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Local picks in California

Japanese food and candy

Made for those who seek out traditional savory staples and specific imported sweets.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Alexander's Steakhouse Pasadena image 1
Alexander's Steakhouse Pasadena image 2
Alexander's Steakhouse Pasadena image 3
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Steakhouse offers an elegant, refined atmosphere with soft lighting and black and white decor that creates a cozy, intimate setting. The space feels wide and open yet comfortable, encouraging meaningful conversations. Known for top-notch steaks and expertly crafted cocktails, it attracts diners seeking a sophisticated dining experience.

Omakase features wagyu aburi nigiri, uni toast, and a variety of dishes like bacon wrapped shrimp and pork tonkatsu. The menu blends Asian flavors with unique items such as lobster ramen and octopus.

People are saying

"The Wagyu steak here is perfectly marbled and rich with umami."

"The steaks here are tasty and cooked to perfection."

"The Wagyu sushi and steak were perfectly grilled."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least a month in advance, especially for dinner.

2

Expect high prices, with steaks averaging around $100 each.

3

Private parties of 10 or more can be accommodated in multiple rooms.

02
Hanaya Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, intimate space offers a cozy atmosphere with authentic Japanese music enhancing the experience. The ownerโ€™s personal touch shows through generous extras and warm hospitality. Sushi features fresh, artfully presented fish with a focus on genuine flavors over heavy sauces.

Fresh fish and artful presentation define the sushi here. The menu includes chirashi, nigiri, and sashimi served with thoughtful extras like seaweed salad and edamame.

Guests receive various Japanese candies with their meals, often as unexpected extras. The owner and staff frequently include free candy bags and multiple candy types alongside other small treats.

People are saying

"This lunch spot owner gives you thoughtful extras like candy and fruit."

"The Japanese food comes with such generous, kind extras from the owner."

"The owner gave me a bag of Japanese candy for free."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is takeout only, with no dine-in option available.

2

Prices for sushi are reasonable considering the quality and portion sizes.

3

Expect longer wait times during busy hours due to limited staff.

03
Mitsuwa Marketplace - San Diego image 1
Japanese grocery store

Japanese grocery store with a food court featuring authentic ramen and sushi creates a vibe like being in Japan. Clean, organized space includes anime-themed shops and a gaming room, attracting those seeking genuine Japanese products and atmosphere.

Wide selection of sushi grade seafood and authentic ramen stands out here. The food court offers bento boxes, spicy miso ramen with chashu, katsudon, and onigiri, all made fresh and ready to eat.

A wide variety of Japanese candies and snacks fill the shelves, including sweets with action figure packaging similar to those found in Okinawa or Guam. The candy section sits alongside snacks, drinks, and bakery goods for plenty of choices.

People are saying

"This grocery store has authentic Japanese ingredients and specialty items."

"I found amazing Japanese groceries, snacks, and specialty items here."

"I found a good selection of candy and Japanese goods."

Good to know

1

Parking can be very challenging, especially during lunch hours.

2

Visit early for the best selection of bento boxes and fresh sushi.

3

Prepared foods are often marked down by half near closing time.

04
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar image 1
American restaurant

Large space with warm lodge-like decor and a dog-friendly outdoor patio featuring heaters and a fire pit. Atmosphere feels homey and lively, suitable for both casual meals and social gatherings. Busy environment often requires reservations, with a mix of bar seating and dining booths.

Bowls like the Chicken Katsu and Korean Bibimbap come in great size and stay fresh. Tofu teriyaki and edamames show solid Japanese flavors with well-cooked tofu and tasty sides.

Bacon Candy stands out as a unique sweet treat here, often paired with desserts like the S'mores Brownie. The combination of savory and sweet flavors makes it a notable choice among the candy options.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented."

"The Japanese food, especially the teriyaki chicken, was rated really well."

"You have to try the candy bacon; it's my guilty pleasure."

Good to know

1

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar allows customers to bring their dogs during Sunday brunch.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties.

3

Parking can be challenging, so arrive early.

05
Paradise Buffet Montebello image 1

Large dining hall with ample seating hosts loud, busy atmosphere filled mostly with families. Mongolian grill and fresh sushi bar offer interactive food experiences amid clean, well-organized layout. Decor is simple but functional, supporting big groups and casual occasions.

Fresh sushi offers a natural texture and a spicy kick. The buffet includes a large variety of seafood, sashimi, and warm dishes cooked at a grill station.

A wide range of desserts includes cotton candy, ice cream, and various cakes like carrot and chocolate. The buffet also offers cookies and cheesecake, adding to the sweet options available.

People are saying

"This buffet has amazing food and is great for the money."

"They had a huge variety of desserts to enjoy."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and varied."

Good to know

1

The buffet offers a two-hour time limit for dining.

