50 Best Japanese Restaurants near East Los Angeles

“The service is really good. The cooking time is a little exceeded in time but it is because they actually cook real food there. The teriyaki bowl was so delicious, definitely recommended would also recommend the shrimp tempura as a side dish. The only downside is the soda station because it is out of order. so not too many options to choose from when it comes to having a drink …… its still a 5 star highly recommended!!!!!!!!“

“We love this place :) The older gentleman who works there is always very friendly and helpful. It feels like a mom and pop restaurant, very cosy. I usually get udon and the popcorn roll and my partner gets the bento box. We've tried most of the dishes and enjoy them all. We keep coming back not only for the food but the warm welcome from the adorable older man who works there, he reminds us of our grandpa :)“

“I've been wanting to try different omakase places in the LA area for a while now, and stumbled upon Omakase by Ozen online - and I'm glad I came! Reservations were made quickly and easily via Yelp, and I love that I was able to change my reservation time without much of a hassle. My boyfriend and I came here to celebrate after I took the MCAT, so we were extremely hungry when we got here. I think this place might have had valet out front, but we opted to just find street parking in the neighborhood for a ~5 minute walk (which worked out afterwards since it let us walk off our food!). The actual restaurant is a very small and quaint place; we sat at a table instead of the bar but I thought the decorations were very cute. Service was very fast and attentive. They handed us a menu as soon as we came in, and we ordered the $130 omakase - which was a pretty good deal for the quality of the food and the whole experience. I do have to say that I was not full after the meal (so my boyfriend and I ended up getting more food afterwards at a different place), but I did enjoy my time here. Definitely worth a try if you're celebrating because of the food and the service, but I personally don't think I'd come back for the omakase.“

“Quality comes with a price if you want to treat those taste buds to great tasting very fresh sushi.... then check out Santo... When food is great and quality is outstanding, then it's worth every penny... agree!?... This place will have you making your next reservation right after you leave, lol.... (maybe not, but it's the type of place that you will be back for more... Staff is great, friendly and they make you feel at home... Original Santo is located in Mexico City, and if you know the CDMX vibe, then you know this place has that... Great vibes all around, background music playing upbeat music. Place is small, so outside sitting is available to enjoy a nice day or to people watch down Sunset Street... or sit next to a stranger and maybe start a conversation?!... Parking can be a hassle, street parking only, and silverlake can get crowded, so be patient Awsome, top of the line sushi with a unique flavors Definitely recommend this spot!! When you go... Enjoy!!...“

“Simply amazing fusion good influenced w Taiwan local food taste (taiwan arguably has best street food :).. ). Amazing presentation and tastes that remind me of various well known dishes in taiwan. We added 2 extra dishes on top of the 9-course meal…. Simply amazing experience.“

“Delicious and fresh seafood every time. The platters were amazing and the prices are very reasonable. The shop is filled with all types of snacks and additional sides to complete your meal. All the staff and chefs are super nice and very helpful. We went with Platter F & G.“

“great $125 japanese italian tasting menu that only advertises 5 courses, but we also got 4 chef "gifts"! dishes were seafood forward and had a fresh, creamy, & bright flavor profile - standouts of the night were scallops w yuzu cream & soft shell crab salad only downside is that even though i eat slow, the dishes were CRAWLING out.. think we waited 20min between some dishes but fantastic night :)“

“Most underrated restaurant in LA. The menu is always changing so, if you can afford it, you can go monthly. It's good it's not packed with hip foodies but I want this place to be recognized as every bit as good as N Naka or Hayato.“

“Came in with my partner and the interior was small and so it felt a bit tight, but the servers knew how to work around the space well! They were also super friendly without being overbearing and the food that we ordered was so good! I got the omurice and my partner got the hayashi dish. I preferred mine over his and their miso soup was paired really well with the omurice :)I would come back again to try their breakfast and bento mealsParking: There are paid parking lots around the area or if you’re lucky, street parking for 1-2 hoursWheelchair accessibility: I don’t think it would be easy for a wheelchair user to be able to dine inside due to the space but if they moved a few chairs around, it’s possible! They also have outdoor seating as well“

“The best food and the best service! This is our third time coming here and nothing ever misses. The lunch is always a great vibe! This last time was with a big party of 8 and it was all handled seamlessly and everyone loved their meals, so thought it was time to give them a shoutout! Of the 3 times we've had the same server (Adrian) and they are truly such a special server happy to be there and be helpful! We couldn't remember if we like the shiro or shouyo more and they were helping us trying to figure it out, was super sweet and funny!! Thank you again!!!“

