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Cool Japanese food

Made for those who curate their Japanese dining experiences based on the aesthetic and social energy of the space as much as the menu.

Based on 776 Opinions
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01
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Small space with countertop seating and modern decor creates a comfortable setting. Fusion of Mexican and Japanese cuisine offers unique sushi with surprising twists like hamachi with chocolate. Outdoor patio buzzes with lively energy and local art adds an artsy vibe.

Sushi features unique twists like hamachi with Oaxacan chocolate and offers amazing sashimi. Vegan sushi and ice cream stand out as notable options.

Exceptional service and a cool vibe set the tone. Local art adds a unique touch to the ambiance.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is stunning and delicious."

"It's got this cool, artsy vibe with great food."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly.

2

The restaurant is on the pricier side, so budget accordingly.

3

Expect limited indoor seating, which may not accommodate large groups.

02
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Modern, minimalist design creates an upscale Westside vibe with spacious seating that sometimes feels crowded. Atmosphere ranges from calm and cozy to extremely loud, especially during busy times. Consistent quality and hand roll sushi define the dining experience.

Rock shrimp tempura stands out with its incredible crispiness and seasoning of house spicy mayo and Shichimi Togarashi. Sushi features consistent quality and includes the Yunomi Special with spicy albacore, shrimp tempura, crunch, and truffle soy.

Staff show attentive friendliness that stands out. The spot has a cool vibe that feels welcoming and relaxed.

People are saying

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

"I found this spot to be really cool."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect to join a waitlist during peak hours.

2

The restaurant does not provide change for cash payments, which can be inconvenient.

3

Yunomi Handroll is popular and often full by 7 PM on weekdays.

03
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Sleek design and minimalistic branding create an upscale and inviting atmosphere with perfect lighting and beautiful wall art. Spacious interior suits families, large parties, or intimate dinners with a calm, non-flashy vibe. Sake cocktails and exceptional hand rolls stand out alongside fusion dishes and quality grill options.

Handrolls feature crispy nori and perfectly seasoned rice with sashimi that melts in your mouth. Yakitori options include chicken thigh and green onion. Lobster dashi pasta stands out as a notable dish.

The space has a cool, relaxed vibe with stylish decor that suits sushi lovers. It delivers a high-quality, satisfying meal in a setting that feels fresh and inviting.

People are saying

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

"The hand rolls here are so cool, with crisp seaweed and fresh fish."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 5:00-6:30pm with special menu items.

2

Parking is free for two hours with validation from the restaurant.

3

Validated parking is available on E 3rd St and Aliso parking.

04
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Clean, minimalist design with natural light creates a bright and inviting space. Atmosphere feels trendy and cozy, balancing relaxed vibes with a vibrant energy. Music adds to the experience, while seating options include private tables and a bar for varied dining moods.

Fresh ramen stands out with a creamy broth and spicy oil option. Sukiyaki, wagyu, angus, and rib eye offer solid meat choices for shabu shabu.

Atmosphere feels cool and relaxed with a really cool concept. Sitting at the bar adds to the variety of options and overall vibe.

People are saying

"The Japanese food service here is attentive and makes you feel taken care of."

"This place is a great spot for date night."

Good to know

1

The portions are generous, so come hungry.

2

Parking is easy during lunch hours.

3

You can take home leftover broth and veggies as a to-go soup.

05
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Industrial-Japanese design combines with bright yellow noren curtains and a railroad-style layout featuring communal tables and booths. Atmosphere stays warm and cozy with good music playing, creating a quietly confident vibe. Seating includes high bar stools and booths, making it feel like a casual spot focused on gyoza.

Gyoza here have a crisp exterior and a moist filling with multiple flavors cooked in different ways. Bento boxes come with fresh rice, solid miso soup, and tasty sides, making the menu focused and authentic.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the gyoza, is perfectly crisp and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5 PM to 7 PM on weekdays with great deals on gyoza.

2

Parking can be challenging, but public parking is usually available nearby.

3

Dine-in service is now allowed, providing a comfortable atmosphere.

06
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Replica shrine gate and tiny, traditional interior create a welcoming, lively atmosphere that fills up quickly and can feel cramped. The place balances pleasant conversation with bursts of energy, especially on busy nights. It offers a cool, authentic vibe distinct from more modern or chic izakayas.