2

Birthday celebrants receive a free meal with a minimum group of three.

3

Dinner costs $20 per person, providing good value.

06
Kinda Izakaya image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Small space with Tokyo izakaya decor and walls covered in Japanese anime posters creates a lively, jovial atmosphere. Music and energy feel authentic and fun, attracting a popular, crowded vibe often filled with Japanese students at communal tables.

Grilled meats and yakitori with smoky char stand out alongside authentic okonomiyaki and complexly flavored ramen broth. The menu features deep fried dishes, sukiyaki, and tofu, capturing the essence of Japanese izakaya cuisine.

A free cotton candy machine is available outside for use after dinner. Guests can also make their own cotton candy, adding a fun, interactive twist to the candy experience.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is bursting with flavor and delicious."

"I thought the cocktails here were genuinely fantastic."

"You should check out the free cotton candy machine outside."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, so arrive early or visit on weekdays.

3

Expect small portion sizes; consider ordering multiple dishes.

07
Tokyo Central Gardena image 1
Japanese grocery store

Japanese grocery store offers wide selection of authentic products and a mini food court with sushi conveyor belt. Environment feels like stepping into Japan, with clean, organized layout and outdoor dining area. Atmosphere is friendly but can overwhelm newcomers with its variety.

Fresh sashimi and quality meats stand out alongside a solid selection of sushi rolls. The food court offers tasty takoyaki with big, chewy octopus pieces and a variety of ramen options.

Offers a wide range of unique Japanese candies and snacks that are hard to find outside Japan. Great spot for niche treats and unusual sweets that make interesting gifts.

People are saying

"This grocery store has a great selection of Japanese food and ready-to-eat options."

"I found the fresh sushi and bento boxes to be delicious."

"You could spend an hour exploring the unique candy selection here."

Good to know

1

Discounts on selected food items are available after 6pm.

2

Sushi is 20% off after 7pm.

3

EBT is accepted for purchases.

08
Paradise Buffet Bell image 1

Spacious and clean restaurant with big windows and bright lighting creates a pleasant atmosphere. Buffet includes hibachi cook, sushi bar, and a build-your-own Mongolian grill station. Music plays loudly, welcoming families and diverse groups in a comfortable setting.

Fresh and clean sushi stands out with an all-you-can-eat option. The food variety includes Mongolian grill, roast beef, and a full salad bar alongside desserts like cheesecakes and pies.

A cotton candy bar operates early with fresh batches made on site before shift changes. Desserts include brownies, ice cream swirl cones, and a cake buffet alongside the cotton candy.

People are saying

"I loved the variety of fresh, hot food at this buffet."

"The sushi here is delicious and fresh."

"They even made cotton candy right there for the kids."

Good to know

1

The lunch buffet costs $15 on weekdays and $26 on weekends, including a drink.

2

If it's your birthday, you eat for free at the buffet.

3

The restaurant only accepts cash; credit cards are not accepted.

09
Paradise Buffet image 1
Buffet restaurant

Buffet restaurant features Mongolian grill station where guests choose ingredients for fresh cooking. Atmosphere is loud with Mexican music, creating a high-energy, club-like vibe that discourages lingering. Seating is tight and close together, accommodating large groups but limiting personal space.

A sushi station stays loaded with fresh options, including tamago, which is rare at buffets. Staff consistently make fresh sushi at the bar, keeping it delicious.

Cotton candy stands out with a dedicated machine and draws kids' attention. The dessert spread includes soft serve ice cream, cotton candy, and treats like strawberry cheesecake and chocolate cake.

People are saying

"The food here tasted genuinely fresh and homemade."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, especially the sushi."

"They had cotton candy made to order, which was fun for kids."

Good to know

1

Dinner menu items are available starting at 4pm.

2

Paradise Buffet closes at 8pm.

3

Senior citizens receive a 10% discount, making the buffet under $20.

10
Mercado Gonzรกlez Northgate Market image 1

Mexican grocery store combines vibrant decor with live mariachi music and a full bar inside. Atmosphere feels lively and festive, often with a DJ and food stations creating a chaotic yet welcoming vibe. Outdoor seating adds a quaint touch, making it a unique blend of shopping and entertainment.

Fresh fish and sushi feature prominently, including Sinaloan sushi with salmon, mango, and jalapeรฑo. The menu blends Japanese and Mexican flavors with items like ceviches, chipotle roll, and trumpo tacos.

A large selection of Mexican candy fills the shelves, alongside assorted candies from various regions. Freshly made churros add a sweet touch to the candy offerings.

People are saying

"This grocery store has amazing prepared Mexican food and fresh items."

"You can get delicious Mexican-style sushi here."

"I thought the candy was delicious and the ice cream was worth the calories."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every weekend, enhancing the shopping experience.

2

Menudo is served only on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 AM to noon.

3

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends.

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