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ZipPicks Awards
Best French in Downtown LA
Best Breakfast in Downtown LA
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Azay
8.0
A family-run Little Tokyo storefront where Chef Akira Hirose applies classical French technique to traditional Japanese morning plates — one of the few places in LA proper doing a dedicated Japanese breakfast. The tight, open-kitchen format keeps things intimate and unhurried, built for regulars who treat it as a weekend ritual rather than a one-off visit.
Must-Try Dishes:
Daily Bento, Japanese Breakfast, Omurice
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Family-run Little Tokyo institution where Chef Akira Hirose merges classical French technique with traditional Japanese breakfast — one of the only dedicated Japanese breakfasts served in LA proper.
Who should go: Japanese breakfast seekers and French-Japanese fusion devotees
When to visit: Weekday lunch (Tue-Fri) for shorter waits at this tiny spot
What to order: Start with the Japanese Breakfast or Daily Bento for the full experience, add chawanmushi as a side, and finish with the Crème Brûlée Matcha
Insider tip: Call at least a day ahead for reservations — the storefront is tiny and fills fast, especially weekend brunch
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets (check signs carefully). Aiso Parking Garage across the street at 101 Judge John Aiso St—$1/hr for the first two hours, much better than the metered spots nearby
Noise level: Moderate—small intimate storefront with open kitchen, expect close quarters but conversational volume
Weekday lunch: Reservations recommended via Resy; walk-ins accepted but seated as available. 60-minute time limit enforced at lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but present: Curry Potato Korrokke ($8) with shiso aioli, plus all vegan items work
Vegan options: Several marked options: Chili Cucumber ($6), Tofu Maitake Mushroom Miso Dengaku ($23), and a vegan bento option ($23) with seasonal vegetables, tsukemono, miso soup, and rice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — this intimate, family-run Japanese-French spot in Little Tokyo seats only about 20 people, creating a naturally cozy and personal atmosphere. The $72 prix fixe dinner with optional wine pairing feels like a curated experience, and the weekly-changing seasonal menu gives you plenty to talk about. Some evenings feature live jazz. For a more casual first date, the daytime brunch is relaxed and affordable. Request a table toward the back for a bit more privacy in this small space.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky — with only about 20 seats, this place fills up fast. Walk-ins are accepted and seated as available, but you're not guaranteed a spot. Dinner runs only Thursday through Saturday with last seating at 8:30pm, so the window is narrow. Book ahead online or by phone, especially for weekend brunch and any dinner service. Note: if you're more than 15 minutes late to a reservation, you're moved to the walk-in list.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children. There's no dedicated kids menu, and the dinner service is a $72 prix fixe multi-course affair geared toward adults. The daytime brunch is more casual and could work for older kids (10+) who are comfortable with Japanese-French dishes like Japanese breakfast sets or eel bowls. High chair availability is not confirmed — call ahead if you need one. For families with young children, this isn't the right fit.
Is it good for groups? Challenging for large groups. The restaurant has roughly 8 tables and 20 seats total, so anything beyond 6 people would require special arrangements. They do accept parties of 6+ (a 20% mandatory gratuity applies), but larger gatherings may need a partial or full buyout. No confirmed private dining room. Contact the restaurant directly by phone or email well in advance to discuss group options.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — a few sidewalk tables are available in front of the storefront when weather permits. Outdoor dinner runs Thursday through Saturday, 5:30–9pm, with its own separate menu (not the indoor prix fixe) featuring items like crudo and lamb saddle. Coverage and heating are not confirmed, so this is best in mild weather. The outdoor setup is small — don't count on snagging a table without booking ahead.
Best For
Better for: A quiet weekday brunch when you want a beautifully composed Japanese breakfast or French-Japanese crossover dishes in a tiny, personal setting—not a scene, just excellent food
Skip if: You need a big group table (it's a tiny storefront), want a late meal (last lunch order at 1:30p), or are looking for a full bar experience
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday11am - 1:45pm
Wednesday11am - 1:45pm
Thursday11am - 1:45pm
Friday11am - 1:45pm
Saturday9am - 1:45pm
Sunday9am - 1:45pm