50 Best Japanese Restaurants near El Segundo

“I’ve been struggling to find a decent Tonkatsu, but this one is among the best Ive had in the US. I’m not an expert in Japanese cuisine but I have been to Japan a few times an this place is within striking distance of the average tonkatsus I had there. I’ll be back when I’m in the area“

“Saloon Osaka is an exceptional Izakaya.
Highly recommend this El Segundo gem!
From the nigiri, rolls, unique flavorful salad options, even the top grade caviar! Thank you Chef and staff, we had a wonderful experience and cant wait to be back soon.“

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

“yummmmm so good. highly recommend“

“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!“

“Reason for visiting:
Date/time of visit: Thursday Afternoon lunch, ~12:30 PM
Parking: I parked in the paid parking garage at the Culver steps; paid $2 after dobe with lunch so assume good for ~2 hours. My coworker found street parking 1-2 blocks away if you want to try to find street parking but $2 is reasonable
Party size: 4
Environment/ambience: smallish place with few tables and some outdoor seating. No TVs inside; not too loud inside. Pets allowed but prob outdoor only. Clean restrooms. Lots of things to see and visit around too; downtown Culver City has things within walking distance and outdoor grass areas to hang out around
Service: was great; came around often. Friendly too.
Food: had the W Chashu Ramen with egg; they do not serve alcohol here.
Cost: ~$140 with tip; $2 parking.
Would I go back (yes/no): 80/20; parking can be a hassle but food was great“

“This place is a true gem and I love shopping there for all my sushi and Japanese food and sake amazing selection and excellent service! If you enjoy fresh sushi fish that are reasonably priced then you most definitely must check out this gem!!! Also they teach lessons that sell out quickly so you must sign up for their monthly news email that gives you so much information about all that they do!“

“What!! This is a gem in Midcity. I have lived here since before it opened and shame on me for only getting here now! We came two nights in a row and just love it. Will be on my regular rotation for sure! Thanks to the fab staff. Everyone is just so lovely!“

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

“A friendly waitresses,waiters .“

“Service is really good. The quality of sushi is amazing. My boyfriend and I order fish I karage as well and it’s just never seen before kind of flavor and quality.

Very creative in terms of using sauces and fish together. You should definitely try. Clean, kind, professional and most of all good food“

“I was in the area so stopped by for their mazemen. It was delicious and tasty and the portions were very big. I struggled to finish the noodle and had to get the rice to go. Price is a little on the high side but makes sense for the quality of food. If you haven't had this style of ramen before, this is a great place to try!“

“I was searching all over social media for a sushi restaurant to surprise my boyfriend for his birthday. I really wanted to do an omakase experience, but everything in Los Angeles was either extremely expensive or completely booked.

Luckily, I came across this place and I can honestly say it was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a while. From the moment we sat down, the staff was incredibly attentive. The sushi chefs were friendly, knowledgeable, and made the experience even more enjoyable. Our waitress greeted us right away and walked us through the menu. We were a little unsure about what to order at first, but she helped guide us through the options, and we were excited to find out they offered omakase.

The chef’s selection did not disappoint. Every course was delicious, beautifully prepared, and paced perfectly throughout the meal. The entire dinner felt thoughtful and seamless, and my boyfriend loved every bite.

The service was outstanding, and it was clear the whole team knows how to make guests feel welcomed and taken care of. This is such a great spot for a date night and we’ll definitely be back!“

“Was craving soba on a Saturday morning and luckily found SOBAR. Soba made in house - 100% buckwheat, cooked to perfection. Some of the best soba I’ve ever had with strong but clean dipping sauces. Had an extra full serving of soba to polish off the dipping sauces. Service was as good if not greater than soba itself.“

“An adorable, cozy sushi restaurant with INCREDIBLE fresh fish. We got the special and regular omakase, and the special is absolutely worth the extra $20 because it comes with an amazing toro collar and tiramisu, along with more sushi, soup, and a carpaccio. Some memorable bites were the monkfish liver, fresh oyster, toro collar, daikon marinated red snapper, golden eye snapper nigiri, and the AMAZING housemade tiramisu.“

“Excelent food ! Great place !“

“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.“

“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.“

“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 😋😋😋😋“

“The food and service was beyond amazing. The sushi was so fresh and melts in your mouth. Every single thing we ordered came fast and did not disappoint. The lychee martini was sublime and not too sweet, the seaweed salad was also a hidden gem. Overall experience and atmosphere 10/10. Will definitely be coming here again!!“

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

“蕎麦、日本食　最高 !“

“Anzu no longer has its own storefront and is now operating out of Menya Tigre. This also has caused a menu change.

