50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Compton

“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.“

“Went back in January, gotta say the food is really good, the beef teriyaki was really good I'd recommend to anyone new coming, The service was great too and fast.
I originally came here because someone who was a former employee (Jessica) who worked there and invited me so l am glad to be recommended this place, overall great experience. 10/10 spot“

“Loved it! My first time tonight. Bought the plate for 35 bucks. It sounds a bit steep but the amount of food you get is to feed 2 people comfortably . I didnt even eat half of the food and I'm stuffed! Now the best sauces I tried were the garlic one and the red hot “

“If you think Yoshinoya tastes like a wet rag. This is the place for you! Best teriyaki I've ever had. Always went when I lived in compton, and will go every time I visit southern california. Go there. Chicken/beef teriyaki only comes in large and that's not a problem at all. My favorite and I don't even like beef.“

“had an amazing experience at Hana Teppanyaki on Rosecrans Avenue! This Japanese restaurant offers a fantastic teppanyaki dining experience that's both delicious and entertaining.

The chefs are incredibly skilled and put on a great show while cooking right in front of you. I ordered the steak and shrimp combo, and it was cooked to perfection—tender, flavorful, and served with delicious fried rice and fresh veggies.

The atmosphere is lively and perfect for gatherings with friends or family. The staff was friendly and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal.

If you're in Compton and craving authentic Japanese cuisine, Hana Teppanyaki is a must-visit! I can’t wait to come back and try more of their dishes!“

“It's midday on a sunny hot Saturday in Compton and I was craving something tasty - I saw Yoshinoya and boom!
The place is clean and fresh the staff friendly welcoming and attentive and the food was just as good as I remembered, even better!
I had a combination beef and vegetable bowl, the vegetables tasted fresh - cooked perfectly and the beef delicious.
The menu has expanded a lot and there are good specials available through their app. But for me I made the right choice 👍👌“

“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!“

“สนุกสนานอาหารอร่อย บรรยากาศดีมีระดับ“

“Home made tofu - fine not really anything to write home about, really does taste home made and healthy

Milk bread toast - again, fine but not a reorder

Daikon radish - a bit saucy but tasty

Nigiri - they were all good but on the smaller side both fish and rice (id rather order rolls)

Tori negi - pretty mid
Tsukne - great!
Mushrooms - bueno
Saba - fine

Mochi - shrimp shiso mushroom thing was great, forget mochi

Market shrimp tempura - pretty tasty, well cooked

Cocktails - looks great, tastes great if you order correct

Service - servers weren’t very attentive and had to flag down the staff multiple times. Also food came out in inconsistent cadence and was a bit slow too. It was also quite warm till they turned the ac on and the sun was very bright that shot through the sun shade.

For the price this is non-repeater as there’s better options out there surely.“

“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.“

“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.“

“We had a really nice experience! The side of the restaurant has enough space for a few tables to dine in, and it felt cozy. The service was quick, friendly, and efficient. I liked that they had sauces and water available right at the tables for self-service.

We dined in, and everything came out fast! We spent around $40 for a chicken bowl, two sushi rolls, and two miso soups ,perfect for two adults and a toddler. The food was amazing! My husband said the teriyaki chicken was really good, and I agree. the chicken was juicy, not dry at all. The salmon sushi was good too, just a little warm for my husband’s liking, but overall, everything had great flavor.

The music was a fun surprise, they were playing some techno, which we didn’t mind at all! It actually made the experience more fun. We even found ourselves dancing a little while eating. Definitely a place we’d come back to!“

“Finding an authentic sushi spot in the US run by a Japanese chef feels increasingly rare these days. While I don't believe a chef's nationality strictly dictates their capability—by that logic, only French people could cook French food—the scarcity of these traditional spots made me search even harder. That extra effort led me to Toshi Sushi in Gardena, and it was entirely worth it.

I have visited twice now, both times for Saturday lunch. A huge plus was that it wasn’t overwhelmingly busy, allowing for a remarkably peaceful and relaxed dining experience. On both occasions, the ingredients were incredibly fresh, and every plate felt meticulously prepared. They even garnish the dishes with beautiful Hawaiian flowers, which the staff thoughtfully let us know are completely edible.

