50 Best Japanese Restaurants near South Pasadena

“Solid ramen, sushi and other dishes. Good portions as well. Service was efficient though a bit impersonal...but as long as my water is getting refilled before having to ask, etc. I can do without friendliness. I'm 99% positive my mom and I had been to the Montrose location a few years back and had a very positive experience as well. Definitely would go back to either location. We went on Saturday of Mother's Day weekend for a later lunch with a group of 6 and there was no wait.“

“It was a great experience We took our dear granddaughter to celebrate her birthday !!!“

“Came here on a pure whim. Was planning to just get Pollo Loco, but spotted them, immediately decided to get a chicken katsu curry, and it was sublime. Service was pretty quick, and the presentation was excellent also. However, there's not a lot of interaction with staff, they want you to browse the menu and order on your phone, they just deliver the food. And, maybe as a result, there's not a lot of atmosphere either, felt a little fast foodish. But the food itself is well worth the visit.“

“Food is outstanding. Been a fan since the late 90's. Their Nabeyaki Udon is the best I have ever eaten. If you want it the way it is served in Japan, ask them to use a fresh, rather than hardboiled, egg. To go food can be frustrating. If they say 30 minutes, figure at least an hour.“

“Food is great. My kids love Rice and Nori. The service is Meh, what little there is of it. You wait in line to get to the register, place your order (only one register so not much patience from staff or other patrons if you are not a regular and know how to order - lol, I'm a regular now, so I'm safe now), then you're asked for payment and a tip (normal these days, I guess). Then you go find a seat somewhere, inside or out. But the tables are usually a but dirty as there is not much in the way of staff outside the preparation area. They provide Baby Wipes for you to bus your own table (thankfully most of the patrons are considerate and don't leave big messes). Then you better have someone near the counter to listen for your order, because they don't come find you.

Anyway, only explaining why I gave 3 stars for Service and Atmosphere, but 5 stars for the food. They food is yummy, and the kids liove it. I will say that the rice balls are a bit RICE heavy, but its a solid snack, and again, tastes great, and the kiddos love it.“

“I visited once and had a great experience. The shrimp was fresh, the ingredients tasted great, and the poke was really flavorful. The portion was generous, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. I'd definitely come back to try it again.“

“The atmosphere was fantastic, and the food was delicious. However, the service was disappointing. Our server was condescending and repeatedly interrupted our moment by crossing between us without a word. When I asked about drinks, she was short and even gave inaccurate descriptions. This is my second visit, and both times with the same server have left a sour taste. I hope the service improves because the food deserves better! This is my second visit, and both times with the same brunette server, whose attitude left a sour taste.“

“I highly recommend this restaurant. Great food and great service.“

“Amazing takeout family meal which features the most flavorful and delicious Char Siu Wagyu Short Rib with fluffy bao. All side dishes are well executed and delectable. One of the best staying at home meals I’ve had! Highly recommend it!“

“I had Japanese breakfast w/ miso black cod, it was tasty.“

“สนุกสนานอาหารอร่อย บรรยากาศดีมีระดับ“

“Bento boxes are of great quality here. The attention to detail of this curated meal definitely lets your eyes feast first. All the little sides taste amazing, especially the candied sweet potatoes. The vegetables alternate between sweet and salty to balance out the meal. The Scottish salmon and mackerel are cooked to perfection. The little yolk in the rice also adds a nice touch to mix in and eat.“

“Tasty bbq take out outside. Amazing desserts to ans friendly staff“

“I had a great time over there. Delicious food 🥘“

“Delicious food. Fast service. Get here early to avoid a long line.“

“I got in pretty much as soon as they open, so I got the special opportunity to get to talk to Kristine. After a lovely conversation and delicious food, I left feeling so full and at peace. The tempura was crispy and airy, the rice was perfectly cooked, the fish in the sushi tasted fresh. I cannot recommend visiting here enough. I am sure it can get busy, as the place is small, but I think that is part of its charm: meeting with a group of strangers for a good meal and a moment of peace before heading back into the world.“

“Easy 5 stars. Genuinely some of the best sushi I’ve ever had. Everything was incredibly fresh, and I loved that the dishes weren’t overloaded with sauces or unnecessary toppings, the quality of the fish really spoke for itself.

The salmon was buttery and melted in your mouth, the eel was warm, rich and perfectly glazed, and even the cucumber salad was ridiculously good. And if you go, definitely try the fatty tuna, highly recommend it!

