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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Downtown LA

Cocktails and Japanese food

Made for those who want to transition from sashimi to spirits without leaving the table.

Based on 764 Opinions
+761
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Updated April 2026
01
Sama Hand Roll / Grill image 1
Sama Hand Roll / Grill image 2
Sama Hand Roll / Grill image 3
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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.

Sake cocktails stand out with their amazing flavor profiles. The Peach Blossom offers a refreshing touch that complements meals well.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved the Sake cocktails; they were amazing."

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.

02
Bar Sawa image 1
Sushi restaurant

Basement sushi bar with intimate omakase seating around a 10-12 person counter offers a speakeasy vibe and open kitchen experience. Atmosphere stays light and friendly, with a cool, killer vibe that feels like a secret culinary world. Guests interact closely with a young, humorous chef while enjoying high-quality, creative sushi and specialty whiskey cocktails.

Whiskey cocktails stand out with unique flavors and careful preparation. Pairings with sake and omakase sushi highlight thoughtful combinations.

An intimate omakase experience offers a unique selection of fish paired with cocktails and sake. The sushi combines world-class quality with a speakeasy-style atmosphere and attentive service.

People are saying

"The omakase here is the best Japanese food I've ever had."

"I thought the food here was delicious and very good."

"The cocktails and food were amazing and prepared with care."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating at the counter.

2

The restaurant is located in the basement of a building with no signs.

3

Parking is easy inside the building, avoiding poor air quality outside.

03
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.

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.

People are saying

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

"The cocktails here are creative and perfectly balanced."

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

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.

04
Temaki society image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi bar with open bar-style seating and modern decor creates a cozy but noisy atmosphere. High top tables and a wrap-around counter attract a casual crowd rather than special occasions. Known for fresh, high-quality hand rolls with inventive twists, it offers a quick, affordable sushi experience.

Cocktails come straight from the bar with great taste and are definitely worth trying.

Fresh, high-quality hand rolls stand out with generous portions and great value combos. Sushi includes buttery, melt-in-your-mouth salmon and tuna sashimi plus fresh uni imported from Japan.

People are saying

"The hand rolls here are outstanding, easily some of the best I've had."

"The salmon sashimi here is buttery, flavorful, and melts in your mouth."

"The handrolls here are amazing, with fresh seafood and crisp nori."

Good to know

1

The bar only opens at 5 pm.

2

The establishment is 21+ after 5PM, which is important for potential diners to know.

3

There is a parking lot in the same block that requires payment, located right next to the Pershing Square metro stop.

05
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.

Creative and visually appealing cocktails pair well with sushi. Chanel crafts finest cocktails that match the enjoyable ambiance and DJ music.

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.

People are saying

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

"You have to try their buy-one-get-one-free happy hour on sushi and rolls."

"You have to come for happy hour; the cocktails are buy one get one free."

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.

06
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese BBQ restaurant offers modern izakaya style with partitioned booths that provide privacy and prevent smoke smell. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and cozy to lively, supported by servers and music. Groups and couples frequent the spacious, stylish interior featuring effective grill ventilation.

Happy hour features reasonably priced cocktails alongside food specials. Tropical drinks stand out with strong flavors that pair well with the menu.

Dishes come with a tasty ponzu sauce and include cooked sushi served in pairs. Popular plates feature Bistro Hangar Steak, Spicy Pork Belly, and Chicken Garlic Noodles. The vibe matches a modern izakaya, good for dates or groups.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious, especially the spicy cucumber."

"The Japanese food here has delicious, tender meat."

"You have to try their too-strong cocktails."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5pm to 7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially for larger groups.

3

The all-you-can-eat menu has a 90-minute time limit for dining.

07
kodo image 1
Japanese restaurant

Minimalist Japanese design shapes a chic, peaceful space with volcanic rock accents and outdoor seating warmed by heat lamps. Atmosphere stays quiet and relaxed, suitable for conversation rather than traditional omakase formality. High-quality Asian-inspired cocktails complement the refined setting.

Cocktails stand out for their high quality and well balanced flavors. Options like the Yuzu Margarita and Son of Kyushu offer unique and strong tastes.

