50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Marina Del Rey

“A friendly waitresses,waiters .“

“We come to Enya often, and love the food and vibe. The rolls are creative, the fish always fresh, and the chefs and staff are welcoming and attentive. One of our fave spots in Venice/MDR!“

“5 stars. Best hand rolled sushi. Great atmosphere and customer service. Beautiful view of the Marina.“

“The man inside was nothing but kind to me. Im not from LA and my phone died trying to find my way back to my hotel. I went into Jersey Mikes and he refused to lend me a charger for a couple minutes. I decided to try here and he let me use it, offered me candy, and was so nice. I didnt try the food but with with their hospitality alone I will come eat here on my next visit. Thank you again!“

“Pleasantly shocked by the amazing quality of the fish , I've been to two star Michelin omakase spots that don't hold a candle to the fish quality this place provides and for the prices they charge it's actually wild. Whoever there fish guy is they must have some really good connections lol“

“Casual dinning atmosphere“

“this place is great. i found it my searching “impossible burger near me”, and i know that’s not their claim to fame by any means, the patio was amazing. my husband got the shelled shrimp and was super satisfied with that as well. plus, they allow dogs! i don’t have one, but always enjoy other people’s at restaurants. highly recommend.“

“We are vegan and went with the Spicy Miso Ramen, it didn't disappoint. One suggestion, if you want the extra spice kick, ask for their chili oil, it really amped up the ramen overall.
Our kid enjoyed the mushroom bao too.

For parking, you can get lucky by finding a street parking behind the restaurant.“

“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!“

“⚠️ 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!“

“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!“

“Uchi is pretty decent. The vibe is cool trendy. Service was polite but felt bit rushed and not as personable.
Food-wise, nothing was terrible, but not mind blowing either. A couple of dishes were tasty, a couple were bland, the sushi rice is left to be desired.
Prices felt a bit high for an experience that screams ‘it’s fine. Not in huge rush to be back.“

“Eating at Jade Beverly Hills was a really nice experience. The staff was quick to get us seated, however it was a Wednesday evening so there were a handful of open tables. Food was amazing including the A5 Wagyu Beef Tartare and hand rolls! We also splurged and got the dessert even though we were pretty full with dinner. We got the strawberry meringue dessert which was a standout to finish off our meal!“

“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!“

“Best Sushi in LA by far !“

“Delicous handrolls and nigiri. Loved the wagyu potstickers. We did the IZAKAYA FEAST and it was wonderful. Good sake selection as well. Service was bad. We had someone with severe allergies and every single plate that was served to her they added the green onions. It was tough to watch as we made her allergies very clear.“

“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.“

“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 😋😋😋😋“

“Excelent food ! Great place !“

“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“

“Ramen were super good and excellent customer service.“

“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.“

“The best dining experience I’ve had in recent months 👏 Staff were amazing and so friendly—special shoutout to Darren (our bartender), Robby (sushi chef), Chris, and Cornell, they were simply the best.
Food was incredible, the vibe was great, and huge respect to the chefs working hard on Valentine’s Day❤️“

“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!!“

“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“

“5 stars for the delicious and high quality sushi. plus i have a gluten allergy and the chef/ server was super considerate and knew exactly what needed to be modified. my favorites were the bluefin tuna nigiri and the yellowtail hand roll (with soy paper), and i don’t typically like yellowtail.

however, i did not realize there was a 16% service fee included in the bill. it says so on the menu so that’s my oversight but at kazu nori, for example, the server tells you not to tip because of the service fee. so on the little screen i tipped 20% on top of the 16% service fee and tax. it’s my bad for not paying closer attention but they don’t verbally tell you either.“

“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.“

“Delicious Udon and other Japanese specialties“

“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.“

“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!“

“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!!!“

“Sachi has changed hands a few times now, we were frequenters of the OG. What we appreciate is the level of quality of the sushi remains. Wagyu perfectly lightly seared, toro melt in your mouth, and that great Hokkaido uni like butter. We tacked on the amaebi after knowing we're in good hands. Loving the late night hours as we're night owls and happy to see them do a special menu for Pride. Be back soon!“

“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“

“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!“

“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.“

“Rokusho is one of my favorite spots in LA right now. The space is sleek without feeling try-hard, and the food is thoughtful, creative Japanese that still feels grounded—everything we ordered was excellent. Great cocktails, attentive service, and an overall vibe that makes it an easy go-to for a date or a night out with friends. Consistently impressive.“

“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👍👍“

“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“

“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.“

“Ramen were super good and excellent customer service.“

“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.“

“I love this family owned place! Great food and a great place to go on my lunch break“