This past weekend, I was disappointed when I found out that my favorite Shabu Shabu restaurant was closed (thankfully, I found out days later that it's only temporary . Thanks to WFED forum for the updated information). To cheer myself up, I decided to drive to West Los Angeles for some yakitori (grilled stuff on a skewer). This little yakitori place called Nanbankan, located on Santa Monica Blvd about half a block west of Sawtelle.

(pics taken with Blackberry)


The entrance to the dining area. I think the sign prints Nanbankan... this is when I wish I had paid more attention to Japanese language class at college!


Time to order... hmmm... what to get?


The aroma from the grill...


Finally, my parties decided to do the Nanban Complete Dinner set. What a deal, for $23, we each get 9 skewers + salad + miso soup + Japanese pickes + Saboro Don/rice + ICE CREAM!!!

Salad with miso dressing. IMO, the dressing is a bit salty.


Fresh from the grill... first two skewers: Ingen maki (beans wrapped in bacon) & Shiso maki (pork rolled with shiso):


Uzura (quail egg):


Yasai yaki (green pepper, cherry tomato and mushroom):


Nanban Yaki (beef). I didn't quite care for this and we each get 2 skewers.


Negima (chicken with green onion) & Tsukune (meatball). I don't typically like Tsukune, however IMO Nanbankan did a great job grilling the meatball. It has just the right size and has the right mix.


Everyone's favorite, Tebasaki (chicken wings). This was nicely done, with the skin all crispy and meat very moist. YUM!


A tasty Saboro Don, served with varieties of pickles and miso soup:


Although we were full, we couldn't resist not to order the following:

Hama hama oysters in ponzu sauce. The oysters were fresh and delicious:


Grilled fresh white corn:


Beef liver:


My favorite... chicken skin with light teriyaki sauce:


We complete our yummy meal (at this time I've put a smile back to my face!), we were served with creamy Lychee ice cream. This is the BEST part of my meal...


I look forward to have another fantastic meal there in a few weeks

Regards,
ATM

Hello ATM,

Thanks for the great pics! Someone took me to Nanbankan recently and I would agree that the food was fantastic! I was surprised that the set menu was so filling but I had to order another quail egg! I didn't try the oysters but they looked good. It does get a little smokey inside due to the grilling. I hope someone takes me there again to eat.

-MW

Hi DRMW,

Lucky of you to know people that took you to good places ! I remembered the quail egg being yummy. The oysters were extra delicious (as I had a bad oyster during lunch time!). I had to share my 1 order of oysters with a few of my oysters-lover eating companions... as SHARING IS CARING

Overall I like the selection they have at Nanbankan a little better than the neighboring yakitori place, called Yakitoriya. If you get a chance, do try out Yakitoriya and do share with us your thoughts of the place.

Regards,
ATM

glad you visited and took us along with you. Seems to be doing things right as it ever was.

Best,

TM

"A Purist does not believe in gilt by association. Respect, AND disdain, have to be earned..."

TM,

I think you are right, they had a lot of regulars dining at Nanbankan. I guess that it's a good sign.

-MW

Hi ATM,
Nice pics and thanks for the review of Nanbankan. I've dined here twice and had very good experiences on both visits. I agree with you about the complete dinner set, there's plenty of food for 2 people to share. IMO, the yakitori tastes better and is a better deal than at Yakitoriya on Sawtelle.
I'm a huge fan of ice cream and that lychee flavor looks delicious. Most places have lychee as a sorbet.

Regards,
ED-209