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!“

“We are vegan and went with the Spicy Miso Ramen, it didn't disappoint. One suggestion, if you want the extra spice kick, ask for their chili oil, it really amped up the ramen overall.
Our kid enjoyed the mushroom bao too.

For parking, you can get lucky by finding a street parking behind the restaurant.“

“Definitely worth visiting. The signature ramen is so creamy, mochi noodles are great texture & wagyu mixed nigiri so so worth the price. Wagyu was so buttery & smoky. Uni & ikura are so sweet. So happy now that tummy is full. Will definitely be back to check out other dishes.“

“The atmosphere was fantastic, and the food was delicious. However, the service was disappointing. Our server was condescending and repeatedly interrupted our moment by crossing between us without a word. When I asked about drinks, she was short and even gave inaccurate descriptions. This is my second visit, and both times with the same server have left a sour taste. I hope the service improves because the food deserves better! This is my second visit, and both times with the same brunette server, whose attitude left a sour taste.“

“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!“

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

“⚠️ 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄“

“What!! This is a gem in Midcity. I have lived here since before it opened and shame on me for only getting here now! We came two nights in a row and just love it. Will be on my regular rotation for sure! Thanks to the fab staff. Everyone is just so lovely!“

“I'm always looking for a new sushi spots in the valley. This looks like a staple and his highly rated. I haven't got a chance to explore everything fully, but they're tuna tataki is amazing, so is their baked salmon and their tuna on crispy rice. It's kind of hard to get a seat if you don't make a reservation, and that's the only thing I don't love, but completely understand.“

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

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

“Great service and very friendly staff“

“Our server Kevin was very nice and understanding towards our needs and questions. He was super nice and making us feel very at home and helped us decide what to eat. He even gave us his honest opinions on a lot of stuff which helped spend the best money on Chubby Cattle. I highly recommend coming here for the food, since all the meat was super good, cooked tenderly by the cooks if it comes pre cooked, the prices are good, and especially, coming here for our server Kevin.“

“I came here for the first time and it was absolutely beautiful inside and the prices are also very reasonable for the quality of the food. The sushi was soooo good and same with the wagyu gayoza. It was also my dad's birthday and they went above and beyond with a dessert and bringing out a bubble machine it was so much fun and our waitress Corinne was so fun and sweet. I had a blast I would highly recommend this place!!! 10/10“

“okay i could write an entire novel about my experience here, but i will keep it brief. my sister and i came to the WeHo Uchi to celebrate my birthday after hearing lots of buzz about it. When we entered, we were immediately greeted warmly and had a lovely exchange with the host. The ambiance was beautiful, everything was pristine and curated, and everyone member of the staff were friendly and comfortable to speak to. Our waiter—whom i sadly cannot remember the name of— truly went above and beyond with his service. We ordered the omakase for two and a few other small dishes, but he threw in two on the house— one being wagyu as a “birthday present” and the other being nigiri. We were choosing between the nigiri and a roll, and when we ultimately chose the roll, our waiter brought us both dishes anyway. Everything felt incredibly thoughtful and personal; there was even a little handwritten card wishing me a happy birthday. The food came out very swiftly—and speaking of the food, it exceeded our expectations. Everything was fresh, beautiful in its presentation, and very unique. This is one of the few sushi places in LA that I think truly lives up to the hype surrounding it. thank you for a great birthday dinner; we will be back again, again, and again!“

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

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

“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!“

“Best Sushi in LA by far !“

“katana is a must-go every time i'm in la. the food is always wonderful, the atmosphere is beautiful, and the staff consistently goes above and beyond. BELLA was such an amazing and friendly host during my most recent visit, and EMMA was equally wonderful the last time i came. everyone made us feel so welcome from the moment we walked in. incredible service, great food, and an overall fantastic experience. can't wait to come back!“

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

“I really love this place! Cocktails menu is amazing, the Lychee Mojito 10/10, always a must for me.
Place was packed, of course it was a Friday night and the Lakers were playing, I recommend making s reservation.
Despite how busy the place was, out server David took care of us, great service and delicious food!“

“The tuna and salmon sushi rolls that Te and Lisa served me this evening were absolutely fantastic. The fish was fresh and perfectly seasoned, had firm texture, and was expertly sliced. The sushi rice and vegetables in the roll were tasty. Te and Lisa kindly explained my sushi roll options and obviously put their heart and soul into make awesome rolls for me. I can’t wait to come back here on my next trip to LA— hopefully with my wife so that she can experience this exceptional sushi and service too.“

“HATCH is a fantastic place that combines a welcoming atmosphere with high-quality food and excellent service. The space is modern, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed, creating a great environment for a relaxed meal. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, with every dish prepared with attention to detail and quality ingredients. The staff was friendly, attentive, and professional, making sure that every part of the experience was enjoyable. Service was efficient, and the overall atmosphere felt warm and inviting. I was impressed by the consistency, hospitality, and care that went into every aspect of the visit. I would highly recommend HATCH to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience and look forward to returning again soon.“

