50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Pacific Palisades

“Awesome !!“

“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“

“A friendly waitresses,waiters .“

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

“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 came here for the first time and it was absolutely beautiful inside and the prices are also very reasonable for the quality of the food. The sushi was soooo good and same with the wagyu gayoza. It was also my dad's birthday and they went above and beyond with a dessert and bringing out a bubble machine it was so much fun and our waitress Corinne was so fun and sweet. I had a blast I would highly recommend this place!!! 10/10“

“okay i could write an entire novel about my experience here, but i will keep it brief. my sister and i came to the WeHo Uchi to celebrate my birthday after hearing lots of buzz about it. When we entered, we were immediately greeted warmly and had a lovely exchange with the host. The ambiance was beautiful, everything was pristine and curated, and everyone member of the staff were friendly and comfortable to speak to. Our waiter—whom i sadly cannot remember the name of— truly went above and beyond with his service. We ordered the omakase for two and a few other small dishes, but he threw in two on the house— one being wagyu as a “birthday present” and the other being nigiri. We were choosing between the nigiri and a roll, and when we ultimately chose the roll, our waiter brought us both dishes anyway. Everything felt incredibly thoughtful and personal; there was even a little handwritten card wishing me a happy birthday. The food came out very swiftly—and speaking of the food, it exceeded our expectations. Everything was fresh, beautiful in its presentation, and very unique. This is one of the few sushi places in LA that I think truly lives up to the hype surrounding it. thank you for a great birthday dinner; we will be back again, again, and again!“

“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!“

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

“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!“

“Must get sushi, but don’t forget the corn tempura and momotaro tomato (seasonal). Awesome sake selection too.“

“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.“

“I really love this place! Cocktails menu is amazing, the Lychee Mojito 10/10, always a must for me.
Place was packed, of course it was a Friday night and the Lakers were playing, I recommend making s reservation.
Despite how busy the place was, out server David took care of us, great service and delicious food!“

“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 came back for lunch for the first time in nearly 25 years, and it felt like stepping back in time. Since moving away, I hadn’t visited this area at all. The interior is unchanged, the service is warm and welcoming, and the homemade Japanese comfort food is just as delicious as I remembered. You’d be hard-pressed to find another place in the Valley that serves hijiki (seaweed) rice so casually and authentically.“

“Food and owner (s/o to my girl Hazel! 🫶🏼) = immaculate vibes. If you do delivery or pickup, order directly through their website not a food delivery app!! 🙏🏽 BEWARE: THE SPICY WONTONS WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!“

“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“

“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“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!!!“

“Delicious Udon and other Japanese specialties“

“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!“

“it’s my first time at roll roll sushi and I was offered a free miso soup as soon as I walked in I ordered the salmon lover roll and the baked scallop roll and both were delicious. I had my dog with me so we sat outside under cute umbrellas they have out. I’m so happy I decided to try this place out if you’re in the valley you need to give it a try!“

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

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

“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“

“Fresh, healthy food w generous portions. I had the hana salad w chicken and the iced matcha cloud latte. The salad was fresh and their sauce/condiment bar made it extra tasty. The matcha was super yummy, on par or better with any specialty coffee/tea place. The Okinawa sugar made it elevated, though I ordered it less sweet. Will def be back!“

“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.“

“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“

“Masa-san serves chef's choice, and the food is fresh and delicious. Eating here is an extremely delightful experience. The sweet shrimp with eggs is one of my favorites. Always finish your meal with at least 1 (maybe 2 or ...) of his blue crab rolls. The crab is carefully hand-pulled, the rice is warm, and the seaweed is crisp. You won't find that combination of quality and easy dining experience anywhere else in the Valley. Please try it!“

“Everything is delicious, made with love❤️ Clean, elegant, and delicious🤩😋 Friendly, helpful staff🌹“

“The first time I tried this place i never thought I would return. The chicken was for some reason tasted too much like charcoal and was rather unpleasant. I was very saddened but figured it was a bad batch and was hoping to return for a retribution batch and I’m so glad that I gave it another chance. Torisoba, when done correctly, is a knock out out the park.

Last night left me in awe, from sampling my friend’s ramen to multiple appetizers my mouth was celebrating each bite. You could tell the food came out fresh as it was warm and took some time to prepare. The chicken soup that gets served with the fried chicken tartar and sweet and sour options is one of the most hearty and savory soups your taste buds will ever meet.

The variations of fried to charcoal chicken will leave you pointing your chopsticks and knowing your head in agreement with friends. They don’t cheap out as the bowl is filled with plenty of goodies. Top it off with some Yuzu kosho (green chili peppers and yuzu zest) and blast off into the best chicken meal you could have.

They have vegan and other options as well and their menu seems to be expanding. Try it all and I’m so glad I ventured back for this meal was truly out of the park.“

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

“Cash only spot, was recommended to me by a friend who recently went to Japan and said this place is legit and tastes authentic. From the moment the piping hot miso soup came out, it was very hearty and served authentically (no spoon). We had the lunch special chicken teriyaki and ordered a few salmon sashimi and eel and nigiris, and a spicy tuna roll. The chicken teriyaki was delicious, as well as the tempura that came with it. All the veggies and shrimp were perfectly battered and it was so hot and crispy. The salmon was extremely delicious for the price, almost too good to be true, and the rolls had a very good rice to fish ratio (we prefer less rice, more fish). 11/10, will definitely come back more often!“

“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!“

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

“Chefs kiss! My husband and I love quality places. It’s pricey but worth it. The fish is so fresh and the chefs are very talented. Honestly better than some Michelin places I’ve been to. This is better than your average sushi but accessible. The atmosphere and vibes are also very cool. Intimate, chic, and relaxed space. Grab a seat at the sushi bar if you can!“

“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.“

“Went here for my birthday after friends recommended - had no idea how cool this place would be! From the outside, you definitely don't expect it to be as special as it is inside. We loved the little bites we got. For two of us, it came to about $180 (we ordered about 8 things so not bad). Our favorites were the yellowtail cilantro roll, crispy shrimp & yellowtail sushi. A little bit of a backup when we first arrived (drinks came after our apps came) but I guess they got a rush that they didn't expect. We'll definitely be back, not enough places like this in the area! Loved. :)“

“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.“