Their karaage remains the main attraction and is a good as ever. Their fries were always inconsistent, but they seem to have settled on some pretty bland French fries. It's definitely a downgrade.

Their Sicilian rice was a highlight of their previous menu that is no longer present.“

“Fresh udon driving through LA!! Yes, this special style of Okinawa style Udon. Great authentic flavors and super tasty items throughout the menu.

Affordable not super pricey. We were surprised on the size of each set items.“

“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!!!“

“Overall a solid sushi place. Their hand rolls are uniquely flavored. I do think some are a bit heavy on the salt so getting the sauce on the side made a big difference. The slices of sushi you get is a good amount which is probably what I liked the most about this place. The chili on the salmon hand roll was crispy and I wasn't expecting that so I really liked it!“

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

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

“My dinner at Kanpai Sushi in Santa Monica was nothing short of extraordinary. Chef Yoshi is a true master sushi chef. While he may not be new to the craft, his skill, precision, and deep understanding of traditional sushi brought me back to a time when sushi was simply done right.

In fact, Chef Yoshi could probably serve me a shoelace, and it would be the best thing I’ve ever eaten.

Everything was exceptionally fresh. The wasabi had a vibrant freshness that elevated every bite, and the ginger practically melted in my mouth. I sampled as much toro as I could possibly eat, along with an incredible selection of fish that showcased Chef Yoshi’s mastery and attention to detail.

The Kumamoto oysters were so delicious they made me want to kiss my fingers and thank the heavens. The uni was phenomenal and remains one of my favorite bites of the evening. However, the biggest surprise was the seared salmon belly. It was my first time trying salmon prepared that way, and it absolutely blew my mind.

Instead of ending the meal with dessert, I finished with a hand roll that combined fresh tuna and crispy shrimp tempura, topped with eel sauce. The contrast of cool, fresh tuna and warm, crunchy shrimp tempura created an unforgettable bite and was a complete game changer.

I’ve been eating sushi since I was 18 years old, and now well into my 50s, I can confidently say this is the best sushi restaurant I have ever experienced. Beyond the incredible food, the staff was attentive, professional, and genuinely respectful throughout the entire evening.

I have officially found my favorite sushi spot.

Thank you, Chef Yoshi. I’ll be back very soon.

— Linda“

“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!!!“

“A hidden gem! Very fresh and tasty“

“Awesome food , they’ve got great teriyaki bowls too!“

“Very loud, disruptive people sitting next to us. They had been drinking. A LOT! Their behavior is in no way the fault of the restaurant. But, if it wasn't for them, we would have stayed longer. The food was GREAT! And service was very good. I definitely plan on coming back, though!“

“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“

“The restaurant was very nice, the bathrooms were very clean. The server was very nice and made great recommendations. The food was really good, there was a huge variety of different textures. The soy sauce, taro, and uni was the best I've ever had and mixed drinks were super good. I would definitely recommend trying it at least once.“

“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“

“Eat here. Do it and thank me later. The owner/chef was so lovely - I called over about a food allergy and she texted me a follow up. That level of thoughtfulness is nearly unheard of in food service these days. As the other reviews state the food is phenomenal, served HOT, and is inventive, thoughtfully prepared, and comforting.“

