Japanese Restaurants near Hawthorne

“After a long day of travel, coast to coast, we got in late and needed food on the way to our accommodations.

We all agreed on sushi, and San Sai was close to the main road.

The sushi was good, the floors not sticky, and there were people waiting for take out. All good things.

We would have preferred table service, not toting around trays of food and clearing our own table.

But again the sushi was good, only thing I did not like was the Thai salad.

We would visit again.“

“My last trip to Yoshinoya wasn't the experience I remember in terms of the food. Seems like the meat is really cut in half into shreds. Wasn't satisfied with a large bowl on my own.Other than that, the staff members were polite and hard working. Like many places, they seem to be understaffed.So you might have to wait long as the staff have to carry so many tasks at one time. Just one at the register and one cook.Be patient or go somewhere else if youre on a tight schedule.Still not a deal breaker, will come back again soon.“

“สนุกสนานอาหารอร่อย บรรยากาศดีมีระดับ“

“Freshest restaurant quality sashimi and sushi at a reasonable price in the U.S. Their sashimi is top notch. Highly recommend the Hamachi/yellowtail toro (so underrated), the scallops, and the squid/ika, but honestly any of the options won’t disappoint. Also a big fan of their tamago and their Takuan roll (which has fresh perilla leaves inside)!
If you’re a big sashimi/sushi enjoyer and value quality, this place is perfect!“

“One of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles. Amazing sushi and all food is high-quality made from scratch and delicious. The service is excellent and it’s well priced given the quality of food atmosphere and service. I highly recommend.“

“Both dishes were so good! I really liked the way they cooked the Bento- Shio Koji Marinated Norwegian Mackerel. The side dish Side- Chicken Karaage (Mild or Spicy)- had just the right amount of spice (l ordered mild). Overall, this will definitely be my go-to lunch spot now! (Doordash Pickup)“

“Really good food! The manager fit us in even there was an issue with our reservation. He was so sweet. The menu is a bit confusing/overwhelming, but our waiter Nessie knew exactly what we should order and hooked us up. The miso sea bass was incredible.“

“I like the food in this restaurant very much. Healthy, clean, and tastes great too!“

“A friendly waitresses,waiters .“

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

“So strange, when I’m in Hawaii, I plan my hotel to stay next to this place, and plan
Two meals there because I love it so
Much and yet this location is never busy 🤷🏽‍♀️ last time I went in Honolulu, I waited in like for 45 min for lunch . Try this place if you haven’t“

“I didn’t know this place was takeout-only, so when I got there, I had to wait at least 30 minutes because all the other orders had been placed online in advance. I decided to wait, and it turned out to be one of the smartest decisions I’ve made—the wait was absolutely worth it. Their sashimi was incredibly fresh and rich, the seaweed rice was also delicious, and the portions were generous! Considering the high quality of food, the price is fairly reasonable!“

“Everything was perfect, fave drink was lychee martini and in the morning strawberry matcha. For dinner we loved the rib eye, ceviche, tuna tartar and chicken the most. The Caesar salad was unique and I really enjoyed it. Miso eggplant also great! We were so full and didn’t think we could eat any more but The sorbet at the end was delicious, super light and refreshing. Service was friendly, atmosphere very pretty.“

“Excellent Japanese food. I got takeout: the Gindara Saikyoyaki Bento. It was delightful. Excellent service.

I'm going to have to come back because it's a lovely spot, and I want to actually sit and enjoy in the establishment next time.

Highly recommend. And El Segundo is a very pleasant, calm downtown to visit if you're waiting around for a flight, like I was. It can be fun to go up to Venice where all the excitement is, but I'm grateful that I had a nice calm afternoon in El Segundo this time. And my fantastic supper here was part of it.“

“We went to try out the new menu and what a great idea, We had the happy hour sushi and beers and everything was so delicious and the presentation was gorgeous!
We will make this our new spot for sushi, and can’t wait to try the Ramen and all the other choices on the menu. PS outdoor seating is wonderful during the summer months, plenty of umbrellas to go around. Fabulous service to boot“

“This place is a true culinary delight. The dishes are flavorful and beautifully plated, using fresh ingredients. The staff is friendly and attentive, providing excellent service. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it ideal for any occasion. I highly recommend this restaurant for a memorable dining experience.“

“I was really craving some fresh sushi one night and this place did not disappoint! Everything was so flavorful, fresh, and delicious.
Definitely one of my favorites was the Sama Hand Roll. I was savoring every bite. I’ve already come back here 3 times and I can’t wait to bring my friends and family to try this place. This is definitely a resturant I recommend.“

“Fantastic sushi spot with good value. The Uzumaki sets are great - salmon and hamachi were standouts. The toro roll and unagi were worth it as well.

