50 Best Japanese Restaurants in Los Angeles

“Lovely spot with incredible atmosphere and food.The food was presented nicely and tasted even better. Would highly recommend the scallop/uni course and the skewers! the beef tongue was our favourite.As for the bone marrow, it was a little shallow and the miso overpowered it.Overall, I’d highly recommend n/soto to anyone looking for Japanese food around the area. Would definitely come again.“

“Pictured are the Tokyo Rich Tsukemen and the Smoked Dashi Ramen.The Tokyo Rich Tsukemen carried my experience here at Tonchin LA. I came here solely for the noodles made in collaboration with Keizo Shimamoto from Shimamoto Noodle Inc. They are really the star of the bowl. The tonkotsu gyokai broth was alright, but overall, this was one of the better tsukemen you can find in Socal imo.The Smoked Dashi Ramen, on the other hand, was quite weird. It starts off fine but the longer you take to eat it, the fishier the broth will get so get ready to slurp fast ?“

“I've been wanting to try different omakase places in the LA area for a while now, and stumbled upon Omakase by Ozen online - and I'm glad I came! Reservations were made quickly and easily via Yelp, and I love that I was able to change my reservation time without much of a hassle. My boyfriend and I came here to celebrate after I took the MCAT, so we were extremely hungry when we got here. I think this place might have had valet out front, but we opted to just find street parking in the neighborhood for a ~5 minute walk (which worked out afterwards since it let us walk off our food!). The actual restaurant is a very small and quaint place; we sat at a table instead of the bar but I thought the decorations were very cute. Service was very fast and attentive. They handed us a menu as soon as we came in, and we ordered the $130 omakase - which was a pretty good deal for the quality of the food and the whole experience. I do have to say that I was not full after the meal (so my boyfriend and I ended up getting more food afterwards at a different place), but I did enjoy my time here. Definitely worth a try if you're celebrating because of the food and the service, but I personally don't think I'd come back for the omakase.“

“Im so glad I finally discovered Yama! I am in love with the Yama special California roll - I’m disappointed to see that it’s not available to order separately on Door dash - Please add it there! The only thing I haven’t loved so far was the unagi roll, it had a rubbery texture. Maybe I just was unlucky with that one. Overall really good sushi! I also love the rest of the market with the Japanese gifts :)“

“Came here for a benchmark birthday year celebration and it was a perfect choice. The staff was so friendly and warm. The place did not seem snobby for a highly technical tasting menu. It is pricey but worth it. Some of the best bites I've had ever. The wine was great and the cocktails were so creative and well done. It was also a great learning experience learning more about the Taiwanese culture. The tasting menu was a great experience and well designed course schedule. The amount of savory and umami to sweet courses were perfectly balanced. Almost as if they were reading my mind what I was craving next, a few moments later the server came by with the perfect dish. I know this place has had plenty of recognition but it deserves it all and more.“

“Outstanding food and service. Reservations were limited so we went right when they opened and snagged seats at the end of the sushi bar. The highlights for us were the inventive, perfectly seasoned hamachi choco and buttery salmon nigiri—but honestly we would reorder everything we tried and can’t wait to come back to sample the rest of the menu. Mariano made us feel like VIPs with his stellar recommendations and good conversation. So happy to have this gem in the neighborhood! We look forward to enjoying their sister restaurant, Bar Seco, opening soon next door.“

“Superb place. Unfortunately Jonny Won (?) left couple of years ago but the current Chef is more than capable of upholding this restaurant's glowing reputation for exceptionally fresh ingredients and superb cooking skills. My only advice is to stick to fish and leave the meat dishes as, although nice, are not quite "wow" as they used to be.“

“Azai is a great new spot for hand rolls and sushi! They give you a lot of fish in the hand rolls and there's a really good variety of items on the menu. The yellowtail and tuna nigiri were delicious and my favorite was the yellowtail jalapeño yuzu sashimi special. Save room for the mochi ice cream for dessert!“

“Had a fantastic brunch here. I had the traditional Japanese Breakfast, while my friend had the vegan version. Food was flavorful and well prepared. And service was attentive while also being unobtrusive (they let us sit for a long time without rushing us).“

“The fish is soooooo sooooo fresh and the service was great! Me and my bf got the chirashi bowls and oh my gosh they were so seasoned and such a great serving amount. I didn't even have a photo to upload because I ate it so fast lol but my boyfriend took one lol. I'll definitely be back. Thank you“

