Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown LA

Tempura

You have a specific expectation for how tempura should be prepared.

Based on 530 Opinions
+527
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Sama Hand Roll / Grill image 1
Sama Hand Roll / Grill image 2
Sama Hand Roll / Grill image 3
View all

Sleek design and perfect lighting create an upscale vibe. Green bean tempura offers crispiness and flavor that stands out. Sake cocktails pair well with exceptional hand rolls and fusion dishes, making it great for families or intimate dinners.

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
HATCH image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant blends a calm, peaceful vibe with lively 90s music and dim lighting. Bar seating offers views of kitchen prep and creative Japanese dishes like the Corn Tempura Tower with crunchy, light textures. Interesting cocktails inspired by Japanese whiskey complete the experience.

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 cocktails here are creative and perfectly balanced."

"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.

03
OOTORO LITTLE TOKYO image 1
Sushi restaurant

Modern interior sets a zen atmosphere with dim lighting and an intimate feel. Seafood tempura shines with lobster tail and sweet shrimp, served crispy and hot. Bar dining offers a sophisticated vibe perfect for an Omakase experience.

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.

04
Izakaya Gazen image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Corner space with a triangle table offers unique seating. Atmosphere blends peaceful jazz vibe with authentic Japanese izakaya charm. Menu features shrimp tempura with crisp texture and a spicy tuna tempura roll for bold flavor.

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.

05
Hinodeya Ramen Bar Little Tokyo image 1

Japanese-style ramen bar offers a spacious, stylish setting with taiko drum greetings and custom Ghibli music. Shrimp tempura is light and crispy, paired with matcha salt or wasabi powder for extra flavor. Soft lighting and glass jars of toppings create a welcoming atmosphere blending authentic design with lively 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.

06
Sushi & Teri image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi spot offers outdoor wooden tables and a calm vibe with street music. Tempura is light and crunchy, featuring rolls with spicy crab and vegetable udon. Seating includes comfy sofas, and ordering is easy via tabletop screens.

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.

07
Marugame Udon image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Udon noodle spot offers a laid back vibe with plenty of seating and a lively K-pop soundtrack. Self-service style keeps dining casual and easy. Fresh hot tempura sides like shrimp and gyoza add tasty crunch to meals.

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."

"The curry nikutama was so satisfying."

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

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.

08
OOmasa image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with authentic Japanese decor offers a cozy, calming vibe perfect for quiet meals. Shrimp tempura shines with its light, crispy texture and pairs well with hot sauce. Seating options include sushi bar and outdoor tables for people watching.

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."

"I found the food here to be authentic, fresh, and delicious."

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.

09
Korean Kitchen Hibachi BBQ. image 1

Cozy booths and traditional Korean decor create a warm vibe. Groups enjoy the lively interactive hibachi experience at tables for six. Light, crispy shrimp tempura with vegetables comes with a tasty sauce, perfect for sharing.

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 tempura here is so light and crispy."

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.

10
Suehiro DTLA image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Large space with high ceilings and an industrial look sets a cozy mood with ambient music. Mixed and vegetable tempura shine in set meals and vegan dishes, showing freshness and versatility. Bar adds an adult feel while welcoming families, blending charm with modern design.

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."

"It's a great late night spot, open really late."

"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.

11
Bento Ya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese spot inside a busy market serves quick meals with a large bento variety including vegetarian options. Tempura vegetables are fried to perfection, and shrimp tempura shines in the deluxe bento with grilled beef and salmon. Expect a lively atmosphere and limited seating.

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
Sakana Sushi Lounge DTLA image 1
Japanese restaurant

Spacious outdoor patio and live music duo create a chill, classy vibe perfect for dates or groups. Light, crispy tempura offers a delicate crunch without greasiness. Fresh sushi pairs well with an excellent sake collection, enhancing the cool atmosphere.

Light, crispy tempura comes without any greasiness. Shrimp, scallop sushi, calamari, and vegetable tempura all show up with a delicate crunch.

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 tempura here is so light, crispy, and not greasy at all."

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.

13
Tamon Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Quiet spot on a hotel second floor offers calm ambiance and historic street views. Senior Bento features mixed tempura with grilled fish and vegetables. Space feels relaxed and welcoming, perfect for enjoying authentic Washoku.

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 tempura here is served by wonderful staff."

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.

Discover more

Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

Area guide
Loading Map...