50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Pacific Palisades

“Awesome !!“

“Freshest restaurant quality sashimi and sushi at a reasonable price in the U.S. Their sashimi is top notch. Highly recommend the Hamachi/yellowtail toro (so underrated), the scallops, and the squid/ika, but honestly any of the options won’t disappoint. Also a big fan of their tamago and their Takuan roll (which has fresh perilla leaves inside)!
If you’re a big sashimi/sushi enjoyer and value quality, this place is perfect!“

“Be careful- the spicy tuna crispy rice is addicting! Taisho is our go to spot when family & friends visit from out of town. You can’t go wrong with anything you order there. It’s all delicious. Highly recommend checking out their happy hour!“

“My mother and I celebrated her birthday at Nnaka Restaurant and it was a fantastic dining experience. The set menu included 13 courses, with some special dishes. Every dish was beautifully prepared and delicious.“

“A friendly waitresses,waiters .“

“Absolutely love this place! My boyfriend and I live in the area and we love being able to walk to places in our neighborhood. This is definitely a new favorite spot! I rarely write reviews but I had to share my great experience to support this business. The food is fresh and delicious and the staff is very kind.
We ordered the Rainbow and the Spicy Yellowtail rolls for pick up orders through their online website, had a lovely sunset walk during Golden Hour to and from there, and the service was timely and efficient. When we got back home the food was packaged and presented beautifully and it kept well. We thoroughly enjoyed this whole experience and will be happy to order again soon! We look forward to dining in person there as well. Definitely find out for yourself and enjoy this awesome little gem!
Thank you to the entire staff for bringing this spot into the NoHo Arts District!“

“Everything was amazing from the service to the food and sushi and the environment is unassuming and comfortable. Top notch!“

“Excellent Japanese food. I got takeout: the Gindara Saikyoyaki Bento. It was delightful. Excellent service.

I'm going to have to come back because it's a lovely spot, and I want to actually sit and enjoy in the establishment next time.

Highly recommend. And El Segundo is a very pleasant, calm downtown to visit if you're waiting around for a flight, like I was. It can be fun to go up to Venice where all the excitement is, but I'm grateful that I had a nice calm afternoon in El Segundo this time. And my fantastic supper here was part of it.“

“Andreas Super helpful and knowledgeable about all the foods on the menu the chef always hook it up fresh. Oh my God, cucumber salad stuff. It’s unbelievable delicious number of sauces. You can choose from really affordable and large portions. You have to try this place multiple different choices. Trust me you will not be disappointed.“

“Fantastic sushi spot with good value. The Uzumaki sets are great - salmon and hamachi were standouts. The toro roll and unagi were worth it as well.

Hidden gem would be the fish kaarage - the fish was so soft and flavorful, highly recommend over the chicken one

Service is super quick and on point - they're always busing dishes and food came out quickly. Great for when you want something a little nicer but don't want the full Omakase“

“Thursday after working OT, my coworker and myself were planning to have dinner before heading back home, while driving down the street on Olympic I saw this ramen shop and I noticed few fellas outside waiting to be seated , and I realized that maybe the place was good. Once we were there we have to write the name. Anyway after waiting for about 15-20 minutes it was our turn. The restaurant is not huge, but is clean. We have to scan the QR and Start from there. My coworker got spicy miso and I ordered the veggie ramen, short time after, we got our food and mine looked amazing, came with cherry tomatoes, fried eggplant, lotus, mizuna, and broccoli. Broth was perfect and very delicious. I believe shiitake would make a good match to the veggies, ear mushroom and nori and some corn, just my personal opinion. However every place is different and have their own ingredients, and I was very surprised when I saw mizuna in the ramen, never had ramen with mizuna. Highly recommend this shop for ramen lovers or anyone interested in trying it. It's worth the shot.“

“Very romantic ambiance and delicious food... loved all of our appetizers and our sushi was really nice. The salmon was like butter. The black sesame crème brulé is a must. The table next to us had a larger group and ordered a long dragon dish loaded with sushi .... Looked like fun Kelly was so welcoming and sweet!“

“This is our go-to sushi restaurant. The food never disappoints. The service is very friendly.“

“Kindness and care in every. single. bite. That is what it is like to eat here, and it just isn't to be missed. Come when you have a hunger not just for great food, but for a feeling of connection to people—for the feeling that people have been wanting to reach you, and that they care that you're there to enjoy what they've been working so hard to offer. Your joy, your satisfaction, your delight—it really matters to them, and if you come open to having those experiences, they will fill you to overflowing. Happy hour, full dinner...whatever you can make time for, get there. The chefs, the servers (Matt and Uché are stellar examples), everyone—they're all in, and extraordinary at what they do. Seize every chance you can to experience and appreciate it.“

“Delicious Japanese izakaya food in a super cute setting with fantastic, extraordinarily friendly service. I can't wait to come back.

