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.
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.
Make-Your-Own Mini Miso Soup offers a unique twist not found elsewhere. The Yu-Lin-Chi appetizer delivers a distinct sweet spicy flavor. Ramen has a strong, distinct aroma that fills the air before tasting.
"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, is incredibly tasty and comforting."
"Our server Mija was so sweet and fun to talk to."
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.
Industrial-Japanese design combines with bright yellow noren curtains and a railroad-style layout featuring communal tables and booths. Atmosphere stays warm and cozy with good music playing, creating a quietly confident vibe. Seating includes high bar stools and booths, making it feel like a casual spot focused on gyoza.
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.
Sauces stand out with a unique selection including a notable Yuzu kosho that tastes interesting and different. The atmosphere also feels very unique, adding to the overall experience.
"The Japanese food here, especially the gyoza, is perfectly crisp and flavorful."
"I thought the gyoza here were great and well prepared."
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.
Small bar seats about eight people in an intimate, Japanese-inspired interior with a cozy, relaxed vibe. The atmosphere stays calm and chill, with friendly, attentive service and perfectly paced courses. Known for fresh sushi, Michelin-quality fish, and carefully paired sake, it offers 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.
Every bite offers a unique take that lifts the meal beyond typical sushi spots. The plum wine stands out as a sweet, distinctive drink option.
"The omakase here is the best Japanese food experience I've had."
"The nigiri omakase was an artful, flavorful exhibition with great variety."
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.
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.
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.
Focus on temaki, a distinct style of hand-rolled sushi wrapped with seaweed on the sides. Offers unique rolls like sae woo jang and banh mi, plus premium options with uni, toro, and caviar.
"The hand rolls here are outstanding, easily some of the best I've had."
"I found the hand rolls here to be unique and outstanding."
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.
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.
Lively atmosphere blends with unique little shops selling traditional crafts, kimonos, and anime merchandise. Red lanterns and Japanese-style architecture create a distinct vibe not found elsewhere.
"You can experience authentic Japanese food and buy goods only available in Japan."
"You'll find unique shops selling Japanese gifts and anime."
Good to know
The plaza hosts cherry blossom events in spring with sakura-themed stalls.
Nisei Week Japanese Festival in August includes Obon dancing, taiko drums, and a parade.
Parking can get crowded and expensive on weekends.
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.
Tofu dishes stand out with unique flavors and are made in-house. The tofu sampler offers a variety of distinctive tastes that are both delicious and affordable.
"You have to try the Japanese food, especially the signature tofu sampler."
"The tofu dishes here are unique and delicious."
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.
Ramen restaurant offers spacious modern design with a warm, inviting atmosphere blending Kyoto and Los Angeles styles. The vibe stays lively and efficient, reflecting authentic roots with community-style seating. Broth stands out as thick, creamy, and richly flavored, setting it apart from typical ramen spots.
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.
A super rich soup stands out with a flavor unlike any other ramen in LA. This place offers a genuinely unique taste experience.
"The Japanese food here has a rich, gravy-like broth."
"The unique ramen broth is rich, thick, and almost like a savory gravy."
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.
Small, unassuming sushi spot with cozy seating and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Friendly, straightforward vibe suits casual meals or takeout more than formal dining. Known for fresh, high-quality sushi that rivals pricier places.
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.
The Happy Valley roll offers a unique sushi combination with house-made sauces crafted by Thuan, who keeps the flavors pure by avoiding extra sauce additions.
"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is incredibly fresh and tasty."
"Thuan's unique sauces are a must-try, and he's happy to share."
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.
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.
Spicy goam features a unique flavor with onions, jalapenos, Japanese mayo, a pancake-like patty, and noodles. The menu offers distinctive Japanese dishes that stand out for their originality.
"This Japanese food, the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, is a layered masterpiece."
"The food here is unique, with amazing flavor explosions."
Good to know
Parking validation is available, making it easier to avoid street parking.
Happy hour offers nice drink prices, making it a good time to visit.
Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.
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.
A unique Japanese atmosphere shines through the minimal, sleek interior and beautiful decor. Cocktails and dishes come out perfectly balanced and distinct, including a standout Caesar salad.
"The Japanese Food here has amazing Toro Handrolls and Wagyu Cheeseburger."
"I loved the beautiful and unique decor creating a great atmosphere."
Good to know
Parking is street only and very limited.
Valet parking costs $13.
Prices are reasonable for the quality offered.
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.
Squid ink karaage stands out with its perfectly fried chicken and amazing presentation. Fusion dishes blend Asian flavors in a brilliantly crafted way, complemented by a drink menu full of unique cocktails.
"The yakitori skewers are perfectly grilled and packed with smoky flavor."
"The squid ink karaage is uniquely crispy and bold."
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.
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.
Massive aquarium ceiling creates a standout ambiance. Cocktails come in unique, picture-worthy styles. Menu and decor both offer a distinct Japanese dining experience.
"The Japanese food here is so good and so fresh."
"The Japanese restaurant's menu and decor are truly unique."
Good to know
Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially during peak hours.
Valet parking costs $17.57 before tip, with no street parking available.
Happy hour runs from 5 to 6:30 pm with discounted sushi options.
High vaulted ceilings and modern Japandi styling create a bright, clean interior with an open kitchen that showcases chefs at work. The atmosphere feels Zen and refined, blending calmness with a romantic, sensual vibe. Staff wear matching white uniforms, adding an orderly, institutional touch to the unique and elevated space.
Freshly grated wasabi and sashimi from local fishermen who use ikejime and dry aging create varied textures and outstanding freshness. Dishes like the beef Katsu with porcini mushroom butter and plant-based Monk's Chirashi-Sushi highlight a Japanese-inspired menu with unique flavors.
Unique food tastings include Eggplant with dark miso crust and Corn and Sausage with cool presentation. The environment and concept feel very interesting and unique, matched by a charming service crew.
"The Japanese food here is so fresh and artfully crafted."
"The food here is thoughtfully crafted and uniquely flavorful."
Good to know
Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.
The restaurant serves sushi only during lunch hours.
Expect high prices with a Prix Fixe menu available.