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Local picks

Locally owned Japanese food in California

Made for those who prioritize supporting independent, locally owned businesses whenever they sit down for Japanese food.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Kaguya image 1
Kaguya image 2
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Japanese restaurant

Small, family-run Japanese restaurant offers a cozy, peaceful atmosphere with bright fluorescent lighting and a casual vibe. The place serves fresh, delicious sushi and other dishes at affordable prices, creating a warm and inviting dining experience.

Sushi features fresh ingredients and a skilled sushi chef behind the counter. The menu includes poke bowls, ramen, sashimi, and udon noodles with plentiful toppings and balanced flavors.

Fresh and delicious food defines this mom and pop spot. Decor matches the authentic Japanese vibe expected from a locally owned place.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi and poke, is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"This lunch spot has amazing poke with incredibly fresh fish."

"It's a cozy, family-run spot with authentic Japanese food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a buy one roll, get one half off promotion.

2

Prices are lower than average for sushi in the area.

3

Kaguya is a small place with only 6 tables, creating an intimate atmosphere.

02
Boba Sound image 1
Coffee shop

Small, cozy coffee shop with a quiet, chill atmosphere and cute, colorful interior. Offers customizable drinks and unique snacks like crispy taiyaki and cheesy coin bread. Welcomes families and provides free parking, making it a relaxed spot for casual visits.

Taiyaki here comes with a crispy outside and a warm, sweet filling. Unique flavors like jalapeno and cheese offer a light, stretchy cheese experience alongside traditional sweet options.

Small mom and pop shop offers handcrafted boba drinks and fresh taiyaki. It feels like a cozy, locally owned spot with a personal touch.

People are saying

"The milk teas here are enjoyable and worth visiting for."

"The Japanese food, especially the taiyaki, is crispy with a warm, sweet filling."

"It's a wonderful mom and pop spot for boba drinks."

Good to know

1

There is a free parking area available.

2

The parking lot is a decent size for a location in Ktown.

3

Boba Sound has an outdoor area where dogs are allowed.

03
Kokodeck image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers fresh sushi and crispy chicken with reasonably priced drinks like draft beer and sake bombs. Atmosphere stays calm and quiet, with clean surroundings and a well-curated playlist. Presentation includes beautifully garnished dishes that stand out from typical spots.

Sushi comes very fresh with an impeccable level of cleanliness. The peppered salmon roll offers a sweet vinegary flavor with a delicate smokey finish and a bit of a kick.

A mom and pop restaurant with a fun vibe tucked away in a less obvious spot. It offers a cozy, local feel that stands out.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the sushi, is fresh and delicious."

"I loved their spicy chicken sandwich; it was crispy and juicy."

"This locally owned spot is a fun mom and pop restaurant."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and available near the restaurant.

2

The menu includes a variety of sushi, chicken, and tonkatsu options.

3

Prices are reasonable for a sushi restaurant, offering good value.

04
Sodam Boba & Poke Cafe image 1

Small restaurant with limited seating and a busy, mom-and-pop vibe focuses mainly on takeout. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming despite cramped space, with a steady lunchtime crowd and lines. Known for generous portions and fresh, flavorful poke bowls at fair prices.

Poke bowls come in large portions with fresh fish and detailed care. Bento boxes and onigiri offer huge servings and flavors like shrimp tempura Okinawa style with perfect crunch.

People are saying

"The Salmon poke bowls here are huge and a great value."

"This locally owned spot offers gigantic portions for remarkably low prices."

"The Japanese food portions here are huge for the price."

Good to know

1

The cafe is located at the corner near the subway, marked by flags for poke and boba.

2

Expect to wait 40-45 minutes for orders during busy hours.

3

The cafe is cashless; only card payments are accepted.

05
Wok & Grill image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with no seating inside offers takeout only and features a genuinely hot wok in the kitchen. Atmosphere is informal and busy, often with a line outside, serving huge portions of affordable authentic Chinese food. Popular dishes include orange chicken and chow mein, known for generous size and flavor.

Teriyaki chicken stands out with its tender, juicy texture and flavorful taste. Veggie tempura also offers a crispy, satisfying option.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was the best I had in a long time."

"The Chinese food portions here are so generous, one order could feed three people."

"The Japanese Food here is flavorful and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

One plate at Wok & Grill could feed two people.

2

The plates are large, costing only $12.99 each.

3

Expect a 20-minute wait for your order during busy hours.

06
Men-Bei Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Simple, quaint ramen restaurant with a cozy, authentic Japanese atmosphere and generous portions. The place fills up quickly around noon, attracting a mix of locals including Japanese diners. It offers healthy, flavorful ramen without modern frills, emphasizing comfort food fundamentals.

Ramen here sticks to the fundamentals with flavorful vegan and chicken ramen options. The gyoza and fried rice stand out as must-try dishes, served in generous portions that bring a taste of Japan.

Small, mom and pop style spot with a limited menu. Cozy and feels very locally owned.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen and fried rice, is delicious."

"I thought the ramen here was pretty tasty."

"It's a cute, cozy mom and pop spot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; arrive early as it fills up fast.

2

Parking is limited due to its location near Costco.

3

The restaurant closes between 2:30 pm and 5 pm daily.

07
B & C Teriyaki image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Outdoor seating dominates the space, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with a nostalgic charm. The crowd is relaxed and social, often enjoying flavorful teriyaki bowls made with tender, high-quality beef and fresh ingredients. Limited seating and a cash-only policy shape the experience, while parking requires some planning.

Teriyaki bowls feature succulent chicken and tender shredded beef coated in a rich, savory sauce. The menu includes combos with lots of vegetables and a spicy Sriracha twist that adds a gochujang flavor.

Walk-up window serves food at this mom and pop restaurant. It keeps a local, family-run vibe throughout.

People are saying

"The teriyaki beef and chicken were tender with a rich, savory flavor."

"It's a charming mom and pop place."

"The Japanese food here, especially the teriyaki bowls, is so tasty and savory."

Good to know

1

B & C Teriyaki is a cash-only establishment, so bring cash with you.

2

Parking is limited, so plan ahead for street parking.

3

Expect limited seating during peak hours, which may require waiting.

08
Wakamatsu image 1
Japanese restaurant

Classic old school Japanese restaurant with a cozy, homey atmosphere and laid back vibe. Small space with just a few tables and a sushi bar, often busy but manageable with reservations. Known for affordable prices and authentic dishes served by a welcoming elderly couple, currently offering takeout only.

Shrimp Tempura Roll with Unagi and chirashi bowls stand out with fresh and thick slices of salmon, hamachi, tuna, and crab. Red miso soup offers a deep flavor, while bento and rice plates provide authentic Japanese cuisine.

A small, mom and pop Japanese spot serves authentic dishes but lacks the typical welcoming vibe often expected from locally owned places.

People are saying

"The chirashi bowl had plenty of fresh fish at a great price."

"I found the restaurant to be wonderfully cozy."

"The Japanese food, especially the chirashi bowl, was fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required due to limited capacity.

2

Wakamatsu is currently only open for takeout.

3

They offer a daily changing bento that may sell out.

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