We ordered the agadashi tofu, tempura udon noodles, and Daichan beef teriyaki special bento box. Everything was well prepared. The tempura was perfectly crispy, the beef was tender and flavorful, the udon was clean and filling. Pricing was also super reasonable.

Definitely worth a visit!“

“OWA Venice is an absolute gem — fun, stylish, and full of amazing people and energy. From the moment we walked in, we felt the vibrant atmosphere and were surrounded by beauty in every sense.

I have to give a special shoutout to Camila, who has been nothing but amazing since the days of Belles Beach. She continues to be the same incredibly kind, genuine, and radiant person. Seeing her again at OWA and experiencing her warmth made the night even more special.
And Amir, what an incredible host! He and Camila went above and beyond to make me and my friend feel welcomed and celebrated. Their energy, care, and attention truly made it a night to remember. Can’t wait to go back!“

“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“

“Salmon Ikura dish is amazing! So much flavor!“

“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.“

“Delicious Udon and other Japanese specialties“

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

“This is one of the BEST sushi restaurants you will find in LA county. With the fish being so fresh and high quality, the fact that they continue to keep the price reasonable, and the pride they put into every dish they serve. This place is so good, even the miso soup will melt your heart. And here’s my theory, if the place has good quality miso soup, then you know you’re in the right place 👍🏻“

“My friend took me to the cutest musubi shop after our Pilates class! I asked the guy working there and who was Japanese which one he recommended and I ended up trying the miso beef and the curry pork musubi. Both were so delicious and of course I saw the lychee oolong boba tea so I had to try that too. The staff are super friendly service was quick and the food was yummy! I’m definitely recommending this spot to more people and can’t wait to come back!“

“IG/TT @eatwkris

@saijohandroll is LA’s newest hand roll restaurant where you sit in front of the chef and the handrolls are made to order. The fish is fresh, seaweed is crispy, and I love that they give you free edamame and miso soup.

I recommend getting the 2x2 for only $24. You get a salmon and toro hand roll as well as 2 chicken skewers (negima and Tsukune).

It’s the perfect little meal so light and fresh for summer but if you want more my favorite hand roll had to be their special!! It’s $8 but comes with 3 types of fish, seared salmon, shrimp, and crab!! This was the best bite and worth every dollar.

Their bluefin tuna was very fresh and just cut off the fish in front of us but it had a lot of blood on it, so the whole bite was very jrony. Unsure if they usually prepare it like this, but not our favorite.

❤️ $24 2x2 - 2 hand roll, 2 kushiyaki
❤️ $8 signature hand roll - salmon, shrimp, crab
❤️ free miso and edamame

📍 saijo hand roll, Culver City
12473 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066“

“Manpuku is hands-down one of the best Japanese BBQ spots in LA. The food is consistently amazing – every cut of meat is high quality, well-seasoned, and cooked to perfection right at your table. The service is just as impressive: attentive, friendly, and fast without being rushed. Whether you’re going for a casual night out or a special occasion, Manpuku delivers every time. I truly love this place – it’s a go-to for delicious food and a great overall experience. Highly recommend.“

“En Sushi was great as per usual. We go here often and always have a great experience. Their lunch special is underrated. This place should be packed for lunch!

Great staff, great food, the decor, the music… It’s perfect!“

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

“What's unique about this place is the people, I mean the whole crew who are all Japanese.
The owner is a real character. He loves to chat with customers n I enjoyed the conversations.
The ingredients were high quality n the chefs took their spin on them to a true omakase level.

I gave 3 stars to atmosphere as the main dining area is a bid dated n the lighting is not helping. However it was really roomy n comfortable so I am not complaining. The sushi counter side is much better n brighter.
Will go to eat every time I visit LA.“

“Absolutely amazing vegan food, the staff were so kind and professional, their food is top-tier 👌 Can’t wait to come back for more !!! 🥰“

“Highly recommended place, clean, nice decor, excellent customer service, short wait times, delicious food, well presented and at a good price, 5/5 if you are hesitating to go to this restaurant, give it a chance, I'm sure you'll come back just like me.“

“A hidden gem! Very fresh and tasty“

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

“Solid place for yakitori, with a menu that actually is more expansive than it looks at first glance. Chef Yoshi and his staff are excellent.

Just note it's pretty warm inside, which makes sense, considering a grill dominates the interior“

“This is an effortlessly chic sushi restaurant.

Healthy mix of couples, friends and solo eaters.

It’s easy to sink into the dark wooded, close quarters venue with soft jazz as background noise behind the bustling of the staff.

Infatuation will tell you to order the crispy rice with spicy tuna and sushi moriawise, which a lot of folks were getting.