“great $125 japanese italian tasting menu that only advertises 5 courses, but we also got 4 chef "gifts"! dishes were seafood forward and had a fresh, creamy, & bright flavor profile - standouts of the night were scallops w yuzu cream & soft shell crab salad only downside is that even though i eat slow, the dishes were CRAWLING out.. think we waited 20min between some dishes but fantastic night :)“

“Most underrated restaurant in LA. The menu is always changing so, if you can afford it, you can go monthly. It's good it's not packed with hip foodies but I want this place to be recognized as every bit as good as N Naka or Hayato.“

“The best food and the best service! This is our third time coming here and nothing ever misses. The lunch is always a great vibe! This last time was with a big party of 8 and it was all handled seamlessly and everyone loved their meals, so thought it was time to give them a shoutout! Of the 3 times we've had the same server (Adrian) and they are truly such a special server happy to be there and be helpful! We couldn't remember if we like the shiro or shouyo more and they were helping us trying to figure it out, was super sweet and funny!! Thank you again!!!“

“Every dish was melt in your mouth good. Some of the best sushi I’ve had at this price point. Will definitely come back, highly recommend. The shop is a smaller spot and a bit unassuming, but the food speaks for itself. The staff were also extremely friendly, allowing us to move some tables around to meet our groups needs when they weren’t too busy. Really appreciate the visit here.“

“Came here on a Sunday night around 7 pm, wait for 15 mins and I was in.It’s a cute little shop that serves good udon. I tried the Takoyaki and it was fine, not great. Little too doughy for me.For the udon we tried the miso carbonara and the hot dragon. I would say that they were both good. Carbonara is very creamy and milky while the hot dragon packed some good flavors. The hot dragon felt like it was more food than the carbonara.Took about 15 mins to get our food so a bit slow but I think they handcraft the noodles so many that’s why it took a while? About $50 for two udons and an app.“

“Made a reservation for the omakase at Sushi Tama, and the experience was incredible. Each course was well thought-out and absolutely delicious. The atmosphere inside was lovely, filled with folks enjoying their time but not too loud or overwhelming. Chef Yoshimoto's incredibly talented, and we'll absolutely be coming back.If you're looking for a high-quality omakase in LA, this is the place.“

“This is hard for me. On one hand, I don’t want to share this secret for fear it may make it harder for me to enjoy in the future. But on the other, this should be the most celebrated ramen in Los Angeles. It is hands down my favorite ramen, karaage and curry. Chef Niki is an absolute master and the service is unmatched.“

“I recently took my lunch break at Guzzu Bento-ya, and it was a delightful experience from start to finish. I opted for their Hayashi Rice, a flavorful twist on Japanese beef stew, and it instantly became my new favorite comfort food, especially in the chilly weather. The braised tender beef, onions, and mushrooms melded together perfectly, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.The space was cozy and perfect to do some work. I love how they have anime playing on the projector.Beyond their renowned bento boxes, Guzzu Bento-ya impressed me with their new salads and stews, each bursting with flavor. The staff was incredibly accommodating, offering spot-on recommendations that enhanced my dining experience. Whether you're craving a classic bento box or eager to explore their latest offerings, Guzzu Bento-ya is sure to exceed your expectations. Highly recommended!5/5“

“Great history and food. Very impressive tempura and curry, and of course the sashimi was super fresh. I do miss AOI, so the home estylen cooking here was a real rad treat. I loved it, we came pretty early and on a weekday as you must do because it gets filled up so fast!! So glad we made the effort because it had been on our list so long and it didn't disappoint“

“This place from the moment you walk in the front door is beyond amazing! They’ve done an amazing job of setting one heck of secluded Tulum vibe but while being in the thick of it all. No detail was left out from the lush landscaping and impeccable design throughout to the delicious food and cocktail menu topped off with incredible service. We had the Crispy Rice with yellowtail and shishito peppers for starters both were some of the best we’ve had. We also had the sun fire roll and short ribs and all I can say is yum! You won’t be disappointed with any of the food here. The margaritas we had were “chefs kiss”! Highly recommend!!“

“Absolutely delightful service & chicken! Make sure to check the counter for info on their combos and bentos since those are good deals for lunch. The portions are great, so an 8 piece is enough for 2 lunches, especially if you’re pairing it with rice or a salad. Will definitely be back.“

“Started with smiling and welcoming staff. Our table was next to a very loud and screaming crowd and was getting so loud that we couldn’t even talk without shouting ti hear each other. The manager came over to apologise and offered us to move to another quieter table which we kindly took. They stage kept apologizing to us about the loud crowd. Kept us happy and well served all thrice our meal. Food was great! Ambience was great! We were very happy all in all! Hands down to the staff who tolerated the loud crowd who were still there when we left!!!!“

