West Hollywood's Sunset Strip has a new entry, Little Luck, which opened on Monday, October 19, in the former Bootsy Bellows nightclub space. The Hwood Group’s latest venture is described as a modern izakaya, a concept they’re positioning as a more grown-up answer to the "vibey Asian restaurants" that defined a particular era of Los Angeles dining. Chef Erik Idos, who has a background with establishments like Per Se, Jean-Georges, and Nobu, recently returned to his native Los Angeles to lead the kitchen, bringing a new culinary perspective to a familiar style.
Hwood Group co-founders John Terzian and Brian Toll aimed to revive the spirit of the early 2000s, when places like Koi, Katana, and the now-closed Geisha House offered elevated pan-Asian dishes beyond basic sushi. Terzian reflected on that time, noting that when he and Toll started as promoters "the best food was Asian cuisine." This new take, according to Terzian, is about developing concepts inspired by things they love and filling a void in West Hollywood, where the group has operated for 13 years.
The menu, curated by Chef Idos, starts with snacks such as egg salad served on milk bread, which can be upgraded with caviar. Small plates include katsu chicken tender and quail kaarage. Salads offer options like a Japanese fruit-tomato salad with burrata and pickled fennel, or corn and snap peas dressed in chile garlic butter.
The raw and cold bar at Little Luck presents sashimi, nigiri, and oysters, alongside scallops and uni served on the half shell. For rolls, the California roll features blue crab, while other options include wagyu and lobster with spicy aioli. Among the rice and noodle dishes, garlic lobster noodles are highlighted.
Larger plates round out the menu with selections like Santa Barbara spot prawns in a roasted red pepper puree. A bone-in short rib ssam is served slathered in gochujang miso, accompanied by lettuce cups for diners to build individual bites.
Tokyo Noir barman Kevin Lee developed Little Luck’s beverage program, moving beyond the lychee martinis of the past. His cocktails include a new take on lychee, balancing Ketel One, bergamot, alpine herbs, Daiyame Shochu, and dry vermouth. Japanese highballs are also featured, such as the Aruarian Dance, which combines Suntory Roku Gin with Japanese white peach. The selection also includes mostly Japanese beers, an extensive sake list, and wines from various major regions, including California.
Designed by Terzian in collaboration with John Sofio of Built Inc., the restaurant's ambiance aims to appeal to a late-night crowd, a segment that has seen a decline in recent years. The dining area can accommodate up to 196 guests, featuring a 10-person bar, two private dining rooms, and a dedicated DJ booth. A prominent vinyl wall housing approximately 4,000 records underscores the musical element, with DJs scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays. Co-founder Brian Toll summarized the approach, stating that "people want the balance of good dining and good energy."
Little Luck operates Monday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight, with the kitchen closing slightly earlier at 10:30 p.m. It is located at 9229 West Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood.
