50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Lawndale

“Nice little place in a corner strip mall. Food is always delicious, and filling. Nothing special to rave about but you can’t really go wrong here unless you’re super picky looking for unrealistic tasting food. I do have to say that the French fries are a sleeper.“

“Very nice workers and great fresh vegetables, meat at this location!
I really recommend this location!
The other few locations in the LA area I tried did not have fresh veggies at all. I will definitely come back here to have good and quick lunch!“

“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!“

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

“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“

“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!“

“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 !“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“蕎麦、日本食　最高 !“

“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.“

“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!!!“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“yummmmm so good. highly recommend“

“I've been to several Marugame locations, and I like this one because it is very spacious and in a great location. Service is always consistent.

That said, I'm glad that I came back to a lovely surprise. For a very short period of time, the Nikutama Curry Udon, a huge customer favorite was taken off the menu. I'm happy to say that it has returned after much customer feedback. Thank you to the CEO for listening to the uproar and for reverting the menu to include this dish again. There were enough fans of that udon bowl who were ready to choose violence, so I hope it returns permanently.

If you haven't tried the Nikutama Curry Udon, it's a must-try at least once. You will not regret it.“

“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“

“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“

“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.“

“A hidden gem! Very fresh and tasty“

“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“

“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!“

“We don’t visit the South Bay often but when we do, it’s a must to Yelp and find someplace new to eat. In search of a Japanese restaurant that offered a menu loaded with options and was both fast and affordable, we lucked out when we discovered Hoka Hoka Express. This place is everything Japanese wrapped all into one - food, beverages (leaded & unleaded), snacks, porcelain teacups, tote bags, cute collectibles, you name it!

I can’t say I’ve ever been to a restaurant that offered a menu item like the Normandie - salmon, spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, spicy ponzu, spicy mayo and served over your choice of base. I went with the Half & Half which was a mix of sushi rice and spring mix. So good! The only reason I didn’t award a five star was due to the service. The woman who was working the counter was not overly friendly, so maybe she was new or was having a bad day. Regardless, I highly recommend a visit to Hoka Hoka Express for all things Japanese!“

“Came here with my partner after seeing this place on Yelp and it did not disappoint. Ivan was awesome and welcoming. Service and food were phenomenal. I highly recommended the uni truffle and mentaiko with shrimp. The shrimp was the best shrimp I’ve ever had. Enjoy everyone!“

“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..“

“We’ve been eating here for years, maybe 5 times a month. The service is friendly and quick. The food is delicious. I almost always get one of the ramens (I have five is six favorites) and they build the flavors carefully. I’d seriously say the whole operation is top notch. We tend to get there a bit before the rush so almost never have to wait for a table. I’ve tried my wife’s choices, (fried chicken, gyoza, green beans w/garlic, etc.) and I promise you the whole menu is terrific.“

“Cherrystones catered my brother's celebration of life memorial last Sunday at the Toyota Meeting Hall in Torrance. We were about 120 people. The food and presentation was excellent. We opted for the Kalua Pork and the Teriyaki chicken, both delicious. Loved the broccoli salad and Mac salad. Our guests raved about the food. Cherrystones catered my dad's memorial in 2016 and the food was excellent then. I would not hesitate to use them again if I needed a catering service. Thank you Cherrystones for doing my brother proud.“

“Best sushi and miso soup we've had so far!“

“Food was delicious and our waiter was super kind! She even went out of her way to offer me and my friends katsu, an udon katsu bowl, as well as a sample of a new katsu rice hand-roll they're working on (picture attached) all on the house, which was awesome! All the portions were great, and we still emptied all of our plates, leaving stuffed. Highly recommended!“

“This restaurant is seriously slept on. There should be a line out the door (not that I wanna wait to eat all the delicious food). They're serving up elevated comfort food with a carefully curated sake list. We often imbibe a bit too much of said carefully curated sake list, so I don't have photos for every item we've had. We love both the sushi and izakaya items

Yellowtail carpaccio: fresh melt-in-your-mouth fish, lightly dressed with olive oil so that the true flavors shine through. There are salt and spice on the side of you want a little more zing (though the jalapenos provide enough zing for most palates).

Ankimo sashimi: so smooth and silky, perfectly dressed to highlight the flavors without overpowering it.

Summer roll: balanced combination of delicate blue crab, piquant spicy tuna and creamy avocado wrapped in radish (perfect for those trying to stay away from carbs).

Kurobata corn dogs: arrived at our table, still piping hot. Just perfectly fried. Batter light and crispy and the meat juicy and succulent.