Fresh sushi features authentic toro at 7 dollars per piece and impresses with amazing shapes and flavors. The menu includes green tea tempura and ice cream tempura desserts, plus gyoza that matches sushi quality.

Lively atmosphere keeps the energy up for an hour or two. Prices stay low while the fish features nontraditional pepper that adds a unique twist.

People are saying

"The sushi here is some of the freshest and best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly.

2

Parking is available in a paid lot behind the building.

3

Expect a wait during busy nights; arriving early is advised.

07
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Compact space balances spacious seating with a modern Yakiniku vibe and steampunk decor. Atmosphere stays fun and energetic without overwhelming noise or smoke. Self-serve unlimited drinks and ice cream add a unique touch to the lively dining experience.

Offers a wide selection of high quality cuts of meat, top quality sushi, and carpaccio. The variety covers both sushi and meat options well.

Knowledgeable and friendly service stands out, especially from servers like Troy. The atmosphere feels comforting and cool, paired with great food and attentive service.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the wagyu sushi, was rich and juicy."

"The food here is amazing and melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, particularly for dinner.

3

There's a pay-to-park lot right next door for $15.

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Small, cozy space with Showa-era decor and a nostalgic Japanese atmosphere. Quiet and pleasant vibe enhanced by a robot server delivering food. Affordable prices complement an authentic cultural experience.

Ramen here stands out with authentic broths like tonkotsu and miso, each served with rich toppings such as thick pork slices and boiled eggs. Options include vegan vegetarian ramen and Japanese-style Chinese dishes, all delivering a taste close to what you'd find in Japan.

A cat robot serves food, adding a unique and exciting touch. The space feels cramped but in a way that adds character.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, was delicious and well prepared."

"I loved their ramen and katsu."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2 pm to 6 pm every day.

2

The prices are very affordable, especially considering the high quality.

3

Street parking is available nearby, but can be tricky to find.

09
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Traditional Japanese architecture with wooden interiors and a back patio featuring a koi pond creates a cozy, authentic atmosphere. The space suits relaxed dining and small groups, with lively energy during celebrations. Tables sit close together, balancing intimacy with a bustling vibe.

Sushi here features clean cuts and creative rolls with consistent quality. Meals often include a side of miso soup that adds a soothing touch to the experience.

An old school cool sushi vibe sets the tone here. Private rooms add a unique atmosphere that feels pretty cool.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is great, with attentive and welcoming service."

"You have to try the rolls; they're beautiful and yummy."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $8, but the lot is small.

2

Arriving early is advised to secure a good parking spot.

3

The restaurant has been at this location since 1975.

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Intimate Japanese izakaya with cozy atmosphere and refined design featuring heated patio and creative cocktail presentation. Lighting and lively soundtrack create an electric vibe that blends fun with attention to detail. Signature drinks come in animal-shaped mugs, adding a playful touch to the experience.

Izakaya-style dishes mix with an LA twist, featuring pressed sushi with torch-seared fish and bright green wasabi cream. Unique menu items like ozisushi, katsu, and a cold noodle egg dish stand out alongside spicy tuna hand rolls and yakisoba.

An intimate, cozy Japanese izakaya offers a cool vibe with great service. The dessert presentation features shovel spoons, adding a unique touch to the Pandan Coconut Vanilla.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the scallop crudo and pressed sushi, is amazing."

"It's a cool spot with a vibrant, energetic vibe."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dinner service, especially for peak hours.

2

A 4% service charge is added to all bills for operational costs.

3

Street parking is the only option available, and it can be difficult to find.

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Japanese restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere with live music and a curved bar top for cocktail service. The space feels classy and meticulously maintained, blending trendy lighting with engaging energy. Cocktails feature Japanese whiskeys and sake, complementing fresh sushi and unique vegan options.

Fresh sushi stands out with top nigiri and sashimis selections. The menu includes spicy garlic edamame, soul roll, and a miso black cod entree that complement the exceptional miso soup.

Space carries a modern, grown-up energy that feels quietly cool and stylish without effort. It balances an organic, authentic vibe with intimacy and liveliness.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here has a lively, fun atmosphere."

"Jaco makes the vibe so cool with his hospitality and attention to detail."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available every day, including weekends, from 4-6 PM.

2

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to all bills without prior notice.

3

Credit card payments incur an additional 3% fee.