“We tried the diamond set. The meat quality of the 1st round was really good. But the quality of a5 wagyu was not as good after the 1st round. Sweet shrimp was not that fresh, and the steam egg portion was too big. The wagyu sandwich was not good at all and way too dried. Overall, it was a great experience.“

“Every dish was melt in your mouth good. Some of the best sushi I’ve had at this price point. Will definitely come back, highly recommend. The shop is a smaller spot and a bit unassuming, but the food speaks for itself. The staff were also extremely friendly, allowing us to move some tables around to meet our groups needs when they weren’t too busy. Really appreciate the visit here.“

“I’ve had Gram Cafe in Tokyo and was so excited when I learned LA has a location now. I honestly came in with very low expectations because usually chains that expand overseas never taste as good as the country of origin. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well made the souffle pancake was! It’s so soft and fluffy. I highly recommend!!“

“Came here on a Sunday night around 7 pm, wait for 15 mins and I was in.It’s a cute little shop that serves good udon. I tried the Takoyaki and it was fine, not great. Little too doughy for me.For the udon we tried the miso carbonara and the hot dragon. I would say that they were both good. Carbonara is very creamy and milky while the hot dragon packed some good flavors. The hot dragon felt like it was more food than the carbonara.Took about 15 mins to get our food so a bit slow but I think they handcraft the noodles so many that’s why it took a while? About $50 for two udons and an app.“

“I recently took my lunch break at Guzzu Bento-ya, and it was a delightful experience from start to finish. I opted for their Hayashi Rice, a flavorful twist on Japanese beef stew, and it instantly became my new favorite comfort food, especially in the chilly weather. The braised tender beef, onions, and mushrooms melded together perfectly, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.The space was cozy and perfect to do some work. I love how they have anime playing on the projector.Beyond their renowned bento boxes, Guzzu Bento-ya impressed me with their new salads and stews, each bursting with flavor. The staff was incredibly accommodating, offering spot-on recommendations that enhanced my dining experience. Whether you're craving a classic bento box or eager to explore their latest offerings, Guzzu Bento-ya is sure to exceed your expectations. Highly recommended!5/5“

“Sushi Kisen continues to punch well above its weight and it is 1/3 the price for the same quality as some of the now outrageously expensive sushi places in LA.For about $120, our omakase today included about 10 courses and 2 additional pieces we selected at the end. The quality of the nigiri is self-evident, particularly with the chutoro and the Nemuro uni. Another particular favorite was shiro-ebi. The chef confirmed that it is from Toyama. It should be mentioned that some pieces are ever so slightly on the saltier side (I confirmed that they do season with a drop of salt on some pieces), which I ended up liking but it might be a surprise to some. Extra points for the shari, which was flavorful on its own without taking away from the fish. I also highly recommend asking the chef if they have any seasonal items. We were very pleasantly surprised by our tsuika orders.When I do not have the time to enjoy an omakase at the bar, I would recommend their chirashi bowls.“

“Great history and food. Very impressive tempura and curry, and of course the sashimi was super fresh. I do miss AOI, so the home estylen cooking here was a real rad treat. I loved it, we came pretty early and on a weekday as you must do because it gets filled up so fast!! So glad we made the effort because it had been on our list so long and it didn't disappoint“

“I found this spot randomly on my google search and i am glad I took a chance. Saw all the amazing reviews and it was a must try and it did not disappoint. The broth was delicious all by it's self and it didn't have that extra over the top MSG flavor. Customer service was very welcoming and the lady in the front was all smiles. Thank you for my first time experience and this is definitely has became my go to spot.Vegetarian options: Tofu vegetables pho is a must try“

“I'm not too much a fan of fries these days, but the chicken was incredible! I wish the wasabi flavor came through a bit more, but it was all really good. Very nice owner and employee, great experience all around. A bit expensive for me, but so is everything in Pasadena. They seemed to go really hard in on the branding and I hope it pays off!!“

“Started with smiling and welcoming staff. Our table was next to a very loud and screaming crowd and was getting so loud that we couldn’t even talk without shouting ti hear each other. The manager came over to apologise and offered us to move to another quieter table which we kindly took. They stage kept apologizing to us about the loud crowd. Kept us happy and well served all thrice our meal. Food was great! Ambience was great! We were very happy all in all! Hands down to the staff who tolerated the loud crowd who were still there when we left!!!!“

“This place is a GEM! The sushi is so fresh, and the bento box is quite literally filled to the brim with delicious pickles, salad, and rice as well. The owner is really nice, and they are incredibly polite and sweet. Definitely worth it. I hope they continue to do well!“

