50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Universal City

“Excellent service. Great food!“

“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.“

“I went to the Tonchin location in New York late last year, so I came into the Los Angeles location excited and with high expectations. The food was good overall. My wife did not quite understand the hype around it, but I personally thought it was solid, even though it did not stand out as much as the New York location.

Where the difference between the two locations stood out the most was in customer service. We had to wait nearly twenty minutes just to receive the check, and throughout the meal the server rarely came by to check on us. Because of this, the overall experience at the Los Angeles location fell short of what I experienced in New York.

I do recommend the regular tonkotsu ramen and the buns“

“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“

“สนุกสนานอาหารอร่อย บรรยากาศดีมีระดับ“

“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!“

“One of my favorite places, everything they do is well executed, and the staff are equally kind and personable. My last experience in particular where I ate at the bar was oddly especially warm and welcoming, where I got to chat with a really cool staff member named Reed, who apparently not only makes the drinks, but bakes delicious cookies they currently serve with one of their cocktails (The Hot Toddy, if you're curious).

It's also some of the best tongue meet (on the Skewers section) that I've ever had; if you're a fan, I highly recommend getting one of those at minimum!“

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

“Amazing place. A real gem and great find. The mackerel bento tier 2 was amazing. The fish was butter and crispy. All the vegetables were so tasty too. The area it’s in is a bit rough, but this place is worth it. The inside is decorated nicely and it’s a nice atmosphere. The staff was nice and the even gave us cute holiday cookies. Can’t wait to visit again“

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

“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!“

“Note: This review is part of a Yelp elite experience.

Shoutout to Sarah and the yelp intern for organizing a fabulous event. The westside elites were a wonderful bunch, and its immensely gratifying when everyone shares the love of food.

Wadaya is one of the top places to eat and you can see why. It was my first time experiencing the mazemen, which I had ignorantly ignored for the brothy ramen. However the manager mentioned that there was a dearth of good mazemen places, and the chef from Japan decided to fill that niche. Lucky for us, this is a great option for the noodle lovers amongst us (who isn't?).

I was one of only 2 elites to opt for the vegan experience that included Vegan Tokyo Mazemen, Shishito peppers appetizer and a Yuzu-forward Lemonade.

As with any good ramen, you need to mix in all the ingredients to coat the mazemen noodles with the sauce and all the accouterments. The vinegar table-side was a great addition to add in the umami, as if the brothless noodle experience needed any more umami. The yuzu lemonade was full of yuzu, light on the sugar (compared to so many other lemonades that are more sugarades) and had plenty of lemon (acid) to cut through the richness of the noodleicious dish. I liked the ratio of veggies to the noodles, although when I order takeout (which the manager said is a great idea since the dish holds well) I'd love a more veggies please option.
Tip: This dish is garlic forward, so if you love garlic, you'll be in heaven. Just carry some mints :)

Service was impeccable. The only feedback for the crew would be to jazz up the shisito peppers as they lacked a little flavor, but this may be because of the sequencing of dishes, when your flavor buds are saturated with the mazemen. However adding the vinegar gave it the right pep and it was a great complement to the main dish.

Thank you to the yelp team for shining a light on a neighborhood gem that many of us passed by but had not noticed. Wadaya know, it's now a solid addition to all of our radars. Cheesy pun unintended, or was it?

Tip: Plenty of 2 hour free parking in the neighborhood, since the lot is small and has only 3 spots for Wadaya.“

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

“The sushi fish was fresh, and the sushi rice was delicious! As someone who frequents sushi bars in LA for some nigiri and hot tea, Chiba has the best ambiance and best tasting nigiri sushi.

My favorite was the mackerel, yellowtail, and unagi.

I've also ordered donburi here, and it comes very close to the donburi I had in Japan.

Been coming to Chiba for years now. Hands down it's my favorite sushi spot for nigiri in LA.

Excellent service. Totally polite. 💖 There are purse hooks under the sushi counter.

