50 Best Japanese Restaurants near East Los Angeles

“I walked in on a Sunday afternoon and placed a large order. One of the items ordered was the chicken teriyaki bento box. Everything item on the plate was freshly made and delicious. There were 4 pieces of tempura veggies and 4 pieces of California roll. The chicken teriyaki bowls were just as fresh and contained an ample amount of chicken and rice. The owner was kind and gracious and friendly. An additional plus for that. This is a great place to go for sushi. The California rooll and the spicy tuna roll we ordered we delicious. I look forward to my next visit so that I can try the ramen. Hope you all give this place a try. You will not be disappointed.“

“Always passed by this place and wanted to try it. It was really good but the atmosphere was really sad. If they put some effort on the decor it would be really nice. But it’s understandable seeing how a lot of people these days order take out or delivery. But overall 8/10 very good food!“

“I pop in here probably once a week sometimes twice for a glass of wine. The bartenders are very cheerful and informed with respect to varieties and flavors and all the jazz. They walk you through the options and make tip top recommendations. The place is always slammed at night, yet the manager is extremely accommodating and always finds a place for me to chill and savor the weekend ambiance. I’ve never had their food, but it looks delicious. All the servers are friendly and have excellent people skills. The outdoor space is a fun hang too if you have a group. I always feel spoiled here. 5 star experiences.“

“สนุกสนานอาหารอร่อย บรรยากาศดีมีระดับ“

“This quaint amazing Japanese restaurant is a hidden gem in Boyle Heights. Very friendly staff and great food. They also let me order 10 minutes before closing. The only, minor, complaints are that there is very limited seating, they have a limited menu and they operate limited hours.“

“we ordered a big catering order from guzzu for an office meeting. It was phenomenally good. The food was packaged really well, was hot, fresh, and delicious, and a huge hit. The salmon was moist and flavorful, the vegan katsu was surprisingly delicious, ans both the grilled chicken and fried chicken were really good. Will definitely be ordering from them again, and can’t wait to stop in to try non-catering!

Dietary restrictions: Vegan Katsu was delicious“

“Great food!!! Outdoor dining! Cool vibe! On evenings when there is music is especially an experience and all with City Hall lit up!“

“My experience at NikuX was truly exceptional. From the moment we arrived, the front desk staff was remarkably kind. Kevin, who was in charge of our table, provided attentive and courteous service, and his recommendation of the Miso Chilean Seabass was even better than Nobu’s. Each dish was fresh and made with evident care.

I was particularly impressed by how Kevin and the floor manager consistently checked in on our meal throughout the dining experience. Their willingness to listen to even minor feedback was something I had not encountered in any other buffet, which left a lasting impression.

It was a rare opportunity to enjoy a satisfying luxury buffet in LA. Personally, I found NikuX to be a more valuable dining experience than the buffet at Cafe S in H Hotel, in terms of quality, pricing, and service.
Thank you.“

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

“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.“

“What a wonderful experience at Aizen Udon in Little Tokyo, LA. The food was visually beautiful and the taste was even better. Our server Soma was very knowledgeable about the food and is a Sake Master. A must place to eat when visiting LA! Well done“

“It's a small "hole in the wall," which is cute when you walk up.
The person who hands you the food is always so sweet.
The food is good! I've had their California Spring Rolls (4 rolls in an order), and they're always so tasty! Makes you want to come back for more! Haha. They also have a vegan selection, which is quite nice and tasty.
Note that there isn't any designated seating here. It's more of a "pick up and go" sort of place.

Vegetarian options: There is a vegan selection to order from. It also tastes good!“

“We went to Azabu to celebrate our anniversary and what a perfect place to go for the occasion. The vibe is fun and modern, the craft cocktails were delish and the service was awesome. The entrees are fun and exciting with a smoking dome over one and a sizzling rock on another. And we ended it with a sparkler on our dessert! It was a fantastic night out and was truly fun and special. We will definitely be back!“

“OMG ??? I ordered the Nikutama and Shrimp plus Squid Tempura. I washed it down with Iced Matcha. The flavors just have a party in your mouth! The flavors come together so we'll to compliment each other! Best thing I've Eaten on my trip to LA from AZ thus far! Staff was super polite & helpful. They helped me navigate the menu & taste test the broth I liked best because it was my first time. Best part it's located next to Macy's Shopping Complex so you can walk around and browse the local shops. I'm in Love with the place! Can't wait to be back to try other dishes. Prices are reasonable and quick & easy ordering.