Sometimes, hyper-traditional spots can be a bit too conservative with their portions of wasabi and ginger, but Toshi Sushi provides a generous amount. It’s a smart, necessary adjustment to cater to the American palate, and it made the meal much more enjoyable without the need to constantly ask for refills.

However, the exact moment I knew this place truly cared about quality came down to a single, overlooked detail: the soy sauce. Real soy sauce should always be refrigerated to preserve its true flavor profile, yet countless sushi joints leave it sitting out on tables at room temperature for weeks, simply topping off the bottles. At Toshi Sushi, the second we placed our order, they brought out a chilled bottle of soy sauce straight from the fridge. Absolute respect. That standard alone speaks volumes about their discipline.

I will definitely be heading back soon, and I'm already planning to feature this hidden gem in an upcoming review video. If you appreciate genuine quality and strict attention to detail, Toshi Sushi is highly recommended.“

“Excelent food ! Great place !“

“Ramen is so good I cried.“

“Good taste noodle, great customer service! interesting old Torrance neighborhood.“

“I love the quality and quantity of food you get. Their Portuguese Sausage is amazing and their fried rice is always delicious“

“Kotohira Japanese Restaurant in Gardena is well-known for its incredible udon and hearty combination sets that pair a steaming bowl of noodles with a delicious donburi (rice bowl). It is located in a vibrant plaza alongside popular dessert spots like Honeymee, It's Boba Time, and Northern Cafe. Because the parking lot is massive and spacious, it draws a steady crowd but remains incredibly convenient to visit. 🚗🍜

This was my second visit here, and I went with the Mini Katsudon Set. The menu describes it perfectly: crispy pork cutlet, eggs, and onions simmered in a semi-sweet sauce over rice, paired with a bowl of hot tanuki udon. The udon noodles are perfectly chewy and the broth is exceptionally clean and flavorful. The overall food quality is top-notch, and the portions are incredibly generous and filling.

The rest of the table loved their meals as well. My wife ordered the Nabeyaki Udon with an Ume Onigiri, and their nabeyaki udon is absolutely delicious—packed with flavor and served piping hot. My brother-in-law tried the Unagi Don Set, which was also fantastic. For an appetizer, we shared the Garlic Shrimp, which featured large, juicy shrimp tossed in a rich, deeply aromatic garlic sauce. It was an excellent way to start the meal! 🍤✨

The ambiance inside feels just like a cozy, authentic local restaurant in Japan. It is the perfect spot for a casual lunch or dinner with a small group of 3 to 4 people. While the layout might make it difficult to host massive parties, they have about ten comfortable 4-person booths available. If you are looking for authentic, comforting Japanese cuisine in the South Bay, this place is highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“

“This place is incredible. I’m honestly shocked it doesn’t have more reviews or a Michelin star. My wife took me here for Father’s Day and it was just fantastic food. We eat at places all over the world, and we’re in Japan in March, and this was still a super special experience. Thank god it is 10 minutes down the road haha“

“LOVE the poke bowl options including the gluten free/lo carb noodles!“

“Tucked away with the unassuming charm of a neighborhood spot in Tokyo, this Japanese restaurant in Gardena distinguishes itself through its devotion to temaki, the hand-rolled sushi format that rewards both simplicity and precision. The menu offers dozens of variations, and the kitchen's command of the form lends the room an authenticity that feels less like a dining concept and more like a transplant.

Lunch is where the value shines. Set menus arrive with the expected miso soup and a modest side, grounding the meal without overreaching. I opted for the five-temaki selection at $26 and, rather than navigate the extensive list myself, deferred to the server's recommendations. All five arrived together, cones standing at attention, each one thoughtfully composed, the seaweed still crisp at the point of eating. It was the right call: a spread that suggested a kitchen confident enough to let its own judgment do the talking. This is my new special Japanese place.“

“Osaka Story has some of the best sushi I have ever had! Theres plenty of different options to chose from on the menu and the portions have a lot of fish. Such a nice atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. The staff is so welcoming and sweet. Highly recommend!“

“This place is AMAZING! The food is delicious and reasonably priced (and plenty to take home), the atmosphere is cool and the drinks are cheap! But the real stand-out is the staff - they are super nice and are working really hard to make sure everyone feels welcome. My new favorite place in LA!!“

