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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown Los Angeles

Tempura spots

Tempura that maintains its crispness during a midday meal instead of turning soggy before you finish.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Sama Hand Roll / Grill image 1
Sama Hand Roll / Grill image 2
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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.

Lunch features great specials and amazing deals. Options suit date nights or delivery.

Green bean tempura stands out with its crispiness and flavor. Eel tempura and lobster dashi pasta complement the dish lineup with rich, savory notes.

People are saying

"You have to try the crispy rice at this Lunch Spot; it's perfectly crunchy."

"The Wagyu short ribs were so moist and cooked just right."

"The tempura green beans were a standout."

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.

02
OOTORO LITTLE TOKYO image 1
Sushi restaurant

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.

Lunch offers affordable specials with good quality. Options include a premium chirashi and a melt in my mouth sushi platter.

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.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, the sashimi melts in your mouth."

"The seafood here is unbelievably fresh and high quality."

"The seafood tempura portions were so generous and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult on weekends; nearby garages may charge around $30.

2

Expect to pay around $100 for two people, depending on the order.

3

Lunch specials offer great prices for a variety of dishes.

03
Hinodeya Ramen Bar Little Tokyo image 1

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.

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.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, is incredibly tasty and comforting."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is so attentive and pleasant."

"The tempura shrimp was so light and crispy."

Good to know

1

Hinodeya Ramen Bar offers only ten bowls of hotate ramen each day.

2

Parking nearby costs about $10-15 per day.

3

Expect a wait on busy days due to limited seating.

04
OOmasa image 1
Japanese restaurant

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.

Affordable lunch specials offer good quality meals. Portions are filling and leave diners completely satisfied.

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.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh, especially the toro."

"The tempura here is freshly fried with a nice light batter."

"The sushi here is so fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy at the Japanese village structure with 2-hour validation.

2

Arrive early to avoid long wait times, especially during busy events.

3

The meal costs around $22, offering good value for sushi and drinks.

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.

Fixed price lunch menus offer good value with reasonable pricing around $25. Portions seem small but leave you feeling full and include options to share extra dishes.

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.

People are saying

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

"The food here is tasty and beautifully presented."

"The corn tempura is so light and crunchy."

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
Marugame Udon image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

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.

Comfort food with large portions and tempura suits a quick, affordable lunch. The self-service setup speeds up the meal, fitting well into a short break.

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.

People are saying

"I thought their udon was the best I had."

"I loved the tempura, especially the sweet potato."

"I loved the chewy udon at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at The Bloc with one hour of free validation.

2

Kake udon costs 1000 yen, making it an affordable meal option.

3

There is no table service; diners order and find their own seats.

07
Suehiro DTLA image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

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.

Lunch offers reasonably priced specials with generous portions. Food quality stays high, covering traditional dishes and elegant desserts. Staff stays attentive during service.

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.

People are saying

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

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and high quality."

"I highly recommend their delicious tempura and udon."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 pm with food and drink specials.

2

The restaurant stays open until 1 am for late-night diners.

3

Outside seating is available, but may require a longer wait.

08
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.

Lunch offers great curry and a savory beef hotpot with rich broth. Lunch deals provide good value and attract late diners.

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.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has excellent food and a great atmosphere."

"The shrimp tempura here is very good and fresh."

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.

09
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.

Large portions of beef teriyaki bowls make lunch filling. The lunch service runs smoothly and suits quick stops during shopping.

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.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has pretty good food for decent prices."

"I enjoyed the tempura because it was light and crunchy."

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.

10
Korean Kitchen Hibachi BBQ. image 1

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.

Lunch hours feel quiet with a slow pace. The BBQ Tofu from the lunch menu comes hot and spicy and is well prepared. Options include lunch sets or ordering ร  la carte.

Light and crispy tempura comes with shrimp and vegetables. The combo includes three shrimp tempura pieces and vegetables, all served with a tasty sauce.

People are saying

"The Korean BBQ here is flavorful, fresh, and perfectly cooked."

"The chicken cutlet here is surprisingly crispy and smooth, perfect for Date Spots."

"The Lunch Spot's BBQ Tofu is hot and spicy."

Good to know

1

They validate two hours of parking if I dine in.

2

The restaurant automatically deducts a tip for parties of five or more.

3

One order is enough for two people if I get an extra bowl of rice.

11
Bento Ya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant inside a bustling market offers quick, affordable meals with a large bento selection and vegetarian options. The atmosphere is loud and lively, reflecting downtown lunch rush energy. Seating is limited, making it a popular spot for those seeking fast, filling food.

Lunch offers a Japanese-style bento with assorted meats, vegetables, and rice in separate compartments. The spot suits a quick meal amid downtown's hustle and bustle.

Tempura vegetables come out fried to perfection and very flavorful. The shrimp tempura is solid and included in the deluxe bento with grilled beef, salmon, and tofu salad.

People are saying

"This Japanese food is quick, filling, and reasonably priced."

"This lunch spot is pretty affordable for the portion size."

"The tempura vegetables were fried to perfection."

Good to know

1

Prices range from $12 to $18, with large drink refills for $2.75.

2

Bento Ya has a vegetarian and vegan menu with multiple options.

3

Finding a seat can be challenging due to the crowded market.

12
Tamon Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

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.

Lunch hours see very light crowds, sometimes with only one table occupied. Bento boxes serve as a common lunch option on weekdays when other sushi spots are closed.

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.

People are saying

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

"The Japanese food here is delicious and authentic."

"The sushi at this Lunch Spot is so fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5:30 to 7:30 pm with reduced prices on sake, shochu, and beer.

2

The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Wednesdays.

3

Parking is available inside the restaurant, with additional spots on 1st street.

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Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

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