Yuko Kitchen in Los Angeles

 

spicy salmon and avocado rice cake

My brother and his fiancee raved about Yuko Kitchen when they moved to the neighborhood and now I see why.  The food is comforting and tasty, it's extremely affordable, the setting is quaint (there's both a cozy interior and outside patio), and the service is darling. The drinks are executed well so don't leave without trying the strawberry soda or apple-mint lemonade. As for food, go for the crispy rice cakes with salmon.  They top salmon over toasted rice and slather it with creamy avocado and a jalapeno pepper.  The teriyaki chicken plate is also scrumptious and an affordable, generous-sized option for lunch or dinner.  This is what a neighborhood restaurant should be all about.

 teriyaki chicken plate

 fresh water eel roll

I became addicted to their strawberry soda.  They also make a mean apple-mint lemonade that is best enjoyed on a patio in the trees.

Yuko Kitchen is located on Dunsmuir Ave., just off of 5484 Wilshire Blvd. in LA