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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Buena Park

Japanese lunch spots

A Japanese lunch that feels like a deliberate midday pause rather than a rushed desk meal.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated May 2026
01
Kobe Gyukatsu image 1
Kobe Gyukatsu image 2
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Restaurant

Small interior with cozy ambiance and candle grills at each table creates a casual dining experience. Background music is limited, contributing to a chill but unremarkable vibe. Tablets at tables enable quick ordering without waitstaff, supporting a relaxed pace.

Offers a culinary journey through Japanese cuisine beyond sushi and sashimi. Highlights include gyukatsu, curry cream udon, and Kobe beef with sides that provide generous portions.

Lunch features special bowls priced between 14 and 20 dollars. Each bowl includes miso soup and offers very good quality ingredients.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the katsu, is crispy and delicious."

"The creamy curry udon was a satisfying meal."

"The gyukatsu beef at this Lunch Spot is juicy, tender, and melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough; street parking is available if the lot is full.

2

Each table has a tablet for ordering, allowing for quick service.

3

The restaurant adds a 20% tip to the bill for groups larger than 4.

02
Jincook image 1
Korean restaurant

Interior resembles a Korean movie set with traditional dolls and a thatched cottage roof decoration. Atmosphere feels cozy and immersive, evoking dining in Seoul with homely lighting and cute decor. Small space divides into two parts, creating an intimate setting for friends and family.

Crispy pork and chicken katsu come with tender meat and often feature fillings like jalapeno cheese or sweet potato mash. Dishes bubble in hot stone pots with Japanese curry and rice, offering a rich, spicy experience with melted cheese and well-balanced textures.

Lunch draws a crowd on weekends, making the spot busy. No lunch specials are offered. The menu suits both lunch and dinner well.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, comforting, and really, really good."

"The Japanese food here, especially the katsu, was incredible."

"You have to try the braised beef short rib at this Lunch Spot; it's so tender!"

Good to know

1

Jincook does not accept reservations, so expect a 40-60 minute wait.

2

The restaurant is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

All parties need to be present before seating.

03
Izakaya Ichie image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Space blends modern sushi bar with classic izakaya vibe featuring cozy, intimate atmosphere and R&B music that sets a relaxed mood. Guests use magical girl wands to call servers, adding a playful touch. The spot suits casual dates and late-night hangouts with fresh sashimi and a wide sake variety.

Uni udon and Mentaiko Cream Udon stand out with rich flavors and fresh noodles. The menu features fresh sashimi, sushi omakase boxes, and quality yakitori, all served with friendly service in a cozy setting.

Consistent quality, service, and atmosphere make it a solid choice for lunch. It works well for casual meals with friends, especially on Sundays near opening time.

People are saying

"The service at these dinner spots is so kind and attentive."

"The Japanese Food here, especially the mentaiko udon, is so rich and creamy."

"The gyoza at this Lunch Spot is probably my favorite dish."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted prices on drinks and appetizers.

2

Parking is available at the Source Mall on the 1st floor, at the back.

3

No reservation is needed since there's plenty of space.

04
Ki Sushi and Sake Bar image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers an intimate and comfortable atmosphere with quiet conversations and a lively yet relaxed vibe. Bar area showcases masters at work, adding to the engaging experience. TVs broadcast sports, blending casual elements with a romantic setting suitable for couples and families alike.

Fresh fish shines in both sashimi and nigiri, showing high quality. The menu blends traditional and creative rolls, like the Citrus Albacore with shrimp tempura and spicy citrus sauce. Sake selection is wide and pairs well with the sushi. Crispy, tender chicken katsu offers great portion size and value.

Lunch features a good bento box with a variety of items. The spot suits casual meals with family or friends.

People are saying

"The food here is high quality, fresh, and delicious."

"The Sake here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The sushi and rolls here are so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging due to the busy shopping mall location.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality of sushi offered.

3

Expect a wait of over 20 minutes for larger groups during busy times.

05
K SOUL FOOD image 1
Korean restaurant

Outdoor seating beneath a vibrant red canopy creates a cozy Korean street food vibe reminiscent of a pojangmacha. Inside seating is small and minimal, offering an authentic, no-frills atmosphere. Fish tanks with live seafood highlight a focus on freshness that complements the overall experience.

Sashimi stands out with its freshness and generous portions of fish. The combo sets include vibrant sashimi and hearty soup, while ramen and topokki add variety to the menu.

Offers a quick lunch option with Korean dishes suitable for casual meals with friends.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and amazing."

"I've eaten the popcorn chicken teokbokki and Korean fried chicken rice cake endlessly since 2020."

"The Korean BBQ Bulgogi is an 8 out of 10 for a great Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of The Source OC plaza, with ample parking available.

2

K SOUL FOOD offers outdoor seating, providing a pleasant dining option.

3

Expect to pay extra for additional bowls of rice, which cost $1 each.

06
Aburi Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Modern design combines with spacious seating and outdoor tables to create an airy environment. Music plays at a moderate volume, supporting relaxed conversation in a family-friendly setting. Ordering happens via iPad tablets, adding convenience to the dining experience.

All-you-can-eat sushi features fresh fish with a great fish-to-rice ratio and generous portion sizes. The menu includes exclusive items like uni, ikura, and salmon belly, plus standout eel sushi and rolls.

All-you-can-eat lunch offers fast, attentive service with a $32.99 price that includes an option to add sashimi and exclusive items like uni, ikura, and salmon belly for an extra $10.

People are saying

"I thought the seafood here was excellent and fresh."

"The Japanese food here is amazing, especially the fresh fish."

"The all-you-can-eat sushi lunch deal here is quite the deal."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat dinner is available all day on weekends, including one piece of carpaccio per person.

2

Happy hour features reasonably priced drinks, making it a good time to visit.

3

Reservations are not accepted, and you cannot wait at the bar for a table.

07
Venice Beach image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers spacious seating with high ceilings that create an open and airy vibe. Atmosphere stays clean and quiet, making it comfortable for groups. Fresh seafood options like sashimi and live octopus stand out as key features.

Seafood options include sashimi, octopus, sea urchin, and sweet shrimp, with the sashimi rice bowl noted for its exceptional freshness. The $139 sashimi combo for two comes with a variety of sides and features crab meat and sushi.

Lunch specials offer affordable pricing around $19.99 and include options like a raw fish rice bowl. Specials apply to dinner hours, providing better value for meals.

People are saying

"The sashimi rice bowl was exceptionally fresh."

"The roe soup at this Lunch Spot is surprisingly full of ingredients."

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

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials offer great prices on dishes like grilled eel.

2

Public parking lots at Venice Beach cost $10 a day.

3

Free parking is available in the structure by The Source.

08
Gangnam Station Korean BBQ - Buena Park image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious, modern interior with self-serve meat and salad bars creates an interactive dining experience. Lively atmosphere with loud music and a diverse crowd fills the clean, well-ventilated space. Tables feature built-in grills for cooking fresh, well-seasoned meats quickly and efficiently.

Teriyaki chicken stands out with rich flavor. The miso soup hits the right note. Meals often end with a warm bowl of ramen soup.

Weekday lunch offers a $25 special with a solid selection of meats from both buffet and kitchen. Service stays outstanding even during busy hours.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best Korean BBQ in town."

"The meats at this Lunch Spot had perfect fat ratios and were seasoned just right."

"The Japanese food here, especially the thinly sliced brisket and wagyu, is amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday until 4 pm with a $24.99 all-you-can-eat deal.

2

A minimum of 2 adults is required to sit down for AYCE dining.

3

There is a 2-hour time limit for all-you-can-eat orders.

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Buena Park, California

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