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Local picks

Japanese steak spots in Downtown LA

You are looking for a Japanese meal where the quality of the steak is the primary focus of the experience.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Chubby Cattle BBQ | Little Tokyo image 1
Chubby Cattle BBQ | Little Tokyo image 2
Chubby Cattle BBQ | Little Tokyo image 3
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Compact space balances spacious seating with a modern Yakiniku vibe and steampunk decor. Atmosphere stays fun and energetic without overwhelming noise or smoke. Self-serve unlimited drinks and ice cream add a unique touch to the lively dining experience.

Offers a wide selection of high quality cuts of meat, top quality sushi, and carpaccio. The variety covers both sushi and meat options well.

Fresh A5 Wagyu beef stands out with exceptional quality and melts in your mouth. Staff often assist with cooking to enhance the experience and offer a variety of steak options.

People are saying

"I loved the melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu quality here."

"The Japanese food, especially the wagyu sushi, was rich and juicy."

"I loved trying so many different wagyu cuts of steak here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, particularly for dinner.

3

There's a pay-to-park lot right next door for $15.

02
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.

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.

Wagyu beef melts in the mouth with perfect preparation. The steak sandwich features medium rare beef charred just right, layered on greens with a sauce that balances the fattiness.

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."

"The wagyu beef steak just melts in your mouth."

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.

03
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.

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.

Skirt steak comes out tender with a crispy outside that melts in your mouth. Ribeye also features among the well-prepared steak options.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the Japanese food, especially the signature tofu sampler."

"The ribeye here was very good."

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.

04
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.

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.

Quality meat stands out with wagyu and premium beef cuts that melt in your mouth. Options like Rib Eye, Bistro Hanger Steak, filet mignon, skirt steak, and flank steak offer a range of rich flavors.

People are saying

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

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

"The rib eye steak here is so delicious!"

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.

05
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.

Wagyu with Wasabi stands out for its rich yet balanced flavor. The Chicken Meatball with egg yolk and tare also shines among the yakitori options.

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 Wagyu with Wasabi steak was rich but not overpowering."

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.

06
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.

Ribeye stands out with its rich flavor and tender texture. A few other dishes like salmon sashimi with roe add variety but the steak is the highlight.

People are saying

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

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

"I had the ribeye and it was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is street only and very limited.

2

Valet parking costs $13.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality offered.

07
KyotoHibachiusa image 1
Japanese restaurant

Food truck offers large portions of flavorful Japanese dishes with a wide menu variety. Atmosphere is casual with a distinctive hibachi focus. Quality and seasoning stand out, especially in chicken and fried rice options.

Shrimp yakisoba features flavor-packed noodles and a generous shrimp portion. Takoyaki and udon noodles with steak also stand out as very good options.

Chefs cook the steak perfectly every time with consistent seasoning. It pairs well with fried rice and mixed vegetables or udon noodles, offering a fresh and delicious meal.

People are saying

"The seafood here is flavor-packed and so fresh, especially the coconut shrimp."

"The steak here is perfectly cooked and seasoned."

"The Japanese Food here has the best, juicy, tender chicken."

Good to know

1

KyotoHibachiusa hosts events every first Friday on Abbott Kinney in Venice Beach.

2

Expect long lines during the First Fridays event due to popularity.

3

The menu offers a variety of hibachi options priced fairly.

08
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.

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.

Steaks come out super tender and flavorful, especially the Wagyu options. The Ribeye stands out as heavenly and filling.

People are saying

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

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

"The steaks here were cooked to perfection and super tender."

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.

09
HABACHIHANA GRILL image 1
Japanese restaurant

Outdoor seating occupies a parking lot, creating a lively atmosphere with occasional live music enhancing the vibe. The space feels cool and relaxing, attracting those seeking late-night dining until early morning hours.

Late-night options include hibachi and sushi. The Yakisoba chicken bowl stands out with noodles in teriyaki sauce and garlic, full of flavor. Chicken and steak combos come with teriyaki glaze and ginger. Shrimp teriyaki offers a tasty choice as well.

Steak dishes come with precise cooking that matches requests, including filet mignon and combos with chicken. Sauces like teriyaki glaze and sides such as garlic noodles and chicken fried rice complement the plates.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the shrimp, was massive and flavorful."

"The steak and chicken combo was full of flavor."

"This Japanese food is bursting with flavor, especially the teriyaki."

Good to know

1

Habachihana Grill is open until 4AM on weekends.

2

Expect about 30-40 minutes to pick up an order.

3

Prices for entrees can range from $50 to $100, especially with drinks.

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.

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.

Steaks come out cooked to perfection with a consistently amazing taste. Multiple cuts show fantastic flavor and quality.

People are saying

"The steaks at these dinner spots were fantastic."

"I found the steak to be amazing and cooked to perfection."

"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
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.

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.

Giant Beef Rib and Angus Ribeye Steak stand out on the menu. The spread also features Prime Beef Brisket, marinated short ribs, and beef tongue from the "Black" Menu.

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."

"The Angus Ribeye Steak and Giant Beef Rib were massive and worth it."

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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