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Local picks

Japanese food spots in Downtown, Glendale

Japanese food that respects the craft of the kitchen without requiring a reservation months in advance.

Based on 801 Opinions
+798
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Updated May 2026
01
Joon Shabu Shabu image 1
Joon Shabu Shabu image 2
Joon Shabu Shabu image 3
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Shabu-shabu restaurant

Asian hot pot setup combines high and low bar seating with a cozy, chill vibe and a slightly cluttered atmosphere. Plenty of seating accommodates groups, though the layout limits conversation to smaller parties. Tender, thinly sliced beef and house-made sauces highlight the interactive dining experience.

Food comes fresh and tasty with generous portions. The dining process feels like having a personal culinary coach, making the experience confident and exciting.

Shabu shabu here features Angus Beef, house-made ponzu sauce, and a unique hibachi-style soup creation. The team is warm and professional, making the dining experience simple and uplifting.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The staff here are so friendly and patient with the soup."

"The Japanese food service here is so attentive and friendly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from noon to 7 PM every day for beers and sake.

2

Free parking is available behind the restaurant, but it is limited.

3

The standard dinner portion costs $37, with additional add-ons ranging from $10 to $30.

02
Marugame Udon image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Small udon noodle restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a warm, inviting vibe and a Japanese aesthetic inside a mall setting. Self-service stations speed up dining, and a tempura buffet adds variety. The place stays uncrowded, creating a relaxed experience despite a sometimes rushed pace.

Food here is consistently delicious and almost perfect in quality. Portions offer great value, and the service matches the fantastic food experience.

Freshly made udon noodles stand out with their chewy texture and soft, tasty quality. Rich broths like the Curry Udon and dashi beef add deep flavor, complemented by crunchy tempura on the side.

People are saying

"The udon noodles are perfectly chewy and the broth is rich."

"I found the food here to be tasty and yummy."

"The Japanese food here has fresh, chewy udon noodles and a flavorful broth."

Good to know

1

Parking is free in the Galleria Mall structure.

2

Expect a line during peak hours, especially for dinner.

3

The seating area is small, so arrive early to secure a spot.

03
Jincook image 1
Korean restaurant

Interior resembles a traditional Korean street market with wooden street stall elements and artistic decor. Atmosphere feels warm and cozy with Korean music enhancing the experience. The vibe suits casual outings and gatherings, reflecting a classic Seoul spot.

Food here is authentic Korean comfort with generous portions. Service matches the quality, making meals consistently amazing and satisfying.

Large hot stone plates serve dishes like curry katsu with big portions. The chicken katsu is juicy and well breaded, paired with piping hot curry that goes well with rice.

People are saying

"The Korean food, especially the galbi and bulgogi, was delicious."

"I found the food here to be amazing and authentic."

"The Japanese food, especially the katsu, is surprisingly gigantic."

Good to know

1

There is paid parking behind the restaurant and on surrounding streets.

2

Public parking lot behind the restaurant requires payment even after 7 p.m.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

04
Seabutter - Glendale image 1
Sushi restaurant

Bright, modern space with a skylight creates a calm and inviting atmosphere. Fresh, high-quality sushi features unique rolls and rare offerings like Uni-Shooter. Prices lean higher, reflecting the focus on premium ingredients and careful presentation.

Food features fresh fish and new dishes with bursting flavors. Quality stays high and dishes come perfectly cooked.

Sushi here features fresh fish with excellent Nigiri, Sashimi, and Handrolls. The sushi chefs are kind and diligent, delivering a basically perfect sushi experience with top-notch service.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is incredibly fresh and buttery."

"The seafood here, especially the crab rolls, is melt-in-your-mouth amazing."

"The food here is amazing with fabulous flavors."

Good to know

1

Seabutter offers Omakase for $40, featuring 7 pieces of nigiri.

2

There is no dessert on the menu, but tempura ice cream is available upon request.

3

Delivery deals are sometimes offered, making it a convenient option.

05
Cavi Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, intimate sushi restaurant with cozy atmosphere and modern Japanese decor featuring sake and shochu displays. The vibe is warm and inviting with low noise levels that allow easy conversation. Known for exceptionally fresh fish and creative sushi rolls with minimal rice and sauce.

Food features excellent quality and beautiful presentation. Menu includes appetizers, salads, miso soup, sashimi, Nigerian dishes, hand rolls, and cut rolls.

Sushi here stands out for its extreme freshness and creative rolls. The menu offers a wide variety including sashimi, hand rolls, and baked salmon, all served with attentive service.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh, it melts in your mouth."

"The food here is so fresh, delicate, and beautifully prepared."

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant is small, so expect potential wait times during peak hours.

