Spacious ramen bar greets with taiko drums and Ghibli tunes, blending authentic Japanese style with lively energy. Ramen shines with dashi broth and fresh noodles, while gyoza stays tender and takoyaki boasts a crispy exterior. Glass jars of toppings add charm to soft-lit tables.
Ramen features a dashi-based broth that is lighter yet full of flavor, paired with fresh noodles and generous toppings. Gyoza comes tender and juicy with a savory taste, and takoyaki offers a crispy exterior with a good amount of tako inside.
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.
Small stall serves crispy taiyaki in fun fish shapes with flavors like custard and apple mango. Fresh hotteok offers a warm Korean snack. Friendly vibe and quick service with buzzers make it perfect for a fast, tasty bite.
Taiyaki here stands out with a variety of flavors like custard, red bean, and apple mango. The taiyaki is crispy on the outside and soft inside, often served as a snack or dessert.
Good to know
Little Tokyo Taiyaki only accepts cash payments, but also accepts Zelle and Venmo.
Parking is validated for up to one hour in the Little Tokyo Galleri lot.
They have limited quantities, so arrive early for the taiyaki you want.
Small sushi spot offers fresh fish with a high fish-to-rice ratio, making each bite light and flavorful. Cozy seating and a quiet atmosphere create a peaceful dining experience. Friendly, efficient service adds to the authentic vibe perfect for casual meals or takeout.
Sushi features extremely fresh fish with a higher fish to rice ratio that keeps it flavorful and light. Service stays welcoming and efficient, complementing the authentic and tasty offerings.
Good to know
Momi Sushi has limited seating, making it better suited for takeout.
Street parking can be crowded; consider using the Ralph's parking lot for 90 minutes.
The restaurant is small, so it's not ideal for large groups.
Spacious, modern interior blends Japanese retro pop and local art for a cozy vibe. Wild Salmon Bento offers juicy, sustainable salmon with great flavor. Calm atmosphere suits peaceful meals and casual catch-ups with friends.
Bento boxes stand out with great flavor and presentation. The Wild Salmon Bento features flaky, sustainably sourced salmon grilled to juicy perfection. Portions are good and prices reasonable.
Good to know
Street parking is easy to find near the restaurant.
The food is made to order, ensuring freshness.
The online ordering system is seamless and very convenient.
Japan-inspired interior creates a cozy atmosphere with stylish design. Fresh sushi and sashimi offer authentic flavors alongside unique dishes like monkfish liver. Large TV screens show NBA games, adding a sports-friendly vibe that draws lively crowds.
Fresh sushi and sashimi melt in your mouth with every bite. The menu offers authentic Japanese food including yakitori skewers and unique dishes like monkfish liver and wasabi-marinated octopus.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.
Happy hour runs from 5 to 6:30 pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.
Validated parking is available in the nearby lot with a restaurant receipt.
Small bar with intimate Edo style sushi offers a calm, cozy vibe and friendly, attentive service. Enjoy Michelin-quality fish like seared tuna and uni paired with carefully selected sake. Perfect for a unique omakase experience at great value.
Sushi here offers an intimate Edo style experience with exquisitely made traditional sushi. The omakase tasting features standout items like seared tuna nigiri, tuna belly, uni, and fish custard, all served with impeccable, friendly service.
Good to know
Advance, pre-paid reservations are recommended to ensure a time.
You pay around $200 for a full course meal, excluding drinks, tax, and tip.
Parking validation is not available.
Industrial-Japanese design meets bright yellow noren curtains and a railroad-style layout with communal tables. Gyoza shine with a crisp exterior and moist filling, while bento boxes offer authentic sides and fresh rice. Warm, cozy vibe with good music completes the casual spot.
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.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 5 PM to 7 PM on weekdays with great deals on gyoza.
Parking can be challenging, but public parking is usually available nearby.
Dine-in service is now allowed, providing a comfortable atmosphere.
Modern interior sets a zen atmosphere with dim lighting and an intimate feel. Sushi offers authentic Japanese style with otoro and premium chirashi. Bar dining invites guests for an Omakase experience in a sophisticated vibe.
Sushi here features authentic Japanese style with standout items like otoro sushi and premium chirashi. Seafood tempura offers crispy, hot bites including lobster tail and fresh vegetables.
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.
Small space with classic Korean decor offers a cozy vibe for families and dates. Crispy katsu dishes shine with rich umami and quality meat. Light, fruity curry balances richness, especially in the Cheese Katsu with Curry.
Crispy katsu dishes stand out with umami flavor and quality meat, especially in the chicken and pork options. The curry is light and fruity, balancing richness well, and the Cheese Katsu with Curry features a golden pork chop beneath bubbling cheese.
Good to know
The restaurant is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid long wait times.
Parking is limited in the area, so consider public transport.
Compact space offers spacious seating with a modern Yakiniku vibe and steampunk decor. Menu features high quality cuts of meat and top sushi, blending flavors well. Self-serve unlimited drinks and ice cream keep the atmosphere lively and fun.