“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.“

“I found this place 2 years ago completely by accident. My family and I walked in, and the rest was history. Amazing atmosphere, amazing service, and the cherry on top: the AMAZING food. I can't say enough about the food. Excellent selection, combinations, and taste. The chef knows what they're doing, and it shows. The black fried rice is so unique and delicious. We left happy with happy stomachs. I am excited to report that two years later, HATCH still exceeds my expectations. Happened to be in LA again and remembered the food. I couldn't remember the name, so I searched for it. Found the place, and it's a short walk away. Perfect. Walked in, got a table, and the service was amazing, per usual. The food was fantastic! The owner came over and checked on us, asking how everything was going. We explained how we were so happy to find HATCH again after two years and memories of the wonderful experience. The owner ended up cutting us a deal and said if we ordered one dessert, we'd get another one the house. Both of the desserts were delectable. The next time I find myself in downtown LA, I will be returning to HATCH. I'm so happy to support an awesome restaurant with amazing food and a wonderful owner. You guys are killing it!“

“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.“

“Always good, thin rice surrounding the roll is a good sign of a good sushi roll, fish always fresh and melts in your mouth...I'm a big Wasabi user and they provided two different types for me to try, the lumpy almost salsa looking kind was so good, just spread on roll and eat, the other was what you'd normally find... it was good.Parking: Plenty right in front, never had a problem finding a spot“

“So my baby boy Jude and I went there to get some early birthday sushi everything was great. Service was ok but the food made up for it.Parking: The place is located in Uptown Whittier so for everyone that is not familiar with the area not to worry there is plenty of free parking available all in their parking lot and the streets.Kid-friendliness: It's NOT a cocktail bar it's a Family restaurant with a Sushi bar my kid had a great time.“

“I recently dined at a sushi restaurant in Pasadena. It's conveniently located close to public parking, which was a plus. The sashimi combo was excellent, and the side dishes complemented the meal perfectly. Overall, it was a great dining experience.“

“I walk by this place daily and it's always so busy. I decided to try it for myself and it was delicious. Everything seemed fresh and full of flavor. The waiters were all super sweet and attentive to our needs. We went for lunch so it wasn't as busy as it normally is, which was nice because the space is a little tight given its all bar seating. They play good music and it's a fun atmosphere. There's plenty of street parking and valet (10-15$). I will say this spot is on the pricer side, Im not convinced the meal was worth the price give theres an omekase down the street.“

“I love shabu and have been to "Bon Shabu" twice already. This is my favorite shabu restaurant when in LA. I say it is a "restaurant" because the attentive, friendly service, quality of food, decor and cleanliness are all five big stars! The selection of meat is very high quality including wagyu, and the vegetables and seafood are all very fresh. Beware of the appetizers as they all taste good. They have delicious Korean side menu; japchae, spicy pork, bulgogi, dukkbokki, dumplings, calamari, fried chicken, dukkbokkii, spicy crab, spring rolls, etc. and dessert! all time favorite shabu spot!“

“DO I HEAR BETTER THAN BENIHANA!? Seriously this is a HIDDEN GEM! Prices are really good based on flavor and quantity you are getting! ABSOLUTELY YES. And the rice… my GOODNESS. Don’t even get me started on that piece of heaven they prepare. Seriously wish I could gatekeep but I want them to THRIVE (as they should) so they are around forever!!! The cherry on top you ask? The customer service is superb! Mario was very nice from the first time I went! They seriously won a client for life!YOU WON’T REGRET GOING! Thank me later!!!“

“Love their speciality drinks and fun breads and pastries. I got the curry pan and the strawberry sakura latte and both were really good. The floral and berry flavors worked nicely with the coffee but the sakura flavor wasn’t super strong. Pretty centrally located in Little Tokyo and the staff are really nice.There were a few tables inside but I took my order to go.“

“I love this place. A bit pricy but everything is fresh and prepared with much tlc. The staff is always so sweet and there's a particular lovely trans server who always greets me as if I'm family. She has the most warm personality and to be honest, she is one of the reasons I keep coming back! She recommended the citron roll to me and I've been hooked ever since. I'll typically order that, and a couple other simple rolls that are discounted during happy hour. My fav thing to do is sit on the patio eating sushi and people watching. One time a guy decked out in Beyoncé fan gear came up to me and sang happy birthday to his Beyoncé pillow (it was her birthday that day). Nothing but good vibes here.“

“Morihiro was a solid omakase experience, but it's not as intimate as the other elevated omakase experiences in this price range...it was pretty crowded. There were only table seats the day we went, but we still enjoyed our dinner here. I was little a taken aback by the way the unique way the rice is prepared, but it was still pretty good. All the dishes were explained and presented well but overall Morihiro just lacked that wow factor. I think I also just prefer a more intimate omakase experience.“

