50 Best Japanese Restaurants near South Pasadena

“I like this katsu place. We also tried the spicy miso ramen. It was good, but quite spicy, so if you can’t handle spicy food, I think it’s better to choose something else. Expect to wait for a while during dinner time. If you order katsu to-go, they will give you the whole set in a bento box.“

“They have vegan options …memorable onigiri (rice balls), edamame, pickled veggies, seaweed salad, and temaki (hand rolls). Their vegan onigiri keep me coming back! Soooooo good! The spot in Little Tokyo 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St, Ste 103, Los Angeles, California 90012. Updated from previous review on 2024-11-08“

“Hot take: way better than Silverlake Ramen down the street. Better portions. Better food. They can easily accommodate my kid’s random eating habits and they have options outside of ramen for that one person in the group that just isn’t in the mood. Staff is nice and attentive without hovering. So happy they’re back open again. The remodel is great! No notes from a design point of view.

Vegetarian options: Vegetarian options and modifications.

Dietary restrictions: That same kid is a vegetarian and they have no issues augmenting things for her.

Parking: Parking is shared with the small shopping center. Plenty.

Kid-friendliness: We always have our kid with us when we eat here. It’s usually her idea.

Wheelchair accessibility: There’s a ramp into the sidewalk. The restaurant isn’t cramped. Plenty of room for a few wheelchairs in there simultaneously.“

“It was a great experience We took our dear granddaughter to celebrate her birthday !!!“

“The food can be hit or miss sometimes… But the last few times we went there in August 2024, my salmon and scallops were very fresh! My kids also enjoyed their tuna. I love that they have quinoa and brown rice option and they are very generous with their portion. I feel that small size (two selections) is more than enough..

It’s quite small with a few tables but most people order to go. If I’m not mistaken, there is always infused water which is very refreshing especially in the summer.

I with they were a little more consistent in the freshness of their food. But, overall, it’s our “go to” when we want something fast but not junk food.“

“Food is outstanding. Been a fan since the late 90's. Their Nabeyaki Udon is the best I have ever eaten. If you want it the way it is served in Japan, ask them to use a fresh, rather than hardboiled, egg. To go food can be frustrating. If they say 30 minutes, figure at least an hour.“

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“I pop in here probably once a week sometimes twice for a glass of wine. The bartenders are very cheerful and informed with respect to varieties and flavors and all the jazz. They walk you through the options and make tip top recommendations. The place is always slammed at night, yet the manager is extremely accommodating and always finds a place for me to chill and savor the weekend ambiance. I’ve never had their food, but it looks delicious. All the servers are friendly and have excellent people skills. The outdoor space is a fun hang too if you have a group. I always feel spoiled here. 5 star experiences.“

“สนุกสนานอาหารอร่อย บรรยากาศดีมีระดับ“

“This quaint amazing Japanese restaurant is a hidden gem in Boyle Heights. Very friendly staff and great food. They also let me order 10 minutes before closing. The only, minor, complaints are that there is very limited seating, they have a limited menu and they operate limited hours.“

“Everything was perfect, fave drink was lychee martini and in the morning strawberry matcha. For dinner we loved the rib eye, ceviche, tuna tartar and chicken the most. The Caesar salad was unique and I really enjoyed it. Miso eggplant also great! We were so full and didn’t think we could eat any more but The sorbet at the end was delicious, super light and refreshing. Service was friendly, atmosphere very pretty.“

“My experience at NikuX was truly exceptional. From the moment we arrived, the front desk staff was remarkably kind. Kevin, who was in charge of our table, provided attentive and courteous service, and his recommendation of the Miso Chilean Seabass was even better than Nobu’s. Each dish was fresh and made with evident care.

I was particularly impressed by how Kevin and the floor manager consistently checked in on our meal throughout the dining experience. Their willingness to listen to even minor feedback was something I had not encountered in any other buffet, which left a lasting impression.

