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.“

“Oh, I keep starting to show what was most important yet and clear the employees when certain people that you have get together, then lighten the whole experience with a friendship and a feeling of trust quick to say I’ve dined with the chef that had prepared the food sitting across from me, we spoke and we talked, and we made it like we knew each other. You don’t get oh, that experience except one a life time thank you staff That you employ“

“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 🐟“

“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.“

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

“A friendly waitresses,waiters .“

“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.“

“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!“

“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!!“

“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!“

“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.“

“Excelent food ! Great place !“

“Ramen is so good I cried.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“

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

“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!!!“

“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 !“

“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“

“The atmosphere inside is a great homie and warm feeling! Takes me back to Japan in a nostalgic way. ORDER THESE 2 DISHES IF YOU COME:

1. Scallop kiwi - super refreshing and smooth. Great for summer
2. Miso black cod - Amazing flavor with the miso. Super tender fish and great assortment of vegetables with it.

Only knock is the sushi bar was a bit slow to make the sushi, but it was also packed… for a Monday night, which was also impressive in its own right“

“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 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.“

“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“

“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 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“

“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!“

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

“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!“

“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.“

“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!“

“Some of the best food ever!!“

“We continually have fantastic, enjoyable drinks & meals here, no matter the occasion. We’ve had large parties, friends from out of town, impromptu meals/ drinks w/ our neighbors here - every time the experience has been positive.
Great lively vibe, food is fantastic, & the drinks are on point.
Highly recommend to anyone looking for an evening out, a quiet breakfast or lunch, or just meeting up w/ friends for drinks.“

“Authentic, high quality yakitori restaurant with a large Japanese clientele. We arrived at the restaurant at 6:45pm on a Sunday and the restaurant was full except for the 1 table we had reserved. We tried most of the chicken yakitori selections, and a few of the beef, pork and fish ones as well as the vegetables. They were all good and comparable to the high end yakitori restaurants in New York City. The service was friendly and efficient, considering there were only 2 people covering the entire restaurant. Overall a good yakitori restaurant.“

“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.“

“Delicious, great value, and great service. Katsu Bar is an Asian fusion fast-casual restaurant with a bunch of well-priced options for lunch and dinner. We had the chicken katsu curry udon, the tteokbokki, and the rosemary pork katsu sando. Portion sizes were solid as well.“

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

“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..“

“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.“

“Indoor👍🏼👍🏼we opted for it but was surprised when they ushered us to the back portion of the restaurant. It makes you feel like you really are in an authentic Japanese Izakaya restaurant.“

“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.“

“Nice portion and delicious! The portion is very big, sharing is better but if you are dining alone, you might need to pack some back. The tempura is nicely fried and teriyaki beef is nicely cooked too. The food comes really slow and the Japanese waitress look really tired even though we understand it must be tired for her to serve such a busy restaurant.

I ordered tongue and gizzard chicken but it’s not that great because the gizzards are too hard and it’s doesn’t taste fresh or nicely cooked or rather overcooked.

Overall, u might need to wait 10-20 minutes but worth it with such a price and portions!“