Lobster hush puppies: their timing on their fried items is amazing. These, too, arrived at our table fresh out of the fryer. The batter is well-seasoned, light (but not too airy and unsubstantial) with enough density and chew to create the best texture, and the sweetness of corn and langoustine sprinkled throughout.

Grilled black cod: buttery fish with a hint of miso, served with mushrooms on top.

Miso eggplant: I don't know what magical incantations and techniques are used on this dish, but people who actively don't like eggplant love this dish. It's caramelized deliciousness. Straight-up witchcraft I tell you.

Pork gyoza: juicy pork encased in thin wrappers, left long enough on the pan to create a crispy layer on the bottom (Maillard reaction, boys and girls), with thinly sliced scallions on top for freshness and zest.

Bacon mochi: blistered (but, magically, not burnt) and bubbly mochi wrapped in crispy, salty, fatty bacon. You bite into the mochi and it has the most ridiculous stretch, like mozzarella! The mochi provides the perfect blank canvas for the bacon.

Fish tacos: light, crispy batter on the flaky fish with fresh veggies on top. I daresay I felt healthy eating these tacos.

Sauteed scallops with ponzu: scallops cooked (not overcooked, not undercooked) to a perfect texture that retains the natural sweetness of scallops, which contrasts beautifully with the savory-tangy-umami elixir created by ponzu and butter. The sauce is so delicious that we always order a side of rice to get every last drop.“

“I love Sunny Blue. It’s perfect for a quick bite—grab one onigiri as a snack or a few for a full meal. I’ve tried most of the menu, and my go-tos are the Miso Beef, Chicken Curry, and Spicy Salmon, but you really can’t go wrong.
There’s no seating—order at the counter and take it to go. I usually walk a block or two to the beach park and eat there, which makes it even better. It’s great for kids, reasonably priced, and surprisingly filling for the quality.
The owner is a gem, the staff is always kind, and service is quick even when there’s a line. A true Santa Monica staple and absolutely worth trying.“

“I’ve lived in Mar Vista for years and somehow never knew about this place. Let me tell you… the fish is SO fresh, the rolls are delicious, but the spicy garlic edamame is on a whole different level of amazing!!!! Everyone is friendly, welcoming, and efficient. Definitely found my new favorite restaurant.“

“Sakura House is one of the best kept secrets in Los Angeles. A tiny little spot tucked away in the corner of a strip center, you would never guess how special a hideaway, and how delicious the food is! I have been going there for years because the yakitori skewers and other dishes are consistently delicious and very satisfying. If I’m going to order something unfamiliar, it’s always a happy adventure. The service is excellent also. What’s great about this place is, it’s not the “place to be seen“ with people looking down their noses at you.
Instead, it’s a welcoming and casual secret refuge from all that, with excellent food and fair prices, and so comforting it will keep you coming back.“

“We love Yanagi. Fabulous and fresh sushi, great service and there always seems to be a table for us. My tiny humans, age 10 and 7, love their sushi. At Yanagi, they are always well taken care of.“

“Glad Hurry Curry has reopened after closing their Sawtelle location. if you are new and don't know what to order, try the chicken cutlet curry and the Chicken pasta with Alfredo sauce. The curry is bold and savory. make sure to request picked vegetables for the curry. the chicken pasta is also rich and savory. both dishes complement each other without repeating the same experience. the portions are large so bring friends or bring home plenty of portions for leftovers.“

“Why Kagura?
- Affordable and quality
- Grab it after visiting Tokyo Central

Food 4/5 = Solid choice not to mention always busy
- Katsu sando $12
- Loin Demi tonkatsu set $16.50

Not dry perfectly cook and no issues for a simple quick bite.
Tonkatsu Marushichi is still #1 though pricing but AMAZING!

Service 4/5
- Quick ordering and moves pretty fast

Parking 3.5/5
- Free parking but can get really busy during peak hours due to ppl shopping.
- Parking lot is the entire perimeter of complex

Try Go Go Curry next to Kagura is you're open to trying curry!“

“We had a great meal here on the roof top near the bar. The duck rice and duck meatballs were both great as was the Wagyu beef. The crispy chicken thigh was amazing and we also really like the dumplings. Every dish we shared was great and the kitchen did a very good job coursing out the dishes we ordered. We shared everything and there was plenty of food for our party of five. Even the deserts were outstanding. We shared the coffee gelato with cream and the mango fruit to end. The restaurant is very crowded and lively which makes for a fun evening. Very hard to get a reservation but worth the effort.“

“Excellent in every way. Perfect!!!“