16 Best Japanese Restaurants in Whittier

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

“This is one of the best and only place we like to go. They are very friendly and best fresh sushi all around. it really feels like a small family enviroment“

“Best Japanese Food in Whittier“

“honestly The food is very very good, I rate the his place a 10/10 in food and service. For being a Japanese restaurant this food is very tasty, the only thing is that they will serve your food in to go plates. Understandable, but if you are craving something with a lot of variety very good food, healthy and good in nutrients I have to recommend you this place. Also, if you are on a diet this place have the BEST fresh produce you can imagine so gymbros and gym girls do not miss this place 👍✅“

“Azabu Sushi – Whittier, CA
★ ★ ★ ★ ½ (I docked half a star purely out of spite because I can’t afford to eat here every day)

I walked into Azabu expecting the usual Whittier sushi experience: decent fish, questionable rice, and a lingering fear that the “spicy tuna” might just be yesterday’s salmon wearing hot sauce as war paint. Instead I was immediately hit with a vibe that says, “Yes, we know we’re in a strip mall next to a boba place, but we’re about to ruin you for grocery-store California rolls forever.”

Let’s start with the Salmon Carpaccio (the flat pizza-looking thing in the photo). Imagine if salmon had a glow-up, went to Coachella, and came back wearing citrus ponzu as body glitter and microgreens as a flower crown. It’s so pretty I almost felt bad eating it. Almost. Then I inhaled the entire plate in 45 seconds like a savage who’d never seen raw fish before. Zero regrets. The texture is silkier than my ex’s lies.

Next up: the Shrimp Gyoza in that dark, mysterious broth. These dumplings show up swimming in what I can only describe as “umami bathwater.” One bite and I involuntarily whispered “oh daddy” — which was awkward because I was on a date with my actual father. The wrappers have that perfect pan-seared crisp before collapsing into the sauce like they owe it money. I’d bathe in that broth if it weren’t socially unacceptable (and if the staff weren’t watching me like I’m one impulse away from grabbing a straw).

Portions are annoyingly civilized — translation: you’ll want to order three of everything and then lie about being full so you look refined. Pro tip: don’t. Just commit to the food coma. Your jeans will forgive you eventually.

Service is ninja-level attentive without being obnoxious. Our server knew the menu like he personally caught the fish at 4 a.m. while doing CrossFit. When I asked what was good he just smirked and said “everything,” which should’ve been arrogant but was 100% correct. Rude.

Ambiance? It’s dark, moody, and sexy in a way that makes you want to use chopsticks seductively even though you still hold them like a toddler with crayons.

Only complaint: the bill. It arrives looking innocent, then you realize you just paid Beverly Hills prices in a city where the biggest landmark is a 24-hour donut shop. Worth it? Absolutely. Will I be eating cup noodles for the next week? Also yes.

Verdict: Azabu is the sushi spot Whittier doesn’t deserve but desperately needed. If you’re still going to the conveyor-belt place down the street after eating here, I’m afraid we can no longer be friends. 9.5/10 — would sell a minor organ to come back tomorrow.“

“This place has great food! I have tried the chicken teriyaki, beef teriyaki. Gyoza, California roll. And the Bento box. Everything has been super delicious. I do recommend you take your food to go. There is very little space for eating and half the dining area is taken up by supplies. It best just to take your food elsewhere. But a must try with it's huge delicious portions“

“The People That Work There Are Super Nice. The Food Was Beautiful And Delicious. The Jazz Music They Had Playing Was So Relaxing I Even Asked For The Radio Station 🍱🔥🔥🔥🤤😋“

“Solid spot for Japanese-Korean food in Whittier. The menu is small but focused which I like. We got the Cheese Katsu meal, Omurice, and Egg Sando. The Katsu was cooked well, not too greasy, very flavorful. The Omurice was my fave, fluffy and the sauce was really good. Another highlight was the Yuzu Panna Cotta we got for dessert. It was citrusy, not too sweet, great texture, we really enjoyed it. Their Matcha Yuzu-ade was refreshing as well. Good service and a relaxed atmosphere. We will be coming back to try some things we weren't able to fit in this time around.“

“thee best Japanese food in Whittier hands down. my family loves visiting Dakara weekly. so many favorites like crispy rice with spicy tuna, avocado fries and sweet shrimp. love this family owned restaurant.“

“We love Joy. My family have been regulars for many many years. Food is awesome. Service is great, servers friendly. Only bummer, when we, as a family, went to celebrate my birthday on Saturday, we presented a gift certificate my husband & I were gifted from my Kids. It was issued at the end of 2019, expired at the end of 2020. Because of Covid we did not venture out until late last year. They did not not honor it. A little bit of a disappointment, but not going to keep us from frequenting our fav local sushi restaurant.“

“Love their teriyaki burger on lettuce wrap. Delicious!“

“Everything we ordered was very good. My plate was the beef bowl with brown rice. It was delicious, a very generous portion. There were two burgers with fries, they were very happy with their orders as well. My daughter got a chicken bowl and she loved it.“

“This poke bar is outstanding! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with excellent customer service. The staff was incredibly patient and took the time to walk us through the menu, helping us navigate the variety of proteins and sides for our poke bowls. Every bite was a delight, from start to finish. I can't recommend it enough—it's delicious, healthy, and totally satisfying!“

“When I’m in Whittier visiting my sister I always swing by for a bowl of Pho and spring rolls“

“It’s a great(safe) inexpensive sushi place. Usually the words safe, inexpensive and sushi are never in the same sentence. However, Blu Fin is definitely the exception.“

“Great food and service…#13“