Hidden gem would be the fish kaarage - the fish was so soft and flavorful, highly recommend over the chicken one

Service is super quick and on point - they're always busing dishes and food came out quickly. Great for when you want something a little nicer but don't want the full Omakase“

“Thursday after working OT, my coworker and myself were planning to have dinner before heading back home, while driving down the street on Olympic I saw this ramen shop and I noticed few fellas outside waiting to be seated , and I realized that maybe the place was good. Once we were there we have to write the name. Anyway after waiting for about 15-20 minutes it was our turn. The restaurant is not huge, but is clean. We have to scan the QR and Start from there. My coworker got spicy miso and I ordered the veggie ramen, short time after, we got our food and mine looked amazing, came with cherry tomatoes, fried eggplant, lotus, mizuna, and broccoli. Broth was perfect and very delicious. I believe shiitake would make a good match to the veggies, ear mushroom and nori and some corn, just my personal opinion. However every place is different and have their own ingredients, and I was very surprised when I saw mizuna in the ramen, never had ramen with mizuna. Highly recommend this shop for ramen lovers or anyone interested in trying it. It's worth the shot.“

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

“When I say I’m obsessed with a place, this is the perfect example. Anytime I get the chance to come in, 10/10 I will make the time and go in and enjoy this place. Found this place by chance and one of the best decisions I have ever done. The customer service feels so welcoming and just perfect. They are attentive and so sweet and ready to explain any questions you may have. Now for the best part? The freaking sushi. I promise you that you don’t even need teeth to eat. It’s so soft buttery and fresh, I feel like it’s a sin to eat this stuff. I swear I went back to back every weekend at this place.EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF FISH 10/10. Please try this place, but actually don’t lol so it isn’t crowded.“

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

“OWA Venice is an absolute gem — fun, stylish, and full of amazing people and energy. From the moment we walked in, we felt the vibrant atmosphere and were surrounded by beauty in every sense.

I have to give a special shoutout to Camila, who has been nothing but amazing since the days of Belles Beach. She continues to be the same incredibly kind, genuine, and radiant person. Seeing her again at OWA and experiencing her warmth made the night even more special.
And Amir, what an incredible host! He and Camila went above and beyond to make me and my friend feel welcomed and celebrated. Their energy, care, and attention truly made it a night to remember. Can’t wait to go back!“

“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“

“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!“

“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 “

“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.“

“Exceptional Yakiniku experience! Ben's knowledge and attention to detail made our visit memorable. The premium meat selection is remarkable, particularly the marbled wagyu cuts. The contemporary atmosphere and high-end grills create an elegant setting.“

“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!“

“Stopped by for anniversary and DineLA!
I never knew this place existed, but it seems like they've been around for about two years. The restaurant was a lot bigger than it looked and had a lot of spaces. They even had a full bar inside with a nice list of Japanese Whiskeys (Sorry, no Yamazakis!) and other spirits.

The food was good and was presented in a 5 course meal (most likely for DineLA) Although my date got the sushi, I opted for the sukiyaki as they presented themselves as a kaiseki restaurant. They also had other options, but I think their sukiyaki was better than the sushi.

The service was great when we first got in, but the place got packed in a few minutes and it seemed like there wasn't enough servers. However, the overall experience was great and I'd probably visit again for a different menu.“

“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“

“This is kind of like a restaurant cafe with a Japanese-Korean コンビニconvenience store together. Think 日本7-11, 7i, Gs25. They have instant ramen bowls and cute Shiba Inu and Kitty bags and totes. Freshly made onigiri… ? with good quality rice. ?“

“Great service and great food, but even better drinks because of my guy Cash there an extraordinary bartender with requisite taste and such an amazing aura can’t wait to go back and try more of his drinks thank you Cash had a great time!!!“

“IG/TT @eatwkris

@saijohandroll is LA’s newest hand roll restaurant where you sit in front of the chef and the handrolls are made to order. The fish is fresh, seaweed is crispy, and I love that they give you free edamame and miso soup.

I recommend getting the 2x2 for only $24. You get a salmon and toro hand roll as well as 2 chicken skewers (negima and Tsukune).

