Japan’s Biggest Takoyaki Restaurant Drops First US Location in South Bay

Takoyaki news

A giant Japanese takoyaki restaurant chain is coming to Los Angeles later this summer, opening soon in the South Bay. The company is called Gindaco and is the largest takoyaki chain in all of Japan, with nearly 500 locations across five different countries. For those unfamiliar, takoyaki is an everyday fried snack found in Japan, consisting of little light balls with octopus inside and sweet, tangy sauce and bonito flakes on top. The restaurant chain will offer its classic takoyaki menu starting August 1 at the Tokyo Central project at 1740 Artestia Boulevard in Gardena.

Bar Calo hour updates

Echo Park’s new Bar Calo is proving to be extremely popular. So much so, the team has been forced to rejigger their hours momentarily away from all-day service, instead focusing on afternoons and evenings. Look for hours from 3 p.m. to midnight most nights (2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday), with an opening at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday for light brunch.

King Taco

Mayor Eric Garcetti hung out with Gavin Newsom at King Taco recently, hyping the potential next California governor over a plate of tacos — or a couple of soft drinks, at least.

Old school

Extra Crispy is all about La Abeja, the 50-year-old Mexican restaurant on the border of Highland Park/Cypress Park. Check out the in-depth history here, along with lots of great photos.

Sweetgreen to DTLA

Sweetgreen is finally ready to open its Downtown LA location at 8th and Hill. The first day of service will be July 25 for the national salad chain.

Triniti does more

Echo Park breakfast and lunch stop Triniti is growing into dinner. The Sunset Boulevard restaurant started evening service last night, and will keep it going on Fridays and Saturdays moving forward.

Celebrations

Melisse, the genre-defining Los Angeles fine dining restaurant in Santa Monica, is turning 19 this year. And while big changes might be coming to the place soon enough, for now the sheer longevity of the place is reason enough to celebrate.