Gotetsu - Kushiyaki and Sake House

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.

OMG, this restaurant is an absolute treasure and HANDS DOWN my new favorite restaurant in Ventura County. Owner Yukari is very gracious and knowledgeable as all of her skewers (vegetable, chicken, and beef) and salads are not only seasoned/marinated to absolute perfection, but presented with artistry that only a true master chef is able to achieve. Please do not hesitate to give Gotetsu a try as it is an experience that you won't find anywhere else.

Quick Summary Pretty cool to have a Yakitori place in Ventura at a central location. Street parking only. Food was decent (although a bit overcooked). Make sure you book a reservation because they are a bit shorthanded (it appeared to be 3 total staff members running the whole restaurant!) Food- 4 stars Ordered the chicken skin, shiitake mushroom, Japanese eggplant, rib eye, chicken thigh with leak, squid and an assortment of specials. I liked the rib eye, chicken skin, and chicken thigh the most. The food was mostly overcooked but salted perfectly (the staff did seem overwhelmed). They had Asahi, Sapporo and Suntory draft available, so it was great to have them along with our yakitori meal Service- 5 stars The staff were attentative as they can be, as they appeared understaffed. Really appreciate all the hard work they put in Bottom Line Book a reservation even during weekdays. It's awesome to have a yakitori spot in Ventura and don't have to drive too far if you have a craving.

Took me back to Japan. I went before the crowd and enjoyed a delicious meal. Excellent for solo dining. Plan for street parking and make a reservation or be okay with possibly having a wait.

I came here a few years back and ordered the chicken curry. It was one of the best curries I’ve ever had. Tonight I came back and ordered everything that sounded good to me. The chicken curry was a 10/10 of course. The chicken Karage was so flavorful and perfectly fried. The beef skewers were packed with flavor and HELLA tender. Everyone here was really nice and you could tell even the people dining were here for a good time and good food. I didn’t take a picture of everything I ate, but here’s that beautiful Karage.

Took my parents here and we all loved it. I ordered many different plates and each was great, the grilled kabocha and garlic chicken really stood out! Staff was very friendly and the whole experience was very reminiscent to those I’ve had in Japan

One of my favorite places in Ventura County hands down! The staff are amazing and the food is to die for! I suggest it to everyone. Truly one of the best restaurants in Ventura bar none.