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Sake and tempura

Tempura that stays crisp alongside the sake, rather than turning soggy before the first glass is finished.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
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Japanese restaurant

Small, narrow space with dim, warm lighting and wooden accents creates a welcoming, relaxed vibe. Cramped seating encourages close conversation but can be loud and busy. Extensive sake selection pairs with authentic Japanese dishes in a casual, lively setting.

Sake offerings include plum sake and a unique banana sake. The selection is consistently described as amazing and pairs well with food.

Scallop and eggplant stand out among the tempura options. Seasonal tempura changes regularly, offering variety alongside dishes like snap pea gomae and chicken meatballs.

People are saying

"I loved their amazing and diverse sake selection."

"The fried fish sandwich was a 12 out of 10."

"The Tempura here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for groups larger than six due to limited seating.

2

Valet parking is available for $12, but street parking is very difficult.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially around 9 pm.

02
Tsukiyo sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers traditional Japanese seating with floor chairs and private tatami rooms that require removing shoes, creating a cozy and authentic atmosphere. The space feels inviting and personalized, with sections including sushi bar and washitsu rooms. Energy varies from relaxing to lively, accommodating solo diners and groups alike.

A wide range of sake options pairs well with the menu. The Nihonsakari Yuzu sake stands out as a notable choice. Overall, the sake selection complements the dishes effectively.

Super crispy texture stands out in the tempura dishes. Options include spicy tempura roll, tempura Brussels sprouts, and udon tempura, all served in generous portions with acceptable quality.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and generously portioned."

"The sushi here is delicious and incredibly fresh."

"I enjoyed the sake; it was great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and the wait time is minimal even during busy hours.

2

Parking can be inconvenient, so plan accordingly.

3

The restaurant serves both sushi and pasta, which is unusual for a Japanese restaurant.

03
Sama Hand Roll / Grill image 1

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.

Dassai 25 sake appears regularly alongside dishes like miso soup and blue crab handroll. The house sake pairs well with cucumber yuzu, offering a refreshing mint finish.

Green bean tempura stands out with its crispiness and flavor. Eel tempura and lobster dashi pasta complement the dish lineup with rich, savory notes.

People are saying

"You have to try the crispy rice at this Lunch Spot; it's perfectly crunchy."

"The sake here is fresh and tasty."

"The tempura green beans were a standout."

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
HATCH image 1
Japanese restaurant

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.

An extensive selection of sake lets you taste a few before choosing. You can pick your own glass, and the staff sometimes offer sake shots for celebrations.

Crunchy and light textures define the Corn Tempura Tower, making it a fun dish to share. The corn fritter tempura pairs well with a green sauce that adds a fresh touch.

People are saying

"These dinner spots offer unique, crispy squid ink karaage and perfectly grilled yakitori."

"You have to try the Sake here; it's a rare treat."

"The corn tempura is so light and crunchy."

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.

05
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.

A great selection of sake is available, including a fantastic house sake. The Yuzu Nigori Sake offers a unique flavor alongside the food.

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.

People are saying

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

"The tempura shrimp was so light and crispy."

"The house Sake was fantastic."

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.

06
KANPAI JAPANESE SUSHI BAR & GRILL image 1

Small space with authentic Japanese atmosphere and warm, stylish vibe creates a chill and intimate setting. Frequented by those seeking fresh sushi and quality sake and beer, it offers a genuine taste of Japan in a clean, sleek environment.

Warm sake tastes smooth and avoids harshness often found elsewhere. The selection leans dry and pairs well with sushi, creating a lively atmosphere when ordered warm.

Crisp tempura arrives fresh and hot with generous portions. Brussels sprouts and zucchini stand out, paired well with a good matching sauce and authentic Japanese flavors.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the ramen, is amazing and delicious."

"The tempura here is surprisingly the best thing."

"The sake selection here is great and the hot sake is enjoyable."

Good to know

1

Late night drink menu available after 11 pm with $4 draft beers.

2

Happy hour offers discounted prices on drinks and appetizers on weekdays.

3

Parking is available behind the restaurant in a large lot.

07
Izakaya Gazen image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Corner space with a cool triangle table creates a unique seating arrangement. Atmosphere blends relaxed charm with a peaceful jazz vibe, evoking an authentic Japanese izakaya feel. Menu offers innovative yet authentic Japanese dishes with generous portions and fair prices.

An endless list of sake options fills the menu with high quality choices that stay affordable. The squid soumen with raw egg pairs well with many selections.

Shrimp tempura stands out with its crisp texture. The spicy tuna tempura roll offers a flavorful twist. Corn tempura adds a unique vegetable option to the mix.

People are saying

"You have to try the housemade tofu sampler; it's effortlessly tasty."

"The shrimp tempura here is very good and fresh."

"The sake list here is impressive and high quality."

Good to know

1

They validate parking for two hours with a restaurant receipt.

2

Expect a 15-minute wait even with a reservation during peak hours.

3

Lunch deals are available and offer great value.

