50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Universal City

“Excellent service. Great food!“

“I had such a great experience here! Danny, the manager, welcomed me right away and even set me up with a perfect corner table—which made the whole meal feel extra relaxed. Alissa, our server, was amazing—super friendly, professional, and on top of everything without ever rushing us. The ramen itself was incredible, full of flavor and beautifully balanced. Between the food, the atmosphere, and the team, this spot definitely deserves 5 stars. I’ll be back for sure!“

“Not a big fan of sitting on the side of street where people walk by and you intake that fumes coming from all these traffic. Got to sit inside by the bar, the food here is okay, but a bit pricey for what it's worth. Been to many affordable to very expensive sushi places in the U.S. and in Asia, this place is more IG/social media friendly picturesque place than an actual sushi/sashimi place. Not much nigiri/sashimi choices. Not a big fan of places that sell pre-made canned alcohol with an extreme markup.“

“สนุกสนานอาหารอร่อย บรรยากาศดีมีระดับ“

“The food has a great taste and I can tell the recipe of the broth is thoughtfully designed and flavored. The service was fine but the restaurant felt too crowded and loud. While I understand it’s a ramen spot, their décor and presentation are more refined than most, so the hectic atmosphere detracted slightly from the overall experience.“

“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!“

“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.“

“I was craving a kaiseki meal for my birthday and discovered UKA. It is very hard to find a traditional kaiseki restaurant in Los Angeles. Everything was amazing, with incredible attention to detail in every dish. I truly appreciate the chef Mr. Mitsue and service for this exceptional experience.“

“Looked for a quiet restaurant and checked out n/soto. Sometimes creative sushi and sashimi is not a good thing. n/soto delivered elevated sushi, sashimi, hand rolls along with stand out casual and prompt service.

Our service person, Nicole, delivered a well detailed explanation of favz from the menu. The patio was a great space. I look forward to dining indoors in the future.

Great decor and table layout.

A nice review is unnecessary given that n/soto was fully booked.“

“Both dishes were so good! I really liked the way they cooked the Bento- Shio Koji Marinated Norwegian Mackerel. The side dish Side- Chicken Karaage (Mild or Spicy)- had just the right amount of spice (l ordered mild). Overall, this will definitely be my go-to lunch spot now! (Doordash Pickup)“

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

“This is hands down my new favorite sushi place. I will never be going back to Katsuya. Joe is quite an extraordinary chef. I used to frequent a sushi restaurant he used to work at, but it wasn't the same after he left. I'm so grateful that I was able to find him here after a good hunt. Highly recommend!!!

Vegetarian options: You can ask for whatever you want that doesn't contain any meat. Like cucumber rolls, avocado rolls, egg rolls, or just miso and an order of sticky rice.“

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

“If you're looking for the best udon soup in town, look no further! This gem offers a delightful dining experience with its rich, flavorful udon soup that keeps you coming back for more. The teriyaki chicken is a standout, perfectly cooked and bursting with taste. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, enhanced by the charming backdrop of Japanese television, which adds to the authentic feel.

The service is exceptional—super sweet and polite staff made us feel right at home, attending to our needs with genuine care. It's rare to find a place where food, ambiance, and service come together so harmoniously. I absolutely love this place and can't recommend it enough!“

“What a gem! Small, quiet, refined - here it’s all about quality, not quantity. Food is prepared really well and presented nicely. Staff is nice and helpful without being in your face all the time. The drinks menu could be a bit more inclusive. Otherwise this is an awesome place for a quiet diner for two (they only have bar seating so a party with more than 2 people would have a hard time communicating).

Also, I wouldn’t call this place especially child friendly but we took our 2 year old with us for dinner and he enjoyed most of the food (the cooked items) and the staff and patrons were rather pleased to have him there 😊“

“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 really enjoyed dining at Taisho Sushi! The yellowtail serrano was perfectly balanced with just the right spice, and the salmon dry miso was incredibly flavorful and fresh. The presentation and service were both excellent — definitely one of my favorite sushi spots in town. Highly recommend!“

“The seared salmon and tuna were absolutely unforgettable, just as I remembered. What makes this omakase experience so special is that you can keep enjoying dish after dish until you feel completely satisfied. Truly grateful to Uzumaki for such a delightful meal!“

“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.“

“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 😋😋😋😋“

“Dear Troy,

Your service impeccable, your smile inviting
You made our night and us feel so at home.
Thank you for allll of that wonderful house sriracha and night. Until next time
We will be back“

“An Arts District gem. This food blew our minds, we stopped in for a quick bite and everything we had was an absolute 10. Will be coming back to try more of the menu but highlights we had:

- seaweed salad
- spicy tuna crispy rice
- lobster pasta (incredible)
- chicken skewer

Friendly, knowledgeable service, great ambiance, definitely worth a visit!“

“Te Isshoku Sushi is probably one of the only reasons I look forward to going into my office now that I am required to be in my office. Finding this gem has been a game changer.

