Housenka on Olympic in BH?

I live near this place and have actually peeked in, but it seems kind of intimidating. Has anyone been or know what kind of food they serve?

[J.L.]

Update:

It's closed. Sad. 'Twas a nice little izakaya.

[liu]

Has anyone been here very recently? Would you recommend it?

As you will notice above, I posted back in July when we tried to have dinner here; at the time, they were closed and under construction. We drove by last weekend, and they looked open, but I would love to hear more about the food. Thanks!

[Moose]

Update, anyone?

[boxcar]

yep. I ate there last night. This place is definately not a sushi bar, and usually gets new customers when Crazy Fish is overloaded up the street. Usually the conversation in the place hinges around what a hidden gem this place is.

The chef's tasting menu is about $35 per person and is whatever the chef want's to mix up, we had like 5 amazing courses including raw conch, snapper sashimi, bbq with mountain potato, family style chicken soup.

The other options are less pricy. As previously mentioned the specials on the wall are in Japanese, and are happily translated.

The place is small, warm, intimate and refreshingly tranquil for its westside location.

This place has also been described as what a Japanese grandma cooks.

[liu]

Finally, I am so happy to hear a review of Housenka. A year ago we tried to go, but the place was torn apart for some repairs? remodeling? So, I pretty much gave up. (My posts are above in this same old thread.)

boxcar, I am reading your post as pretty positive, huh, because you begin by saying that it is a "go-to" only when Crazy Fish is overcrowded? But then you did say "amazing courses," and this is good enough to get me there.

Five courses does not sound like much food. Did you order beyond the tasting menu when you were done, or are the portions generous?

Thanks for your post!

[Ciao Bob]

IMHO, it is very good. Nice selection of yakiniku and izakaya dishes...definately NOT a place to go if you like Crazy Fish or even if you don't and want sushi.

[Moose]

I used to eat at the location in Gardena for lunch every week for the better part of a year. If this is the same establishment, then I'll be heading over to the one in B.H. this week!

[liu]

Be aware that when we tried to have dinner there on Saturday night, it was under construction. There were electric saws and lumber in the doorway, and they told us that they were closed.

[liu]

Housenka has been on "my list" for awhile (as you will note the date of this original post).

I have never been and can not vouch for its quality. We drove by last night, and they were under construction. We asked it they were open thinking perhaps we were too early, but they said "no" and offered no further information.

For anyone who has eaten here, is Housenka worth a re-visit?

[bocarw]

Could someone please give me the address. Thank you

[liu]

HOUSENKA
9123 West Olympic Blvd.
Beverly Hills

[latifeh]

They do serve yakiniku, but so much more. I've eaten there several times. Everything I've had was fantastic. I don't know if it's a chain, but it doesn't feel like one. Intimate, special, very traditional. It's where sushi chefs from other restaurants go when their places close. Their grilled meats & fish are impeccably fresh, usually the fish are served whole. They also specialize in nabe, Japanese hot pots, with duck, chicken & mushrooms, kurobuta pork & burdock.

Every night there's a long list of specials written only in Japanese, but they will translate for you. This usually includes marvelous sashimi (spanish mackeral tataki, live uni that the chef severs in half and serves in the shell, spines still quivering). I recommend it.

[PayOrPlay]

I posted earlier (on the old board) and don't see it here now, so apologies if I am repeating:

This is apparently a yakiniku restaurant, like Gyu-kaku or Manpuku: Japanese-style Korean BBQ. Part of a minichain with 2 other branches in the South Bay.

It's a lot like Mishima - Japanese noodle and rice bowls.

Oops. I was thinking of somewhere else. It's actually a good cheap sushi joint. Also serves hot food (miso black cod, etc.). Great lunch specials. Never been for dinner.

Actually, when I peeked in, they specifically said that they don't serve sushi.

[liu]

I just checked their menu online, and it does show some nigiri and some rolls in a section titled "sushi," but as you have indicated, it is not a sushi restaurant.
We love Nanbankan, and this looks like another good option. Thanks!