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Small bar with 12 seats offers an intimate, stylish atmosphere featuring samurai movies and EDM music. The vibe blends chill energy with a unique Tokyo-inspired feel. Limited seating creates a cozy, connected space often busy enough to require waiting.

Gyoza here are crispy on the outside and juicy with broth inside, similar to soup dumplings. Options include vegan, pork, and chicken gyoza, all handmade and flavorful, alongside other dishes like spicy tuna rice and pork bowls.

A speakeasy-style bar creates a very cool atmosphere with minimalist yet warm decor and laid-back energy. The tsukemen noodles are cool and firm, and the staff maintain a chill vibe throughout.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the gyoza, is crispy, juicy, and flavorful."

"The gyoza here are handmade, crispy, and so flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to sit at the main tables.

2

Expect a 30-40 minute wait for a table on weekend nights.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, accommodating only 13 guests.

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Small, modern ramen restaurant offers a cozy interior with atmospheric backyard patio featuring lights and heaters. The vibe is lively and traditional, supported by a great playlist and Naruto-themed decor. It attracts groups of friends and those seeking authentic tsukemen in a fresh, urban setting.

Tonkotsu ramen stands out with a superb, authentic flavor that closely matches ramen found in Japan. The menu features excellent traditional ramen and dipping tsukemen, all priced reasonably around $16.

Cool vibe comes from the awesome service and warm noodles that keep the broth hot. The spot has a fresh ambiance that fits well for a hot day with dishes like taukenmen.

People are saying

"The ramen here is thick, chewy, and perfectly placed."

"The ramen here is so cool, with rich, flavorful broth."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu is available from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

No wait for tables around 1-2pm during my visit.

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Conveyor belt sushi moves through a spacious dining area with robot servers delivering drinks and orders. The atmosphere feels lively and colorful without being too loud. Sushi selections are fresh and high quality, creating an engaging and modern dining experience.

Sushi comes on a conveyor belt with a robot delivering drinks, making the meal fun and interactive. The sushi tastes fresh and delicious, offering a fast and innovative dining experience.

A revolving sushi bar with delicious sushi creates a unique dining experience. An app with a rewards program adds a modern, interactive touch.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is fun and affordable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times during peak hours.

2

Expect wait times of over an hour during busy dinner hours.

3

The restaurant charges by the plate, so be mindful of your selections.

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Compact, minimalist space with high bar-style seating and a modern yet traditional design creates a cozy, stylish atmosphere. The setting feels homey and inviting despite limited staff movement and tight seating arrangements. Fresh ingredients and simple presentation define the dining experience.

Shabu Shabu features a kombu broth with fresh vegetables and quality beef. The ponzu dipping sauce with shredded radishes complements the meal. Sushi is affordable and pairs well with sake or matcha boba.

The spot has a cool atmosphere that feels inviting and calming. Seating includes unique cool seats with less cushioning.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the beef, is so fresh and tender."

"I thought the atmosphere inside was really cool and calming."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers free validated parking for a specific lot.

2

Expect a clean and tidy dining environment during your visit.

3

The ordering process is straightforward and user-friendly.

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Japanese restaurant offers a beautiful space with calm, peaceful vibe suited for intimate dining. Loud 90s music and low lighting create a lively yet dim atmosphere. Bar seating provides views of kitchen prep and creative Japanese dishes stand out alongside interesting cocktails inspired by Japanese whiskey.

Yakitori skewers come out hot with an irresistible grilled aroma. Bone marrow with grilled mochi and shiso vinegar offers a rich, salty flavor balanced by tangy vinegar. Meat dishes include fresh grated wasabi, a rare find outside high-end spots.

Vibes mix modern izakaya style with a kushiyaki focus and a projector showing movies. Staff stay friendly and the drinks menu stays solid.

People are saying

"The yakitori skewers are perfectly grilled and packed with smoky flavor."

"I left HATCH still a little hungry."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

Parking validation is available to avoid extra charges.

3

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 pm with $10 Japanese highballs.

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Spacious grocery store with late night hours and wide product selection including a fresh sushi bar and excellent deli. The atmosphere is busy with consistent traffic and ample parking, though some price tags can be incorrect. Cleanliness and accessibility are notable features.

A freshly prepared sushi bar offers a variety of sushi options. The sushi stands out as the main positive feature in the Japanese food selection.

Fresh food tastes cool and well-prepared. Everyone inside has a cool vibe.