The sushi is amazing quality. It is always fresh and large portions.

Besides the sushi being excellent, the real star is Lisa. After 1 order Lisa will remember you and little things you like and don’t like. Lisa’s service is impeccable and she will always have a big smile to greet you and make you laugh.

Full disclosure I am biased because I eat there almost 3 times a week because it is that good. It’s the highlight of my work day. I just had to share how amazing this local business is.“

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

“So strange, when I’m in Hawaii, I plan my hotel to stay next to this place, and plan
Two meals there because I love it so
Much and yet this location is never busy 🤷🏽‍♀️ last time I went in Honolulu, I waited in like for 45 min for lunch . Try this place if you haven’t“

“My granddaughter and I were in a rush to an appointment but were so hungry. We stopped in, mentioned we were in a slow hurry and they delivered the Sushi in a flash Fresh great customer service and easy to express our likes. We will be back! Thank you so much.“

“Delicious Udon and other Japanese specialties“

“Sooo good!! I tried their yellowtail garlic ponzu rolls I think, something yellowtail the server recommended me and omg it was sooo good!
Also I had their curry it was so good.
The service was so nice they were so kind and the ambience was so nice the open windows were so nice it was a nice chill experience!“

“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.“

“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.“

“This place is a true culinary delight. The dishes are flavorful and beautifully plated, using fresh ingredients. The staff is friendly and attentive, providing excellent service. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it ideal for any occasion. I highly recommend this restaurant for a memorable dining experience.“

“My son and I tried the popcorn, chicken and burger. We love the chicken. It was juicy not dry. The burger was like your standard burger. I will have to add my son. Did not add their secret sauce so that may have made a difference. Seems like a family ran restaurant. They are very attentive and friendly.“

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

“We came here for our anniversary and had an absolutely perfect tonight! The staff was wonderful, very friendly, and the restaurant is new and beautiful. We got the Shabu Shabu and sushi combination and every single dish they brought was fantastic. We just got back from Japan a month ago and were missing it, and this entire experience was so authentically Japanese and the quality was absolutely five stars! Highly recommend and they have a ton of menu options for vegan, no fish, etc. The cocktails and dessert were great too! We will be back!“

“Great service and very friendly staff“

“The food here is absolutely incredible! Everything we ordered was so flavorful and it felt like they had taken great care to make every dish. Fantastic service and very friendly staff. I would 1,000% recommend this place if you're in the neighborhood“

“We had a longer wait, but it was well worth it! My sister, her kids, my boyfriend, and I all had great food after a long day at Universal Studioes. The food was authentic and the service was so friendly 🥰 my sister and I are always looking for a good Japanese spot as we get homesick for the food!“

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

“This was the most incredible experience! I have only the best things to say about Uchi and wish I could dine here every night!! We had Quan as our waiter and he was absolutely PHENOMENAL!! He went above and beyond, gave us the BEST recs, and was so personable! Highly recommend this restaurant - for the food and the service. You will not be disappointed!“

“We decided to try out SOBAR as it was close by to our stay while in LA
It was a great chance as the food was great. Everything was excellent to include our communication with other patrons
The food was awesome and we plan to go there again before we leave LA“

“The restaurant was very nice, the bathrooms were very clean. The server was very nice and made great recommendations. The food was really good, there was a huge variety of different textures. The soy sauce, taro, and uni was the best I've ever had and mixed drinks were super good. I would definitely recommend trying it at least once.“

“We live around the corner and for the first noticed this spot so decided to try it.

Everything was excellent from phone etiquette to ambience to service and most importantly food.

Everything was incredible and they were very accommodating to my dietary restrictions without any hesitance. The prices are also so good especially considering how overpriced mediocre food is priced in the neighborhood.

Highly recommend this, definitely our new neighborhood spot. Special thank you to Brendan + the Chef.“

“Ramen were super good and excellent customer service.“

“This is my second time at Hatch. Loved the ambiance and the service was outstanding! Anthony was especially great! Great customer service! I loved the soft shell crab taco so much so I ordered it twice. 2 of the dishes I tried weren't my favorite but overall food was good . Will definitely be back preferably with a group so I can try more dishes!“

“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“

“I been a customer since day 1 and I can say with confidence the food is so delicious you can taste the love the chef puts into making the food! I 100 percent recommend this place to everyone , also they are very friendly and make you feel comfortable to eat there😁“

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

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

“Amazing fresh old school sushi ❤️❤️❤️❤️. The owner is so friendly and knowledgeable and it’s now my happy place!“

“Really good food. Came in during the SILENT HILL F collab, the line was extremely long but what would you expect. Giving it a 5/5 because regardless the service was quick and efficient! Both treats offered were so good, social media was making people believe they tasted weird but nope. It’s for a certain audience to say in short. Love love love!!“