Tsurutontan features the conventional allure of an authentic Japanese udon bar: time-honored recipes, curated ingredients, and meticulous techniques that forge bowls of springy noodles wading in comforting, umami-laden broths.
The popular eatery transcends tradition by adopting elements of a swank izakaya via stylish appetizers and sushi, remastered cocktails with an Asian riff, and a modern interior incorporating symbolic décor and lighting fixtures.
There are a few suggested ways to “izakaya” here. Those seeking light bites or a pre-meal cocktail hour with beer, wine, or a tropical libation may opt to nibble on plates of butter garlic edamame, shrimp gyoza, or seared salmon sashimi.
But patrons would be remiss not to take advantage of the full Japanese pub experience. Start with a sake or highball toast paired with truffle French fries or grilled maitake mushrooms.
Then shake things up with an Asian pear mojito or yuzu margarita with heartier bites of grilled duck breast, sizzling ribeye steak, or innovative sushi rolls like the Lava Roll with shrimp tempura, cucumber, avocado, and imitation crab drizzled with luscious sauces.
Consummate the evening with a soulful udon from among the 35 different options, be it a traditional shrimp tempura and noodles in the base broth, a nourishing U.S. wagyu curry soup rendition, or a decadent truffle and crab cream variation.
Tsurutontan is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Diners seeking to dabble in an izakaya adventure may appreciate the secret 50% off menu offered from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to last call daily. Available only upon request, it features an impressive lineup of drinks starting at $4.50, appetizers from $3.50, sushi rolls from $5.50, and udon for as low as $11.
