Uerukamu - Kalkbaai iNingizimu Afrika

If you love hidden gems, then you're in for a treat with Bar Uerukamu. I have visited the supermarket and some of the businesses in the plaza for years, but never knew about Bar Uerukamu until recently. Upon searching for the best Japanese restaurants this side of the valley, this little izakaya kept surfacing. Call me interested. After being stymied from visiting at the height of the pandemic, we finally visited several months ago and have gone again. There is definitely some kind of special happening here and I can see why patrons are such fans. The space, both indoors and out is charming and intimate. There's cool jazz music playing in the background. A vintage style bike is parked up front. Sipping from their excellent selection of sakes with eyes closed takes me back to the izakayas I frequented in NYC when I lived there many moons ago. Almost everything you order here is amazing. The Gobo chips are addictive and healthy. Our kids go town on these. The agedashi tofu is a treat we often end up ordering more than one...and maybe even more than two. The grilled yellowtail collar is excellent and pairs well with the sake. The sashimi is pretty good, although if you're looking strictly for sushi/sashimi, you're better served going to a sushi restaurant. This place is an izakaya and it offers a wonderful variety of dishes (beyond sushi) that are like tapas that are to be enjoyed with a preferred drink. I have enjoyed their recommendations on sake and discovered some new favorites on the menu. The staff is equally graceful and inviting. We like to sit outside and they are always checking in to see how we are doing. You will pay your fair share after an evening at Uerukamu, but it's all good quality and a darling experience in an unexpected location in the SFV. It's one of my favorite hidden gems to recommend to folks.

A hidden gem if you ask me. Tapas are generously and well seasoned for the purpose of alcohol consumption.The sushi options are unique and special.Sake and shochu options are authentically Japanese and really quite divine. Things you generally wouldn’t find in regular Japanese restaurants.The vibe was chill and homey. Reservation is required as the space is intimate.It’s a special place.

Great Japanese foods and alcohol in San Fernando valley! Must go Izakaya! Try their sake cocktails, too!

Fantastic. Absolutely the best sushi/tapas in Lake Balboa. The menu is always different and always fresh. Jun is a sushi master. I've been coming here for years and have never had a bad dish

Best place . Best service. If you are reading this just go asap . If you want a taste of Japan this will transport you . It's not open everyday. Make sure you make reservations .Food: 5/5