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!“

“Casual dinning atmosphere“

“Favorite spot when visiting LA. Fresh sushi, nice ambience. Can't go wrong with either Nozawa Trust Me or Don't Think. Just Eat menu. One order of these two menus can be shared with two people because they are a lot! Unagi here is yummy if you want to add to the two there. And if you just want light stuff, order the handrolls. I like ordering lobster hand roll and the crab roll. Excellent combo. Oh if you're too lazy to go and wait, their take out via Uber Eats is also good. They come with a good packaging too! Also tip is included. No more counting!“

“On a cool day, when the city noise reluctantly fades, I found myself at the doors of a place called Killer Cafe. And I entered like a wanderer seeking not only food, but a moment of comfort.
Inside, I was met with a gentle light, like the evening glow upon a quiet river. The people there were not hurried, yet not idle—each occupied with their own purpose, as though every minute carried its own value.
I tasted a simple dish, yet one made with care; and in that simplicity there was meaning, much like a line that seems plain at first, but holds the soul of its maker. Their coffee was strong and warm, awakening thoughts like a morning after a long winter night.
And I thought: it is not luxury that defines this place, but its ability to shelter the weary traveler and grant a brief moment of peace amid the noise of the world.
Such is my impression—modest, yet warm, like the handshake of an old friend.“

“Ended up here accidentally on a layover: Hands down, the best ramen I’ve ever had (springy, slurpy perfection), amazing cocktails (if you like gin the Japanese 75 is a must try!), and whatever the whipped cream, creme brûlée’d banana dessert was tasted like heaven. I even ordered another tonkotsu ramen to go (all the way to Florida) to bring back to my fiancé. They separated all of it, packaged it so it wouldn’t leak, and wrote directions on specific timing for heating up each item! Very impressive service. I’ll be back again!“

“Loved every bite! A bit expensive but honestly worth it ! Best ramen I ever tried.
Group of 4, everyone got the signature ramen. Mine was with no spinach, peas or green onions.
Great vibe, zero waiting time and everything clean. No free Wi-Fi.“

“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 🐟“

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

“Home made tofu - fine not really anything to write home about, really does taste home made and healthy

Milk bread toast - again, fine but not a reorder

Daikon radish - a bit saucy but tasty

Nigiri - they were all good but on the smaller side both fish and rice (id rather order rolls)

Tori negi - pretty mid
Tsukne - great!
Mushrooms - bueno
Saba - fine

Mochi - shrimp shiso mushroom thing was great, forget mochi

Market shrimp tempura - pretty tasty, well cooked

Cocktails - looks great, tastes great if you order correct

Service - servers weren’t very attentive and had to flag down the staff multiple times. Also food came out in inconsistent cadence and was a bit slow too. It was also quite warm till they turned the ac on and the sun was very bright that shot through the sun shade.

For the price this is non-repeater as there’s better options out there surely.“

“The food was perfect. Adam spent time understanding what we were really in the mood for and made great suggestions for us. He really made the sushi bar experience fun with light hearted conversation and laughs. A great spot for not only hand rolls but great specials too.“

“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!“

“Love this spot! The fish quality is fresh and tasty, the sushi chefs were quick and friendly. The ambiance was intimate but cozy, the bar seating and outdoor dining are great options to enjoy your meal. Free parking is available in the back, a huge plus!“

“My girlfriend and I have been watching Jade for a year and FINALLY took a leap! I just landed back in LA from a vacay and was determined to go to Jade. My gf and I went, I resy, just decided based on timing. We ordered the DIY Hand Roll, Hamachi Crudo and Spicy Crispy Tuna. This was enough as we took food home. Every dish was fire. The fish was fresh, the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice was unique and the flavor of all the dishes hit! Our server, Soyol was so humble and truly has a servant heart, 5 stars!!!! So glad we can this night as everyone from the door to our server were perfect and the food took the exit the experience to the next level!“

“If you love sushi and robots, Katana is it. Their sushi and robata plates are delicious (my personal favorites are the white lotus roll, fried rice, and grilled avocado). For anyone avoiding alcohol, their mocktails are also very tasty. The vibe is also great, I love the outdoor seating area.“

“It is an amazing food, comfortable atmosphere and the service impeccable I highly recommend it“

“Our waiter was great. Suggestion: your food runners should take 15 seconds longer to slow down and clearly state what they are bringing to the table and conclude by asking us if we have any questions or if we need anything else. Some did some most did not, and they generally seemed overly rushed, which is understandable given how busy you were on a Tuesday night“

“Best sushi ever. Better than Nobu“

“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“

“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!!“

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

“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.“

“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“

“Very cozy and modern sushi bar with very high end fish options. The nigiri sushi really stand out. The choices of garnish is very spot on. Very warm and friendly service. I would make a reservation since the place is not very big. Plenty of meter parking around. Will definitely be back.“

“Ramen were super good and excellent customer service.“

“The place is a little hidden, but once you find it, it’s totally worth it. Every dish we ordered was spectacular!