“My teenagers and I were impressed with the simplicity of flavors of all our dishes. We started off with an assorted sashimi plate that had 3 pieces each of tuna, salmon, kampachi, and Japanese scallops and a plate of scallop carpaccio. It was soo yummy that we ordered another plate of scallop carpaccio and then we felt like we just had to try the kampachi carpaccio. Sooo good and the scallops just melt in your mouth! For our main dishes, we decided to share the Spicy Tonkotsu with extra bamboo shoots and the Truffle Butter Tonkotsu. The broths were very flavorful, the noodles fresh, and the chasu was delicious. For dessert, the friendly staff recommended the house-made Shio Koji ice cream with black sea salt to help cleanse our palates. It was very light and definitely refreshing. And I also tried the Genmaicha tea which was very light, aromatic, and soothing. All in all this place is a must go-to when you're in Ktown. The staff was very friendly, attentive, and very helpful for suggesting menu items. This is definitely our family's favorite find of the year!“

“I don't want to say it, but this is the best sushi in the city. Perfect atmosphere and food quality. Most similar to sushi in Japan without the additions and perversions of fusion cooking or the type of cooking culture that chases Michelin clout.I only regret saying it because more people will know, which means the wait will be longer.Get the tamago. It is heaven in a little split yellow cake.Kid-friendliness: Bring your own high chair. We bring our toddler and she does great, but there are only two tables for small children and we have to bring our own modular high chair.“

“want to start off by saying that this place is definitely timeless and i understand why it is one of the first ever sushi places in LA. The prices are unbelievable and i went with 2 other friends and ended up ordering a lot of food. The thing with sushi it’s hard to get full usually, but here the sushi that would be 2-3x the price is affordable and delicious. The atmosphere is great and authentic and your surroundings are pleasant and vibrant. Lots of people speaking japanese to the sushi chef and made the experience at the bar feel fun. i wish i got more pictures but we were starving but we wanted to try a little bit of everything. This place is great for family and friends and even a date at the bar for a fun time. make sure to on off hours or make a reservation if you can cause it can get packed in there. Overall it’s worth a drive to the K town area and get full.“

“The atmosphere was nice with friendly service from the owner and staff, and the freshness of the fish and the setting were enough to whet my appetite.However, due to the catering schedule, the opening date isThere is a sign in front of the entrance, but you should check if it is open before visiting. Have a nice meal.“

“Shinkai sits low key in this multi-use complex within the heart of downtown Alhambra. We visited during their soft opening yesterday and tried out their omakase which was fresh, plentiful and delicious. Chef Alan and Dedy did a great job at the presentation on the following dishes. 1. Okinawa seaweed shooter with yamaimo and ikura 2. Jellyfish with kizami wasabi and 2 hr slow cooked abalone 3. Kumamoto oysters with green onion and ikura/uni 4. Shima aji, Chu toro and otoro 5. Sea Bream and golden eye snapper 6. Toro tartare with uni, ikura, truffle and avocado 7. Santa Barbara uni with black caviar and ikura 8. Japanese kegani 9. Black cod over mashed yam and drizzled with yuzu miso 10. Hokkaido scallop with Hokkaido uni and black caviar 11. Wagyu sushi We look forward to visiting again as they refine their processes and dishes during their soft opening. It's definitely nice to have a local sushi spot in SGV rather than having to head to LA or further for an omakase sushi dinner.“

“This was a solid spot for sushi! It's kind of hidden and I wouldn't have known if my friend didn't bring up the place, but the ambiance was nice! We had the premium sushi set, Orange Blossom Roll, and Sunshine Roll- which were all good. It is on the pricier side and portions are small. Service was average.“

“This restaurant is affiliated with several sushi restaurants in Los Angeles and Westwood. It is located on the 2F of the H Mart Madong Plaza, and they validate parking. It has only been open for a month, and it appears to be building up a following. Madong Plaza is also the home to several restaurants, Daiso Japan, Cosmetic World, Paris Baguette. It would be worth your while to enjoy a meal at California Rock N Sushi and do you shopping. The pictures don't do justice to the presentation and quality of the seafood they serve here. I have eaten sushi in Japan, Seattle, and Hawaii. The freshness of their seafood and presentation are unique and unmatched. The sushi chefs are artists, who are clearly experienced and can create works of art. They carry an extensive menu of hand rolls, cut rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and specialties. We had the Red Dragon and Lemon Rolls cut style, chirashi bowl, teppanyaki, and ama ebi. (If they have ama ebi on the menu, do not hesitate to order it.) From seating to the end of our meal, service was top notch. Although this restaurant is located in Koreatown, sushi is universal. I highly recommend that you take the time to visit this restaurant and enjoy your meal here. I would rate this 6 stars if Yelp allowed me to.“

