50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Bell Gardens

“The food was absolutely divine and that buy 1 get 1 50% off deal is definitely helping out. I also wanna give a shout-out to Ashley because she treated us such generous hospitality. The only problem I have with this place is that it's a little small, but that's it. Definitely a must try 👍“

“Love that this is in Bell gardens! I no longer have to travel for good pho! I tried the spicy beef pho -so good, however I think next time I’ll get the regular beef pho, so I can control the flavors a bit more. I also got the milk tea. The flavor was great and not too sweet which Is great given that some places over due it with the sweetener. Women who helped was friendly with a lovely smile. I used the drive thru this time next time I’ll give sitting in a go.“

“Not a big fan of sitting on the side of street where people walk by and you intake that fumes coming from all these traffic. Got to sit inside by the bar, the food here is okay, but a bit pricey for what it's worth. Been to many affordable to very expensive sushi places in the U.S. and in Asia, this place is more IG/social media friendly picturesque place than an actual sushi/sashimi place. Not much nigiri/sashimi choices. Not a big fan of places that sell pre-made canned alcohol with an extreme markup.“

“สนุกสนานอาหารอร่อย บรรยากาศดีมีระดับ“

“Both dishes were so good! I really liked the way they cooked the Bento- Shio Koji Marinated Norwegian Mackerel. The side dish Side- Chicken Karaage (Mild or Spicy)- had just the right amount of spice (l ordered mild). Overall, this will definitely be my go-to lunch spot now! (Doordash Pickup)“

“The food was excellent. We had the salmon roll and rainbow sushi (highly recommend the salmon roll) as well as the chicken curry and gyoza. The quality of the food was very high and flavorful!

It's very rare that you go to a restaurant and know that the staff loves the restaurant. There was one person running the entire front of the house, but she was always genuinely smiling and at the end of our meal gave us cookies that her and her brother (the cook) had as children!

We especially enjoyed the little slice of history this restaurant is a part of!“

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

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

“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!“

“This might be the best restaurant in LA. The service was phenomenal from start to finish. Our waiter was bright, engaged when needed, and provided everything we needed. Great ambiance with this nice, lo-fi synth.
But the best part about this place is the food. This is some of the best food in LA, if not the best. We got the shishito peppers and crispy rice, handrolls, sea bass and steak, eggplant, and cheesecake. Everything was fantastic. Perfectly timed out of the kitchen. Every dish bursted with flavors that complimented each other. The dessert wasn't too sweet. The Kitsune is also an incredible old fashioned.“

“To be quite honest, the bowls are a great deal for the quality of food and the amount they give you. Washington roll is really good and the miso soup it's more than reasonably priced as well. This is definitely a go to. Off of Telegraph and where Rosemead turns into Lakewood next to the doughnut shop. :p“

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

“An Arts District gem. This food blew our minds, we stopped in for a quick bite and everything we had was an absolute 10. Will be coming back to try more of the menu but highlights we had:

- seaweed salad
- spicy tuna crispy rice
- lobster pasta (incredible)
- chicken skewer

Friendly, knowledgeable service, great ambiance, definitely worth a visit!“

“Dear Troy,

Your service impeccable, your smile inviting
You made our night and us feel so at home.
Thank you for allll of that wonderful house sriracha and night. Until next time
We will be back“

“Te Isshoku Sushi is probably one of the only reasons I look forward to going into my office now that I am required to be in my office. Finding this gem has been a game changer.

The sushi is amazing quality. It is always fresh and large portions.

Besides the sushi being excellent, the real star is Lisa. After 1 order Lisa will remember you and little things you like and don’t like. Lisa’s service is impeccable and she will always have a big smile to greet you and make you laugh.

