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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Downtown LA

Japanese food with outdoor space

Eating Japanese cuisine feels more grounded when there is fresh air and a bit of space to breathe.

Based on 825 Opinions
+822
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Updated May 2026
01
Tsujita Artisan Noodle - Arts District image 1
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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.

An atmospheric backyard patio offers a secluded and quiet outdoor seating area. The space features lights and heaters for comfort.

People are saying

"The Tsukemen broth is thick and so flavorful."

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

"The atmospheric backyard patio is a real bonus."

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.

02
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.

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.

Spacious outdoor patio offers a great atmosphere and a nice place to hang out or unwind. Service tends to be slower outside, but there are no issues with smell in the seating area.

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."

"The outdoor space is a great spot to hang out with friends."

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.

03
Sushi & Teri image 1
Sushi restaurant

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.

Ramen offers bold flavors and sushi comes freshly prepared with a highly varied menu including tempura rolls and bentos. Portions are large and prices affordable, making it easy to try different Japanese dishes.

Outdoor seating includes wooden tables and a pleasant patio that offers great people watching. Menu signs create a barrier from crowds, and staff provide water for dogs when seated outside.

People are saying

"The Sushi here is fantastic and the servers are super friendly."

"The Japanese food here, especially the tempura, is light and crunchy."

"Sitting outside on the patio is really pleasant for people watching."

Good to know

1

You can walk in, sit down, and order from a digital menu.

2

They validate your parking for 2 hours.

3

The restaurant is budget-friendly.

04
Chinchikurin Little Tokyo image 1
Okonomiyaki restaurant

Okonomiyaki restaurant with Japanese-inspired interior and open kitchen creates an authentic dining experience. Tables feature built-in grills for keeping food warm, supporting a lively, interactive atmosphere. The space suits groups well, combining traditional art elements with casual seating.

Okonomiyaki here offers Hiroshima-style with 11 layers of flavor and options for crispy noodles that add texture. Takoyaki is soft, moist, and authentic Japanese style, complementing the menu well.

People are saying

"This Japanese food, the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, is a layered masterpiece."

"The takoyaki here is authentic, soft, and moist."

"I loved the Hiroshima okonomiyaki with extra mayo."

Good to know

1

Parking validation is available, making it easier to avoid street parking.

2

Happy hour offers nice drink prices, making it a good time to visit.

3

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

05
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.

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.

Heated patio offers a comfortable sitting area with a minimalist design. Small outdoor space provides enjoyable ambiance alongside coffee.

People are saying

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

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

"The outdoor space has a beautiful, minimalist ambiance with a fire pit."

Good to know

1

Parking is street only and very limited.

2

Valet parking costs $13.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality offered.

06
Japanese Village Plaza image 1

Cobblestone paths and wooden facades mimic traditional Japanese shopping streets, creating an immersive small-town feel. Bright red lanterns and a 50-foot replica fire lookout tower add to the authentic Edo-period design. The plaza buzzes with lively energy, especially on weekends, drawing crowds to its outdoor dining and arcade games.

Wide variety of authentic Japanese cuisine includes sushi, ramen, udon, and tempura. Unique treats like fugetsudo mochi and imagawayaki appear alongside shabu shabu, boba, and pastries.

Outdoor areas include a Japanese-themed village with restaurants, bakeries, and shops. A cute courtyard and outdoor dining spaces offer seating options. Food trucks with skewers add variety to the crowded market atmosphere.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Japanese food and casual sweets."

"You can experience authentic Japanese food and buy goods only available in Japan."

"I loved walking around the festive outdoor village with lanterns."

Good to know

1

The plaza hosts cherry blossom events in spring with sakura-themed stalls.

2

Nisei Week Japanese Festival in August includes Obon dancing, taiko drums, and a parade.

3

Parking can get crowded and expensive on weekends.

07
SOMOCHI DTLA image 1
Donut shop

Donut shop with cozy, cute design and earthy plants creates a welcoming atmosphere. Calm music and art add to the alluring vibe while small outdoor tables invite relaxation. Known for fresh, light donuts and a variety of Korean-inspired treats, it offers a lively yet comfortable experience.

Signature mochi donuts blend traditional American donuts with chewy mochi texture that is not too hard or oily. Options include matcha oreo, chocolate churro flavors, and a crispy ramen hotdog, plus taiyaki.

A few small tables and cute outdoor seating create a nice spot to eat outside. The patio works well for enjoying snacks like shaved ice or corn dogs outdoors.

People are saying

"I found the mochi donuts to be delicious and not too oily."

"The Japanese food here has excellent, chewy mochi donuts."

"I loved the cute outdoor seating with small tables."

Good to know

1

SOMOCHI DTLA offers a variety of unique mochi donuts and Korean-style corndogs.

2

Prices at SOMOCHI DTLA can be considered on the higher side.

3

Parking is available nearby, making it convenient for visitors.

08
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.

Outdoor seating includes a stylish yet relaxed patio with table seating and a bar. The space offers a quieter option compared to the loud indoor area.

People are saying

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

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

"The yakitori and squid ink karaage here are smoky, bold, and totally unique."

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.

09
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.

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.

A cute patio sits in the back with classy decor and plenty of plants. The space feels casual and fresh, especially in the morning with good air and light.

People are saying

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

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

"The patio is a cool spot with string lights and brick backdrops."

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.

10
Orochon Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small, cozy ramen shop with lively, bustling atmosphere and intimate seating both indoors and outdoors. Simple interior with giant portions and a Wall of Bravery for spicy challenges. Offers a modified American style rather than traditional Japanese feel.

Ramen here features authentic, comforting flavors with a standout Soy Ramen that draws regulars. Gyoza is juicy and takoyaki offers a solid octopus option.

Outdoor seating offers a nice spot with more options than indoors. Being seated in a corner outside can make it harder to reach servers.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was the best I'd had in years."

"It's a cozy spot, perfect for a date night."

"The Japanese food here has rich, savory broths packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky, but there is underground parking available.

2

Orochon Ramen only accepts cash, so plan accordingly.

3

The restaurant has an automatic 15% service charge added to bills.

11
Azay image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, cozy Japanese restaurant with wabi-sabi aesthetics and a laid-back vibe. The space feels intimate and authentic, offering a unique blend of Japanese and French-influenced dishes. Energy shifts noticeably when the chef appears, adding to the homey atmosphere.

Authentic Western-style Japanese dishes include mochi cake in New Year soup, egg custard with salmon roe, and grilled eel over rice. Japanese breakfast and daily bento feature a variety of pickled vegetables and freshly prepared, flavorful foods.

Outdoor seating offers a small number of tables. Indoor space is very limited, so most seating happens outside.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is authentic and delicious."

"This Japanese food is comforting, balanced, and satisfying without feeling heavy."

"They have outdoor seating available."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating.

2

Expect long wait times if you don't reserve ahead.

3

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

12
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.

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

An outdoor patio sits near the front door, offering a well-ventilated space to enjoy a beer and smoke tobacco. The patio often gets crowded but keeps great vibes alongside indoor seating options.

People are saying

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

"The Outdoor Space is a hip vibe with a diverse crowd dancing all night."

"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.

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Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

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