50 Best Japanese Restaurants near El Segundo

“I got the oyakodon set and it was such an elaborate meal, I felt like a queen. The oyakodon was so comforting and I really enjoy the fresh fish and tofu/beef sides!! I was also in a rush but the servers were kind enough to get me in and out in a jiffy :) Will be back!!“

“Wonderful food and service, the Omekase was the culinary highlight of my week in LA. Every course was delightful, varied, and complemented the others. My friend ordered off of the menu directly and the Gyoza was the best either of us had ever experienced. Highly recommended!“

“yummmmm so good. highly recommend“

“Sushi Chef-Dion! His Colorful Magnificent tasty sushi will give you a great inner body experience like no other! 🤗“

“Great good and friendly staff🎉🎊“

“I hadn't been back here in 3 years, and I was so impressed! The menu has improved significantly while keeping that same delicious taste I remembered.

The service was top-notch—the gentleman who helped us was incredibly helpful, and the food came out fast. They even went the extra mile by bringing our plates directly to the table instead of just calling our names. I’ll definitely be coming back more often next time I’m in El Segundo!“

“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.“

“Fantastic sushi for a great price, hence the queue! Luckily the line moves quickly. I would first go to the shelves to grab some rolls, then take a number for the fresh sashimi before jumping in line to pay.

Limited seating outside so also consider having a friend grab a table while you collect all your sushi bits 🐟“

“⚠️ 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄“

“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.“

“A friendly waitresses,waiters .“

“Very tasty sushi spot with great service! The Uzumaki Plus is lovely and has many delicious pieces of nigiri. Every piece melts like butter in your mouth and they all have distinct flavors. The service is also delightful and very efficient! Definitely recommend!“

“Good Japanese foods , many varieties of dishes . The fish grilled sea bass is cooked just perfectly fine . The salad is kinda american Japanese fusion but still good . The carbonara noodle - I don’t really care (It doesn’t really fit with the rest of the dishes) - overall is a great place to enjoy Japanese foods“

“It is an amazing food, comfortable atmosphere and the service impeccable I highly recommend it“

“grest good service and atmosphere. loved it! will definitely be back soon.“

“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.“

“Excelente. Servicio variedad. De comida. Deliciosas . Y frescas“

“深みのある濃厚鶏白湯ラーメン🍜 つけ麺やカレーも美味しいです 😋😋😋😋“

“Excelent food ! Great place !“

“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“

“This is our absolute go to for sushi, and we love their happy hour. Mon-Sun 3-7, Mon-Thur 9p - close. $1.99 sake! So many rolls to choose from. Full bar. The staff is incredible! 1 big TV above the bar, usually has the most popular game of the night on.“

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

“Ramen is so good I cried.“

“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.“

“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“

“A play on the Japanese Izakaya bar and Ramen Bar, Great Food all freshly prepared the same day at time of order, serving Lunch and reopening for dinner menu, full Sake selection and Wine Beer Mixed Drink selections, Freshly made by hand Buckwheat Soba noodles, an all around great Dinning Experience.“

“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! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“

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

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

“Great spot to grab a quick bite. Karaage chicken was super juicy and had the perfect breading to chicken ratio. Our server was super nice and brought out water for our dog totally unprompted. Only thing in this place needs beer! It’s weird having fried chicken without beer.“

“A hidden gem! Very fresh and tasty“

“My favorite sushi place in LA!! Such a hidden gem. Been coming here for 3.5 years, and it’s still my favorite sushi spot I’ve been to in LA. Perfect balance of price and quality. The food is super fresh and the price and service is really good. I take all my out of town guests here. Sometimes it’s a bit of wait, so factor that in beforehand. An absolute must to try!!!“

“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.“

“Ugly Roll is freakin fire. Don't tell anybody! It's a small place. Ice cold dollar beer, ice cream mochi, huge salmon plate, tempura and fried shrimp Roll, all incredible beyond the rest and for a reasonable price. Our new go-to place.“

“Went to Yamashiro for the first time today! I have to say this is probably one of the best sushi places I have ever been to. The fried oysters were delicious! We ordered three different rolls and all of them were just beautiful from a presentation and artistry perspective, but tasting them was even better! The volcano roll was served on grapefruit slices, which made them very colorful and the scallops were cooked perfectly. The Yamashara roll was not only beautiful but it's the first time I have ever had mango with my sushi rolls and it actually added a really nice dimension of tropical fruit to already super fresh tasting tuna and avocado. The crispy roll had fried onions that were somehow not greasy, which was surprising. I'm wondering if they were air fried? But really great addition to texture for the rolls. We also had the yellowtail collar, which was cooked flawlessly. Oftentimes, yellowtail collar can you overcooked so part of it can be fairly dry. This caller was moist all the way around, perfect pockets of fish fat, and a very light unami salty flavor. The last thing we had, which I think was very fortunate because they don't always have it, was the Japanese tuna Ono which was cooked in a wonderful miso sauce.