Offers a wide selection of high quality cuts of meat, top quality sushi, and carpaccio. The variety covers both sushi and meat options well.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.
Expect long wait times during peak hours, particularly for dinner.
There's a pay-to-park lot right next door for $15.
Large space with high ceilings and an industrial look feels inviting. Ramen and notably good udon bring authentic Japanese flavors. Ambient music and a bar create a cozy, adult-friendly vibe without excluding families.
Ramen here matches Japanese quality with rich flavors. The udon stands out as notably good, alongside juicy karaage and classic tonkatsu.
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.
Intimate space offers a quiet, cozy atmosphere with slow, communal dining. Highlights include uni risotto and Wagyu sukiyaki bowl showcasing rich Japanese flavors. Carefully curated sake selection enhances the overall experience.
Uni risotto and truffle udon stand out with rich, memorable flavors. The Wagyu sukiyaki bowl offers tender, high-quality beef reminiscent of Japan. Other dishes like silver-ringed herring tempura, duck breast, and soba noodles add variety to the menu.
Good to know
Reservations are required via email 2-3 weeks in advance.
An 18% service charge is included in the bill; no additional tip is needed.
Walk-ins are unlikely to get a table, so reservations are essential.
Basement sushi bar offers an intimate omakase with world-class fish and specialty whiskey cocktails. Guests enjoy a speakeasy vibe and close interaction with a young, humorous chef. Atmosphere stays light and friendly, creating a secret culinary world feel.
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.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended due to limited seating at the counter.
The restaurant is located in the basement of a building with no signs.
Parking is easy inside the building, avoiding poor air quality outside.
Experience omakase courses with high-quality fish like uni rice and sashimi. Enjoy chef interaction as each dish is explained with care. Limited daily servings require reservations, ensuring exceptional hospitality in a focused setting.
Omakase courses focus on quality fish and come with exceptional care and hospitality. Sushi and caviar dishes like oysters, sashimi, and uni rice offer an amazing taste that stands out.
Good to know
Reservations are required as they prepare a limited amount of food each day.
Expect a unique omakase experience that emphasizes quality and presentation.
Portion sizes are smaller, focusing on quality over quantity.
Small sushi bar offers fresh hand rolls with inventive twists and generous portions. Cozy, noisy spot features buttery salmon and imported uni for authentic Japanese flavors. Casual vibe with open bar seating makes it perfect for quick, affordable meals.
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.
Good to know
The bar only opens at 5 pm.
The establishment is 21+ after 5PM, which is important for potential diners to know.
There is a parking lot in the same block that requires payment, located right next to the Pershing Square metro stop.
Small bakery inside a hotel lobby offers a cozy atmosphere with free wifi and limited seating. Try the Matcha Mochi Anpan for a sweet treat with chewy mochi and mild matcha. Prices stay affordable around $4 to $5, perfect for a quiet weekday break.
Matcha Mochi Anpan features a sweet red bean filling with a thin, chewy mochi layer and a mild matcha flavor. The menu includes items like the Mentai Salt & Butter roll and Curry Pan, with prices around $4 to $5.
Good to know
The bakery opens at 7am.
Parking is very difficult, which is expected for DTLA.
There was usually a wait time at Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe DTLA.
Corner space with a triangle table offers unique seating. Atmosphere blends peaceful jazz vibe with authentic Japanese izakaya charm. Menu features fresh sashimi and generous portions of authentic Japanese dishes at fair prices.
Fresh, high quality sashimi and authentic Japanese food stand out here. The sushi, including Nagiri and Ponzu Salmon, is delicious and served in generous portions.
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.
Sleek design and perfect lighting create an upscale vibe. Enjoy crispy handrolls and standout lobster dashi pasta. Spacious interior fits families or intimate dinners with a calm, inviting atmosphere.
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.
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.
Bright, open layout with a bar sets a clean, casual vibe. Fresh, high-quality fish shines in salmon sashimi and Godfather roll. Upbeat EDM music and dog-friendly policy create a friendly atmosphere near event venues.
Fresh and high-quality fish stands out with salmon sashimi and Godfather roll as highlights. Presentation is excellent, and options include raw rolls like AHI and SALMON recommended by staff.
Good to know
They recently obtained their liquor license and are working on happy hour specials.
Street parking is available, but parking can be an issue.
They have always been able to accommodate walk-ins.
Minimalist Japanese design and high ceilings create a calm, cozy space with a serene atmosphere. Shabu shabu with American Wagyu and authentic dashi broth deliver rich, balanced flavors. Occasional robot service adds a modern twist to traditional dining.
Shabu shabu features American Wagyu with a balanced fat content. The Mai level Sushi Kaisèki offers a mix of raw and cooked dishes that build into a subtle symphony of flavors. The dashi broth stands out for its authenticity and quality, rarely found even in Japan. Complimentary desserts include red bean cakes, mochi, fresh fruits, and plant-based ice creams.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.
The restaurant offers a variety of vegan options on the menu.
The cheapest set menu starts at $87 per person.
