Gotetsu - Kushiyaki and Sake House

Reviews

• IR

  Ivan Rudas

  May 11, 2026
  5.0
  Ribeye yuzu skewer is my favorite. Suntory premium malts on draft m, what more could you ask for?
• MM

  minipancho94

  Apr 25, 2026
  5.0
  Moved away from the area, so its been a few years, but this is by far my favorite place to eat in the entire city. The cost can add up a bit due to how amazing everything is, but every item is very fairly priced, and the curry and a skewer or two is the perfect lunch. Truly wish they'd open additional locations closer to my current area
• AM

  A M

  Apr 24, 2026
  5.0
  One of our go to date night places. We love to sit at the bar we love the small quaint vibe. Our favorites are the chicken meatballs with the yolk. The rice ball with the yolk, Shishito peppers are amazing eggplant is amazing the mushrooms are amazing. There are a new pink cocktail is pretty good and a nice addition to the menu. It’s a fun place to go and we’d love that it’s different and unique.
• AK

  Andrzej Kozak

  Mar 22, 2026
  3.0
  This place could be amazing. The night we went the food was blend and just unappetizing. Will try it again.
• EG

  Elysia Guillen

  Dec 23, 2025
  5.0
  Gotetsu is one of those spots you almost want to gatekeep but it is too good not to share. Located in midtown Ventura, this is an authentic Japanese izakaya that focuses on kushiyaki grilled skewers, sake, and small shareable plates. They do not offer sushi, so do not ask. They even wear a shirt with sushi crossed off, which makes the point very clear. The space is cozy, intimate, and intentional. It is perfect for a relaxed dinner or a low key date night where the food takes center stage. The menu features rotating nightly specials, which keeps things exciting and encourages repeat visits. The owner is always there and hands on with the food, which really shows in the consistency and quality of each dish. Ordering is simple with scan and order contactless pay, which I appreciate because you can pace your meal exactly how you want. My usual order and highly recommended: • Spicy garlic edamame • Chicken thigh with yuzu citrus pepper • Rib eye skewer • Okra skewer • Gyoza • Yaki onigiri, a grilled rice ball with soy sauce and a crispy exterior • Start with miso soup and a bottle of Asahi Super Dry Pro tip: keep the sauce from the spicy garlic edamame and dip the yaki onigiri into it. The combo is excellent. Everything is expertly seasoned and grilled with care. This place is about honoring traditional Japanese flavors, not trends. If you are looking for an authentic izakaya experience in Ventura, this spot delivers every time.