10915 W Pico Blvd
West LA
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Unlike all of the other restaurants brought to you by M2K (Wokcano, LeKa, EMC), covered in pretty lights and dressed for PR, The Backhouse is quietly nestled on the hectic strip of Pico Boulevard across from the West LA Mall. But don’t mistake it for a hole-in-the-wall – The Backhouse is a subtle seduction of delicious small bites and cocktails, and their fusions of sushi and yakitori plates are delicious down to the last bite.
Master Chef Hide Nakazawa custom-designed the menu to feed the conservative palate while entertaining adventurous tastemakers. Their unique Yakitori menu is simple; skewer offerings from chicken, steak, pork belly and veggies, to a more provocative list of gingko beans, heart, liver and even chicken cartilage. Every brochette is seasoned to precise perfection, and though the thought of chomping on cartilage or pieces of heart may not seem inviting, you’d be surprised how exquisite these delicacies are.
If the gingko beans seem more appetizing, the Bacon-wrapped Okra is the ultimate combination of sweet, salty, bitter and crunchy. But we won’t stop there – their sushi menu is straightforward with hints of royalty on every dish. Everyone must try their most popular dish: the Seared Salmon with Truffle Oil, lightly dressed with caviar, it so soft and succulent, and offers just the right amount of char so perfect it melts in your mouth. Other favorites include the Red Snapper Carpaccio with Sea bream, or the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, to balance every meal.
The Backhouse offers an array of various sakes, both hot and cold, with beers and local favorite wines, and a simple cocktail menu that allows you to pair each drink with your choice of dish. The Lychee Martini, delicious and pretty, is my recommended starter. From there, work your way up and mix and match your sakes with each delicious dish. To experience a unique and inspired menu in an unexpected locale, The Backhouse makes the perfect spot for a quiet and delicious night out on the town.