Shabu-shabu offers a cozy ambience with heartfelt service. Enjoy A5 Wagyu beef and umami-rich broth in an interactive dining style. Wagyu sushi melts in your mouth, showcasing top Japanese flavors.
Shabu shabu features premium beef and seafood with a fun, interactive dining style. Wagyu sushi stands out for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and high quality.
Good to know
Reservations are highly recommended unless you want to take a chance.
The restaurant is open until 9pm.
Tensho occupies the former Kagaya location.
Ramen spot blends Kyoto and LA styles with a lively, efficient vibe. Broth is thick and creamy, made from chicken and vegetables, offering rich, authentic flavor. Noodles are perfectly cooked, making it a standout for Japanese food lovers.
Kotteri ramen features a super thick, creamy broth made mainly from chicken and vegetables, not pork. Noodles come cooked to perfection, and the flavor is rich and savory, capturing authentic Kyoto-style ramen well.
Good to know
Parking costs $1 per hour for the first two hours at Aiso Parking Garage.
Ramen dishes are priced between $19.50 and $28, depending on thickness.
Expect to pay around $109 for a meal for four, indicating elevated prices.
Cozy spot with traditional Japanese decor offers authentic ramen like spicy coconut and champon. Crispy chicken katsu and pork curry shine in a relaxed setting. Free parking validation makes dining easy and convenient.
Ramen stands out with options like traditional, spicy coconut, and champon varieties. Chicken katsu and menchi katsu come perfectly breaded and fried, pairing well with dishes like pork katsu curry and karrage.
Good to know
Parking is validated for 90 minutes with a restaurant receipt.
Prices are reasonable, typically around $5 more than average.
The menu has downsized recently, offering fewer items.
Alleyway with old train tracks offers a unique walking path and a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere. Food vendors rotate often, serving fresh, high-quality tacos and a sushi truck with fresh sushi and birria.
Sushi truck serves fresh sushi that stands out for quality. It also offers birria, adding variety to the Japanese food options.
Good to know
Parking costs $6 as of June 2023.
The market is not recommended for families due to explicit content.
The market is not accessible for someone in a wheelchair or on crutches.
Cozy sushi spot shines with unique sushi options like baked salmon roll and King sushi. Friendly, quick service keeps things smooth. Tinted windows and lively music create a fun atmosphere that balances energy without being too loud.
Sushi here has excellent taste with a great selection including a baked salmon roll and a satisfying King sushi. Service is quick and friendly, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 4 to 7 pm Tuesday through Friday, all day Monday, and Saturday until 4 pm.
Expect a 30-45 minute wait during busy times without a reservation.
Parking is limited to street, so consider using Uber if possible.
Cozy Korean spot offers authentic decor and generous portions of classics like beef rib. Spicy Pork & Ribs combo shines with miso soup and Korean sides. Gyoza and shrimp skewers add variety to the casual, chill vibe.
Spicy Pork & Ribs combo stands out with miso soup and Korean side dishes on the side. Gyoza and shrimp skewers add variety to the meal.
Good to know
There is a 3% surcharge when paying by credit card.
Parking is validated for up to 2 hours at a rate of $2 per hour.
Expect to smell like KBBQ due to cooking at the table.
Small ramen spot shines with authentic tonkotsu and tsukemen at great prices. Cozy patio with atmospheric lights and heaters sets a lively, traditional vibe. Naruto decor and a great playlist make it perfect for groups and fans of Japanese food.
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.
Good to know
Happy hour menu is available from 4-6pm on weekdays.
Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.
No wait for tables around 1-2pm during my visit.
Small bakery offers fresh mochi with a cozy atmosphere that feels warm and intimate. Traditional flavors shine, especially the Strawberry mochi known for its soft, chewy texture. Space is compact but rich in historic charm preserving old confectionery traditions.
Freshness stands out with mochi that is soft, chewy, and full of flavor. A wide variety of traditional mochi flavors includes a notable Strawberry mochi that many find delicious.
Good to know
Expect a line on weekends; arrive early to avoid long waits.
A minimum of $10 is required for card payments.
Parking validation is available for the John Aisa Parking Lot.
Small, cozy spot with Showa-era decor offers authentic Japanese flavors like tonkotsu ramen and vegan options. Quiet vibe enhanced by a robot server makes dining pleasant. Affordable prices add to the nostalgic 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.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 2 pm to 6 pm every day.
The prices are very affordable, especially considering the high quality.
Street parking is available nearby, but can be tricky to find.
Small sushi bar offers intimate counter seating and a serene, traditional Japanese vibe. Chefs prepare fresh fish openly, ensuring an authentic experience. Stunning presentation and top-tier sushi quality make it feel like dining in Tokyo or Osaka.
Sushi here features amazingly fresh fish with outstanding sashimi and rice quality. The presentation is stunning, and the atmosphere feels authentically Japanese.
Good to know
Reservations are not accepted; expect to wait during peak hours.
The restaurant has very limited seating, so arrive early.
Parking is free with validation from the restaurant.