50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Playa Del Rey

“This is my favorite sushi place! I especially love their salmon, it’s so soft and delicious. They also have a great variety of sushi. One of my friends doesn’t eat sushi, but he can order other fish or even meat dishes here, so I can invite him to sushi beluga as well. I love this place!“

“The sushi here is amazing for the price!! And the katsu chicken was also so delicious !! I would suggest checking out yama!! The reason why I gave it a 4 stars and not a 5 star is because the space is super small, and it does get overwhelming! I had a rude experience with a customer, they don’t know how to say excuse me lol. (I got the Cali roll with the salmon avocado roll!) I also asked for eel sauce:)!!“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“A friendly waitresses,waiters .“

“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!“

“We had an amazing experience at n/soto! The food was absolutely delicious, beautifully presented, and full of unique flavors. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, and the service was friendly and attentive. You can really tell how much care goes into every dish. Definitely a place worth visiting, and we’ll be coming back!“

“蕎麦、日本食　最高 !“

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

“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.“

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

“Excelent food ! Great place !“

“Alyssa… best service ever!!! Food and the view and the service was amazing. Highest quality of sushi I’ve ever eaten in my life and the drinks were so top tier and well balanced! Thank you will be a regular customer from now on!“

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

“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!“

“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!“

“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!!“

“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“

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

“I ordered the fried mochi that other customers recommended, karaage fried chicken, the grilled mackerel set, and the cod set. Everything looked pretty simple, but surprisingly, every single dish was delicious! The portions were also very filling. We left feeling completely satisfied!“

“Ramen is so good I cried.“

“Best sushi ever. Better than Nobu“

“I had a great time over there. Delicious food 🥘“

“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.“

“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“

“A hidden gem! Very fresh and tasty“

“Ramen were super good and excellent customer service.“

“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 😋😋😋😋“

“Excellent food. Authentic Japanese. It was really delicious, thank you!“

“Ramen were super good and excellent customer service.“

“Amazing quality of fish. Good selection of Sake, good service and great ambiance.

Only knock was it took a long while for us to get our sushi course. Almost as if they forgot to put the order in BUT the quality of the fish made up for that.

Would definitely go back“

“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“

“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“

“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“

“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.“

“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!“

“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 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.“

“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!“

“Good taste noodle, great customer service! interesting old Torrance neighborhood.“

“The server was so Great. He is so respectful, attentive and helpful. He gives suggestions of what I will order being my first time in Wadatsumi. Thank you very much for the Awesome service.😊 I'll definitely come back with my friends.💯“

“Very delicious 😻 very beautiful presentation“

“yummmmm so good. highly recommend“

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

“I moved out of LA years ago and still dream of their pork ginger curry omusubi, and make sure to get it at least twice every time I’m home. ruins all other omusubi. the mentaiko, miso mushroom, and shiso ume are all great too! the rice is always well cooked. Both locations are well organized and high quality, I recommend to everyone“

“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.“

“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“

“One of the best sushi I’ve had in Southern California, small place not fancy at all but it is a recommended experience must 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.“