It is a sliver of a spot with space for only ten diners at the counter, but this Echo Park hit punches way above its weight. There is a cheerful orange façade with a takeout window and a picnic table shaded by umbrellas; inside, the narrow room features a white wall with slender wood slats and bare bulb fixtures. Konbi is the brainchild of Chefs Nick Montgomery and Akira Akuto, who present a unique menu of Japanese sandwiches, product-focused small plates and Proustian pastries. Tuck into the pork katsu sandwich, a panko-crusted pork filet dabbed with tonkatsu sauce, mustard, and set between slices of soft bread from local bakery—Bub and Grandma's Bread.
At dessert, order a wedge of custard tart for its delightfully unexpected layer of date paste.