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Tempura and takoyaki

The crisp snap of tempura and the soft, savory center of takoyaki satisfy a craving for classic textures.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
TOKYO RAMEN & Sushi image 1
TOKYO RAMEN & Sushi image 2
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Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a cozy interior with authentic decorations and a sushi bar. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with comfortable seating that suits conversation. A robot server delivers food, adding a unique touch to the dining experience.

Crispy and filling tempura stands out here, especially the shrimp. It pairs well with dishes like spicy red ramen and salmon sashimi for a satisfying meal.

Takoyaki serves as a solid appetizer with a good flavor. Quality varies from decent to very good across visits.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so flavorful and tasty."

"I thought the takoyaki here was very good."

"The tempura here is so crispy and filling."

Good to know

1

Prices for ramen are around $15-16 before tax.

2

The restaurant offers a dine-in promotion with BOGO 1/2 off.

3

Parking is ample but can be tight in some spots.

02
Hinodeya Ramen Bar Little Tokyo image 1

Japanese-style ramen bar offers a spacious, stylish setting with taiko drum greetings and custom Ghibli music creating a welcoming atmosphere. Tables feature glass jars of toppings and soft lighting, enhancing the dining experience. The vibe blends authentic Japanese design with a lively, comfortable energy.

Shrimp tempura comes out light, crispy, and flavorful, often paired with matcha salt or wasabi powder for extra taste. It adds a crunchy contrast to dishes like spicy ramen.

Crispy exterior and a good amount of tako inside make the takoyaki stand out. It delivers a solid, satisfying bite every time.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, is incredibly tasty and comforting."

"The takoyaki here is delicious with a crispy exterior."

"The tempura shrimp was so light and crispy."

Good to know

1

Hinodeya Ramen Bar offers only ten bowls of hotate ramen each day.

2

Parking nearby costs about $10-15 per day.

3

Expect a wait on busy days due to limited seating.

03
Oseyo Shabu Shabu image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Individual hot pots with induction heating create a clean, cozy setting enhanced by wooden decor and floral arrangements. The atmosphere stays lively around lunchtime with a K-pop soundtrack adding energy. The space suits small groups or solo diners seeking a casual, warm meal experience.

Tempura features crispy vegetables and adds tempura crisps to rolls like the beef tataki. The texture is consistently very good and complements the seared beef and seafood in the rolls.

Crispy outside with bits of octopus inside, the takoyaki tastes best when eaten hot. It appears alongside other appetizers like garlic edamame and beef gyoza in a sampler.

People are saying

"The shabu shabu here is delicious and the meat is so tender."

"The tempura shrimp were visibly fresh and plump."

"The Takoyaki here is so flavorful and tender."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour deals offer great value from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

The restaurant offers a two-person feast for $80, including drinks and dessert.

3

Parking is easy and free outside the restaurant.

04
Ganji image 1
Japanese restaurant

Interior features floral rose wall and cute decor creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere with pleasant music. The vibe suits dates and outings with friends, filled with laughter and good energy. Generous portions and a friendly, efficient staff add to the welcoming feel.

Mushroom tempura stands out with its light batter and juicy, flavorful mushrooms. Portions come in large cuts, making it a filling appetizer option.

Deep fried outer layer contrasts with a soft interior in the takoyaki. Four pieces come at a higher price than nearby spots offering twice as many.

People are saying

"I thought the sake was great, along with the food."

"The mushroom tempura here is really tasty and juicy."

"The pork katsu with curry sauce was tender and well cooked."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid crowds, especially during peak hours.

2

Each entree includes miso soup, salad, and small side vegetables.

3

Portions are large and suitable for sharing.

05
Eat's Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant with authentic decor and warm yellow lighting creates a cozy, immersive atmosphere. Busy and popular spot, often filled with couples and groups enjoying fresh, high-quality sushi. Outdoor seating with heaters and a nearby ice cream shop add to the relaxed vibe.

Shrimp tempura comes out crispy and pairs well inside the Bikini Roll with spicy tuna and topped with salmon and tuna. The tempura adds a nice crunch to dishes without overwhelming the flavors.

Golden brown outside with a piping hot custard-like interior and a lovely tako piece inside. The takoyaki pairs well with other dishes like tempura udon.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is thick, super fresh, tender, and delicious."

"The tempura here is fried crispy but not greasy."

"The Takoyaki here is golden brown, crispy outside, and soft inside."

Good to know

1

The wait can be up to 2 hours long for 2 people, so I recommend RSVPing or arriving early.

2

There was a large parking lot available for guests.

3

Expect an hour wait on the weekend.

06
MARU SUSHI AND RAMEN image 1

Space combines Japanese decor with floral ceilings and a cherry blossom tree at the entrance, creating a cozy, charming atmosphere. Lighting enhances the setting, making it feel warm and romantic, especially on the outdoor terrace. The bar area offers an authentic izakaya vibe with a laid-back, friendly crowd.

Shrimp tempura features prominently in rolls like the Super Dragon Roll and the Avengers-themed sushi, adding a crispy texture. Dessert includes tempura green tea ice cream, a classic choice. Bento boxes come with crispy tempura alongside other sides.

Classic Otay Takoyaki offers a familiar taste that satisfies regularly. Some takoyaki dishes like the Hawaiian and avocado bomb come fresh and flavorful, but the dough can feel donut-like and undercooked at times.