Vegetarian options: Sweet potato Tempura“

“1st time here, immediately like it, they have sauces on the side for you to put in your food. I came for a chicken teriyaki bowl but I already want the baked salmon roll. I feel I have missed out these past few years by not stopping and checking it out.“

“I recently had the pleasure of dining at Yakiya restaurant which left me utterly impressed. Despite the higher price point, every dish in the 15-course prefixed menu was a revelation of flavors and culinary mastery. Each course was meticulously crafted, showcasing the chef's expertise and dedication to quality ingredients.

The service was exemplary; Lester, our server, deserves special commendation. Despite the restaurant being busy, he managed everything with grace and ensured that our dining experience was seamless and enjoyable. His attentiveness and knowledge added to the overall charm of the evening.

From the first bite to the last, every aspect of this dining experience was top-notch. If you're looking to indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine with impeccable service, this restaurant is a must-visit.“

“First time visiting and we had the omakase. The staff welcomed us like they have known us for years as soon as we walked in. The service throughout the omakase was amazing and the sushi was the best weve had since visiting Japan! Toshisan is passionate and friendly. Cant wait to go back asap! I wish I could keep Toshi Sushi to myself and not tell anyone about it, but they deserve to be successful so I chose to write this review. We are incredibly lucky to have sushi of this quality, at s reasonable price, and in Gardena no less. If you're reading this, dont think about it any longer and just go.“

“Cute little spot in the shopping mall to get some yakatori. I honestly didn't know what to eat. So I got the prefix lunch menu and it was good.I enjoy my chicken karage, and meatball on a stick. It didn't look like it was very big but I actually felt full after I was done good for lunch.“

“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 food here was amazing!!! Super affordable price!! I’ve tried most of the food here. Plus, the food itself will take you back as if ur eating in Myanmar. The service was fast and very friendly. Highly recommend to anyone!! Definitely gonna come back again !!!“

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

“Fantastic quality and the Omakase Lunch is presented beautifully. Although everything was very delicious, the meal seemed a little over the top in a way that traditional Japanese restaurants aren’t. The dining experience is dressed up here and that is reflected a bit in the price. In summary, if you want authentic, straightforward Japanese sushi this may not be the place. If you want an interesting, albeit unnecessary, dining experience, this is a nice place. Keep in mind, though, the interior isn’t anything too special and there isn’t a dedicated parking lot.“

“I've been to a lot of Michelin restaurants around the world and this is easily a one star. Fantastic food and service and the pacing was perfect. Just look at the fish main course... Grilled perfectly on charcoal. Definitely coming back next time I'm in “

“I like this katsu place. We also tried the spicy miso ramen. It was good, but quite spicy, so if you can’t handle spicy food, I think it’s better to choose something else. Expect to wait for a while during dinner time. If you order katsu to-go, they will give you the whole set in a bento box.“

“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.“

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

“I was warmly greeted immediately upon walking in by the chefs and knew it was going to be good. I had ramen and tried toro sushi - the quality of the fish was so good that I went back for a second night in a row and had the chirashi, which was exceptional. Very fast service and delicious food - I never repeat restaurants when I travel until now, and will definitely come back when in Pasadena again.“

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

“I am visiting California from Maryland and I had the opportunity to dine at Norikaya this past week with my son. I have spent many years in the restaurant industry and have a high standard when dining out.

I loved it! Everything was perfect-- the service, the food, the ambience. The manager and staff were very attentive and friendly and made it an enjoyable meal start to finish.

Now the food. Everything was perfectly executed. I appreciate when food is served at the right temperature and texture, and of course the taste has to be there too. My favorites were:

- Cucumber salad: the cucumber was so thinly sliced and the dish was a work of art. The flavor was spot on with the right level of sweet and savory.