“One of the best restaurants in Long Beach for Peruvian, style, seafood, ceviche, and Sushi. Family owned and operated with a friendly vibe and amazing service.“

“蕎麦、日本食　最高 !“

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

“They offer a wide variety of dishes, ranging from traditional Chinese cuisine to creative Western cuisine, and there are many surprising combinations. In addition, the restaurant pays attention to the selection of raw materials and the innovation of cooking techniques to ensure that each dish can bring you the most extreme taste experience“

“A friend who frequents this establishment brought me for lunch today with another friend. Being a vegetarian I was impressed by the selections I would love to try. I ended up ordering the salmon, scallop, spinach cream pasta with capers. It was delicious! My friends ordered the pork katsu and hamburger combo and it looked awesome. The portions are so generous and it comes with soup and salad for the combo and mine came with a small salad and homemade bread. And the family run restaurant is very service oriented, friendly and a very clean and comfortable place. Highly recommended“

“Really liked this place. It offers quick prep moderately priced sushi that tastes good for moderately priced sushi. The only weakness was the shrimp nigari which was skimpy on the shrimp. My meal included miso soup, salad and roll, wrap & funnel sushi. I had 2 bites of the roll and drank some soup before I took the picture. I was hungry!“

“We don’t visit the South Bay often but when we do, it’s a must to Yelp and find someplace new to eat. In search of a Japanese restaurant that offered a menu loaded with options and was both fast and affordable, we lucked out when we discovered Hoka Hoka Express. This place is everything Japanese wrapped all into one - food, beverages (leaded & unleaded), snacks, porcelain teacups, tote bags, cute collectibles, you name it!

I can’t say I’ve ever been to a restaurant that offered a menu item like the Normandie - salmon, spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, spicy ponzu, spicy mayo and served over your choice of base. I went with the Half & Half which was a mix of sushi rice and spring mix. So good! The only reason I didn’t award a five star was due to the service. The woman who was working the counter was not overly friendly, so maybe she was new or was having a bad day. Regardless, I highly recommend a visit to Hoka Hoka Express for all things Japanese!“

“I've been to several Marugame locations, and I like this one because it is very spacious and in a great location. Service is always consistent.

That said, I'm glad that I came back to a lovely surprise. For a very short period of time, the Nikutama Curry Udon, a huge customer favorite was taken off the menu. I'm happy to say that it has returned after much customer feedback. Thank you to the CEO for listening to the uproar and for reverting the menu to include this dish again. There were enough fans of that udon bowl who were ready to choose violence, so I hope it returns permanently.

If you haven't tried the Nikutama Curry Udon, it's a must-try at least once. You will not regret it.“

“I saw this place while driving and saw a line waiting for their food, so I decided to give it a try.. Ì asked those in line, what was good there.. The answer was either the teriyaki bowl or plates, and the teriyaki burgers.. I got the teriyaki chicken bowl.. it looked and smelled great driving home.. After eating it, I didn’t understand the line of people waiting.. It was okay, but in my opinion, no big deal.. I’ll be honest, I did eat it ALL, and the serving size was BIG, so by no means was it bad.. To be fair though, I’m gonna have to try again, and see what I missed the first time..“

“The food is delicious!!! The broth for the beef ramen is so flavorful and the gyoza are perfectly cooked! The drinks and water are refreshing. The service is great! Very kind and polite. As a anime watcher, I love the atmosphere, the lights and anime posters with the music make it very enjoyable to be there.“

“Delicious, great value, and great service. Katsu Bar is an Asian fusion fast-casual restaurant with a bunch of well-priced options for lunch and dinner. We had the chicken katsu curry udon, the tteokbokki, and the rosemary pork katsu sando. Portion sizes were solid as well.“

“Really enjoyed this spot. The sushi rolls were fresh, flavorful, and plated really nicely. The crispy toppings, sauces, and presentation made the rolls stand out, and the edamame was a solid appetizer. The restaurant had a cozy vibe and the meal felt worth it overall. Definitely a place I’d come back to and recommend for sushi. My partner and i really enjoyed.“