Boom. 5 stars.“

“It's a small place but super amazing! I wish I remembered her name but the lady helping us (at 430pm yesterday) was amazing! Super sweet, even more attentive. The food was fresh and tasted beyond perfect!! Great atmosphere, I loved the homely feel!“

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

“Uchi is pretty decent. The vibe is cool trendy. Service was polite but felt bit rushed and not as personable.
Food-wise, nothing was terrible, but not mind blowing either. A couple of dishes were tasty, a couple were bland, the sushi rice is left to be desired.
Prices felt a bit high for an experience that screams ‘it’s fine. Not in huge rush to be back.“

“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!“

“Eating at Jade Beverly Hills was a really nice experience. The staff was quick to get us seated, however it was a Wednesday evening so there were a handful of open tables. Food was amazing including the A5 Wagyu Beef Tartare and hand rolls! We also splurged and got the dessert even though we were pretty full with dinner. We got the strawberry meringue dessert which was a standout to finish off our meal!“

“Best Sushi in LA by far !“

“I was searching all over social media for a sushi restaurant to surprise my boyfriend for his birthday. I really wanted to do an omakase experience, but everything in Los Angeles was either extremely expensive or completely booked.

Luckily, I came across this place and I can honestly say it was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a while. From the moment we sat down, the staff was incredibly attentive. The sushi chefs were friendly, knowledgeable, and made the experience even more enjoyable. Our waitress greeted us right away and walked us through the menu. We were a little unsure about what to order at first, but she helped guide us through the options, and we were excited to find out they offered omakase.

The chef’s selection did not disappoint. Every course was delicious, beautifully prepared, and paced perfectly throughout the meal. The entire dinner felt thoughtful and seamless, and my boyfriend loved every bite.

The service was outstanding, and it was clear the whole team knows how to make guests feel welcomed and taken care of. This is such a great spot for a date night and we’ll definitely be back!“

“We went to Katana for Dine LA and had a great time! Our waiter was super nice and the vibe was cozy and trendy. The patio has a great view of the street. Food was great too! Definitely recommend for a fun night out in LA. The portions were huge and the quality was great. I can’t wait to go back!“

“The sushi was on point. I had a caterpillar roll. The ingredients were fresh and I was full from the size of the roll! Also, it was quite a deal too as I had dinner on a Wednesday. Currently, Monday through Friday the restaurant is offering 20% off.“

“Great service and very friendly staff“

“A solid addition to the area, even with all the sushi options around. Service is fast and friendly. Got a to-go order with my wife and was particularly impressed by the yellowtail collar and softshell crab cut roll. Everything we ordered was good and we'll definitely be back.“

“Was craving soba on a Saturday morning and luckily found SOBAR. Soba made in house - 100% buckwheat, cooked to perfection. Some of the best soba I’ve ever had with strong but clean dipping sauces. Had an extra full serving of soba to polish off the dipping sauces. Service was as good if not greater than soba itself.“

“This might be the best restaurant in LA. The service was phenomenal from start to finish. Our waiter was bright, engaged when needed, and provided everything we needed. Great ambiance with this nice, lo-fi synth.
But the best part about this place is the food. This is some of the best food in LA, if not the best. We got the shishito peppers and crispy rice, handrolls, sea bass and steak, eggplant, and cheesecake. Everything was fantastic. Perfectly timed out of the kitchen. Every dish bursted with flavors that complimented each other. The dessert wasn't too sweet. The Kitsune is also an incredible old fashioned.“

“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 absolute nicest people run this tiny shop and they have the freshest sushi for the price. It is so clear they care about the food and their customers. I love love love this place and can’t recommend it enough. I got the salmon and albacore rolls at different times and they were amazing. Thank you to this wonderful team!“

“Wandered in for lunch. Incredible food. I have done many Michelin star Japanese restaurants and the food is on par.
The staff was super responsive and great.
Atmosphere is ok. Clean and neat but boxes by the door ready to go to recycle and the music was worse than the worst doctors office or elevator.
None of it was enough to take away from the food.“

“Esther was extremely helpful and generous. Our experience was equivalent to having our own personal waitress while the restaurant was packed. Esther’s professionalism and kindness made our experience fantastic.

