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.
Food features high-end quality fish and meats with a variety of options including friendly kids choices. Every dish feels intentional and detailed with attentive service supporting the menu.
Green bean tempura stands out with its crispiness and flavor. Eel tempura and lobster dashi pasta complement the dish lineup with rich, savory notes.
"You have to try the crispy rice at this Lunch Spot; it's perfectly crunchy."
"The food here was great and positively whimsical."
"The tempura green beans were a standout."
Good to know
Happy hour runs daily from 5:00-6:30pm with special menu items.
Parking is free for two hours with validation from the restaurant.
Validated parking is available on E 3rd St and Aliso parking.
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.
Food here offers excellent ramen with a taste reflecting a long history since 1885. Friendly staff provide fine dining service, and the thoughtful décor adds to the overall experience.
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.
Good to know
Hinodeya Ramen Bar offers only ten bowls of hotate ramen each day.
Parking nearby costs about $10-15 per day.
Expect a wait on busy days due to limited seating.
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.
Food features authentically modern Japanese dishes with fresh made-to-order preparation. Highlights include Japanese street food like tsukune meatballs with clean flavors and impeccable presentation.
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.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.
Parking validation is available to avoid extra charges.
Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 pm with $10 Japanese highballs.
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.
Food here stands out for its freshness and authentic Japanese flavors. Dishes consistently show excellent quality and traditional flair.
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.
Good to know
They validate parking for two hours with a restaurant receipt.
Expect a 15-minute wait even with a reservation during peak hours.
Lunch deals are available and offer great value.
Modern interior creates a zen atmosphere with dim lighting and an intimate feel. Bar dining area invites guests for an Omakase experience. Space feels spacious and clean, supporting a sophisticated vibe.
Food here is fresh and mind-blowingly good with a focus on Omakase that makes the bar dining area inviting. Meals come well packed for travel with multiple ice packs, matching the quality and price.
Seafood tempura comes out crispy and hot, featuring high-quality seafood like lobster tail and sweet shrimp. Vegetable tempura is well done and best eaten warm, with generous portions overall.
Good to know
Parking is difficult on weekends; nearby garages may charge around $30.
Expect to pay around $100 for two people, depending on the order.
Lunch specials offer great prices for a variety of dishes.
Udon noodle restaurant offers a spacious interior with plenty of seating including outdoor patio options. Atmosphere feels laid back and friendly, often accompanied by energetic music like K-pop. The place operates with a self-service style, creating a casual dining experience.
Food features fresh, high-quality ingredients with hot tempura sides ready to grab. The dishes are consistently delicious and unique, offering a great taste of Japanese cuisine.
Freshness stands out with hot tempura sides ready to grab. Options include chicken teriyaki bowl and udon with tempura flakes, plus extras like gyoza and shrimp tempura.
Good to know
Parking is available at The Bloc with one hour of free validation.
Kake udon costs 1000 yen, making it an affordable meal option.
There is no table service; diners order and find their own seats.
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.
Food here feels like Japanese soul food cooked from the heart, with authentic flavors that taste amazing. The menu offers delicious dishes that pair well with a great atmosphere for conversations.
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.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 pm with food and drink specials.
The restaurant stays open until 1 am for late-night diners.
Outside seating is available, but may require a longer wait.
Small space with elegant woodwork and authentic Japanese decor creates a cozy, calming atmosphere. Seating includes small booths, a sushi bar, and outdoor tables for people watching. The vibe suits quiet meals with friends or family rather than lively gatherings.
Food features freshness and incredible quality with sushi that tastes fresh and hot dishes that are excellent. The meals arrive promptly and consistently deliver delicious flavors.
Shrimp tempura stands out with its light but crispy texture and pairs well with the hot tempura sauce. Veggie tempura offers a great start, and combo options include tempura alongside sashimi for a varied meal.
Good to know
Parking is easy at the Japanese village structure with 2-hour validation.
Arrive early to avoid long wait times, especially during busy events.
The meal costs around $22, offering good value for sushi and drinks.
Small space with cozy booths and traditional Korean decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Vibrant energy suits groups enjoying the interactive hibachi experience. Seating includes tables for six, making it ideal for social dining.
Food comes out fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly right in front of you. Portions are great and dishes are beautifully presented with genuine care and great service.
Light and crispy tempura comes with shrimp and vegetables. The combo includes three shrimp tempura pieces and vegetables, all served with a tasty sauce.
Good to know
They validate two hours of parking if I dine in.
The restaurant automatically deducts a tip for parties of five or more.
One order is enough for two people if I get an extra bowl of rice.
Small sushi restaurant offers outdoor wooden tables with a calm atmosphere enhanced by street music. Seating includes comfortable sofas, and ordering happens via tabletop screens for convenience. Space feels tight inside, but patio seating provides a pleasant spot for people watching.
Food arrives quickly and offers a highly varied menu of Japanese dishes. Meals are delicious, filling, and come at affordable prices.
Tempura comes out light and crunchy with a good flavor. Options include California Tempura Roll, tempura sushi roll with spicy crab, and vegetable tempura udon.
Good to know
You can walk in, sit down, and order from a digital menu.
They validate your parking for 2 hours.
The restaurant is budget-friendly.
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.
Food features fresh fish and great flavors that stand out. Dishes arrive quickly with prompt service.
Light, crispy tempura comes without any greasiness. Shrimp, scallop sushi, calamari, and vegetable tempura all show up with a delicate crunch.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 5 PM to 7 PM every day.
Late-night happy hour is from 10 PM to 2 AM.
They offer a buy 1 get 1 special starting at 5 PM daily.
Quiet Japanese restaurant on a hotel second floor offers calm ambiance and excellent views over a historic street. The space feels relaxed and welcoming, with some Japanese spoken and authentic Washoku cuisine served. It stays uncrowded, making it easy to find a table.
Offers authentic Washoku cuisine with a focus on Japanese-flavored steaks. Happy hour features reduced prices on sake, shochu, and beer to pair with the food.
Mixed tempura appears in the Senior Bento alongside grilled fish and simmered vegetables. Tempura comes without tentsuyu sauce and is offered alongside sushi, fried chicken, and steak.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 5:30 to 7:30 pm with reduced prices on sake, shochu, and beer.
The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Parking is available inside the restaurant, with additional spots on 1st street.