3

Cavi Sushi offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

06
PokiTomik image 1
Restaurant

Casual restaurant with a clean, neat setup and a welcoming atmosphere. Known for poke burritos and generous portions, it offers unique sauces like spicy mayo and habanero. Regular deals make the food affordable despite some premium topping charges.

Food features excellent quality and good ingredients. Staff handle allergy adjustments well and provide friendly, prepared service.

Fresh, customizable poke bowls feature tofu protein and good fish. Sushi burritos stand out with wasabi cream, habanero dressing, and garlic sauce.

People are saying

"The poke here is so fresh and delicious."

"The food here is always fresh and full of flavor."

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

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $23 for a DIY bowl and a drink.

2

They charge $1.75 for a quarter of an avocado.

3

A small poke bowl includes three toppings.

07
Kopan Sushi & Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small booths with Japanese curtain flaps create a private, intimate atmosphere that feels authentic. Energetic kitchen commands add a lively, engaging vibe while low lighting and cozy seating keep the mood chill and relaxed. Interior blends traditional Japanese style with American and Korean influences, making the space visually distinctive.

Great service and amazing food create a satisfying dining experience. The atmosphere feels relaxing and comforting.

Broth stands out with its creamy, flavorful taste and a rich meat base. The menu features Golden Salmon Roll, beef bulgogi bento, and chicken katsu bento alongside excellent sashimi and very good ramen.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so delicious and filling."

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

"The ramen broth is rich and flavorful, and the noodles are perfectly tender."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a happy hour with roll promotions on weekdays.

2

The vegan ramen contains egg, which may cause allergic reactions.

3

Street parking is available around the area.

08
California Poke House image 1

Poke bar offers a clean, well-kept space with an amazing atmosphere. It features a great selection of ingredients and free toppings, including unique sauces like wasabi soy and sriracha aioli. The vibe is calm and quiet, often empty, making it a good spot for a relaxed meal.

Food comes fresh and nicely prepared with great flavor. Bowls arrive in the same container, and the regular bowl offers slightly more food than the large one, which is not worth the extra cost.

Poke bowls feature super fresh seafood and a variety of toppings like jalapenos, bamboo shoots, and seaweed salad. Sauces include wasabi soy and sriracha aioli, adding bold flavors to the dishes.

People are saying

"I thought the poke here was delicious and superb."

"The Japanese food here is super fresh tasting and delicious."

"The food here was awesome and nicely prepared."

Good to know

1

The large bowl includes 5 scoops of protein, while the regular has 3 scoops.

2

Both bowls arrived in the same container, with the regular bowl containing slightly more food.

3

They offer a ton of toppings for free.

09
Sasabune Glendale image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi restaurant offers a calm, relaxed vibe with a tucked-away, unassuming setting. Guests experience high-end omakase with fresh, globally sourced fish and perfectly prepared rice. Atmosphere feels like a quiet spot for sushi enthusiasts seeking traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Fresh fish and ingredients stand out with authentic flavors. The food consistently delivers a top-notch dining experience that rivals Michelin star omakase.

Sushi and sashimi come with high quality and precise preparation. The traditional edomae omakase offers a balanced mix of flavors and textures in an intimate setting.

People are saying

"The omakase here is an extraordinary, unforgettable adventure."

"The omakase Japanese food here is an extraordinary, unfolding story of flavors."

"The omakase food here is an extraordinary, unfolding story of flavors."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required and cannot be canceled without losing the deposit.

2

Dining at Sasabune may cost around $100 or more per person.

3

Parking is validated for customers dining at the restaurant.

10
Katsu Bar image 1
Restaurant

Open, clean space with ample seating and casual, welcoming atmosphere. Music selection adds to the vibe while food arrives hot and fresh from kiosk ordering. Menu features crispy katsu dishes and affordable portions with a focus on fresh ingredients.

Food features clean taste and generous portions. Dishes like chicken katsu curry come out hot, fresh, and quickly with a mild spice level suitable for many.

Chicken katsu stands out with its crispy, fresh, and flavorful texture, while the beef katsu offers a tender, burger patty style bite. The shrimp katsu tempura features tender shrimp with a crunchy exterior and pairs well with a mayo dipping sauce.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is super tasty with generous portions."

"I thought the chicken katsu here was the best I had ever tasted."

"The food here is super tasty with generous portions."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of about 10-15 minutes during peak hours.

2

The menu features a variety of Asian dishes, including katsu, sushi, and poke.

3

Weekday specials are available, offering good deals on select items.

11
Kumadori image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a clean, modern, and relaxed atmosphere with a chic and cozy vibe. Guests enjoy super fresh sushi and high-quality fish with flavorful specialty rolls. Private rooms accommodate larger groups, enhancing the dining experience.

Food comes out very fresh and full of flavor every time. Service matches the quality, making the whole experience amazing.