The food was amazing and everything brought to our table was phenomenal!“

“5 stars for the delicious and high quality sushi. plus i have a gluten allergy and the chef/ server was super considerate and knew exactly what needed to be modified. my favorites were the bluefin tuna nigiri and the yellowtail hand roll (with soy paper), and i don’t typically like yellowtail.

however, i did not realize there was a 16% service fee included in the bill. it says so on the menu so that’s my oversight but at kazu nori, for example, the server tells you not to tip because of the service fee. so on the little screen i tipped 20% on top of the 16% service fee and tax. it’s my bad for not paying closer attention but they don’t verbally tell you either.“

“Ramen were super good and excellent customer service.“

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

“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 😋😋😋😋“

“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.“

“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“

“Delicious Udon and other Japanese specialties“

“The best dining experience I’ve had in recent months 👏 Staff were amazing and so friendly—special shoutout to Darren (our bartender), Robby (sushi chef), Chris, and Cornell, they were simply the best.
Food was incredible, the vibe was great, and huge respect to the chefs working hard on Valentine’s Day❤️“

“Sushi fish was very fish, service was great! Food came out pretty quickly and everything was good, did not have one bite I didn’t like. Our orders included the California roll the spicy tuna roll. The salmon roll, baked salmon, premium roll, tuna and salmon and yellowtail sushi as well as the miso soup and the chicken yakitori. All were delicious. Did feel slightly rushed to leave as the waiters and waitresses kept coming to clean our plates while still eating - but that could also be received as good service so take it as you will. Took no photos because everything was eaten so quickly!“

“Kaminari specializes in Utsunomiya-style gyoza, a pan-fried dumpling that uses a paper-thin wrapper. In Japan, Utsunomiya is a town known for gyoza paired with experimental and non-traditional ingredients

🍽 The first gyoza bar in LA all the way from Utsunomiya Japan!

FOOD 4/5
- Yaki gyoza which is pan fried
- Sui gyoza boiled gyoza in clear pork soup w/green onions = LOVE THIS!

SERVICE 3.5/5
Kinda had a weird vibe from the staff members here. Just wasn't the friendliest or authentic.

PARKING 4/5
Parking in the perimeter of J-twn“

“We ordered the Volcano Roll, the Shrimp Tempura Crunch, and the Spicy Tuna Tempura. We didn’t care for the Spicy Tuna Tempura roll, and when we let our waitress know, she was very understanding and took it off the bill. The service overall was great. The restaurant is small but cute, and we would definitely return.“

“We recently embarked on a three-week west coast “foodie” vacation, spanning five states and six major cities. Along the way, we dined at everything from Michelin-starred establishments to small mom-and-pop restaurants. By the end of our trip, everyone in our group unanimously agreed that our experience at Tensho was one of the absolute highlights.

From the warm hospitality and the evident pride in food preparation to the impeccable service and outstanding flavors, everything about our visit was memorable. We left the restaurant on a true “food high,” feeling as though if the entire world could experience what we just had, it might inspire world peace.

Be sure to order the wagyu—it’s an absolute must and a true indulgence!“

“This was our third time dining at Eigikutei and we were just as pleased this time as we were with our maiden experience. We were favored with our personal favorite of the sushi kaiseki Yawaragi (10-piece sushi). All the separate elements of the course melded perfectly for our palette. The service was attentive and on que with our pacing of eating. And the ambience was quiet serenity. We highly recommend dining at Eigikutei for any fine dining connoisseur!“

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

“We dined at their SM North Edsa branch. Good food. 👌 Crews were accommodating. 💯“

“Food is delicious! Really liked the sushi, everything was super flavorful. My favorite so far is the red dragon roll on the bottom of the picture. It’s spicy, savory, a little sweet from the eel sauce and all the fish in the roll is super fresh.“

“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.“

“Amazing food and service, everything gluten-free. I couldn't find celiac-friendly sushi while I was in Japan a few months ago, so it was even more pleasing. Cannot recommend enough.

I ordered a set and after trying some food ordered an extra sushi roll to-go.“