The Wagyu carpaccio practically melted in my mouth and was such a great way to start the meal. The uni mazemen was rich, deeply savory, and packed with flavor. We also loved the Wagyu katsu sando, which had the perfect balance of tender, juicy meat and fluffy bread. The hand rolls were incredibly fresh, and we ended the evening with a slice of cheesecake that was light yet indulgent.

The craft cocktails were just as impressive as the food. They feature creative Japanese-inspired flavors like matcha and fresh citrus, and the presentation was beautiful.

I also loved the decor and overall vibe. The atmosphere was intimate, and the music really added to the experience. Everything was reasonably priced, making this a great spot for a nice meal without feeling overly expensive or crowded. They also offer valet parking, but I ended up parking in a lot around the corner, which was super convenient.

Overall, such a great dining experience and definitely a spot I’d come back to!“

“This is our absolute go to for sushi, and we love their happy hour. Mon-Sun 3-7, Mon-Thur 9p - close. $1.99 sake! So many rolls to choose from. Full bar. The staff is incredible! 1 big TV above the bar, usually has the most popular game of the night on.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Great sushi, great service, awesome experience!“

“Excelente. Servicio variedad. De comida. Deliciosas . Y frescas“

“Ramen is so good I cried.“

“Wonderful food and service, the Omekase was the culinary highlight of my week in LA. Every course was delightful, varied, and complemented the others. My friend ordered off of the menu directly and the Gyoza was the best either of us had ever experienced. Highly recommended!“

“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 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.“

“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! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“

“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.“

“Great spot to grab a quick bite. Karaage chicken was super juicy and had the perfect breading to chicken ratio. Our server was super nice and brought out water for our dog totally unprompted. Only thing in this place needs beer! It’s weird having fried chicken without beer.“

“A hidden gem! Very fresh and tasty“

“Had a sushi dinner here and really liked the selection. I tried a few different rolls, and each one had its own flavor. The food was nicely portioned and didn’t take long to come out. The staff were helpful, and the restaurant had a laid-back feel“

“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!!!“

“Tucked away with the unassuming charm of a neighborhood spot in Tokyo, this Japanese restaurant in Gardena distinguishes itself through its devotion to temaki, the hand-rolled sushi format that rewards both simplicity and precision. The menu offers dozens of variations, and the kitchen's command of the form lends the room an authenticity that feels less like a dining concept and more like a transplant.

Lunch is where the value shines. Set menus arrive with the expected miso soup and a modest side, grounding the meal without overreaching. I opted for the five-temaki selection at $26 and, rather than navigate the extensive list myself, deferred to the server's recommendations. All five arrived together, cones standing at attention, each one thoughtfully composed, the seaweed still crisp at the point of eating. It was the right call: a spread that suggested a kitchen confident enough to let its own judgment do the talking. This is my new special Japanese place.“

“Delicious Udon and other Japanese specialties“

“蕎麦、日本食　最高 !“

“First time here and me and my husband loved it! We tried the beef and chicken teriyaki plate and a chicken and beef fried rice. Both were very good. I also loved that the music that was playing at the time was like a Justin Bieber Pandora radio station lol“

“Food, 5 stars; ambience; 1 star; service, mixed. I asked immediately about dairy-free options. The red and brown sauce are dairy-free, so I ordered the brown. The dish came with its non-dairy sauce covered in cheese! Staff was apologetic, replaced the meal, but it took a long time. Pasta, sauce, meatball were all delicious, though! It is not really a restaurant, just one large round communal table with stools; take-out seems to be the way most people use it, but we ate on the stools. THEN, as we were leaving, staff gave us two popsicle-style desserts by way of apology--but they were fruit-dairy desserts.“

“I heard there was a new Japanese restaurant in the area, so I decided to check it out, and I’m so glad I did! The atmosphere was really nice, and everything I ordered was delicious, so I had such a great meal.

I tried the ramen, wagyu, and their signature sashimi plate. Honestly, everything was so good and definitely worthy of being called a signature dish. My favorite was the wagyu—it was incredibly fresh, tender, and juicy.

I had a really enjoyable dining experience and would definitely come back again!“

“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.“