This is one of those places that makes it hard to enjoy average sushi afterward. 😂 Already looking forward to going back.“

“A Michelin recognized restaurant that’s just perfect for a quiet evening. The atmosphere is chill and the playlist vey ear pleasing and well as the decor. Modern style design that’s chic and comfortable at the same time. We ordered the Wagyu Cheeseburger and Uni Pasta. Both of the dishes were good with flavor but the Uni pasta could’ve used a little more sauce but it’s a preference I guess. The cheeseburger came out looking like a hot mess but it delivered with flavor. The Basqu Cheesecake was the dessert we ordered and it was perfect with flavor and the presentation. Service was attentive and on point most of the time. So if you’re looking for a nice place to have a delicious bite or drinks then definitely check out this place, especially the gorgeous looking bar.“

“Wow! I’ve been enjoying Japanese food for years, but this place really got me to sit up. Simple ordinary dishes like udon noodles or a hand California roll were unusually good. Meanwhile, the lamb chop skewer, and the nacho poke combo were unusual, and also scrumptious.“

“I recently had the chance to dine at Sama Handroll in the Arts District, and it exceeded my expectations. The quality and freshness of the fish were outstanding, and every hand roll was prepared with great attention to detail. The menu offers a creative mix of traditional Japanese flavors and unique dishes that set it apart from other sushi spots.
The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish. The atmosphere is modern, welcoming, and perfect for either a casual dinner or a night out with friends.
A few standout items were the hand rolls, grilled dishes, and the excellent presentation throughout the meal. It's clear that a lot of care goes into both the food and the guest experience.
I highly recommend to anyone looking for high-quality sushi and hand rolls in Los Angeles. I'll definitely be back.“

“This place is SOOO GOOD!! My friend and I got the spicy tuna and California rolls to split. They come with 12 pieces each and theyre such a good size. We also got the spam musubi and its DELICIOUS! So flavorful and the staff were very very lovely. I recommend ordering before you get there, so the staff have enough time to put love and care into your meal!!! :] I highly recommend this place!!! 😋“

“I came in for lunch to grab a quick snack and get some editing done on my phone. I just ordered a sake cocktail that they made delicious! And i also ordered the chicken meatball skewer, which came paired with egg to dip and I loved that sweet with salty combination so much! I would say I couldnt really get any work done on my phone as I don’t believe its a work friendly place although the tables are great to do so. They dont have outlets anywhere near the tables so if you need to charge your laptop or phone here is impossible to do unless behind the bar.
I just ready a book for a bit and enjoyed my cocktail and snack. I do think the atmosphere is more of a come in with friends and share a meal and gossip a bit. Or for dinner I think its also a great spot. I loved what i tried although it wasnt much. I would come again with a friend to have some cocktails and some snacks as the food and drinks were really delicious!“

“This place oozes character and craft. An excellent assortment of dishes all with unique elements to surprise you. The sashimi specials we tried were all unique and delicious. Feel free to go with staff recommendations, you won't be disappointed. A laid back atmosphere with excellent punk decor, superb service, and food I'm still thinking about.“

“If there was an option to give 100 stars I would give this place all of them. Food 10/10 buffalo wings , miso soup, crispy tofu miso soup, avocado crisp rice, yam yam sushi.. all so good, great ambience and our waiter and waitress so kind and helpful . Thank you“

“Overall 5 stars:

Rationale:
- tons of treats, snack, to choose from
- raw fish quality looked decent and fresh
- sushi quality is superb for being made in advance
- prices : very reasonable

Only suggestions for a better overall customer experience:
- better organization for the refrigerators
- it's too tight and not enough space to open refrigerator doors without bumping people or bothering others while shopping
- the Yama in LA felt like it has a better organization to it, the space size appears to be similar from what I recall, I may be wrong

Having said that:
- this place is phenomenal and you should definitely give it a try
- staff is incredibly nice
- the quality is top notch
- variety/options are decent
- you won't be disappointed and you'll definitely find yourself returning for more“

“my friend and I stopped at this cute lil sushi spot because we wanted a more intimate vibe than a full on restaurant. it was quaint and cozy and the sushi was absolutely AMAZING!!! Vivian and her husband were the absolute sweetest couple that treated us like long time friends. we had fantastic conversation and it is clear that they both are extremely passionate about what they do. i’m so grateful we visited during our time in LA. we will SO be back !!!! 😊😊“

“Just stop here and eat you won’t regret it . Did not disappoint one bit . The noodles were cooked just right , the flavor was great and the prices were reasonable for the serving size . Try the kimchi ramen 🍜 . Thank you for making our day more enjoyable. We are happy we stopped here to bad we only came to Hollywood for mini vacation.“

“It was very nice. Loved the hellos and thank you for coming. I can’t wait to come back next time I visit the area.“

“I've visited this restaurant four times now, and the experience has consistently been great. The food and service quality are excellent, and the staff is incredibly accommodating. When one of us mentioned not eating raw fish, they prepared several complimentary cooked dishes to ensure we left satisfied. While I have noticed that portion sizes seem slightly smaller than before, I still left feeling full. The kaiseki and shabu are must-tries, and I am already looking forward to returning for their sukiyaki.“

“Tench is a gem of a restaurant. The shabu shabu experience is a unique culinary experience and Tensho does it right. The dishes that are part of the meal are delectable and always different. It is always a special night at Tensho. There is no place quite like it in LA - it is very special. An evening in Japan!“

“Our favorite sushi place. We make the drive to come eat here. It’s always so welcoming and delicious. Every burrito I’ve tried was so good and they have so many options. I love the owners. They are so nice and I love seeing them when we come in!“

“Exceptional food! Hamachi collar, red snapper soup! And sushi. Authentic; which is why it was so good!“