Full disclosure I am biased because I eat there almost 3 times a week because it is that good. It’s the highlight of my work day. I just had to share how amazing this local business is.“

“Kaminari specializes in Utsunomiya-style gyoza, a pan-fried dumpling that uses a paper-thin wrapper. In Japan, Utsunomiya is a town known for gyoza paired with experimental and non-traditional ingredients

🍽 The first gyoza bar in LA all the way from Utsunomiya Japan!

FOOD 4/5
- Yaki gyoza which is pan fried
- Sui gyoza boiled gyoza in clear pork soup w/green onions = LOVE THIS!

SERVICE 3.5/5
Kinda had a weird vibe from the staff members here. Just wasn't the friendliest or authentic.

PARKING 4/5
Parking in the perimeter of J-twn“

“Amazing find, theit sushi kaiseki is the best and the middle set at $160 is one of the best values in town. Reminds me of places we went to in Japan. Sit at the bar and get an authentic omskasa experience for way less than comparable restaurants.“

“This was so good!!! I got the new Tomatama Curry bowl and I loved it. I’ve never tried udon before but I’m so glad I had a chance to try it today. I also got a cheese and sweet potato tempura. I honestly wanted to get back in line for more. That sweet potato was the best (though I may be biased b/c sweet potatoes are a fave). And to top it off I got the pineapple sunrise. Super refreshing. This was exactly what I needed after a long day of traveling. Plus the artwork and vibe was super cute.“

“The food was amazing! Meat was high quality, service was fast ,and all the servers were so kind! From the meats to side dishes and drinks it was delishhh!
We had a party of 6 and we got seated quickly on a busy weekend!
Our first time here but won’t be our last time! We will be back more often! Thank you Andy and all the servers who made our experience so wonderful!“

“This is my second time at Hatch. Loved the ambiance and the service was outstanding! Anthony was especially great! Great customer service! I loved the soft shell crab taco so much so I ordered it twice. 2 of the dishes I tried weren't my favorite but overall food was good . Will definitely be back preferably with a group so I can try more dishes!“

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

“Been meaning to eat here forever. Finally, I came in today for lunch. Got the Combo C and the Blossom Roll. I've eaten at all the Japanese restaurants in SGV and Little Tokyo. This one is up there. High quality of food, while flavors go together well without being overpowering.“

“The staff are friendly. We enjoyed the Kitchen boat. The garlic fried rice with chicken was very good and tasted similar to hibachi fried rice. Brought my young nephews and they enjoyed the beef and chicken teriyaki. Will definitely come again and will try other sushi and noodles dishes.“

“Our whole experience was amazing I love how well the staff treated us how clean and fast serves I highly recommend to my friends and family the only thing I can say that wasn't to my liking was the king crab where over cooked but every else was delicious thank you again definitely will be returning.“

“Really good food. Came in during the SILENT HILL F collab, the line was extremely long but what would you expect. Giving it a 5/5 because regardless the service was quick and efficient! Both treats offered were so good, social media was making people believe they tasted weird but nope. It’s for a certain audience to say in short. Love love love!!“

“Its a must try experience. Everything is made on the spot.
You can taste how fresh and authentic every bite is. Nothing is rushed, flavors and textures are perfect.
Customer service is exceptional and the ambient is a chill ambient that allows you to talk with some background music without it being over bearing.
10/10 will come back.“

“good for romatic and I recommend here for everyone“

“Have eaten here about 10 times . This restaurant doesn’t disappoint. I’ve tried all there’s sushi roll which are always fresh and delicious.“

“Suehiro Mini review:

Suehiro Mini is a cozy, casual spot known for its authentic Japanese cuisine, especially sushi and ramen. The flavors are fresh and well-balanced, with generous portions. The staff is friendly and helpful, creating a welcoming vibe. It’s a great choice for a quick, satisfying meal with quality ingredients. Prices are reasonable, making it popular among locals and visitors alike.