“I absolutely adore their mazemen and usually get the Tokyo option. I don’t even mind the wait if I happen to come at a busy time. The food is well worth it! The servers are so nice and it’s a chill place to sit and eat. Easy parking on Olympic.“

“This place is a GEM! The sushi is so fresh, and the bento box is quite literally filled to the brim with delicious pickles, salad, and rice as well. The owner is really nice, and they are incredibly polite and sweet. Definitely worth it. I hope they continue to do well!“

“Since this place is doing only take out at the moment, truly excellent take-out experience. I have never seen omakase that doing take out as phenomenal. Everything was incredibly thoughtful and of the best quality I ever had. Especially, this place will serve you takeout as dining plates.“

“Amazing experience! I came here for my birthday dinner and the Tokyo omakase was to die for. One of the best meals I had in my life. The staff is very attentive and has great recommendations for which sake to order, you can tell that they really care about the dining experience. Each course was fresh and delicious and really highlighted the best flavors. I have never enjoyed uni before, but here it was absolutely delicious. I can't wait to be back next time I have something to celebrate.“

“I found this place 2 years ago completely by accident. My family and I walked in, and the rest was history. Amazing atmosphere, amazing service, and the cherry on top: the AMAZING food. I can't say enough about the food. Excellent selection, combinations, and taste. The chef knows what they're doing, and it shows. The black fried rice is so unique and delicious. We left happy with happy stomachs. I am excited to report that two years later, HATCH still exceeds my expectations. Happened to be in LA again and remembered the food. I couldn't remember the name, so I searched for it. Found the place, and it's a short walk away. Perfect. Walked in, got a table, and the service was amazing, per usual. The food was fantastic! The owner came over and checked on us, asking how everything was going. We explained how we were so happy to find HATCH again after two years and memories of the wonderful experience. The owner ended up cutting us a deal and said if we ordered one dessert, we'd get another one the house. Both of the desserts were delectable. The next time I find myself in downtown LA, I will be returning to HATCH. I'm so happy to support an awesome restaurant with amazing food and a wonderful owner. You guys are killing it!“

“Absolutely loved this experience. Thank you for this wonderful comfortable dinner. It’s exactly what I love. The restaurant is not big which I liked because it felt cozy and not super crowded. Non of the courses specifically stood out but everything was perfect. Service was absolutely incredible, always caring and super friendly. Loved how they kept giving extra courses and even adding a lovely Polaroid picture at the end. It’s crazy how they even thank us again by sending a letter to my address. Loved it and LOVED IT. Just go“

“My boyfriend and I got the omakase but to be honest it was not worth it, the food tasted great but you can get almost the exact same course by ordering the 10 piece nigiri from the menu for half of the price. The atmosphere is nice but not appropriate for a traditional omakase. Highly recommend, just save your money and skip out on the omakase.“

“Okayama Kobo Bakery is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Little Tokyo, and it's an absolute must-visit for anyone with a love for baked goods. From savory treats to sweet delights, their selection is simply unbeatable. Every visit is a delight, as the aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, welcoming you with open arms. Whether you're craving traditional Japanese pastries or looking to explore new flavors, Okayama Kobo Bakery has something to satisfy every palate. The location in Little Tokyo adds to the charm, making it the perfect stop during a day of exploring the vibrant neighborhood. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the culinary treasures awaiting you at Okayama Kobo Bakery.“

“A little gem! They have Korean and Japanese styled rice bowls here. Many great options with reasonable prices and serving sizes especially for the area. We got the tuna tataki bowl and chicken karaage bowl. The person handling orders was really great and said the tuna tataki was their favorite and even gave helpful directions on how to best enjoy the rice bowl with the sauce! Everything tasted fresh and delicious! Highly recommend.“

“I love shabu and have been to "Bon Shabu" twice already. This is my favorite shabu restaurant when in LA. I say it is a "restaurant" because the attentive, friendly service, quality of food, decor and cleanliness are all five big stars! The selection of meat is very high quality including wagyu, and the vegetables and seafood are all very fresh. Beware of the appetizers as they all taste good. They have delicious Korean side menu; japchae, spicy pork, bulgogi, dukkbokki, dumplings, calamari, fried chicken, dukkbokkii, spicy crab, spring rolls, etc. and dessert! all time favorite shabu spot!“

