Necco whips up quirky Asian-Californian fusion fare


It might be hard to remember that there is Japanese food in the world other than the selection of sushi at Seeds. In fact, LA is generously peppered with sushi restaurants, ramen joints and experimental Asian fusion. Necco, a cozy new Japanese fusion bistro devoted to all organic and locally sourced ingredients opened in Westwood on October 20. Necco aims to offer Japanese tapas with a twist, and for those willing to shell out a little more than usual, they succeed.

Worth the fuss · Despite small portions and expensive prices, Necco offers a high quality menu that comes in five different sections: starters, salads, big plates, small plates and sweets coupled with knowledgable service. - Photo courtesy of Necco

Worth the fuss · Despite small portions and expensive prices, Necco offers a high quality menu that comes in five different sections: starters, salads, big plates, small plates and sweets coupled with knowledgable service. – Photo courtesy of Necco

 

Necco, which means root in Japanese, offers a diverse menu of innovative dishes made with creative ingredients. Not to disappoint organic obsessed Angelinos, diners will be hard pressed to find anything processed at Necco – not even brand name sodas.

Located in a low key storefront on Westwood Blvd., the simple sign over the door is the only indication to the brand new Los Angeles foodie haven. Inside, the décor is sparse but trendy, with hard wood tables and a cozy bar looking into the busy kitchen within. Necco isn’t very big, and with about six different tables it offers a comfortable and cozy dining experience.

Walking in, customers are greeted by a smile from the chefs and owners working behind the bar. Though small, the staff at Necco is knowledgeable. With precise information on how the food is prepared and great recommendations on the most complimentary flavors on the menu, the staff play an important role in the dining and drinking experience.

If customers are extremely hungry, Necco may not be the best place to go. The bistro offers no on the house h’ors douevres and service can be slow. They offer a great list of starters, including veggie chips aptly named “Necco Chips” that are more flavorful than chips from the bag and somehow less greasy.

Predominantly a tapas style restaurant, the menu at Necco is divided into five different sections. The first section, starters ranges from $3.50 to $7. In addition to the hunger quelling Necco chips, the Steamed Spicy Octopus is flavorful and tender.

Following starters, Necco showcases their fresh, locally sourced produce selection under salads. These dishes offer delicious small plates of produce for affordable prices. Everything at Necco is great for sharing and the staff recommends ordering a diverse selection of salad and starters to prep the palate for the small and big plates to come.

Customers should be warned, there is not much of a difference in size between small and big plates and a collection of choices from both parts of the menu are sure to satisfy the hungriest of parties.

The Curry Flavor Nanban Chicken with fried tempeh and sweet and sour soy sauce wowed the entire table. Tender and full of flavor the chicken was the perfect choice of protein, paired with delicately flavored tempeh and a tangy sauce, the flavors worked together flawlessly for a filling fall dish. Though Necco doesn’t get an “A” for imaginative dish names, their small plates impress with flavor and innovation of texture and ingredients.

The big hit on the menu, however, is the lamb chops. Cooked perfectly and sizzling with flavor, the lamb chops have already a dozen photos on Yelp singing their praises, and they definitely deserve it.

For a student who’s looking for a hip and new fine dining experience, Necco’s Japanese-Californian fusion dinner menu does not disappoint. A meal for three with two glasses of wine came out to be just over $140, but for those who are willing to pay a little extra, it’s worth it. The food was delicious and the ingredients were fresh and though Necco does not cross into the category of affordable, it is a great choice for special occasions or for those willing to shell out a few extra dollars to be on the up and up on great new and low key eateries in Los Angeles.