Robata Jinya on 3rd.

Robata Jinya on 3rd and Crescent Heights, still in its "soft opening" phase, was packed on Thursday night.  Juliette and I are glad to have little, neighborhood, Japanese grill within walking distance of our casas (家), and even happier about the reasonable prices.  Our bill was $25 each for many little dishes and some odd, sweet rice beer. We left satisfied with the food, service and price.

Crispy Rice w/ Spicy Tuna.  The place is refreshingly authentic and feels like it could be in a Japanese village (although, I really would not know since I have not been to Japan yet).  Robata Jinya's website describes  "The history of Robata Jinya started 40 years ago in a small area in Japan, until it faded away from the view of the public. 5 years ago it was remade with the same feel in Japan and eventually made its way to the Americas". 

  

Eggplant, tofu and broth (in, what the waiter informed us, was a "very expensive bowl"). One of those odd little dishes that surprised me. Exquisite taste and delicate texture, practically perfect.

Robatayaki, the country style Japanese grill, is the main attraction at Robata Kinya.  We had the Japanese Pumpkin and Lotus Root.  Also the chicken meatballs (not shown), nor our fave.

The food from the grill is served with three dipping sauces.  From right to left: curry, cilantro, and ... I forget what the red one is.  The cilantro went well with the Lotus Root.  Have you ever tasted grilled Lotus Root?  I had not.  It looked like a Fried White Tomato, if such a thing existed, yet was quite dense like root vegetable, only spongy and fiberous.  It tasted bland, which is why the dipping sauce went well with it.  Fun to try, yet not to reorder.  There were so many great dishes on the menu.  I'll certainly be back, only this time I'll walk the few blocks instead of drive.

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Robate JINYA

8050 W. 3rd St

Los Angeles, CA 90048
323-653-8877

info@jinya-la.com