50 Best 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.“

“First off I want to say the employees here are great the line was long but never stopped moving and the employees never wavered getting people in and out. Second the food was fresh and amazing I had the Habanero Chicken Bowl with brown rice and everything was perfect. If you like spice the Habanero is go too!! Anyways shoutout to this Yoshinoya these employees are working hard to make sure we get great customer service.“

“Definitely worth visiting. The signature ramen is so creamy, mochi noodles are great texture & wagyu mixed nigiri so so worth the price. Wagyu was so buttery & smoky. Uni & ikura are so sweet. So happy now that tummy is full. Will definitely be back to check out other dishes.“

“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!“

“I had Japanese breakfast w/ miso black cod, it was tasty.“

“สนุกสนานอาหารอร่อย บรรยากาศดีมีระดับ“

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

“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!“

“Bento boxes are of great quality here. The attention to detail of this curated meal definitely lets your eyes feast first. All the little sides taste amazing, especially the candied sweet potatoes. The vegetables alternate between sweet and salty to balance out the meal. The Scottish salmon and mackerel are cooked to perfection. The little yolk in the rice also adds a nice touch to mix in and eat.“

“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“

“Our server Kevin was very nice and understanding towards our needs and questions. He was super nice and making us feel very at home and helped us decide what to eat. He even gave us his honest opinions on a lot of stuff which helped spend the best money on Chubby Cattle. I highly recommend coming here for the food, since all the meat was super good, cooked tenderly by the cooks if it comes pre cooked, the prices are good, and especially, coming here for our server Kevin.“

“We dined at their SM North Edsa branch. Good food. 👌 Crews were accommodating. 💯“

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

“The food was absolutely delicious! We came here for lunch straight from LAX, and we were lucky enough to find paid street parking right in front of the restaurant.

We were also dining with a baby and a stroller, and the staff was incredibly accommodating and welcoming, making us feel comfortable from the moment we arrived.

Our server gave us excellent recommendations, and every dish was outstanding. The hand rolls were incredibly fresh, the skewers were packed with flavor, and everything we ordered was delicious. Highly recommend this spot if you’re looking for amazing food and exceptional service!“

“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 recently had the chance to dine at Sama Handroll in the Arts District, and it exceeded my expectations. The quality and freshness of the fish were outstanding, and every hand roll was prepared with great attention to detail. The menu offers a creative mix of traditional Japanese flavors and unique dishes that set it apart from other sushi spots.
The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish. The atmosphere is modern, welcoming, and perfect for either a casual dinner or a night out with friends.
A few standout items were the hand rolls, grilled dishes, and the excellent presentation throughout the meal. It's clear that a lot of care goes into both the food and the guest experience.
I highly recommend to anyone looking for high-quality sushi and hand rolls in Los Angeles. I'll definitely be back.“

“The tuna and salmon sushi rolls that Te and Lisa served me this evening were absolutely fantastic. The fish was fresh and perfectly seasoned, had firm texture, and was expertly sliced. The sushi rice and vegetables in the roll were tasty. Te and Lisa kindly explained my sushi roll options and obviously put their heart and soul into make awesome rolls for me. I can’t wait to come back here on my next trip to LA— hopefully with my wife so that she can experience this exceptional sushi and service too.“

“Really good sushi and kushiyaki. Rolls were well executed but uninspired. Excellent chutoro, king salmon, and kanpachi which can be hard to find at reasonable prices. Service was good but it was really hot inside and the propped door just wafted in pot smoke from outside. Didn’t see any off-street parking but it’s only steps from the little Tokyo metro station which makes it easy to get there without a car, something Angelenos could learn a thing or two about.“

“HATCH is a fantastic place that combines a welcoming atmosphere with high-quality food and excellent service. The space is modern, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed, creating a great environment for a relaxed meal. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, with every dish prepared with attention to detail and quality ingredients. The staff was friendly, attentive, and professional, making sure that every part of the experience was enjoyable. Service was efficient, and the overall atmosphere felt warm and inviting. I was impressed by the consistency, hospitality, and care that went into every aspect of the visit. I would highly recommend HATCH to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience and look forward to returning again soon.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“Excelent food ! Great place !“

“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.“

“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“

“When visiting Santa Monica, this fascinating place at all times would wait for you. Best quality beer and dishes based on fresh sea ingredients would be served by very kind employees. I would like to recommend here to all my Korean friends.“

“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“

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

“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.“

“蕎麦、日本食　最高 !“

“We recently embarked on a three-week west coast “foodie” vacation, spanning five states and six major cities. Along the way, we dined at everything from Michelin-starred establishments to small mom-and-pop restaurants. By the end of our trip, everyone in our group unanimously agreed that our experience at Tensho was one of the absolute highlights.

From the warm hospitality and the evident pride in food preparation to the impeccable service and outstanding flavors, everything about our visit was memorable. We left the restaurant on a true “food high,” feeling as though if the entire world could experience what we just had, it might inspire world peace.

Be sure to order the wagyu—it’s an absolute must and a true indulgence!“

“This was our third time dining at Eigikutei and we were just as pleased this time as we were with our maiden experience. We were favored with our personal favorite of the sushi kaiseki Yawaragi (10-piece sushi). All the separate elements of the course melded perfectly for our palette. The service was attentive and on que with our pacing of eating. And the ambience was quiet serenity. We highly recommend dining at Eigikutei for any fine dining connoisseur!“

“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.“

“I’ve been hoping a place would come along to give me a riceball fix and this is absolutely it! Delicious & perfect for after school or work bite! Friendly staff clean and chill hip atmosphere. I hope nothing but the best for this place!“

“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.“

“Best sando ever! I got the spicy sansho pepper pork sando and it was fire! So good! Highly recommend!“

“Atmosphere was impeccable because of the Mario kart games! Got to play against another family, made for some wholesome bonding. The beer is only $1 with a meal.

The food was delicious! Miso, rainbow roll & 10 pc sushi. 🍣

Even the receipt says cowabunga republic 😭 best place in LA hands down. will be coming back

i was so excited to eat i forgot to take a photo.“

“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!!!“

“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.“

“Amazing food and service, everything gluten-free. I couldn't find celiac-friendly sushi while I was in Japan a few months ago, so it was even more pleasing. Cannot recommend enough.

I ordered a set and after trying some food ordered an extra sushi roll to-go.“

“I ordered for the first time from this place tonight via Uber Eats, and I got the chicken yakisoba. It was amazinggg. I was able to customize my order... It was a great portion, the noodles tasted fresh, the veggies were cooked well, and the chicken was seasoned really good. I choose the medium spicy level which was perfect. I will be ordering again🔥“

“A great spot in Little Tokyo that specializes in gyoza! I really enjoyed the food here and it’s at a good cost as well. The service is friendly and kind too. The dumpling soup was my favorite especially when the temperature drops at night. You get to choose your filling and can either get steamed or pan fried. The bento box is a great deal here too. Good spot for sharing food with friends!“

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

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

“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“

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

“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!!!“

“The service was really good and fast. The staff was friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. The food tasted great and the portions were worth the price. Overall, it was a nice experience with good food at a decent price. I would definitely come back again.“

“yummmmm so good. highly recommend“