“My boyfriend and I love eating here. It's a very popular spot, so if you don't want to wait in line for a long time, I recommend coming on a weekday or early. If you eat at the bar, you do not have an option for the lunch menu. At the bar, sushi is made in front of you. It's very good, but prices add up quickly if you like to eat a lot. Sitting at the table, they have a really good lunch special.“

“This place is clean, with a great welcoming ambiance. We tried the chicken curlet curry and beef curry. the portions they give are huge! The chicken cutlet was crispy outside and soft inside, the beef is soft with a brown curry. The staff here are all friendly and attentive. Will definately be back! You have to stop by and give it a try!“

“This is the Little Tokyo outlet of Sushi Enya. The place is on the same street as the popular ramen place. We orders the 18 piece sashimi set twice and the chef was thoughtful enough to put different fish slices on the two orders. We also tried their specialty eel roll which is served on a very long dish since eels are long? Quality of the fish are quite high and attention to details are there. There are not many tables so it gets crowded. Usually there is a wait so suggest to arrive early (5PM) or use table reservations. They have a cancellation fee if you make table reservation. There is no parking on site so you have paid street parking or paid parking structure near by.“

“Tucked away in Koreatown is this intimate dining experience. We went to hibi for date night a few weeks ago and it was great! We ordered a wide array of food to try as much as the menu. The chef mentioned that a tasting menu is coming soon so we will be back for another visit! All of the food was super delicious and the presentation was neat. My favorite dish was the steak! The staff were attentive and very kind. Highly recommend checking it out!“

“So good!! Food: Amazing. I ordered the assorted yaki gyoza (veggie pork chicken and shrimp) and it was so good I ordered 6 more pork gyoza. Perfectly cooked with a nice crisp to the bottom, amazing flavor, and so juicy. They have different ways to prepare, I think yaki, maybe steam (don't quote me) and in the soup. The soup was also really flavorful and good (and hot haha watch out). They also have a ton of side sauces to choose from, but I love the basic ponzu. Better gyoza than a lot of ramen shops (IMO those usually have too much garlic) and reminded me of great gyoza spots in japan. Price: dude so cheap. I bought food for two people: an assorted bento, an assorted 6 piece, rice, and edamame for around $30. Ambiance: super chill, decent amount of seating, not super loud and can have convos easilyCustomer service: super friendly, explains everything, super cute drawings on the containers, quick as well.I think it's fairly new so business is still trickling in. Hoping they thrive so that I can keep coming back, I'll definitely be craving this again very soon.“

“Had a great meal here. I have gluten allergy and was worried they didn’t have anything gluten-free because the menu online didn’t mention it. However, I called and the person I spoke to was amazing and knowledgeable about the options. There were not tons but enough that there were things I could eat. I had the Bento box and they were able to adjust it so everything was GF. That did come with a hefty surcharge but it’s worth it to me to know it’s all safe to eat. Sashimi is also an option however nigiri and rolls are not because there is soy in the rice.I’ve knocked down my review because there are plenty of Japanese restaurants that fully accommodate gluten allergies and I’ve been told by chefs and owners that at this point it’s not hard to do.Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free options but next extensive. The nigiri and rolls are not GF as there is soy in the rice (as of the time of my review)“

“My first time coming to Sushito, and will definitely be back again once my mom and I get a craving for teriyaki bowls! Was greeted very well, lady in front was very friendly, polite, and patient when I asked her questions about the menu. Was also told about their buy 2 bowls/plates get 1 free on Tuesdays!“

“Been going here with my little siblings for a few years now. Their ramen is delicious and never disappoints, always finishing the last drop!!Their waiters are sweet and great service. I would go here from time to time and it's still good as always!!“

“This place is totally underrated and deserves more attention. Food is excellent and on par with other great Japanese restaurants. This is my second time here and I’ve throughly enjoyed it. Great atmosphere, friendly staff, sushi tastes fresh and they serve large portions. What else could you want?“

“I really love ramen, Can't get tired of eating anytime I find a good spot, and this is one of those places, whenever I'm nearby. Personally I highly recommend the slurping ramen combo, and chashu bowl. Price is very reasonable.food is delivered pretty fast, workers are very friendlyParking: Is a big lot with many business as well, but Parking shouldn't be an issue to enjoy a great ramen“