“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.“

“Cherrystones catered my brother's celebration of life memorial last Sunday at the Toyota Meeting Hall in Torrance. We were about 120 people. The food and presentation was excellent. We opted for the Kalua Pork and the Teriyaki chicken, both delicious. Loved the broccoli salad and Mac salad. Our guests raved about the food. Cherrystones catered my dad's memorial in 2016 and the food was excellent then. I would not hesitate to use them again if I needed a catering service. Thank you Cherrystones for doing my brother proud.“

“good for romatic and I recommend here for everyone“

“Always good food. Started eating there a few years ago when I just happened to hear about what the owner did for a customer that had his food eaten by a food delivery service driver. Stand up guy! Always a good interaction when I stop in! Highly recommend them. The garlic noodles are delicious“

“Indoor👍🏼👍🏼we opted for it but was surprised when they ushered us to the back portion of the restaurant. It makes you feel like you really are in an authentic Japanese Izakaya restaurant.“

“I visited this restaurant with my date for dinner, and we were welcomed with a pleasant attitude and seated immediately. The atmosphere was nice and inviting. We were fortunate that there weren’t many guests that evening, which made the experience very peaceful and enjoyable.

We started with two Asahi beers while deciding what to order. We chose the A5 Wagyu Set, which included tongue, ribeye, short rib, chuck flap, and tenderloin. The set also came with a salad, kimchi, and bean sprouts, and we ordered a few bowls of rice on the side.

Our server was very friendly and even gave us helpful tips on which cuts of meat to start with. Although there was a button at the table to call for service, she would occasionally check in on us to see if we needed anything or were enjoying our meal, which we truly appreciated.

All of the meats were phenomenal, and the portion size was very satisfying for both of us. To end the evening, we ordered Wagyu sushi—one piece served raw and the other cooked—and both were absolutely delicious.“

“Love this place!! Favorite restaurant in the Mitsuwa food court. The prices are amazing, especially for the kake udon, it's only $5.95 even after the recent small price increase. Their weekday lunch special is also such great value, around $10 for a kake udon + 3 tempura/yakitori. The service is quick, and the employees there are so polite and kind. Great place all around. It can be a bit difficult to find parking sometimes though, especially on weekends.“

“We went here for the AYCE sushi and got the premium menu because we're visiting Socal for vacation. Absolutely phenomenal with the service and food! I love how friendly the staff was to us and explained how the process actually work. There are leftover fee + only order what you can eat! Definitely should ask for recommendations and they provide you a menu with pictures. I would absolutely come back here again! The parking lot is kinda small, but we were able to find a spot before the dinner rush.“

“Best teriyaki chicken“

“Friendly environment. Fast service, Fresh food, clean. love the Poke there.“

“Why Kagura?
- Affordable and quality
- Grab it after visiting Tokyo Central

Food 4/5 = Solid choice not to mention always busy
- Katsu sando $12
- Loin Demi tonkatsu set $16.50

Not dry perfectly cook and no issues for a simple quick bite.
Tonkatsu Marushichi is still #1 though pricing but AMAZING!

Service 4/5
- Quick ordering and moves pretty fast

Parking 3.5/5
- Free parking but can get really busy during peak hours due to ppl shopping.
- Parking lot is the entire perimeter of complex

Try Go Go Curry next to Kagura is you're open to trying curry!“

“Authentic, high quality yakitori restaurant with a large Japanese clientele. We arrived at the restaurant at 6:45pm on a Sunday and the restaurant was full except for the 1 table we had reserved. We tried most of the chicken yakitori selections, and a few of the beef, pork and fish ones as well as the vegetables. They were all good and comparable to the high end yakitori restaurants in New York City. The service was friendly and efficient, considering there were only 2 people covering the entire restaurant. Overall a good yakitori restaurant.“

“Great place to hang out with friends! It’s our first visit so didn’t realize it’s more like a bar than restaurant -.- we ordered too much… the roasted chicken is soooo good! We ordered garlic rice as a side of roasted chicken. And all fired dishes are highly recommended! People at next table order grapefruit drinks and smells so good! Already plan to go a second time and order the grapefruit drink!

2nd review: Add one more pic for grapefruit drink & orange soda! Yes we went there again“

“A Gem in the Southbay area. We usually order the Katsu Don. But this type we tried the curry, okonomiaki and edamame too. Everything was delicious and was brought to us quickly and hot. Great staff and clean place. They have parking at back of the business. Recommend it“

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