It was a rare opportunity to enjoy a satisfying luxury buffet in LA. Personally, I found NikuX to be a more valuable dining experience than the buffet at Cafe S in H Hotel, in terms of quality, pricing, and service.
Thank you.“

“we ordered a big catering order from guzzu for an office meeting. It was phenomenally good. The food was packaged really well, was hot, fresh, and delicious, and a huge hit. The salmon was moist and flavorful, the vegan katsu was surprisingly delicious, ans both the grilled chicken and fried chicken were really good. Will definitely be ordering from them again, and can’t wait to stop in to try non-catering!

Dietary restrictions: Vegan Katsu was delicious“

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

“It's a small "hole in the wall," which is cute when you walk up.
The person who hands you the food is always so sweet.
The food is good! I've had their California Spring Rolls (4 rolls in an order), and they're always so tasty! Makes you want to come back for more! Haha. They also have a vegan selection, which is quite nice and tasty.
Note that there isn't any designated seating here. It's more of a "pick up and go" sort of place.

Vegetarian options: There is a vegan selection to order from. It also tastes good!“

“Every dish was delectable, and great service! We all had a fantastic time there! Definitely will be back, and for celebrations.“

“Staff is always great at these restaurants. Food is good, sweet potato was a bit dry. Not as much selection as other places but still good for the quick breakfast I had. Def try the lemonade. They'll give you a sample so you can know if you want that or matcha. Both are delicious.“

“What a GREAT dinner! Met friends here on a late Friday night and they fit us in. The sushi was fresh and so tasty, definitely the best I’ve had in a LONG time. The drinks were amazing, try a version of their old fashioned but so many different drinks to choose from. Our server Christine was so attentive & sweet. We felt the service was 10/10! I recommend the wagyu dumplings and Geisha roll!“

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

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

“Absolute perfection. The food, the service and the atmosphere are outstanding. The most buttery, delicious salmon I’ve ever had…couldn’t stop eating the salmon hand rolls. Every single thing had incredible flavor and melted in your mouth, staring with the garlic edamame. Try it out, you won’t be disappointed.“

“The food here was amazing!!! Super affordable price!! I’ve tried most of the food here. Plus, the food itself will take you back as if ur eating in Myanmar. The service was fast and very friendly. Highly recommend to anyone!! Definitely gonna come back again !!!“

“Great rolls. Big selection.... fresh.“

“This gyoza bar has three styles of gyozas with a variety of fillings. I got the traditional gyoza teishoku (set meal) with yaki (pan fried) pork gyoza. The set came with rice, cabbage, spaghetti, miso soup, veggies, and pickled radish. The gyoza were flavorful and paired nicely with their house chili oil.

I also noticed they have a good happy hour deal and serve desserts now!“

“The plant based kaiseki was amazing. Beautifully presented, deliciously seasoned, and well portioned. The hot pot was the biggest of all courses and it was so much food! The black sesame ice cream was surprisingly delicious.

Vegetarian options: The 7 course plant based kaiseki was amazing

Dietary restrictions: Dietary restrictions was the very first question asked!“

“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!“

“Good food, portions & service...“

“Exceptional Yakiniku experience! Ben's knowledge and attention to detail made our visit memorable. The premium meat selection is remarkable, particularly the marbled wagyu cuts. The contemporary atmosphere and high-end grills create an elegant setting.“

“Pretty decent yakitori spot. Think its a little overhyped. Ordered a couple of skewers. Nothing too memorable. Perhaps it's the skewers I selected.
Ordered Mexican jumbo shrimp, hamachi, mushrooms, shishito Peppers, blackened fried crab roll, and broccoli.
Not certain I like this place enough to return.“

“so far everything I've tried has been delicious!“

“A true hidden gem that I hope won't be hidden for long. Some of the best poke and handrolls I've had in LA. All very fresh fish, flavorful seasonings, and big portions, especially the huge handrolls. Better than Kazunori. I recommend the blue crab and spicy tuna.“