08
Sakana Sushi Lounge DTLA image 1
Japanese restaurant

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.

Warm sake pairs well with fresh fish and bentos here. The sake collection includes good flights and hot options that complement the sushi.

Light, crispy tempura comes without any greasiness. Shrimp, scallop sushi, calamari, and vegetable tempura all show up with a delicate crunch.

People are saying

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

"I loved the hot sake and fresh fish here."

"The tempura here is so light, crispy, and not greasy at all."

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.

09
ลŒwa image 1
Japanese restaurant

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.

Sake offerings include Dassai 45 and Brooklyn Kura #14, noted for their clean taste. Staff explain flavor notes and pairing suggestions while serving sake in a beautiful and fun way.

Shrimp and asparagus tempura comes hot and tasty with a beautiful presentation. Vegetable tempura includes zucchini and asparagus, offering flavorful options alongside crispy rice dishes.

People are saying

"These date spots have incredible flavors and textures."

"Jaco made the sake experience educational and fun."

"The shrimp and asparagus tempura was hot and tasty."

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.

10
Yunomi Handroll image 1
Restaurant

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.

An impressive selection of sake stands out here, appealing to enthusiasts. The menu also includes Asian beers, complementing the sake choices well.

Rock shrimp tempura stands out with its incredible crispiness and seasoning of house spicy mayo and Shichimi Togarashi, topped with chives. The Yunomi Special roll combines spicy albacore, shrimp tempura, crunchy onions, and truffle soy for a flavorful mix.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"I thought the sushi here was seriously so good and delicious."

"The tempura shrimp is so crispy, I was impressed."

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.

11
Yama Sushi Marketplace image 1
Japanese grocery store

Small market with cozy atmosphere and warm vibe feels like a Japanese convenience store. Offers fresh, affordable sushi and sashimi with generous portions. Includes limited seating inside and outdoors for quick dining.

A huge sake selection stands out here, paired with a good variety of beer. Hot foods and small gift items complement the drink options well.

Hot food section includes shrimp tempura and tempura-coated spam with egg. Offers tempura alongside sushi, musubi, and yakitori.

People are saying

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

"The shrimp tempura here was great."

"They had a great selection of sake."

Good to know

1

Most sushi is priced under $10, making it affordable.

2

There is a free shared parking garage with limited spaces available.

3

They require 24-hour advance notice to order sushi platters.

12
Tsubaki image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Small space with beautiful decor and animal chopstick rests creates a cute atmosphere. Energy rises quickly as it gets crowded, with a great sake selection complementing the fresh seafood and standout dishes like Wagyu skewers and Japanese miso Caesar salad.

Great sake selection includes nigiri sake and Hitachino Nest red rice ale. Staff provide education on sake to enhance the experience.

Light and fresh tempura features perfectly crunchy and slightly salty batter. Dishes include sweet potato, cauliflower, and options like black cod, with some flexibility in vegetable choices.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the clams, has amazing broth."

"I loved the yakitori; the chicken fatty heart was very good."

"The grilled yakitori and skewer items started off strong."

Good to know

1

Parking at Tsubaki can be challenging; consider valet or street parking.

2

Reservations are essential due to the restaurant's popularity among locals.

3

Tsubaki adds an 18% service fee that is not a tip.

13
Suehiro DTLA image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Large space with high ceilings and an industrial look creates an inviting atmosphere. Ambient music keeps the mood cozy and quiet early, while the bar adds an adult feel without excluding families. Decor includes a large mural honoring the founders, blending old-school charm with modern design.

An extensive sake menu offers a wide range of options alongside soju and beer. Guests can pick their own sake cups, and a sparkling jelly-sake stands out as a very unusual choice.

Mixed tempura appears alongside dishes like beef teriyaki and sashimi in set meals. Vegetable tempura complements vegan options such as ramen and avocado rolls, highlighting its versatility and freshness.

People are saying

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

"I highly recommend their delicious tempura and udon."

"The sake here is tasty, comforting, and filling."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 pm with food and drink specials.

2

The restaurant stays open until 1 am for late-night diners.

3

Outside seating is available, but may require a longer wait.

14
Taisho image 1
Japanese restaurant

Space combines Japanese aesthetics with California relaxed vibe featuring glass walls and an outdoor patio with heaters. Atmosphere is lively and vibrant, often loud with music that suits party and date night moods. Seating is tight, with tables close together, creating a bustling environment.

An impressive sake selection complements appetizers and main dishes. The bartender offers food and sake pairings that enhance the experience.

Tempura here features delicately fried onions on rolls and sweet syrupy sauce on cauliflower. Options include tempura shrimp paired with asparagus and a vegetarian cauliflower version reminiscent of orange chicken.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here are super special and delicious."

"The tempura shrimp was a favorite, perfectly fried."

"The sake here is amazing, especially the spicy albacore roll."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6 pm with great prices on drinks.

2

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

3

Valet parking is available for $13, but can get busy.

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