50 Best Japanese Restaurants near South Gate

“Si muy buena comida todo mux rico un gran lugar que por mucho tiempo hemos llegado a xomer altameente recomendable gracias !!“

“The food is always great, the cashier had a horrible attitude. You can’t ask them for anything without them giving you a bad attitude. If you don’t like retail customer service jobs, get another job ! Because of us the customers the restaurant is successful. At least fake it.“

“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!“

“I highly recommend this restaurant. Great food and great service.“

“Amazing takeout family meal which features the most flavorful and delicious Char Siu Wagyu Short Rib with fluffy bao. All side dishes are well executed and delectable. One of the best staying at home meals I’ve had! Highly recommend it!“

“I had Japanese breakfast w/ miso black cod, it was tasty.“

“สนุกสนานอาหารอร่อย บรรยากาศดีมีระดับ“

“Bento boxes are of great quality here. The attention to detail of this curated meal definitely lets your eyes feast first. All the little sides taste amazing, especially the candied sweet potatoes. The vegetables alternate between sweet and salty to balance out the meal. The Scottish salmon and mackerel are cooked to perfection. The little yolk in the rice also adds a nice touch to mix in and eat.“

“Tasty bbq take out outside. Amazing desserts to ans friendly staff“

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

“Easy 5 stars. Genuinely some of the best sushi I’ve ever had. Everything was incredibly fresh, and I loved that the dishes weren’t overloaded with sauces or unnecessary toppings, the quality of the fish really spoke for itself.

The salmon was buttery and melted in your mouth, the eel was warm, rich and perfectly glazed, and even the cucumber salad was ridiculously good. And if you go, definitely try the fatty tuna, highly recommend it!

This is one of those places that makes it hard to enjoy average sushi afterward. 😂 Already looking forward to going back.“

“Delicious food. Fast service. Get here early to avoid a long line.“

“I got in pretty much as soon as they open, so I got the special opportunity to get to talk to Kristine. After a lovely conversation and delicious food, I left feeling so full and at peace. The tempura was crispy and airy, the rice was perfectly cooked, the fish in the sushi tasted fresh. I cannot recommend visiting here enough. I am sure it can get busy, as the place is small, but I think that is part of its charm: meeting with a group of strangers for a good meal and a moment of peace before heading back into the world.“

“A Michelin recognized restaurant that’s just perfect for a quiet evening. The atmosphere is chill and the playlist vey ear pleasing and well as the decor. Modern style design that’s chic and comfortable at the same time. We ordered the Wagyu Cheeseburger and Uni Pasta. Both of the dishes were good with flavor but the Uni pasta could’ve used a little more sauce but it’s a preference I guess. The cheeseburger came out looking like a hot mess but it delivered with flavor. The Basqu Cheesecake was the dessert we ordered and it was perfect with flavor and the presentation. Service was attentive and on point most of the time. So if you’re looking for a nice place to have a delicious bite or drinks then definitely check out this place, especially the gorgeous looking bar.“

“Wow! I’ve been enjoying Japanese food for years, but this place really got me to sit up. Simple ordinary dishes like udon noodles or a hand California roll were unusually good. Meanwhile, the lamb chop skewer, and the nacho poke combo were unusual, and also scrumptious.“

“I recently had the chance to dine at Sama Handroll in the Arts District, and it exceeded my expectations. The quality and freshness of the fish were outstanding, and every hand roll was prepared with great attention to detail. The menu offers a creative mix of traditional Japanese flavors and unique dishes that set it apart from other sushi spots.
The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish. The atmosphere is modern, welcoming, and perfect for either a casual dinner or a night out with friends.
A few standout items were the hand rolls, grilled dishes, and the excellent presentation throughout the meal. It's clear that a lot of care goes into both the food and the guest experience.
I highly recommend to anyone looking for high-quality sushi and hand rolls in Los Angeles. I'll definitely be back.“

“We had a really nice experience! The side of the restaurant has enough space for a few tables to dine in, and it felt cozy. The service was quick, friendly, and efficient. I liked that they had sauces and water available right at the tables for self-service.

We dined in, and everything came out fast! We spent around $40 for a chicken bowl, two sushi rolls, and two miso soups ,perfect for two adults and a toddler. The food was amazing! My husband said the teriyaki chicken was really good, and I agree. the chicken was juicy, not dry at all. The salmon sushi was good too, just a little warm for my husband’s liking, but overall, everything had great flavor.

The music was a fun surprise, they were playing some techno, which we didn’t mind at all! It actually made the experience more fun. We even found ourselves dancing a little while eating. Definitely a place we’d come back to!“

“This place is SOOO GOOD!! My friend and I got the spicy tuna and California rolls to split. They come with 12 pieces each and theyre such a good size. We also got the spam musubi and its DELICIOUS! So flavorful and the staff were very very lovely. I recommend ordering before you get there, so the staff have enough time to put love and care into your meal!!! :] I highly recommend this place!!! 😋“

“I came in for lunch to grab a quick snack and get some editing done on my phone. I just ordered a sake cocktail that they made delicious! And i also ordered the chicken meatball skewer, which came paired with egg to dip and I loved that sweet with salty combination so much! I would say I couldnt really get any work done on my phone as I don’t believe its a work friendly place although the tables are great to do so. They dont have outlets anywhere near the tables so if you need to charge your laptop or phone here is impossible to do unless behind the bar.
I just ready a book for a bit and enjoyed my cocktail and snack. I do think the atmosphere is more of a come in with friends and share a meal and gossip a bit. Or for dinner I think its also a great spot. I loved what i tried although it wasnt much. I would come again with a friend to have some cocktails and some snacks as the food and drinks were really delicious!“