Sushi features insanely fresh fish with rich flavor and elite presentation. High-quality ingredients make it a standout for Japanese food, though prices lean higher.

People are saying

"The sushi here is insanely fresh and flavorful."

"The food here is super fresh and full of flavor."

"The Japanese food here is insanely fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available, but prices are similar to regular menu items.

2

Free parking is available for the first 90 minutes nearby.

3

Expect to pay around $70 for a meal for one, including tip.

12
Octopus Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Spacious interior combines with a cozy, inviting atmosphere featuring traditional touches that balance authenticity and comfort. Energy stays casual and fun, with a focus on quality ingredients and impeccable hygiene standards evident in dish presentation and preparation.

Food features authentic Japanese cuisine with delicious sushi options. Quality is consistently high and reasonably priced.

Fresh, perfectly prepared sushi and rolls offer excellent value during happy hour. Hot dishes like ramen and tempura deliver rich, comforting flavors, with an option to add spice that enhances the pork broth.

People are saying

"I found the Japanese food, especially the sushi, to be fresh and delicious."

"I enjoyed the great food and drinks during happy hour."

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and outstanding."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2-5pm and after 8pm until close.

2

Validated parking is available across the street from the restaurant.

3

The restaurant offers a lunch special that is very reasonable.

13
Zono Sushi - Glendale image 1
Sushi restaurant

Quiet, clean, and spacious sushi restaurant with a peaceful covered patio and pleasant atmosphere. Offers a variety of fresh sushi rolls and original menu options without rice or mayonnaise. Popular spot for relaxed meals with friends or family in a cozy courtyard setting.

Food comes fresh and beautifully presented with consistent quality. The atmosphere stays pleasantly quiet, making meals relaxing and enjoyable.

Freshness stands out with every sushi roll served. Competitive pricing pairs well with surprisingly good Bento boxes and a quiet, welcoming atmosphere for sushi lovers.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"The Japanese Food here is served by the friendliest, most attentive staff."

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is metered street parking available nearby.

2

A few public parking lots are around the restaurant.

3

They offer a great BOGO 50% off roll deal.

14
Teriyaki Me! image 1
Asian restaurant

Small Asian restaurant offers casual vibe and quick service with seating for about 20. Generous portions come with well-priced bowls featuring grilled beef and chicken skewers. The space stays organized and straightforward, focusing on solid teriyaki dishes without frills.

Food here is consistently fresh with on point sauces. Dishes come out delicious and very tasty despite the small setting.

Freshly made teriyaki bowls come with generous portions and extra sauce on request. The menu includes shrimp teriyaki, beef options, and sides like shumai and vegetable tempura, all served with quick, friendly service.

People are saying

"The teriyaki here is grilled with an out-of-this-world delicious flavor."

"The Japanese food here, especially the teriyaki bowls, is delicious and filling."

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is available via street metered parking.

2

Parking may be difficult in the evenings or weekends due to nearby shopping.

3

The beef teriyaki bowl costs less than $10.

15
Crazy Rock'n Sushi - Glendale image 1

Japanese restaurant offers a cozy, dusky atmosphere with stylish, authentic decor that feels like Japan. Lighting stays low, creating a warm, romantic vibe suited for intimate gatherings. Small private areas accommodate groups, enhancing the welcoming, elegant setting.

Freshness stands out with a large selection of great sushi and other dishes. The food tastes consistently delicious and pairs well with excellent service.

Fresh sushi arrives with beautiful presentation and a large selection of options. The sushi offers good value with consistently yummy and fresh flavors.

People are saying

"I considered the sushi here my favorite Japanese food."

"The sushi here is so fresh, it's a perfect Date Spot."

"The food here is so delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at a structure that is free for 90 minutes.

2

Expect a service fee for parties larger than 5 people.

3

The dining environment can be very cold due to an open door.

16
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar image 1
Conveyor belt sushi restaurant

Conveyor belt sushi restaurant features robotic drink delivery and a revolving sushi conveyor that creates an engaging, tech-driven dining experience. Atmosphere balances casual and upscale vibes with lively energy and anime-themed decor. The setup suits both intimate dinners and group outings, offering a fun, interactive meal.

Delicious sushi arrives on a revolving conveyor, offering a unique dining experience with affordable prices. The food stays consistently excellent and fresh throughout the meal.

Sushi arrives on a conveyor belt, creating a unique dining experience. The sushi offers good value with reasonable prices and solid quality.

People are saying

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

"The robot servers delivering drinks were such a fun activity!"

"The food here is delicious and reasonably priced."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to minimize wait times, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during busy dinner hours.

3

The restaurant accepts credit cards and mobile payments, but cash is preferred for some items.

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Downtown, Glendale

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