California Cuisine & Japanese Flavors Fusion at Hot Spot Doto!

So, here’s a little slice of destiny for you: baby daddy and I decided to grab some lunch, and wouldn’t you know it? We both ended up texting each other our lunch picks… Doto! At that moment, it felt like the universe was giving us a nudge to check this place out.

I walked in thinking it was just another coffee shop. Surprise! It’s an unexpected fusion of California Cuisine and Japanese flavors.

We started with a bottle of Vignobles Morgon – Nature Bulliat. This wine was light-bodied with a smooth, round mouthfeel with raspberry and peach, punctuated by floral notes and a dash of spice. It was so smooth we couldn’t help but sip a little slower to savor it.

Next, tempura fish tacos, priced at $20. I wasn’t expecting much, thinking it would be just another taco. But the batter was light and crispy, and the wild cod had flavor. One bite led to another, and before I knew it, I was happily munching away.

Then came the Doto bento box (or as we lovingly dubbed it, the “dodo box”). For $24, it came with white rice, a refreshing mizuna salad, kombu pickles, yuzu soy, and surprisingly crisp smoked mackerel. Each component was a little treasure on its own.

Brisket Fried Rice was hearty and I was caught off guard by its spicy kick, but honestly, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

The dog friendly patio was the perfect spot to soak up the sun—spacious, comfortable, and ideal for a leisurely brunch or a relaxing dinner. Of course, there’s indoor seating too, and there’s a peek into the cozy interior.

What I love about Doto is the menu changes based on the freshness of produce and meats sourced from local vendors, making every visit a new adventure. Plus, their selection of beer, wine, and low-ABV cocktails gets updated weekly, so there’s always something creative to sip on.

It’s a neighborhood place that mixes flavors beautifully while keeping things fresh and inviting.

Have you dined at Doto? If so, what did you try?

654 N Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90004