Japanese Izakaya Fare & Yakitori
Located in the Financial District of Downtown LA, at THE BLOC Plaza Level, Hatch is a modern dining restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of yakitori, Japanese izakaya dishes, as well as cocktails and whiskey. The interior is arranged with table seating and a bar, and there is also an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy a casual meal in a stylish atmosphere.
The menu featured a variety of dishes that caught my eye, including Yakitori, Large Plates, and even a Raw Bar. I tried several types of skewers, including Squid Ink Karaage, Corn Tempura Tower, Thigh & Green Onion, Chicken Meatball, Wagyu & Wasabi, Pork Belly, and Bacon Wrapped Shishito, and enjoyed them alongside Royal Hamachi and cocktails Mai Tai and Ring Around the Rosie for a bountiful feast.
Squid Ink Karaage was visually striking. Inside the delicious black batter was moist chicken, and the contrast between the crispy exterior and tender interior was impressive. The accompanying black garlic ranch dip had a unique hue with a slight green tint, offering a nutty flavor with a subtle garlic aroma. The savory karaage paired harmoniously with the creamy sauce, making each bite enjoyable until the last piece. The Corn Tempura Tower featured crispy corn kernels stacked like a tower, making for an impressive presentation. A bite revealed a delightful balance of nutty and sweet flavors, with a crispy exterior and moist interior. The three sauces served alongside each had different flavors, allowing for a fun dipping experience that offered a new taste with each sauce. Royal Hamachi was topped with orange, adding a refreshing aroma to the perfectly sliced yellowtail. The smooth texture of the fish combined with the bright sweetness of the orange created a clean and refined finish.
The Yakitori overall had a good balance. Thigh & Green Onion combined the juicy tenderness of chicken thigh with the aroma of green onion, while the Chicken Meatball was moist and well-seasoned. Dipping it in the egg yolk & tare dip added a richness that enhanced the overall flavor. Wagyu & Wasabi highlighted the nuttiness of the well-marbled wagyu, and a sprinkle of black salt deepened the flavor. The addition of wasabi provided a subtle freshness without any overpowering sharpness, resulting in a clean finish. Pork Belly was grilled to a crisp without being overly fatty, leaving a savory flavor in the mouth, while the Bacon Wrapped Shishito combined the salty bacon with the flavor of shishito peppers, refreshing the palate throughout the meal.
The Mai Tai we ordered together was a mocktail version, with a sweet yet subtle fruity aroma. Its moderate sweetness and refreshing balance paired well with the savory flavors of the Yakitori, gently cleansing the palate throughout the meal. The Ring Around the Rosie was impressive with its fragrant yet deep taste, finishing with a smooth aftertaste that burst with fresh fruit flavors from the very first sip. With a variety of cocktails and highball options available, I wanted to try other drinks next time, and overall, it was a well-composed meal where the food and drinks harmonized beautifully.
Hatch
Hatch was a modern Japanese dining experience where you could enjoy a leisurely meal in the city. It was elegantly arranged with a variety of Yakitori, plates, and cocktails, and you could feel the quality in both the atmosphere and the flavors. If you’re looking for Japanese tapas in Downtown LA, how about a meal at Hatch?
