50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Valley Village

“Pretty much everything it is always the best and freshest fish in town! The best oysters on the half shell, Uni, yellowtail belly, the seafood salad is really delicious, (as well as their salmon skin salad)! Another favorite is the ELhand roll (it’s almost a meal in itself)! You really cannot go wrong with anything you order there! Five stars for sure!“

“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.“

“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!“

“Be careful- the spicy tuna crispy rice is addicting! Taisho is our go to spot when family & friends visit from out of town. You can’t go wrong with anything you order there. It’s all delicious. Highly recommend checking out their happy hour!“

“What an experience! I didn't even do the chef experience and got such a wonderful dinner! I was so jealous of the people experiencing it so I'm definitely doing that next time

I celebrated my first anniversary here and it was such a joy. Some people get worried they will leave a Michelin star restaurant hungry. But i was stuffed!!!

Everyone at the restaurant was amazing, kind and really took care of you! I kind of just want to come back just to experience that as well!

Since their menu constantly change, I think it's just best to say: trust the chef. You won't regret it! Or let the pictures do the talking!

I'm 100% coming back with my family to treat them to this!“

“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.“

“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.“

“NIKU X delivers an impressive seafood & A5 wagyu steak buffet. The quality of the meats and seafood is top notch. The wagyu is tender and rich, and the seafood bar has good variety. The decor is stylish and the service attentive.

A few drawbacks: some items are a bit slow to be replenished, and the price is steep but for a special occasion it’s worth it.“

“Absolutely love this place! My boyfriend and I live in the area and we love being able to walk to places in our neighborhood. This is definitely a new favorite spot! I rarely write reviews but I had to share my great experience to support this business. The food is fresh and delicious and the staff is very kind.
We ordered the Rainbow and the Spicy Yellowtail rolls for pick up orders through their online website, had a lovely sunset walk during Golden Hour to and from there, and the service was timely and efficient. When we got back home the food was packaged and presented beautifully and it kept well. We thoroughly enjoyed this whole experience and will be happy to order again soon! We look forward to dining in person there as well. Definitely find out for yourself and enjoy this awesome little gem!
Thank you to the entire staff for bringing this spot into the NoHo Arts District!“

“We ordered the Dine LA omakase sushi lunch which consisted of 3-course appetizer (jelly fish, steamed veggies (edamame, carrot and clam), okra, 10-course sushi, Chawanmushi (Japanese egg custard), miso clam soup and matcha mousse dessert. Presentation was exquisite and the sushi was of the highest quality. This was our second time to Eigikutei and we look forward to many more dining experiences at this very fine and peaceful establishment.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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“

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

“Andreas Super helpful and knowledgeable about all the foods on the menu the chef always hook it up fresh. Oh my God, cucumber salad stuff. It’s unbelievable delicious number of sauces. You can choose from really affordable and large portions. You have to try this place multiple different choices. Trust me you will not be disappointed.“

“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 😋😋😋😋“

“Great service and food💗 There are many alcohol menus and food items that other restaurants do not have, and the restaurant is not too big, so you can enjoy a relaxing, calm and stylish time. There is plenty of space for parking, and I would definitely go back‼︎“

“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.“

“Very romantic ambiance and delicious food... loved all of our appetizers and our sushi was really nice. The salmon was like butter. The black sesame crème brulé is a must. The table next to us had a larger group and ordered a long dragon dish loaded with sushi .... Looked like fun Kelly was so welcoming and sweet!“

“Kindness and care in every. single. bite. That is what it is like to eat here, and it just isn't to be missed. Come when you have a hunger not just for great food, but for a feeling of connection to people—for the feeling that people have been wanting to reach you, and that they care that you're there to enjoy what they've been working so hard to offer. Your joy, your satisfaction, your delight—it really matters to them, and if you come open to having those experiences, they will fill you to overflowing. Happy hour, full dinner...whatever you can make time for, get there. The chefs, the servers (Matt and Uché are stellar examples), everyone—they're all in, and extraordinary at what they do. Seize every chance you can to experience and appreciate it.“

“This is our go-to sushi restaurant. The food never disappoints. The service is very friendly.“

“Came here for a last minute bite and was pleasantly surprised. Ashley our server is the sweetest and she took such good care of us despite being an hour before closing. She was fantastic with recommending dishes and checking in on us and every item was brought out in a timely manner. I really enjoyed everything here it feels elevated, it’s great for date night, light bites or a full meal. They have a great happy hour menu that I look forward to trying next time. My only critique is that some of the dishes skew sweeter than my preference but that’s just me. The granita dessert is an absolute must have and so is the uni temaki! I’ve eaten a lot of uni and theirs was particularly sweet and fresh. Will definitely come back again soon!“

“Delicious Japanese izakaya food in a super cute setting with fantastic, extraordinarily friendly service. I can't wait to come back.