“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.“

“This place oozes character and craft. An excellent assortment of dishes all with unique elements to surprise you. The sashimi specials we tried were all unique and delicious. Feel free to go with staff recommendations, you won't be disappointed. A laid back atmosphere with excellent punk decor, superb service, and food I'm still thinking about.“

“my friend and I stopped at this cute lil sushi spot because we wanted a more intimate vibe than a full on restaurant. it was quaint and cozy and the sushi was absolutely AMAZING!!! Vivian and her husband were the absolute sweetest couple that treated us like long time friends. we had fantastic conversation and it is clear that they both are extremely passionate about what they do. i’m so grateful we visited during our time in LA. we will SO be back !!!! 😊😊“

“Protect RICE at all costs!!! As a celiac it’s amazing to have a GF sushi option, especially a high quality one. I would happily eat here even if I didn’t have to avoid gluten. Their food is delicious and the staff is very accommodating. Have been twice already and will be going back again very soon.“

“Ramen is so good I cried.“

“It was very nice. Loved the hellos and thank you for coming. I can’t wait to come back next time I visit the area.“

“Just stop here and eat you won’t regret it . Did not disappoint one bit . The noodles were cooked just right , the flavor was great and the prices were reasonable for the serving size . Try the kimchi ramen 🍜 . Thank you for making our day more enjoyable. We are happy we stopped here to bad we only came to Hollywood for mini vacation.“

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

“I've visited this restaurant four times now, and the experience has consistently been great. The food and service quality are excellent, and the staff is incredibly accommodating. When one of us mentioned not eating raw fish, they prepared several complimentary cooked dishes to ensure we left satisfied. While I have noticed that portion sizes seem slightly smaller than before, I still left feeling full. The kaiseki and shabu are must-tries, and I am already looking forward to returning for their sukiyaki.“

“Exceptional food! Hamachi collar, red snapper soup! And sushi. Authentic; which is why it was so good!“

“It was Absolutely delicious!“

“Highly commendable service and absolutely stunning set menu! we went here for dinner last night for our Halloween date night! Their wagyu cuts are 100% top-grade and not just random "wagyu" that are below the marks. We tried their A5 and M9 meats, not to mention their salmon carpaccio that is to die for. Their sides are absolutely delicious and smart, one great example is their fried pork buns that is like a spin on soup dumplings. To top it off, you get premium ice cream in the end. Their salad is so good with yuzu and smokey salt, plus you get a chili mix too. They serve the meats fast plus your tablet menu is in front of you so you don't have to keep calling the staff to refill. I give them 9 stars! 🌟 🐄 🥩“

“I love the quality and quantity of food you get. Their Portuguese Sausage is amazing and their fried rice is always delicious“

“Tench is a gem of a restaurant. The shabu shabu experience is a unique culinary experience and Tensho does it right. The dishes that are part of the meal are delectable and always different. It is always a special night at Tensho. There is no place quite like it in LA - it is very special. An evening in Japan!“

“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 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“

“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.“

“This place is AMAZING! The food is delicious and reasonably priced (and plenty to take home), the atmosphere is cool and the drinks are cheap! But the real stand-out is the staff - they are super nice and are working really hard to make sure everyone feels welcome. My new favorite place in LA!!“

“Absolutely TOP NOTCH homemade gyoza. The fillings were so succulent and well-seasoned, and the skin was lusciously thin and crisp.

We got the pork (so sweet and delicate, packed with chives and onions), and shrimp (literally chunks of it in the mix, none of that paste-like texture you get from lower-quality stuff). The $9 happy hour deal was a bonus.

The staff are also very polite and sweet. The store layout is simple but clean and well-appointed. Couldn’t recommend this place more!“

“What an absolutely lovely discovery! Just amazing flavor from the jump. Stumbled upon this place while looking for something for lunch in LA and not only is this fairly priced, but the service and sheer quality of the food makes this one to remember. I absolutely want to go back - I should also mention the impressive variety of spam sandwiches on display at the restaurant - I personally had the spicy tuna sandwich and it was amazing, genuinely one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve had going out recently.“

“One of the best restaurants in Long Beach for Peruvian, style, seafood, ceviche, and Sushi. Family owned and operated with a friendly vibe and amazing service.“

“The best Japanese curry in LA, and we have tried a lot of places, believe me!!! Has options for vegetarians and vegans too! The miso soup comes with a lot of the meals and it's so good too. The staff know us now and they are all lovely! It's pretty small inside so probably not the best for a super big group but great for a more intimate night out and of course take out as well!“

“蕎麦、日本食　最高 !“

“Meet quality really nice to me Good service!“

“Fresh sashimi, cozy atmosphere & friendly staff! A must visit Japanese dining restaurant in Pico Rivera :)“

“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“

“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“

“The best everything…so, Go!“

“I couldn't be happier with the service and the quality of food as well as the cleanliness and open air atmosphere with all their gorgeous and delicious selections prepared at a central kitchen within view of every table.

Thanks to our server and bartender for their intimate attentiveness and suggestions.

I was so enamored with the food that I didn't take any more photos after the salad! Guess I'll have to go back and take plenty more...“

“I’ve been hoping a place would come along to give me a riceball fix and this is absolutely it! Delicious & perfect for after school or work bite! Friendly staff clean and chill hip atmosphere. I hope nothing but the best for this place!“

“Ramen were super good and excellent customer service.“