- Crispy rice: The texture was perfect. Crispy, a little sticky. And most importantly when it comes to crispy rice, it wasn't greasy.

- Strawberry unagi roll: honestly, I didn't know what to expect but took a chance. It was worth it. The strawberries were so thinly sliced that the flavor wasn't overwhelming. The temperature of the various ingredients played well off of each other. This one is a MUST when you go.

Overall, I 100% recommend Norikaya and can't wait for the next time I'm in town to visit again!“

“The plant based kaiseki was amazing. Beautifully presented, deliciously seasoned, and well portioned. The hot pot was the biggest of all courses and it was so much food! The black sesame ice cream was surprisingly delicious.

Vegetarian options: The 7 course plant based kaiseki was amazing

Dietary restrictions: Dietary restrictions was the very first question asked!“

“I went there to eat twice while I was in Los Angeles while traveling around the world. The dumplings are very delicious, but so is the rice. You can choose from several types of sauce for the gyoza. All the staff were smiling and the atmosphere was very good.

Vegetarian options: There are gyoza made only with vegetables.“

“Ramen were super good and excellent customer service.“

“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.“

“Super great experience!! Love it here:)“

“Fresh, authentic, affordable, healthy, casual Japanese food. Everything tastes like it was made fresh, including hand rolls where the rice is still warm. Staff are warm and lovely, menu is thoughtfully put together, and space is relaxing and spacious. highly recommend.“

“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.“

“Good food, portions & service...“

“Great service awesome food A+“

“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“

“good recommmend for eveyone“

“This place is my favorite late night spot in la. I come here every time I get out of work late and everything I’ve tried on their menu is so delicious. Sometimes I spend the entire day thinking “what am I gonna get at suehiro mini tonight?”“

“It was our first visit, and the server kindly explained everything to us. We both customized our ramen based on their recommendations, and it was definitely worth it. The portions were generous, leaving us completely satisfied. The ramen is among the best we've ever had. The chicken karaage was okay, but we probably wouldn’t order it again. We highly recommend the ramen!“

“They make it fresh, so it's best to order first, then get groceries, then pick up your food. Maybe the best katsu I've ever had. The portions are massive! They do not skimp at all. And it was still crisp when I got home.

For vegetarians, the tofu katsu is really good and also a big portion.

Vegetarian options: Tofu katsu is really good.“

“This place never disappoints me , the waitress is really nice and has really good costumer service , the food is also good you guys should definitely try the Naruto ramen and the mango tea ? I come here often because I think it’s the best ramen in California ? definitely recommend this place“

“good for romatic and I recommend here for everyone“

“My experience at Omakase by Osen was great! This was my first Omakase experience and will certainly not be my last. All of the courses offered for the Nagatsuki Omakase were delicious, but my favorites had to be the wagyu wrap and egg custard. The quality was great, but for the amount of food you get, $140 may not be worth it to you if you expect to be totally full after. However, I definitely value the dining experience that comes with the food so it was worth it for me. The waitresses were so attentive and even did a little extra for me since it was my birthday. I would highly recommend!“

“4.5 ⭐️s for overall experience! My friend, her kids, and I enjoyed our meal in mostly every way - flavors, service, and cleanliness. The house salad was healthy (not just iceberg lettuce) and had a generous portion for one person. My friend said it was super delicious - Sunset roll, blue crab roll, and miso black cod were on point flavor wise. Only negatives were that the seaweed was a bit chewy (not super tough though) and the soup slightly salty. The staff was kind, friendly, attentive, and patient - hard to come by these days. Prices are reasonable and I plan to come back. Parking is tougher at times in this plaza, but at some point, you'll find a spot.“

“The best shabu shabu outside of Japan. Beautifully delicate, balanced, and delicious appetizers, the highest quality sourced vegetables, Japanese wagyu and the best angus prime, and delectable and u forgettable desserts. Did I mention they have Premium Malts?“

“Muy amigables todos y la cómoda esta deliciosa .“