Osen Family
Since 2017, Osen Family has been proudly serving sushi, kushiyaki and contemporary pan Asian cuisine. successful Japanese restaurant group that operates 2 direct stores: Izakaya Osen & Omakase by Osen in California.
Osen brings in the freshest seafood available daily and it is different from ordinary restaurants in that it mainly provides alcoholic beverages. Osen is well known for our kushiyaki and nabe selections which pairs well with our wide selection of wine, sake and Japanese craft beer. With fresh ingredients that come in on the day and know-how in cooking skills that have accumulated over the years, they cook with utmost sincerity. We look forward to servicing our diners and also being a part of the culinary landscape of California!
Osen Family corporate headquarters is located in Los Angeles, with locally-based managing partners and a full-time marketing and operations staff in every other market.
Owner Chef
DAMON CHO | Founder, CEO, Owner Chef
Chef Damon Cho is a distinguished culinary expert with over 18 years of experience in the restaurant industry. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in California, Chef Cho honed his skills at renowned establishments such as Nobu, Four Seasons, and Tao, where he mastered the core principles of culinary excellence and exceptional customer service. His dedication to refining his craft and developing innovative recipes has defined his career.
In 2009, Chef Cho opened his first Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, which quickly became a resounding success, leading to the launch of a second location in San Francisco in 2012. Driven by his belief that a restaurant should be more than just a place to eat—it should be a space where people gather with family and friends to create meaningful memories—he founded Izakaya Osen in Silverlake in 2017. Building on its success, Chef Cho expanded the Osen brand with a second Izakaya Osen location in Irvine in October 2022. That same month, he introduced Omakase by Osen, which specializes in omakase and hand rolls, further showcasing his commitment to delivering an authentic and elevated dining experience.
Osen Group remains focused on growth and innovation, with plans to open new locations in San Diego and Las Vegas in the near future. Chef Cho’s unwavering dedication to quality, tradition, and hospitality continues to shape the Osen Group’s reputation as a leader in Japanese cuisine.
IZAKAYA OSEN
IZAKAYA OSEN is a type of traditional Japanese bar and restaurant that serve alcoholic drinks and as well as inexpensive, small dishes and finger foods.
OMAKSE BY OSEN
OMAKSE BY OSEN takes center stage. The fish hails from Japan, while all of the sauces including soy and vinegar are made in-house. And the multi-course meal highlights regional dishes from Japan as well.