Japanese Restaurants near Toluca Lake

“I had an excellent lunch at Sushi Yuzu. The restaurant has a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere, and everything I ordered tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared.

I started with the tuna sampler, which was beautifully presented and offered several different cuts and preparations of tuna. Each one had its own distinct flavor and texture, and the quality of the fish really stood out. It was a great way to sample the restaurant’s sushi and a perfect start to lunch.

The highlight, though, was the spicy tuna crispy rice. The rice was crisp and golden on the outside without being overly hard or greasy, while the spicy tuna was fresh, flavorful, and nicely balanced. It had just enough heat without overpowering the fish. I’d even dare to say Sushi Yuzu’s spicy tuna crispy rice was better than Katsuya’s, which is a very high bar.

The food felt refined without being fussy, and the quality made a casual lunch feel special. Sushi Yuzu is definitely worth visiting if you enjoy fresh sushi, especially tuna. I’ll absolutely be returning to try more of the menu.“

“I can't believe it took me this long to visit Kabosu!

I am also glad I made a reservation even though I was dining solo for an early Friday dinner, I arrived around 5:45 and the place was nearly full!

All the staff was so incredible nice from the hostess, wait staff, bus boys and chefs!

I love that they have nigori my favorite type of sake

I started off with the salmon special which was amazing! Butter fatty salmon resting in a delicious tangy vinaigrette

Next the negi toro taku roll - fatty tuna minced with green onion and combined with crunchy taku, one of my all time favorite rolls and this one was spot on

The baked crab and salmon had delicious flavor but I think was a tad bit dry! Just a teeny bit more sauce would help

The salmon and toro samplers were absolutely perfect. The buttery fatty soft melt in your mouth salmon and tuna pieces all with different toppings flavors and some being seared - I would come back just for these two plates.

The salmon with shiso was my favorite from that tray and then the toro with quail egg, caviar, and gold was the perfect bite to end my meal!“

“One reason I really like this place is the fast service but you have to wait to get seated without reservation. Even if you joined the waitlist, you still have to wait when you get there so it’s kind of frustrating. But on the plus, once you’re seated, the service is quite fast from there on. Good freshly made handrolls and other items. The decor…Just my own opinion , i’m sure many loves it. The minimalist decor, I find it cold,dull and boring staring at a big gray concrete wall and kind of telling you that you need to go as soon as you’re done eating 😆 Which they literally are doing from what I’ve read. They don’t want you to enjoy any kind of artwork in front of you 😆“

“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!“

“The sushi here is amazing for the price!! And the katsu chicken was also so delicious !! I would suggest checking out yama!! The reason why I gave it a 4 stars and not a 5 star is because the space is super small, and it does get overwhelming! I had a rude experience with a customer, they don’t know how to say excuse me lol. (I got the Cali roll with the salmon avocado roll!) I also asked for eel sauce:)!!“

“Ended up here accidentally on a layover: Hands down, the best ramen I’ve ever had (springy, slurpy perfection), amazing cocktails (if you like gin the Japanese 75 is a must try!), and whatever the whipped cream, creme brûlée’d banana dessert was tasted like heaven. I even ordered another tonkotsu ramen to go (all the way to Florida) to bring back to my fiancé. They separated all of it, packaged it so it wouldn’t leak, and wrote directions on specific timing for heating up each item! Very impressive service. I’ll be back again!“

“Loved every bite! A bit expensive but honestly worth it ! Best ramen I ever tried.
Group of 4, everyone got the signature ramen. Mine was with no spinach, peas or green onions.
Great vibe, zero waiting time and everything clean. No free Wi-Fi.“

“This was my second time at Shunji and since it was so consistent, I thought I should give it a shout out. You may miss it if you aren’t paying attention, nestled behind a non-discrete door on Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica, Shunji Japanese Cuisine is a Michelin-starred gem that redefines the art of sushi dining. Chef Shunji Nakao is a legend and this intimate restaurant offers an omakase experience that is as unforgettable as it is refined.

The heart of Shunji’s allure lies in its sushi, which showcases decades of expertise as one of Los Angeles’ sushi pioneers. Each piece of nigiri is a testament to his meticulous attention to detail, with fish sourced primarily from Japan to ensure unparalleled freshness. Shunji’s (somewhat new Santa Monica location) is a departure from its former chili bowl-shaped home on Pico Boulevard, embraces a minimalist aesthetic that keeps the focus on the food and quaint experience. The space is divided into two small rooms, each with a blonde wood counter that seats just seven, creating an atmosphere of exclusivity and intimacy. Soft jazz hums in the background, and a wall of orchids adds a touch of elegance, celebrating the restaurant’s decade-long legacy. The service is impeccable, with staff (one Shunji’s wife) moving gracefully to anticipate every need, from refilling sake glasses to presenting dishes on stunning ceramic plates.

Shunji is more than a restaurant; it’s a destination The sushi is exceptional, the ambiance serene, and the overall experience a masterclass in hospitality.“

“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.“