It’s the perfect little meal so light and fresh for summer but if you want more my favorite hand roll had to be their special!! It’s $8 but comes with 3 types of fish, seared salmon, shrimp, and crab!! This was the best bite and worth every dollar.

Their bluefin tuna was very fresh and just cut off the fish in front of us but it had a lot of blood on it, so the whole bite was very jrony. Unsure if they usually prepare it like this, but not our favorite.

❤️ $24 2x2 - 2 hand roll, 2 kushiyaki
❤️ $8 signature hand roll - salmon, shrimp, crab
❤️ free miso and edamame

📍 saijo hand roll, Culver City
12473 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066“

“The curry is very good and not too heavy or salt. It goes very well with the poached egg and beef nikutama was very flavorful with the onions. The tempura was very soft and flaky. I've been here a couple times and loved getting the dashi broth and miso udon along with other tempura items available like the shrimp or zucchini.

There's a fair amount of seating along with outdoor seating. Plenty of parking available in the plaza with other restaurants there. The staff was nice and attentive to the items you wanted.“

“Wonderful experience! When my party of 5 got here the entire couple of blocks were experiencing a power outage and they told us they could only serve sushi since the gas was also turned off. Luckily that is exactly what we came for and we decided to stay. They were very accommodating, really nice, and the sushi was delicious. We ordered the yellowtail roll, spicy tuna roll, sushi combination, and the red dragon roll. Prices are reasonable for sushi as well. Definitely coming back here again!“

“En Sushi was great as per usual. We go here often and always have a great experience. Their lunch special is underrated. This place should be packed for lunch!

Great staff, great food, the decor, the music… It’s perfect!“

“good recommmend for eveyone“

“Dinner for 2 persons, shared appetizer and 2 combo plates, green tea, 100$.
Ueno could be a great restaurant because the food is of quality. The combo dinner plates were copious. Unfortunately, they were served with large portions of jasmine rice instead of quality Japanese rice like Koishikari.
But the worse part is the place itself. Country music? Puking. Kindergarten decor? Horrible. Lighting: bad. TV with sports? Why?

Greeting was non existant. One chef looked at us from the kitchen but simply ignored us after just a glimpse. Is this a private club? A waiter entered the dining area but did not notice us, we had to make some sound and gesture.
The place was around 30% occupied, quite underwhelming
This place has all the potential of attracting a nice clientele because the food quality is there. Make it seriously Japanese !
Cover the windows (who wants to see traffic?), remove the preschool decor, dim the lights, remove the TV, add a sushi counter, and mainly, train the personnel. Being ignored at the door when only 4 tables are occupied is strange.
No reservation needed, place is empty! By 20:00 parking was full, with quite non existing street parking. Not good.“

“Ramen were super good and excellent customer service.“

“My boyfriend and I took our sushi to go. We ordered the crunchy spicy California, Torrance roll, and teriyaki chicken roll. They were AMAZING. We both absolutely loved them. The service was quick- they were quiet but very friendly and happy to see us it felt like. I definitely recommend. Good pricing also!“

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

“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.“

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

“A hidden gem! Very fresh and tasty“

“Sei-Ko-En is a Japanese yakiniku restaurant in Torrance, Los Angeles. The restaurant is simply decorated with promotional menus and posters. Ventilation is not the strongest, so expect to be smelly after the meal. Servers are friendly, attentive, and accommodating. Food is reasonably priced and of good quality. The crunchy Bean Sprouts (USD 8) and Minced Raw Beef (USD 12.50) are both refreshing. Highly recommend the silky-smooth Raw Beef Liver (USD 12.50), which will rock your palate! Don’t forget to order the Mega Mug Sapporo Premium Beer (USD 12) to go with the juicy Kobe Style American Wagyu Prime Rib (USD 22) and flavorful Kobe Style American Wagyu Tongue (USD 22)!“

“A joy to be at Rice, the staff so attentive, a celebration of small plates filling our table for three. A perfect sunny evening shared.“

“Manpuku is hands-down one of the best Japanese BBQ spots in LA. The food is consistently amazing – every cut of meat is high quality, well-seasoned, and cooked to perfection right at your table. The service is just as impressive: attentive, friendly, and fast without being rushed. Whether you’re going for a casual night out or a special occasion, Manpuku delivers every time. I truly love this place – it’s a go-to for delicious food and a great overall experience. Highly recommend.“

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