“I was in the area so stopped by for their mazemen. It was delicious and tasty and the portions were very big. I struggled to finish the noodle and had to get the rice to go. Price is a little on the high side but makes sense for the quality of food. If you haven't had this style of ramen before, this is a great place to try!“

“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 😋😋😋😋“

“If there was an option to give 100 stars I would give this place all of them. Food 10/10 buffalo wings , miso soup, crispy tofu miso soup, avocado crisp rice, yam yam sushi.. all so good, great ambience and our waiter and waitress so kind and helpful . Thank you“

“Ramen were super good and excellent customer service.“

“Amazing and thoughtful service from Pierre!
I'm particular about my sushi, especially salmon. But I can say Azai is the best sushi I've had in California so far. The salmon sashimi is juicy and the salmon roll melts in mouth, just like my favorite sushi place in NY. I'm excited to come back!“

“I came back for lunch for the first time in nearly 25 years, and it felt like stepping back in time. Since moving away, I hadn’t visited this area at all. The interior is unchanged, the service is warm and welcoming, and the homemade Japanese comfort food is just as delicious as I remembered. You’d be hard-pressed to find another place in the Valley that serves hijiki (seaweed) rice so casually and authentically.“

“Food and owner (s/o to my girl Hazel! 🫶🏼) = immaculate vibes. If you do delivery or pickup, order directly through their website not a food delivery app!! 🙏🏽 BEWARE: THE SPICY WONTONS WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!“

“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‼︎“

“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“

“When visiting Santa Monica, this fascinating place at all times would wait for you. Best quality beer and dishes based on fresh sea ingredients would be served by very kind employees. I would like to recommend here to all my Korean friends.“

“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❤️“

“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.“

“Great spot! Very discrete on the outside, but cool Japanese aesthetic inside. Food was amazing. Recommend: Cesar Salad, Wagyu Sando, Octopus, Tartare.

Things I would pass: Uni pasta was plain, needed more flavors in it. The duck wasn’t memorable as well.

100% would recommend! Cute for a date spot too.“

“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!“

“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!“

“Anzu no longer has its own storefront and is now operating out of Menya Tigre. This also has caused a menu change.

Their karaage remains the main attraction and is a good as ever. Their fries were always inconsistent, but they seem to have settled on some pretty bland French fries. It's definitely a downgrade.

Their Sicilian rice was a highlight of their previous menu that is no longer present.“

“Delicious Udon and other Japanese specialties“

“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.“

“The freshest and best sushi ever! Helen is always so sweet and as is everyone who works there. They truly treat you like family and are always making sure everything is the best quality. 100% worth supporting them if you are looking for great quality sushi and even better quality people to interact with. My fav spot for years now ☺️“

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

“Sachi has changed hands a few times now, we were frequenters of the OG. What we appreciate is the level of quality of the sushi remains. Wagyu perfectly lightly seared, toro melt in your mouth, and that great Hokkaido uni like butter. We tacked on the amaebi after knowing we're in good hands. Loving the late night hours as we're night owls and happy to see them do a special menu for Pride. Be back soon!“

“My dinner at Kanpai Sushi in Santa Monica was nothing short of extraordinary. Chef Yoshi is a true master sushi chef. While he may not be new to the craft, his skill, precision, and deep understanding of traditional sushi brought me back to a time when sushi was simply done right.

In fact, Chef Yoshi could probably serve me a shoelace, and it would be the best thing I’ve ever eaten.

Everything was exceptionally fresh. The wasabi had a vibrant freshness that elevated every bite, and the ginger practically melted in my mouth. I sampled as much toro as I could possibly eat, along with an incredible selection of fish that showcased Chef Yoshi’s mastery and attention to detail.

The Kumamoto oysters were so delicious they made me want to kiss my fingers and thank the heavens. The uni was phenomenal and remains one of my favorite bites of the evening. However, the biggest surprise was the seared salmon belly. It was my first time trying salmon prepared that way, and it absolutely blew my mind.

Instead of ending the meal with dessert, I finished with a hand roll that combined fresh tuna and crispy shrimp tempura, topped with eel sauce. The contrast of cool, fresh tuna and warm, crunchy shrimp tempura created an unforgettable bite and was a complete game changer.

I’ve been eating sushi since I was 18 years old, and now well into my 50s, I can confidently say this is the best sushi restaurant I have ever experienced. Beyond the incredible food, the staff was attentive, professional, and genuinely respectful throughout the entire evening.

I have officially found my favorite sushi spot.

Thank you, Chef Yoshi. I’ll be back very soon.

— Linda“

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

“Great for a quick bite to eat. I bought 2 Classic and 1 Californian($22 total). I was gonna try to eat all 3 throughout my work shift, but stuck in 101 traffic back to the valley, they were devoured before I made it to universal city. There's so many flavors to try too. I found a metered Parking across the street, I had 25cents on me.“

“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...“