“The Japanese, who have lived in the United States all year long, love to make friends“

“good recommmend for eveyone“

“4.5 ⭐️s for overall experience! My friend, her kids, and I enjoyed our meal in mostly every way - flavors, service, and cleanliness. The house salad was healthy (not just iceberg lettuce) and had a generous portion for one person. My friend said it was super delicious - Sunset roll, blue crab roll, and miso black cod were on point flavor wise. Only negatives were that the seaweed was a bit chewy (not super tough though) and the soup slightly salty. The staff was kind, friendly, attentive, and patient - hard to come by these days. Prices are reasonable and I plan to come back. Parking is tougher at times in this plaza, but at some point, you'll find a spot.“

“What a wonderful experience at Aizen Udon in Little Tokyo, LA. The food was visually beautiful and the taste was even better. Our server Soma was very knowledgeable about the food and is a Sake Master. A must place to eat when visiting LA! Well done“

“I was surprisingly pleased with this spot. Wasn't expecting much considering location...boy was I wrong. The food was delicious, the presentation was great, and quality on point. I will continue to visit every time we are craving for this.“

“good for romatic and I recommend here for everyone“

“Trust me when I tell you this was REALLY good, the classic Tonkotsu is always my go to and theirs is just SO good, I loved it and their broccolini was a solid plus 🤩 I only wish they would add a little more meat (pork option bc the chicken one was just perfect 👌)“

“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.“

“Loved this place! Didn't know it was Japanese food until we looked it up. Lol. The tonkatsu curry was excellent! The katsu was fried perfectly and the meat was tender and melted in your mouth! We were looking for a local Japanese place to eat and we finally found one minutes away from us. Can't wait to go back!“

“Yes. Very nice servers etc. clean. Yummy food. Usually get beef teriyaki with tempura. Good batter on tempura snd lots of food“

“A hidden gem in Montrose. Very good food, attentive service, reasonable price.“

“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!“

“Just stopped by here for lunch for my kiddos and I and I’m so glad we did it was delicious! I got a teriyaki bowl with veggies. I’ve been to different teriyaki places and this has to be my top favorite now! Very fresh and flavorful the place is very clean Inside, and the employees were very sweet. Definitely give this place a try if you’re craving a teriyaki bowl.“

“Always passed by this place and wanted to try it. It was really good but the atmosphere was really sad. If they put some effort on the decor it would be really nice. But it’s understandable seeing how a lot of people these days order take out or delivery. But overall 8/10 very good food!“

“Salad Dressing is amazing. Parking is horrible. They said 10-15 for my order. 25 minutes and I got a $52 Parking Citation🤬🤬🤬🤬“

“Best Japanese Food in Whittier“

“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“

“Omakase by Osen , a traditional Japanese dining experience where the chef selects the dishes for you, offers a truly unique and personalized approach to sushi and Japanese cuisine. This restaurant brings the authentic art of omakase to life, and it's clear that the chefs take immense pride in their craft.
From the moment you step inside, Omakase by Osen exudes a warm, minimalist ambiance with a modern twist. Soft lighting, wood accents, and clean lines create an inviting, intimate atmosphere that feels both high-end and welcoming. The staff are professional, attentive, and knowledgeable, with a deep understanding of the ingredients used. They are eager to explain each dish and offer pairing suggestions, which enhances the experience for diners unfamiliar with Japanese culinary traditions.
The food is, without a doubt, the star of the show. The menu reflect the freshest, in-season ingredients, and the chefs craft each dish with precision and care. The sushi is exceptional,each piece is an artful masterpiece. The fish is impeccably fresh, often sourced directly from top-tier fish markets, and the rice is perfectly seasoned. Highlights include buttery, melt-in-your-mouth toro, delicate sea bream, and rich uni. The accompanying garnishes and sauces are thoughtfully balanced, never overpowering the natural flavors of the seafood.
Highly recommended for anyone craving authentic Japanese cuisine.“