“This is a great Asian Fusion Restaurant. Prices are pretty reasonable considering the fish is high quality. My husband had the sushi combo that comes with a choice of stuff we had the tempura, also miso soup and salad. I had the hand roll combo which also comes with miso soup and salad. It was a lot of food and all delicious. Wait staff were nice, friendly and helpful. Had a full bar. Would go back to try the ramen and chicken katsu.“

“I love this place. A bit pricy but everything is fresh and prepared with much tlc. The staff is always so sweet and there's a particular lovely trans server who always greets me as if I'm family. She has the most warm personality and to be honest, she is one of the reasons I keep coming back! She recommended the citron roll to me and I've been hooked ever since. I'll typically order that, and a couple other simple rolls that are discounted during happy hour. My fav thing to do is sit on the patio eating sushi and people watching. One time a guy decked out in Beyoncé fan gear came up to me and sang happy birthday to his Beyoncé pillow (it was her birthday that day). Nothing but good vibes here.“

“SOOOOO soo good!! Always look forward to stopping by whoever the truck is at. Highly recommend the Classic burger and also the Chicken katsu sandwich. Thé gorgonzola on thé burger is DELICIOUS. The veggies are crisp and fresh. And the sauces are homemade, so so delicious. A MUST try“

“My teenagers and I were impressed with the simplicity of flavors of all our dishes. We started off with an assorted sashimi plate that had 3 pieces each of tuna, salmon, kampachi, and Japanese scallops and a plate of scallop carpaccio. It was soo yummy that we ordered another plate of scallop carpaccio and then we felt like we just had to try the kampachi carpaccio. Sooo good and the scallops just melt in your mouth! For our main dishes, we decided to share the Spicy Tonkotsu with extra bamboo shoots and the Truffle Butter Tonkotsu. The broths were very flavorful, the noodles fresh, and the chasu was delicious. For dessert, the friendly staff recommended the house-made Shio Koji ice cream with black sea salt to help cleanse our palates. It was very light and definitely refreshing. And I also tried the Genmaicha tea which was very light, aromatic, and soothing. All in all this place is a must go-to when you're in Ktown. The staff was very friendly, attentive, and very helpful for suggesting menu items. This is definitely our family's favorite find of the year!“

“Morihiro was a solid omakase experience, but it's not as intimate as the other elevated omakase experiences in this price range...it was pretty crowded. There were only table seats the day we went, but we still enjoyed our dinner here. I was little a taken aback by the way the unique way the rice is prepared, but it was still pretty good. All the dishes were explained and presented well but overall Morihiro just lacked that wow factor. I think I also just prefer a more intimate omakase experience.“

“My teenagers and I were impressed with the simplicity of flavors of all our dishes. We started off with an assorted sashimi plate that had 3 pieces each of tuna, salmon, kampachi, and Japanese scallops and a plate of scallop carpaccio. It was soo yummy that we ordered another plate of scallop carpaccio and then we felt like we just had to try the kampachi carpaccio. Sooo good and the scallops just melt in your mouth! For our main dishes, we decided to share the Spicy Tonkotsu with extra bamboo shoots and the Truffle Butter Tonkotsu. The broths were very flavorful, the noodles fresh, and the chasu was delicious. For dessert, the friendly staff recommended the house-made Shio Koji ice cream with black sea salt to help cleanse our palates. It was very light and definitely refreshing. And I also tried the Genmaicha tea which was very light, aromatic, and soothing. All in all this place is a must go-to when you're in Ktown. The staff was very friendly, attentive, and very helpful for suggesting menu items. This is definitely our family's favorite find of the year!“

“I don't want to say it, but this is the best sushi in the city. Perfect atmosphere and food quality. Most similar to sushi in Japan without the additions and perversions of fusion cooking or the type of cooking culture that chases Michelin clout.I only regret saying it because more people will know, which means the wait will be longer.Get the tamago. It is heaven in a little split yellow cake.Kid-friendliness: Bring your own high chair. We bring our toddler and she does great, but there are only two tables for small children and we have to bring our own modular high chair.“

“want to start off by saying that this place is definitely timeless and i understand why it is one of the first ever sushi places in LA. The prices are unbelievable and i went with 2 other friends and ended up ordering a lot of food. The thing with sushi it’s hard to get full usually, but here the sushi that would be 2-3x the price is affordable and delicious. The atmosphere is great and authentic and your surroundings are pleasant and vibrant. Lots of people speaking japanese to the sushi chef and made the experience at the bar feel fun. i wish i got more pictures but we were starving but we wanted to try a little bit of everything. This place is great for family and friends and even a date at the bar for a fun time. make sure to on off hours or make a reservation if you can cause it can get packed in there. Overall it’s worth a drive to the K town area and get full.“