People are saying

"I can't believe they don't take cash for Japanese food."

Good to know

1

Ralphs is open until 1am, making it convenient for late-night shopping.

2

Handicap parking is available right outside the store entrance.

3

The deli selection is excellent, offering a variety of fresh options.

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Underground Japanese restaurant with aquarium ceiling creates a relaxed, elegant vibe. Live music and DJs add vibrant energy without overpowering conversation. Unique menu and decor offer a distinct dining experience.

Ramen stands out with its rich flavor. Sushi includes barracuda sashimi that tastes like a mix of eel and yellowtail, plus fresh uni sashimi served with ginger and wasabi.

Saltwater aquariums cover the ceiling and walls, creating a unique ceiling fish tank experience. The underground space features a great atmosphere with Japanese artwork and a DJ adding to the cool ambiance.

People are saying

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

"The food here is amazing, especially the Miso Cod."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially during peak hours.

2

Valet parking costs $17.57 before tip, with no street parking available.

3

Happy hour runs from 5 to 6:30 pm with discounted sushi options.

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Setup resembles Chipotle-style assembly with vibrant wall murals featuring Kobe Bryant and Tupac. Atmosphere feels upbeat and welcoming, combining cleanliness with an artistic design. Crowd enjoys fresh poke bowls and unique items like hot Cheeto seaweed burritos and wonton tacos.

Super fresh sushi-grade fish forms the base for sushi and poke bowls here. The menu includes sushi burritos and poke tacos, along with a well-rated miso soup.

Adding hot Cheeto dust to dishes stands out. Walls feature murals of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and Tupac. Staff have a cool vibe.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, it's like melt-in-your-mouth."

Good to know

1

PokiTomik offers a variety of poke options, including customizable bowls.

2

The large bowl is sufficient for multiple meals, making it a good value.

3

PokiTomik has a small parking lot, which may fill up quickly.

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Japanese restaurant offers a spacious outdoor patio and live music duo that create a chill, classy atmosphere. The space features beautiful decor and a cool vibe with pleasant music, though volume varies. It suits both dates and groups, with fresh sushi and an excellent sake collection.

Freshly made sushi offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience with high quality and excellent sashimi selections. The menu includes delicious gyoza and a happy hour that provides unbeatable prices.

The spot has a cool vibe that stands out. Wasabi placed between fish and rice without notice feels less cool.

People are saying

"The sushi here is fresh and flavorful; it's amazing."

"The vibe and music here are really cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5 PM to 7 PM every day.

2

Late-night happy hour is from 10 PM to 2 AM.

3

They offer a buy 1 get 1 special starting at 5 PM daily.

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High vaulted ceilings and modern Japandi styling create a bright, clean interior with an open kitchen that showcases chefs at work. The atmosphere feels Zen and refined, blending calmness with a romantic, sensual vibe. Staff wear matching white uniforms, adding an orderly, institutional touch to the unique and elevated space.

Freshly grated wasabi and sashimi from local fishermen who use ikejime and dry aging create varied textures and outstanding freshness. Dishes like the beef Katsu with porcini mushroom butter and plant-based Monk's Chirashi-Sushi highlight a Japanese-inspired menu with unique flavors.

Service feels relaxed but attentive with knowledgeable staff. Watching chefs cook and spotting the big tuna fish in the back fridge adds a cool visual element.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and artfully crafted."

"The fish here is buttery and incredibly fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

2

The restaurant serves sushi only during lunch hours.

3

Expect high prices with a Prix Fixe menu available.

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Restaurant offers an immersive One Piece theme with character-themed decor and staff in costume creating a lively, fan-focused atmosphere. Space is small and cozy with limited seating and photo spots throughout. Merchandise and themed food add to the engaging experience.

Generous portions of chicken katsu curry stand out with a spicy version that has a great crunch and flavor. The menu includes solid options like tonkatsu on curry and sandwich, yakisoba, and onigiri, all served warm and tasty.

The cafe features a themed interior that offers great photo opportunities. Merchandise includes a few shirts and a tote bag, plus gum gum fruit pins and keychains.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazing, like stepping onto the Thousand Sunny!"

"The themed decor and staff gear make this place really cool."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted for groups, so arrive early.

2

The cafe has limited seating, often leading to long wait times.

3

Payment is card-only; cash is not accepted.

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