If you want details on a particular dish or experience, let me know!“

“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.“

“Gardena’s gem of a restaurant. Great food, atmosphere all with authentic food with a Hawaiian flair. I enjoyed a kalbi bento (it’s not on the menu but they will gladly make it for you with double Mac salad). I also had the famous chili which is THAT good. Not pictured is the somen salad which is a family recipe and is always a must. Leonard and his staff are friendly and engaging like our server Nancy.“

“Roll & Teriyaki is a good local spot for delicious, fast-casual Japanese food at affordable prices. The quiet and clean dining area will accommodate small groups or solo diners.

The menu boasts Japanese favorites that most people will be familiar with. The value-packed combos are a real treat. I've also enjoyed the chicken and beef teriyaki bowls, as well as the sushi and roll offerings. While they may not offer as many fish varieties as other places, the ones they do have are all fresh and satisfying.

For a small, mom-and-pop restaurant, I'm glad there's a place like this close to home and affordable. The service is good. I've visited many times and the owner is a man of few words. The other staff have been nice as well.

If you're on a budget and craving Japanese food, R&T is worth checking out. There is plenty of parking in the public lot.“

“Azabu Sushi – Whittier, CA
★ ★ ★ ★ ½ (I docked half a star purely out of spite because I can’t afford to eat here every day)

I walked into Azabu expecting the usual Whittier sushi experience: decent fish, questionable rice, and a lingering fear that the “spicy tuna” might just be yesterday’s salmon wearing hot sauce as war paint. Instead I was immediately hit with a vibe that says, “Yes, we know we’re in a strip mall next to a boba place, but we’re about to ruin you for grocery-store California rolls forever.”

Let’s start with the Salmon Carpaccio (the flat pizza-looking thing in the photo). Imagine if salmon had a glow-up, went to Coachella, and came back wearing citrus ponzu as body glitter and microgreens as a flower crown. It’s so pretty I almost felt bad eating it. Almost. Then I inhaled the entire plate in 45 seconds like a savage who’d never seen raw fish before. Zero regrets. The texture is silkier than my ex’s lies.

Next up: the Shrimp Gyoza in that dark, mysterious broth. These dumplings show up swimming in what I can only describe as “umami bathwater.” One bite and I involuntarily whispered “oh daddy” — which was awkward because I was on a date with my actual father. The wrappers have that perfect pan-seared crisp before collapsing into the sauce like they owe it money. I’d bathe in that broth if it weren’t socially unacceptable (and if the staff weren’t watching me like I’m one impulse away from grabbing a straw).

Portions are annoyingly civilized — translation: you’ll want to order three of everything and then lie about being full so you look refined. Pro tip: don’t. Just commit to the food coma. Your jeans will forgive you eventually.

Service is ninja-level attentive without being obnoxious. Our server knew the menu like he personally caught the fish at 4 a.m. while doing CrossFit. When I asked what was good he just smirked and said “everything,” which should’ve been arrogant but was 100% correct. Rude.

Ambiance? It’s dark, moody, and sexy in a way that makes you want to use chopsticks seductively even though you still hold them like a toddler with crayons.

Only complaint: the bill. It arrives looking innocent, then you realize you just paid Beverly Hills prices in a city where the biggest landmark is a 24-hour donut shop. Worth it? Absolutely. Will I be eating cup noodles for the next week? Also yes.

Verdict: Azabu is the sushi spot Whittier doesn’t deserve but desperately needed. If you’re still going to the conveyor-belt place down the street after eating here, I’m afraid we can no longer be friends. 9.5/10 — would sell a minor organ to come back tomorrow.“

“I just randomly stopped in for an Asahi beer.Then I decided to try the RISING SUN ROLL. OMG.super delicious and mouth watering. I'm coming back with my friends“

