Manpuku Japanese Bbq Dining Los Angeles/sawtelle

I really enjoy this barbecue chain, and the Santa Monica location stands out as the only one where you can grill with charcoal. It has a charming atmosphere, reminiscent of grilling meat while camping. The quality of the meats is comparable to that of other locations. Most of the staff are friendly and welcoming. However, the downside is that this branch does not offer Manpuku's signature dish, Sukiyaki. This delectable dish features thinly sliced, high-quality meat that is lightly cooked and then wrapped around sushi rice, served with a dip of raw egg. You'll find this dish at all the other locations. If you're looking to grill your own meat over charcoal, be sure to make a reservation for an outdoor table, but keep in mind that Sukiyaki is not available here.

We tried the Nigo Shio beef tongue for the first time and absolutely loved it (around $18). If you're a fan of fried rice, you must try theirs; it's the best and pairs well with everything. The portion is generous and incredibly flavorful, with the garlic rice being our favorite. The Kobe Ribeye (approximately $33) is not a large portion, but it's sensational—tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection. This is a must-try for any beef enthusiast. The Prime Boneless Short Rib (around $20) is arguably the best short rib you'll find in Japanese BBQ, and you won't want to miss their selection of mushrooms. You get a variety and a large portion that complements the meats and other dishes beautifully. Vegetarians and vegans will also find plenty of delicious options here, with various vegetable dishes and noodles available. Just be sure to check the ingredients in the noodle dishes. You'll love Manpuku and the vibrant area of Sawtelle Blvd. It's a lively, bustling, and safe spot. Enjoy your visit!

We ordered the yakiniku tasting menu, which requires a minimum of two people at the table. While it's not inexpensive, it features a wide variety of dishes, including salad, fried rice, pickles, and dessert. The portion of meat in the tasting menu is substantial, but if you're particularly hungry, you might want to consider ordering additional items. The quality of the dishes is impressive—there are no fatty cuts of meat, and everything is marinated to perfection, ensuring that even if you accidentally overcook it, it still tastes great. The side dishes are also elevated, particularly the rice and pickles. The menu is primarily Japanese-inspired, but you can definitely see influences from KBBQ, which I appreciated. I really enjoyed my experience at this restaurant, though it leans toward the upscale side, and I've had similar quality meals for less in the past. They also offer outdoor seating, which is a lovely feature since the enticing aroma of smoky meat wafts through the air.

The meat was well-marinated that elevate the dining experience. The staff, in addition to being friendly, is consistently attentive, donning welcoming smiles that enhance the inviting atmosphere. The combination of delicious food and excellent service makes Manpuku a standout choice for Japanese BBQ enthusiasts in Los Angeles.

What I truly miss, is some pictures on the menu. I had no idea what kind of meat I was ordering to be honest and it was hard to guess how much to order for our party of 3. The staff did help out, but it would be great if the menu had more directions for this. The portions are small (100gr) but the quality was great. So it was pricey, but they do have special cuts. 1 thing that was weird, we ordered the shishito pepper assuming it would be more than 1 pepper.. it was not.