A 15-course omakase offers a variety of dishes like root chips, oysters, sushi, and risotto. The sushi stands out as fantastic and consistently impressive.

People are saying

"The dinner dishes here are seriously fantastic and flavorful."

"The Japanese Food here has amazing Toro Handrolls and Wagyu Cheeseburger."

"The cocktails here are excellent with many great options."

Good to know

1

Parking is street only and very limited.

2

Valet parking costs $13.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality offered.

08
Wolf & Crane Bar image 1

Elegant Japanese whiskey bar offers eclectic decor and multiple seating options including an outdoor patio. Music ranges from 80s and 90s alternative to hip-hop, creating a fun and cool vibe that fills the space as it gets busy at night.

Cocktails show care and knowledge in their crafting with a unique menu. One includes the award-winning Daiyame sweet potato shochu.

Pork gyoza stands out as a delicious choice. Yakitori also features on the menu, served at the bar.

People are saying

"You'll find an impressive, huge selection of Japanese whiskey here."

"The cocktails here are fantastic and well balanced."

"I loved the pork gyoza; it was delicious Japanese food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great prices.

2

Whiskey flights are available only on Wednesdays.

3

Live DJ performances happen every Friday night.

09
Mrs. Fish image 1
Japanese restaurant

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.

Cocktails stand out with a great selection and pair well with tasty appetizers. Drinks like the cocktail with salmon sushi offer a melting mouthfeel.

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.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

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

"I loved their craft cocktails; they were amazing and well balanced."

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.

10
Maison Kasai image 1
Teppanyaki restaurant

Teppanyaki setup features chefs cooking at each table for up to eight people, creating an interactive dining experience. The atmosphere combines a stylish, speak-easy vibe with lively entertainment, including walk-around magic shows. The space feels beautiful and energetic, suited for couples or groups seeking a fun night out.

Craft cocktails feature unique flavors and come stiff. Champagne serves crispy and cold.

Crab Takoyaki stands out as a favorite dish. Cauliflower katsu curry comes with a salty flavor. Pumpkin miso soup serves in a small shot glass portion.

People are saying

"The steaks at these dinner spots were fantastic."

"The cocktails here were amazing and stiff."

"I found the Japanese food here a bit too oily and salty for my taste."

Good to know

1

The food costs around $110 per person, with variations for customization.

2

Expect a dining experience lasting 2-3 hours.

3

Parking costs $40, adding to the overall expense.

11
Far Bar image 1

Cozy bar-restaurant with brick backdrops and string lights on a wooden patio creates a casual yet classy vibe. Ten large TVs show sporting events, drawing a crowd that cheers together. Friendly regulars and a historic setting make it feel like a neighborhood hangout.

Craft beers and signature cocktails come served in chilled glasses. Bartenders provide great service in a cocktail sports bar atmosphere.

Wasabi fries and Ming's wings stand out with bold flavors and consistent tastiness. Sushi portions come generous, around 8-10 pieces for $16, offering solid value.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and packed with flavor."

"The Japanese food, especially the spicy edamame, is delicious."

"I enjoyed the craft cocktails and beer selection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-7pm Monday to Friday and all day Monday.

2

Happy hour menu items are limited to under $20.

3

Expect a 20% service charge for groups of six or more.

12
KB 333 Korean BBQ image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious Korean barbecue restaurant with a self-service sides bar and all-you-can-eat meat options. Loud techno music creates a high-energy atmosphere where groups gather for lively meals. Validated parking supports convenience in a bustling mall setting.

Strong drinks come from a full cocktail bar with colorful options. Cocktails cost just $8 and offer great flavor for the price.

A wide variety of hot dishes like tteokbokki, gyoza, and fried shrimp stand out. The banchan bar offers options such as bean sprout salad, tofu soup, and kimchi alongside sushi and fried rice.

People are saying

"The Korean BBQ meats here are high-quality and flavorful."

"The Japanese Food here has a huge variety of hot dishes and sides."

"You'll love the strong and flavorful cocktails here."

Good to know

1

I paid $35 per person for the all-you-can-eat option with three meats.

2

They validated three hours of free parking at the Little Tokyo Galleria Mall.

3

The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations are taken.

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Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

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