“so far everything I've tried has been delicious!“

“Absolutely incredible vegan dishes and top notch service! We stumbled on Rice when looking for vegan options; so happy we did! Dishes we tried: vegan crisp rice sampler, miso soup, garlic edamame, homemade ginger ale and the crispy dynamite role vegan. Everything was so good! The ginger ale was next level - highly recommend! We got homemade pickled ginger with the roll and it was unbelievably tasty and fresh. The miso soup was a nice surprise as most are not vegan; a broth that built upon each sip and the tofu was also homemade. The crispy dynamite vegan roll had such a unique and deep flavor - more smokey than spicy. I can't recommend the food enough. Thank you to the chef and for the exceptional service. What a treat!!“

“We recently embarked on a three-week west coast “foodie” vacation, spanning five states and six major cities. Along the way, we dined at everything from Michelin-starred establishments to small mom-and-pop restaurants. By the end of our trip, everyone in our group unanimously agreed that our experience at Tensho was one of the absolute highlights.

From the warm hospitality and the evident pride in food preparation to the impeccable service and outstanding flavors, everything about our visit was memorable. We left the restaurant on a true “food high,” feeling as though if the entire world could experience what we just had, it might inspire world peace.

Be sure to order the wagyu—it’s an absolute must and a true indulgence!“

“Cute homey Japanese vibes. It’s a small restaurant so I can see there’d be a wait on busy days. Luckily we only had to wait about 5 min. The menu is straightforward. Comfort Japanese dishes. Service was great, they’re super nice and very attentive!

The tempura was good, sauce was great too. Katsu was fried perfectly, sauce was tangy and fantastic, just wish the pork was more moist/tender. Karaage was just okay, probably wouldn’t order it again, most of the flavor came from the sauce. My dad loved his eel bowl set, flavored and cooked well. My katsudon bowl was delicious, again katsu was a little dry, togarashi is a must with this bowl. And the cold soba noodles were great, the sauce dip was perfectly seasoned and noodles were perfect texture, very refreshing to eat.

Parking - small free lot! We had no issues getting parking.“

“Hidden gem of an authentic Japanese sushi and sashimi market. The entrance is located in the back of a side driveway. Though this market is small, I carries fresh sushi, sashimi trays ready to eat. Plus they have a kitchen made to order & ready to cut sashimi at your request. I'm also amazed to see the varieties of different raw fish, uni from Santa Barbara and raw scallops; all at reasonable prices.
They also carry cute Japanese stationary, frozen and regular food items. Definitely this is a place I heartily recommend.“

“The food is excellent. If you are in the area, go eat here. I knew the price was worth it right away when I saw the food. And I did not regret it after eating. For the around same price as other restaurants that give me thin slices of eel, Yume gave me basically the whole eel. I am amazed and grateful. I think this is an honest, authentic restaurant with high quality food.“

“good recommmend for eveyone“

“service and the food was excellent our waitress Sherry bear was awesome“

“my experience here is always great, it’s my go to spot for sushi and even though i usually order for delivery, the dine in experience today was amazing with great customer service and equally as amazing food; can’t wait to order from here again!“

“Best Japanese Food in Whittier“

“Deliciously authentic Japanese food joint, owned and operated by a talented Japanese chef. I’ve been eating here for years with my family! This professional chef has personally made every sushi roll by hand for as long as I can remember. 10/10 Highly recommend. Truly a hidden gem in East Los Angeles.“

“The food is all excellent, the service exactly what it should be (neither intrusive or absent), and a wide variety of price points that should satisfy any budget. Highly recommended - We’ll definitely be back! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Delicious food, great preparation and presentation!“

“Muy amigables todos y la cómoda esta deliciosa .“

“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“

“I'm town for LA ComicCon and did my usual research to scope out what's around and amongst the many sushi places near LA Live downtown, the reviews drew me to a small, unassuming hole-in-the-wall place. It did not disappoint. I add my voice to those singing their praises. The place is small but the food is amazing. I was able to spend a few minutes chatting with the owners and they are wonderful people who you can immediately appreciate how much they are personally invested providing an amazing sushi meal and time permitting chat with you. Something we don't get enough these days. If you're into sushi and find yourself in downtown LA, this is a MUST visit location.“