People are saying

"The Japanese Food, especially the bento boxes, had a great variety and large portions."

"The Yellow Volcano Roll's flame-grilled yellowtail was off the charts."

"The Takoyaki dough had a donut-like texture and seemed undercooked."

Good to know

1

The bar is open until midnight for late-night drinks.

2

There is a public parking lot nearby with 90 minutes of free parking.

3

The restaurant is open until 12 midnight, making it ideal for late-night snacks.

07
Shin-Sen-Gumi โ€“ Irvine image 1
Japanese restaurant

Casual dining room offers a cozy atmosphere with a lively sense of community. The place draws ramen enthusiasts with authentic Japanese ramen and a variety of udon options. It maintains a welcoming vibe suitable for families and groups.

Freshly fried tempura comes out crispy and pairs well with udon or as a side dish. The Jumbo Shrimp Tempura stands out as a very good option among the variety offered.

Plump and flavorful takoyaki comes with two small pieces of octopus per bowl. Lunch sets often include takoyaki alongside udon soup or curry udon with chicken katsu.

People are saying

"I loved their curry udon; it wasn't watery."

"I found the takoyaki here to be delicious."

"The tempura here is so freshly fried and crispy."

Good to know

1

Expect a 15-minute wait, but it can extend significantly during busy hours.

2

Parking is easy and convenient at this location.

3

The restaurant is family-friendly, accommodating kids and families comfortably.

08
MAMA KATSU image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with outdoor seating under umbrellas creates a cozy, casual vibe. Late hours attract those seeking generous portions of authentic Korean dishes. Limited indoor space makes it better suited for takeaway or alfresco dining.

Shrimp tempura appears often, served with coleslaw, pickled vegetables, and steamed rice. It comes alongside dishes like gyoza and chicken katsu, adding a crispy texture to the meal.

Takoyaki comes highly recommended alongside the shrimp crunch roll and rose tteokbokki. It stands out as a popular choice among other dishes like spam musubi and chicken katsu.

People are saying

"The Korean food here tastes just like it does in Korea."

"The tempura shrimp here is so good and perfectly cooked."

"You have to try their Takoyaki; it's so good."

Good to know

1

The eatery has very limited outdoor seating, mostly suitable for takeaway.

2

Parking is available at the back of the hotel for to-go orders.

3

The kiosk payment system is convenient for quick transactions.

09
Sake2me AYCE Sushi - Newport Ave image 1

Small sushi restaurant with Japanese-inspired decor creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere with great lighting and music. Seating feels spacious and comfortable, supporting both intimate dinners and group hangouts. Fresh, high-quality sushi and sashimi stand out as key features.

Crunchy tempura offers a tasty, not very oily bite with chewy, bouncy shrimp. It appears in various dishes like bento boxes and all-you-can-eat menus alongside grilled and fried items.

Takoyaki balls serve as a hot, satisfying snack. They stand out as a favorite dish among kids and pair well with other items like salmon sushi and ikura.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fresh with generous portions and a great fish-to-rice ratio."

"The bottomless sushi here is so fresh and generously portioned."

"I really recommend their Takoyaki; it's bursting with freshness."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat price is $32.99 before 3 PM and $37.99 in the evening.

2

Children aged 3-10 can eat for $23.99.

3

Expect a crowded atmosphere, even on weekdays.

10
Gram Cafe & Pancakes Los Angeles image 1

Small cafe with close seating and bright, neat decor creates a cozy, warm atmosphere reminiscent of a Japanese Sakura setting. The space fills quickly, leading to a lively, crowded vibe where conversations blend together. Soft, airy soufflรฉ pancakes stand out as a signature feature, adding to the cafe's distinct charm.

Curries and tempura offer a cozy and comforting experience. The seafood curry includes two pieces each of shrimp tempura, fish tempura, and fried oyster with a good flavor and a hint of spice.

Takoyaki comes out crispy on the outside and soft inside. It pairs well with other appetizers like shrimp croquette.

People are saying

"The Japanese soufflรฉ pancakes are so light and fluffy."

"The crรจme brรปlรฉe soufflรฉ pancake was very tasty and not too sweet."

"I ordered the best takoyaki Iโ€™ve ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of at least an hour during peak hours.

2

Arrive early or after lunch to avoid long waits.

3

Parking is ample and free in a nearby garage.

11
Oniku Premium AYCE BBQ & Shabu Shabu image 1

Space combines electric hot pot and grill tables with robot servers delivering food, creating a modern and clean environment. Atmosphere stays cozy and lively without smoke or noise, suitable for groups or intimate gatherings. A self-serve bar offers a wide variety of fresh vegetables, sauces, and sides for customization.

Fried tempura stands out with its crispy texture and flavor that matches dishes from dedicated restaurants. Options include various types beyond meat, fitting well with the diverse menu.

Takoyaki here is fresh and mild, causing no reaction even for those sensitive to seafood. It stands out among a wide selection of snacks and small bites like chicken karaage and wagyu sliders.

People are saying

"I loved the all-you-can-eat BBQ and hot pot together."

"The takoyaki here is fresh and crispy, part of a great snack selection."

"The seafood tempura here is surprisingly high quality, especially the abalone."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat combo costs $53.95, offering excellent value.

2

Lunch specials are available Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

3

Free parking is available at the entrance for convenience.

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