“It was Absolutely delicious!“

“Its open and they really made sure its safe , service and food perfect . Happy days“

“Highly commendable service and absolutely stunning set menu! we went here for dinner last night for our Halloween date night! Their wagyu cuts are 100% top-grade and not just random "wagyu" that are below the marks. We tried their A5 and M9 meats, not to mention their salmon carpaccio that is to die for. Their sides are absolutely delicious and smart, one great example is their fried pork buns that is like a spin on soup dumplings. To top it off, you get premium ice cream in the end. Their salad is so good with yuzu and smokey salt, plus you get a chili mix too. They serve the meats fast plus your tablet menu is in front of you so you don't have to keep calling the staff to refill. I give them 9 stars! 🌟 🐄 🥩“

“Absolutely incredible experience! The sushi here is some of the freshest I’ve had — you can really taste the quality in every piece. The fish was buttery and perfectly cut, rice seasoned just right, and the presentation was beautiful without being fussy.

Service was warm and attentive without being intrusive, and the chef clearly takes pride in the craft. We tried the omakase and every course was a little surprise — the fatty tuna and the seared salmon nigiri were standouts.

Prices are fair for the quality, and the atmosphere is cozy but still feels special. Will absolutely be back and already thinking about what I’ll order next time. Highly recommend for anyone who takes their sushi seriously!“

“Absolutely TOP NOTCH homemade gyoza. The fillings were so succulent and well-seasoned, and the skin was lusciously thin and crisp.

We got the pork (so sweet and delicate, packed with chives and onions), and shrimp (literally chunks of it in the mix, none of that paste-like texture you get from lower-quality stuff). The $9 happy hour deal was a bonus.

The staff are also very polite and sweet. The store layout is simple but clean and well-appointed. Couldn’t recommend this place more!“

“The best Japanese curry in LA, and we have tried a lot of places, believe me!!! Has options for vegetarians and vegans too! The miso soup comes with a lot of the meals and it's so good too. The staff know us now and they are all lovely! It's pretty small inside so probably not the best for a super big group but great for a more intimate night out and of course take out as well!“

“The service, the food, the environment and the kindness and efficiency of our server tonight! 😋👍“

“Fresh sashimi, cozy atmosphere & friendly staff! A must visit Japanese dining restaurant in Pico Rivera :)“

“Chinchikurin was my first ever Hiroshima style okonomiyaki. I've had the Osaka version in Japan many years ago, but haven't had okonomiyaki of any kind in the US since. So this experience was definitely fun. The food was very tasty and well built. I ordered the Loaded Kaisen, which was the seafood okonomiyaki as part of the 11-layer savory pancake. It was very filling. After the cooks make the okonomiyaki at the main teppan grill, you eat it at your own personal grill at your table, which keeps your order nice and warm. Be sure to put a lot of the mayo and otafuku sauce atop it to make the flavor even bolder and more exciting. If you've never had okonomiyaki before, Chinchikurin is a great place to start. There are very few of these kinds of restaurants in LA, so Chinchikurin is a very unique Japanese cuisine in Little Tokyo worth scoping out. I did a YouTube video of my eating adventures here, which can be found on my channel called Rockstar Eater“

“Meet quality really nice to me Good service!“

“The best everything…so, Go!“

“I’ve been hoping a place would come along to give me a riceball fix and this is absolutely it! Delicious & perfect for after school or work bite! Friendly staff clean and chill hip atmosphere. I hope nothing but the best for this place!“

“Food was super delicious!! So much variety to choose from, the kaarage and sushi was our fav. Staff super friendly too, we ordered way too much. Will deffo recommend!!! They should create a sushi with kaarage in, that would be so nice !! Also maybe more dessert options please“

“A hidden gem in Montrose. Very good food, attentive service, reasonable price.“

“Needed something easy to eat for the road trip back to the Bay Area, so I thought a Japanese sando would be perfect—especially craving a tamago sando with whole soft-boiled eggs.

Located in a bit of a hole-in-the-wall spot in LA Chinatown, and it was surprisingly hard to find due to the lack of signage. I actually walked past it twice and had to ask a street vendor before realizing I was basically right in front of it.

Turns out they no longer offer the tamago sando (used to be a breakfast special), so I went with the egg salad sandwich instead and luckily got it on BOGO since they were clearing extra inventory.

I also ordered the chicken katsu, which took about 10 minutes to prepare—but it was worth the wait. Super tender and moist, with a great ratio of cabbage, sauce, and bread. It was a bit large, so I had to flatten it slightly to make it easier to bite into.

I do wish I had asked for extra katsu sauce on the side since I prefer mine a bit sweeter and more saucy.

Not sure why they don’t offer online ordering coz the 10-min wait was a bit awkward with no one else in the store and nowhere to sit“

“Great rolls. Big selection.... fresh.“

“Qauint and charming sushi place. Reaonably priced for fresh sashimi and sushi dishes. Very pleasantly surprised w the freshness of the seafood!
Service was attentive and sweet even when it got busy.
Definitely a repeat customer!“

“Excellent service, great food, too bad there wasn't extra room in the parking area.😊😊“