Best octopus in LA

[njfreqflyer]

Despite its rising star during the last few years, I think octopus is still sometimes an under-appreciated part of the many dining options we have. I remember growing up with it as part of Italian seafood salad (insalata di mare) or in a wonderful garlic and tomato sauce from Spanish restaurants.

For the last several years, I’ve chased the perfect grilled octopus, and have found excellent candidates here in LA at Osteria Mozza, and just this weekend, at Taverna Tony in Malibu which is perhaps even better than Mozza’s.

Tako has always been a secondary choice for me as sushi/sashimi unless the itamae strongly endorses it. However, my first trip to Japan in 1998 introduced me to takoyaki, which is now a must-have whenever I pass through Little Tokyo.

So what is your recommendation for the best octopus in LA?

Thanks for your suggestions.

[ipsedixit]

Soot Bull Jeep

[njfreqflyer]

Adding links to places

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Ike Sushi
6051 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Craft
10100 Constellation Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Papa Cristos
2771 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Pizzeria Mozza
6602 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Hatfield's
6703 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

All' Angelo
7166 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046

Taverna Tony
23410 Civic Center Way Ste B1, Malibu, CA 90265

Honda Ya Izakaya
333 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Empress Pavilion Restaurant
988 N Hill St # 201, Los Angeles, CA

The Prince
3198 W Seventh St, Los Angeles, CA 90005

Mitsuru Cafe
117 Japanese Village Plaza Mall, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Masan Restaurant
2851 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Neptune's Lounge
601 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005

[Jerome]

there's always the special octopus at the prince on 7th st.

caveat - i haven't had it. don't think i will.

octopus are so intelligent, i go through stages of avoiding them and then succumbin to their deliciousness.

[condiment]

The Prince doesn't serve that dish any more, alas. Assuming you're referring to the live one with chile sauce.

[scurvy]

Hatfield's has a delicious octopus appetizer...rivals Mozza

[esquimeaux]

the octopus at craft was amazing when i went. tender, sweet, awesome.

[toitoi]

Papas Christo's ain't that bad - ever try it there?

[Grillz]

The grilled octopus at Sushi Ike is very good. I order it every time I eat there.

Can't compare it to Ost. Mozza, but I would take it over Takoyaki any day.

[Debbie W]

I had a spectacular octopus carpaccio at All'Angelo (about a year ago though).

[Bert]

like every other batali restaurant, osteria mozza has FANTASTIC octopus

[Bert]

ok, i'm an idiot... didn't see that you'd already tried the octopus at the osteria. feel free to delete my ramblings!---

[The Chowhound Team]

No need to delete your post, you are still entitled to express your opinion.

[condiment]

Sannakji, of course. It's fresh! It's live! It's tasty. Ma San and Was Sa Da, Neptune's Lounge, Hwal a Kwang Jang - they're all good.

[mollyomormon]

mmm...yes! video of delicious live octopus at Ma San:
http://manbitesworld.com/articles/101...

[Hughlipton]

I like the octupus served at Empress Pavillion during dim sum hours. Really good.

[L nrs]

Where in Little Tokyo do you find takoyaki? I loved it when I visited Japan a few years ago, but haven't seen it here.

[Servorg]

Try either San Sui Tei or Honda-ya.

San Sui Tei
313 E 1st St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
[phone]

Honda Ya
333 S Alameda St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
[phone]

[njfreqflyer]

Quick and cheap: $2 for a stick of 3 at Cafe Mitsuru in Japanese Village Plaza.

Also available at Cafe Mitsuru: breaded shrimp balls on a stick, and fresh from the griddle imagawayaki (sweet red bean paste buns).

[Foodandwine]

The grilled octopus at Cobras and Matador on Beverly rates high in my book..

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Cobras and Matadors
7615 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

[casualcat]

thanks for this! ive been looking too!