“The atmosphere was nice with friendly service from the owner and staff, and the freshness of the fish and the setting were enough to whet my appetite.However, due to the catering schedule, the opening date isThere is a sign in front of the entrance, but you should check if it is open before visiting. Have a nice meal.“

“This restaurant is affiliated with several sushi restaurants in Los Angeles and Westwood. It is located on the 2F of the H Mart Madong Plaza, and they validate parking. It has only been open for a month, and it appears to be building up a following. Madong Plaza is also the home to several restaurants, Daiso Japan, Cosmetic World, Paris Baguette. It would be worth your while to enjoy a meal at California Rock N Sushi and do you shopping. The pictures don't do justice to the presentation and quality of the seafood they serve here. I have eaten sushi in Japan, Seattle, and Hawaii. The freshness of their seafood and presentation are unique and unmatched. The sushi chefs are artists, who are clearly experienced and can create works of art. They carry an extensive menu of hand rolls, cut rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and specialties. We had the Red Dragon and Lemon Rolls cut style, chirashi bowl, teppanyaki, and ama ebi. (If they have ama ebi on the menu, do not hesitate to order it.) From seating to the end of our meal, service was top notch. Although this restaurant is located in Koreatown, sushi is universal. I highly recommend that you take the time to visit this restaurant and enjoy your meal here. I would rate this 6 stars if Yelp allowed me to.“

“My boyfriend and I love eating here. It's a very popular spot, so if you don't want to wait in line for a long time, I recommend coming on a weekday or early. If you eat at the bar, you do not have an option for the lunch menu. At the bar, sushi is made in front of you. It's very good, but prices add up quickly if you like to eat a lot. Sitting at the table, they have a really good lunch special.“

“first time here today n i will be back !! a lot of incredible food !! many times sushi tastes similar in different establishments but not this one. you could tell the difference right away, so soft n so good. the ginger had an amazing flavor as well. also, the owners, so welcoming n lovely ? ? ? i live all the way in gardena but this spot is so worth the drive. you won’t regret coming here !!“

“I love this place! Went for the first time tonight and was not disappointed. The fish was so fresh and good quality for a good price which is hard to find. Everything Looked good and tasted delicious . Thanks chef Sam and our server Vivian was a delight . New favorite spot for sure .“

“One of the best surprises we have had in a while this restaurant really delivered in all levels. Great vibe, good service, and really unique and tasty food. We tried several things and the only thing that didn’t work for us was the stuffed chicken wings, we were not a fan of the chewy skin. Unfortunately that was the only dish we remembered to photo. Definitely a must-return.“

“So good!! Food: Amazing. I ordered the assorted yaki gyoza (veggie pork chicken and shrimp) and it was so good I ordered 6 more pork gyoza. Perfectly cooked with a nice crisp to the bottom, amazing flavor, and so juicy. They have different ways to prepare, I think yaki, maybe steam (don't quote me) and in the soup. The soup was also really flavorful and good (and hot haha watch out). They also have a ton of side sauces to choose from, but I love the basic ponzu. Better gyoza than a lot of ramen shops (IMO those usually have too much garlic) and reminded me of great gyoza spots in japan. Price: dude so cheap. I bought food for two people: an assorted bento, an assorted 6 piece, rice, and edamame for around $30. Ambiance: super chill, decent amount of seating, not super loud and can have convos easilyCustomer service: super friendly, explains everything, super cute drawings on the containers, quick as well.I think it's fairly new so business is still trickling in. Hoping they thrive so that I can keep coming back, I'll definitely be craving this again very soon.“

“My first time coming to Sushito, and will definitely be back again once my mom and I get a craving for teriyaki bowls! Was greeted very well, lady in front was very friendly, polite, and patient when I asked her questions about the menu. Was also told about their buy 2 bowls/plates get 1 free on Tuesdays!“

“I really love ramen, Can't get tired of eating anytime I find a good spot, and this is one of those places, whenever I'm nearby. Personally I highly recommend the slurping ramen combo, and chashu bowl. Price is very reasonable.food is delivered pretty fast, workers are very friendlyParking: Is a big lot with many business as well, but Parking shouldn't be an issue to enjoy a great ramen“

“This place is totally underrated and deserves more attention. Food is excellent and on par with other great Japanese restaurants. This is my second time here and I’ve throughly enjoyed it. Great atmosphere, friendly staff, sushi tastes fresh and they serve large portions. What else could you want?“