If you have the $200/person (after tax and tip), it’s a special omakase. The ocean trout with kelp is non-pareil, sweet and umami flavors. Worth a visit.“

“Great service and delicious food 🍱“

“Exquisite cuisine- chef was formally trained in Japan and his expertise shines through in every dish. Particularly the lightest, crispiest tempura once could ever hope to enjoy. Attentive, perfect service. Only knock is that it’s quite expensive, making this a once-every-five-years kind of culinary experience. That being said, we will be talking about this meal for weeks. It was *that* good. Life is short: treat yourself!“

“Incredible find! Honestly some of the best ingredients you will find- from the rice to the fish, even the seaweed. Clearly every detail, texture, & ingredient has been carefully selected. These guys clearly take pride in quality and presentation. This is a hidden gem 💎💎💎“

“We celebrated a friend's birthday here and discovered a neighborhood gem! Sushi was fresh and delicious, the rolls were exceptionally good and the izakaya menu was very tasty and fun to explore with generous portions. With such a varied menu, we want to return and try more. Service was kindly and attentive and the atmosphere is very welcoming and serene. It's that rare place where any one can feel comfortable dining, solo, couples or groups. Prices are reasonable, and the happy hour is great! Thank you Hamakaze for a good night of fun and happy eating.“

“Japanese home-style light Western food?

Insufficient large interior decoration

As soon as I came in and sat down, I was a little worried.

When the food arrived, I realized it was raining.
Smile

Hmm, a surprisingly good choice
Satisfied with one experience“

“Excellent food Excellent service“

“I come here often and it never disappoints. Giselle made our visit this time! She was so sweet and very attentative. Kaliah was also amazing and so helpful. Thank you ladies for making our experience a great one! Oh… and the food always fire!“

“We loved Sachi Sushi! We stumbled across it as we were searching for a sushi place that was open on the fourth of July, we were hungry and exhausted from a full day and we all agreed the delicious food we had was healing :)
We HIGHLY recommend the miso soup, if it doesn't come as a side with your meal you've got to add it to your order. My spicy bulgogi was filling and flavorful, and my friends finished off every bite of their multiple sushi plates.

The service was very friendly! We didn't catch her name but our server was so kind and attentive even being the only one on the floor that night. We loved the chill atmosphere of this little sushi spot so much that we returned three days later for a goodbye meal to celebrate the end our trip. Thank you Sachi Sushi!!“

“Really good food fresh and the ramen is soooooo yummy“

“Hidden gem. Noticeably high quality ingredients and great service. Even my Korean mom, who is germaphobic and difficult to impress, enjoyed her meal very much. Will be coming here again.

We ordered the oyster/uni (!), the baked scallop roll (!), the chirashi bowl, the sea cucumber, and the spicy japan scallop roll. Everything tasted fantastic and we didn't leave a single grain of rice.

In my opinion, it's rare to encounter Japanese food in America that I end up loving. Every raw ingredient looked and tasted fresh. Uni here was creamy, the green tea was well-steeped, and the sesame seeds on the spicy japan roll were aromatic.

I highly recommend that you come here for a special occasion or whenever you crave extremely FRESH Japanese food.“

“Found this restaurant in March and just returned for Mother’s Day dinner xoxoxo Great quality food and drinks, very pleasant staff!!! Authentic Japanese food items plus a touch of personality of its own makes their menu awesome and unique. We will come back for many many more.“

“Tatsuki never disappoints! It is my all time favorite sushi bar...Always fresh and delicious. Love Hector, Chris and Manuel!“

“Walked in on a Tuesday night after a nearby basketball game when I'm on a desperate diet to lower my cholesterol - this restaurant is an absolute hidden gem. Wasn't expecting 10 pieces of freshly made high quality Nigiri sushi to only cost just over $20...and the chef was quick. (Pic was after I added 2x extra yellowtail) Didn't charge me for green tea too.
I can see myself coming back to this place probably every week from now on. Truly affordable yet high quality & authentic sushi!!!“

“my boyfriend and I made a reservation the day of at 10:15 and there was no wait when we arrived. ambience was lively. host and staff were so friendly and welcoming. we ordered a total of 6 dishes because they are small portions: mixed rice with duck, squid plate, duck meatball, broccolini, pork gyoza, house ramen (total came out to ~100$)

everything was so amazing (especially the squid) and as someone who doesn't eat much, I could've honestly kept eating forever.“

“Brothers Sushi is a must. Make a reservation and you can’t go wrong with anything you order.“

“Unexpected find in a quiet little plaza in West Hollywood—easily the best unagi don I’ve had in SoCal. Two styles, both incredible, but the hitsumabushi stole the show. Could’ve eaten three more bowls without hesitation. 😋“