We ordered the agadashi tofu, tempura udon noodles, and Daichan beef teriyaki special bento box. Everything was well prepared. The tempura was perfectly crispy, the beef was tender and flavorful, the udon was clean and filling. Pricing was also super reasonable.

Definitely worth a visit!“

“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“

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

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

“Delicious Udon and other Japanese specialties“

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

“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.“

“Stopped by for anniversary and DineLA!
I never knew this place existed, but it seems like they've been around for about two years. The restaurant was a lot bigger than it looked and had a lot of spaces. They even had a full bar inside with a nice list of Japanese Whiskeys (Sorry, no Yamazakis!) and other spirits.

The food was good and was presented in a 5 course meal (most likely for DineLA) Although my date got the sushi, I opted for the sukiyaki as they presented themselves as a kaiseki restaurant. They also had other options, but I think their sukiyaki was better than the sushi.

The service was great when we first got in, but the place got packed in a few minutes and it seemed like there wasn't enough servers. However, the overall experience was great and I'd probably visit again for a different menu.“

“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.“

“Ramen were super good and excellent customer service.“

“Great service and very friendly staff“

“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.“

“Great service and great food, but even better drinks because of my guy Cash there an extraordinary bartender with requisite taste and such an amazing aura can’t wait to go back and try more of his drinks thank you Cash had a great time!!!“

“Great service awesome food A+“

“Manpuku is hands-down one of the best Japanese BBQ spots in LA. The food is consistently amazing – every cut of meat is high quality, well-seasoned, and cooked to perfection right at your table. The service is just as impressive: attentive, friendly, and fast without being rushed. Whether you’re going for a casual night out or a special occasion, Manpuku delivers every time. I truly love this place – it’s a go-to for delicious food and a great overall experience. Highly recommend.“

“Completely surpassed my expectations because I was thinking just another Japanese BBQ restaurant. But nope, very delicious and so good. We did not order all you can eat, we ordered multiple plates of beef tongue, short ribs, truffle salmon sushi, sea weed salad, cucumbers, fried tofu, veggie plate, and so on. Everything was very delicious.

Also, our server was so nice. She took care of us very well. Overall, I highly recommend this place for good meal and good experience.“

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

“Absolutely amazing vegan food, the staff were so kind and professional, their food is top-tier 👌 Can’t wait to come back for more !!! 🥰“

“*Delayed post from April ‘25

After traveling Japan for a month earlier in the year, I was craving Japanese food, so we checked out this spot off Sawtelle. 1 hour of parking is complimentary in the underground lot, but the attendant will charge you for any additional time. The restaurant is on the 2nd floor on the right side of the complex.

The atmosphere of the place was nice and I enjoyed the booth seating, but the service was very minimal. We had to ask for drink refills and wave down our server for everything from initial ordering to the check.

The udon I ordered was actually really tasty and came out super hot. It was on the sweeter side and the tempura shrimp on top was well cooked, but was lacking salt. I'd recommend taking it out of the bowl to eat little by little so it doesn't get immediately soggy. Unfortunately the egg inside was cooked weird and still had shell bits on it.

The Carbonara was very creamy, but needed more seasoning. The ham added some saltiness, but it needed more. Maybe they could add dried seaweed flakes on top? Overall however, this meal was too heavy and too large a portion. If the dish had more elements to it that balanced out the heaviness, perhaps half the amount of noodles and sauce and a side salad instead, it would have been a more enjoyable meal.“

“Fantastic quality and taste. This is hands down my new fave in LA for sushi. When they get their liquor license it'll be packed non stop. Really nice help and attention from the team. Try the inside out salmon roll, melts in your mouth!!!“

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

“En Sushi was great as per usual. We go here often and always have a great experience. Their lunch special is underrated. This place should be packed for lunch!

Great staff, great food, the decor, the music… It’s perfect!“

“What's unique about this place is the people, I mean the whole crew who are all Japanese.
The owner is a real character. He loves to chat with customers n I enjoyed the conversations.
The ingredients were high quality n the chefs took their spin on them to a true omakase level.

I gave 3 stars to atmosphere as the main dining area is a bid dated n the lighting is not helping. However it was really roomy n comfortable so I am not complaining. The sushi counter side is much better n brighter.
Will go to eat every time I visit LA.“

“Exquisite cuisine- chef was formally trained in Japan and his expertise shines through in every dish. Particularly the lightest, crispiest tempura once could ever hope to enjoy. Attentive, perfect service. Only knock is that it’s quite expensive, making this a once-every-five-years kind of culinary experience. That being said, we will be talking about this meal for weeks. It was *that* good. Life is short: treat yourself!“

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

“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.“

“Kinkan feels like a love letter to flavor. We came to celebrate a friend’s birthday and left feeling nourished in every way. Each dish was beautifully crafted, delicate yet bold. Perfect for a quiet celebration, a romantic date, or a night to remember. A true neighborhood treasure.“