“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“

“Overall, the food is clean, not overly salty or heavy, which makes it perfect for both adults and kids. One thing that really stood out was the open kitchen, where the Japanese owner-chef cooks everything himself—it definitely adds to the trust and experience.
We ordered chicken teriyaki, chicken katsu, beef fried rice, cold udon, and a beef bowl. The beef bowl was especially impressive—generous portions of tender meat and fresh, vibrant vegetables made it both satisfying and well-balanced. It was also very kid-friendly, which I really appreciated.
The chicken teriyaki and chicken katsu were both excellent, and the beef fried rice was flavorful and hearty—my child loved it. And especially my favorite, the cold udon, tasted even better than what I’ve had in Japan. It’s one of those dishes that you start craving again the very next day.
In my opinion, the Japanese owner-chef has an exceptional ability to transform simple, everyday dishes into high-quality meals that feel like something you’d get at a fine dining restaurant in Japan.
Another thing I loved was that the food didn’t leave me feeling thirsty afterward, which usually tells me the seasoning is well-balanced and thoughtfully prepared. If you prefer stronger flavors, you can always ask for extra sauce or seasoning on the side.
The portions were generous enough that we took leftovers home, and even the next day, everything still tasted great after reheating.
It might be a little hard to find at first since it’s tucked away, but it’s absolutely worth it. Parking was easy when we visited for a Friday lunch, which is always a plus when dining with a little one.
Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a casual but high-quality meal, especially with kids👍👍“

“Ramen were super good and excellent customer service.“

“Favorite place to eat quickly. It is affordable and reasonable price w loading amount food. The food here has big serving size w amazing taste. The service was rlly good(we got a free drink lol). The restaurant overall is soo cute, styled w cute cat miniatures. I’ll definitely recommend trying out here!!“

“My date and I had dinner at Wagyu Butcher, and it was a wonderful experience for us both. We were seated almost immediately upon arrival, and the staff welcomed us with exceptional hospitality. Once we were seated, the atmosphere truly made me feel as if I were in Japan.
Both my date and I chose the Butcher’s Omakase course, the appetizers and every cut of meat was absolutely delicious. What really stood out to us was watching the staff cut the meats right in front of us, which made us truly appreciate the freshness and quality. We both upgraded the curry rice to the A5 wagyu sushi, which was incredible.
For drinks, we enjoyed plum wine, a Shochu Calpico cocktail, and Sapporo beer. To finish the meal, we ordered the green tea tiramisu, green tea pudding with honey, and the milk tea pudding all of which were delicious. The complimentary tea they provided to aid digestion was a very thoughtful touch.
The staff were all wonderful, and we even had a few conversations about Japan while dining. We will definitely be coming back soon.“

“One of the best restaurants in Los Angeles. Super high value sushi. One dollar beer at night. Played Mario kart outside by the fire. Super friendly and passionate owner. You will never find a gem like this anywhere else. Coming back again soon.“

“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!“

“The first time I tried this place i never thought I would return. The chicken was for some reason tasted too much like charcoal and was rather unpleasant. I was very saddened but figured it was a bad batch and was hoping to return for a retribution batch and I’m so glad that I gave it another chance. Torisoba, when done correctly, is a knock out out the park.

Last night left me in awe, from sampling my friend’s ramen to multiple appetizers my mouth was celebrating each bite. You could tell the food came out fresh as it was warm and took some time to prepare. The chicken soup that gets served with the fried chicken tartar and sweet and sour options is one of the most hearty and savory soups your taste buds will ever meet.

The variations of fried to charcoal chicken will leave you pointing your chopsticks and knowing your head in agreement with friends. They don’t cheap out as the bowl is filled with plenty of goodies. Top it off with some Yuzu kosho (green chili peppers and yuzu zest) and blast off into the best chicken meal you could have.

They have vegan and other options as well and their menu seems to be expanding. Try it all and I’m so glad I ventured back for this meal was truly out of the park.“

“Ramen is so good I cried.“

“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 sushi and tempura are both professional.
We loved to sit at the bar and watch the chef craft the sushi in front of us. You can taste the freshness of the fish, and sometimes unique flavor added if it has seaweed wrap.
The only disadvantage is they only take cash.“

“We reserved the restaurant for a private party to celebrate a birthday. The food was so good! We had the award winning chili, pineapple chicken, steak Teri, chicken salad, Mac salad, miso green beans, Kim chee, and more
Cherrystones is the perfect place for all occasions. The staff was wonderful and the atmosphere festive.“