood yakitori joint.
If looking to do the omakase, be sure to book a reservation in advance. The tasting menu is only served at the bar to a handful of seats.
Dining and Cooking