Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Japanese food spots in Koreatown

You are looking for Japanese spots that are off the beaten path.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
My Donkatsu 마이돈까스 image 1
My Donkatsu 마이돈까스 image 2
My Donkatsu 마이돈까스 image 3
View all

Small space with cozy, inviting vibe and walls covered in guest drawings and messages creates a personable atmosphere. Energy shifts from calm and immaculate to slightly chaotic during busy times. Regulars enjoy authentic, crispy pork katsu that stands out among local options.

Tonkatsu stands out with its flaky breading and juicy pork that melts in your mouth. The cheese katsu offers a crispy texture packed with lots of cheese, holding up well even for delivery.

A spot known for its hidden gem status in Ktown, it offers a unique take on donkatsu that stands out quietly among other options.

People are saying

"The tonkatsu here is so crispy and tender."

"The Japanese food, especially the katsu, is so crispy and delicious."

"You have to try the cheese katsu; it's the best I've had."

Good to know

1

There is a free parking lot in the plaza.

2

Parking can be difficult during lunch hours.

3

Most menu items are reasonably priced under $20.

02
Haru Poke and Boba image 1
Takeout Restaurant

Bright, cheerful takeout spot with barstool seating and a casual, relaxed vibe. Small dining area includes a few tables and outdoor seats, creating a cozy atmosphere. Known for fresh, vibrant poke bowls with a unique Korean twist.

Poke bowls come packed to the brim and taste very fresh. Staff often offer free miso soup alongside the meal.

This spot stands out as a hidden gem for poke lovers with its fresh, flavorful bowls. It also offers boba drinks, making it a unique find for casual hangouts.

People are saying

"I thought the poke here was great and delicious."

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

"You have to try these Hidden Gems; the poke bowls are so fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

They are running a 10% off promotion throughout May.

2

There is free parking in the building with validation available.

3

The shop is tucked away and easy to miss from the street.

03
Matsumoto image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Authentic Japanese sushi bar with fresh fish flown in daily and an extensive omakase menu featuring over 40 types of seasonal seafood. Atmosphere feels pure and genuine, with friendly staff and a hidden gem vibe despite modest lighting and flooring. Pricing leans high, reflecting a focus on quality over quantity.

Sushi here features rare concoctions and a 25-piece omakase that delivers a magical night of flavors. The food stands out as fantastic and perfectly executed, offering some of the most amazing Japanese dishes around.

Offers a quiet charm away from the usual spots. Feels like a true hidden gem with a unique vibe.

People are saying

"I experienced the best sushi omakase in town."

"The fish here is incredibly fresh, flown in from Japan."

"I tried the best sushi here, it was perfectly executed."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service.

2

Parking is available nearby, but can be limited during peak hours.

3

Expect to pay around $240 per person for a full omakase experience.

04
Tsukiyo sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers traditional Japanese seating with floor chairs and private tatami rooms that require removing shoes, creating a cozy and authentic atmosphere. The space feels inviting and personalized, with sections including sushi bar and washitsu rooms. Energy varies from relaxing to lively, accommodating solo diners and groups alike.

Sushi here stands out for its super fresh fish and great portions at a very reasonable price. The sushi dinner sets deliver excellent value with tasty, authentic flavors and friendly service.

Super fresh fish and great portions stand out here, paired with reasonable prices. The spot offers a quiet vibe with solid service, tucked away in a busy area.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and generously portioned."

"The Japanese food here is delicious and fresh."

"You'll find hidden gems with super fresh fish and great portions."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and the wait time is minimal even during busy hours.

2

Parking can be inconvenient, so plan accordingly.

3

The restaurant serves both sushi and pasta, which is unusual for a Japanese restaurant.

05
Damsot image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant offers a clean, cozy interior with modern Korean cafe style and well-lit, tidy decor. Atmosphere feels warm and upscale casual, though noise levels can be high, making conversation challenging. Small space creates an intimate vibe with a trendy, wholesome energy.

Salmon sashimi comes thick, buttery, and very fresh, priced well at $26. The sukiyaki beef is tender and flavorful, served sweet and savory with vegetables. Cold soba combo offers a refreshing option.

Pot rice dishes served in Korean dolsot make this spot stand out. It sits quietly next to a busy seafood place, offering a hidden gem vibe for those who find it.

People are saying

"The pot rice dishes are flavorful and comforting."

"The Japanese pot rice dishes, like pork belly and eel, were addictive."

"You have to try the steak and eel pot rice; it's a hidden gem."

Good to know

1

Parking is validated for a couple hours if you dine here.

2

You can only add to the wait list in person.

3

Don’t forget to ask the restaurant for a stamp after your meal.

06
Hanabi Sushi Bar image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a cozy bar and grill setting with a modern interior and bright lighting. Atmosphere feels warm and lively with loud music and multiple TVs. Known for high-quality sushi and unique rolls featuring real crab, it attracts those seeking fresh, well-presented dishes.

Sushi here stands out for its excellent quality and astounding value. The menu features a variety of sushi, rolls, and sashimi that consistently impress with freshness and presentation.

Offers a quiet atmosphere and authentic sushi that feels tucked away from the usual spots. Known for its unassuming charm, it stands out as a spot many overlook.

People are saying

"The sushi here is fresh, creative, and utterly perfect."

"I found this place to be a hidden gem."

"I thought the sushi here was the best I had in LA."

Good to know

1

Parking is a bit limited, but there is a shared free parking lot.

2

The prices for rolls are comparable to average sushi prices.

3

Hanabi Sushi Bar is open fairly late, which is convenient for diners.

07
Izakaya Mi Young image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Downstairs setting with ukiyo-e curtains at tables creates privacy while the bar offers a cozy appeal. Atmosphere feels lively and warm, suited for dates and casual nights. Decor channels an authentic Tokyo izakaya vibe, blending traditional style with inviting energy.

Fresh sushi and uni-scallop sushi stand out with clean flavors and minimal sauce. Yakitori skewers, including a combo, come out mouthwatering and pair well with snacks like agedashi tofu and okonomiyaki.

Tucked away in a basement, this spot offers a hidden gem vibe with a cozy setting. It suits a late-night drink perfectly.

People are saying

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

"It's a hidden gem tucked away, perfect for a late-night drink."

"This Japanese food is a hidden gem tucked away downstairs."

Good to know

1

Parking can be validated in the plaza for only 3 dollars.

2

The menu offers a wide range of dishes including sushi, sashimi, and grilled meats.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food and drinks offered.

08
Norikaya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Upscale Japanese restaurant with elegant interior featuring U-shaped bar seating and handcrafted ceramics. Atmosphere is relaxed and lively, with loungey EDM music and a vibe suited for casual nights or cozy dates. Offers a top-tier sake selection that complements fresh, thoughtfully paired dishes.

Fresh hand rolls and yellowtail sashimi stand out with authentic izakaya vibes. The uni temaki tastes particularly sweet and fresh, offering a fine dining sushi experience.

Galbi tacos stand out as a unique find here. The spot offers authentic izakaya vibes and fresh hand rolls that feel like a secret discovery.

People are saying

"The food took forever to arrive, with 30-minute waits between dishes."

"The server Ashley was so sweet and attentive with our Japanese food."

"You'll find hidden gems like fresh, unique hand rolls here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 5-7pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The menu features a variety of sushi and izakaya dishes.

Discover more

Koreatown, Los Angeles

Area guide
Loading Map...