I know I keep going on about this spot, but these rules were truly unique and I eat a lot of sushi, lol! Did I mention that we had a wonderful server, which I didn't get her name, but she's a Japanese woman that may have been the owner. I'm not sure, but her spirit was so respectful and refreshing and we loved her kindness and attentiveness. Really great service! I can't wait to go here again next time I visit the Redondo Beach area!!!“

“蕎麦、日本食　最高 !“

“First time here and me and my husband loved it! We tried the beef and chicken teriyaki plate and a chicken and beef fried rice. Both were very good. I also loved that the music that was playing at the time was like a Justin Bieber Pandora radio station lol“

“yummmmm so good. highly recommend“

“We found this place by of chance needing to use the bathroom whilst walking around Venice and what a great find. Staff are lovely and welcoming and attended to us well. The place was very clean and the food was just right and so tasty. I will be returning when I visit again.“

“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“

“I couldn't be happier with the service and the quality of food as well as the cleanliness and open air atmosphere with all their gorgeous and delicious selections prepared at a central kitchen within view of every table.

Thanks to our server and bartender for their intimate attentiveness and suggestions.

I was so enamored with the food that I didn't take any more photos after the salad! Guess I'll have to go back and take plenty more...“

“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“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Great sushi, great service, awesome experience!“

“The sushi was stunning the moment it hit the table. Every piece was beautifully plated—I had to finish taking photos before I could finally dig in. 🤍

🐟 Hamachi was buttery and rich, paired with a refreshing yuzu sauce that balanced the fattiness perfectly. The tobiko on top wasn’t just for presentation—it added a satisfying little pop with every bite.

🔵 Bluefin tuna completely stole the show. Incredibly fresh with melt-in-your-mouth richness, it honestly made me want a bowl of rice alongside it. The slightly sweet sauce brought out the umami, while the tobiko and a touch of wasabi added layers of texture and heat. One piece of sushi, so many flavors unfolding.

🍜 The seafood udon was an unexpected favorite. The broth reminded me of Shin Ramyun, but elevated with fresh mussels and scallops. Spicy, savory, and naturally sweet from the seafood—it was the perfect comforting bowl.

🍣 Sushi Omakase Platter

What I loved most was how each piece was seasoned differently to complement the fish itself. Delicate fish like amberjack came with just a touch of pickled chili to enhance its natural sweetness, while richer cuts were paired with yuzu sauce for a brighter, cleaner finish. Every bite felt thoughtfully crafted.

📍Located near LACMA with 1.5 hours of parking available. It’s an easy walk after spending an afternoon at the museum—perfect for a date or a weekend food stop.“

“Japanese style pasta is it's own category, not to be compared to Italian pasta. As is the Japanese way, they take something great and do their own excellent interpretation.

Food 10/10
We tried the
Wagyu Meatball in Brown (bolognese) Sauce 10/10
Wagyu Meatball in Red (marinary style) Sauce 10/10
Both were super tasty and full of umami

Also ordered the
Katsu Curry Bowl 10/10 - Tender Juicy panko chicken katsu served over perfect rice (I mean every grain is perfect) and the most delicious home made curry sauce.

I believe that it is take-out only (which is what we did) hubs did the pick up and said there isn't really space to eat in.

Street parking, or municipal garage across the street

A high quality fun take on Japanese pasta in Manhattan Beach!

Would highly recommend to others!
Will for sure be returning again!“

“Ramen were super good and excellent customer service.“

“Our experience was amazing all around. Food was solid for the price with an amazing array of flavors. Our server ✨Dennis ✨was attentive and very friendly.

The pasta wasn’t over cooked and the flavors well rounded. We ordered the Caprese and Bread to start then got some Vodka Pastas and the Curry Bolognese. Finished it off with a dessert trio along with some fun drinks. Out played came out fast and overall had an enjoyable time. The atmosphere was lively and the restaurant itself was very spacious.

Would definitely recommend and will be coming back in the future. :D“

“Excellent ramen with a unique chicken-based broth! The Japanese BBQ chicken ramen was rich, smoky, and incredibly flavorful, with perfectly chewy noodles. The charcoal-grilled chicken was tender and delicious. The cozy ambiance makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a little ramen shop in Japan. Definitely one of the best ramen spots I’ve tried!“

“I’ve come to Kanpai since they opened and never had a bad meal. It’s our go-to Japanese comfort food place in Santa Monica. Love the selection of freshest sashimi and sushi. Excellent cooked dishes and best yuzu ramen in LA. Servers are really friendly and attentive. Happy Hour menu and 50% hand rolls are a great deal. Also love the plenty parking spaces in the rear.“

“Luis and the staff did a great job. They provided great service and recommendations. The banana seasonal beer was definitely different, but it was really good. Overall, from visiting out of town this is the best quality Japanese restaurant around. Thankful for the team you have!“