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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Koreatown

Unique Japanese spots

Japanese food that offers a genuinely unique experience rather than the same predictable menu found everywhere else.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Supamu Okinawa Onigiri image 1
Supamu Okinawa Onigiri image 2
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Japanese restaurant

Little corner shop with cute outdoor seating and dog-friendly space offers a fun industrial atmosphere with chill hip-hop music. The vibe is relaxed and inviting, attracting those who enjoy unique Asian soul food in a casual setting.

Okinawa-style onigiri offers a unique twist with fillings like spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, and sukiyaki beef. These onigiri are flavorful without feeling greasy or heavy, making them both delicious and filling.

Offers Okinawan style musubi with seaweed wrapped around rice and spam in the center, making it easier to hold. This style is unique in America and creates a distinctive eating experience.

People are saying

"The Okinawan style musubi is unique and easy to hold."

"You have to try the Unagi onigiri; it's a must-try dish."

"The Japanese food, especially the onigiri, is super yummy and larger than it looks."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available, but can fill up quickly due to plaza services.

2

Valet parking is an option for those who prefer it.

3

The menu includes a variety of options catering to different tastes.

02
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.

Unique rooms create a personalized atmosphere with private seating options. Appetizers like scallops and ceviche tacos offer distinctive flavors.

People are saying

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

"The Japanese food here is delicious and fresh."

"The food here is outstanding, with super fresh fish and great flavors."

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.

03
My Donkatsu 마이돈까스 image 1

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.

Unique sides like gat-namul stand out here. Katsu comes with sauces including a jalapeño sauce not found elsewhere.

People are saying

"The tonkatsu here is so crispy and tender."

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

"The tonkatsu here is uniquely tender with a perfectly crispy, non-greasy coating."

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.

04
ORIGIN Korean BBQ image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue restaurant with tabletop charcoal grilling and waitstaff-cooked meat offers an interactive yet relaxing dining experience. Interior blends retro-industrial 1960s Seoul style with modern design, creating a lively and warm atmosphere. Unique features include built-in hot pot burners and a scratcher game adding excitement to meals.

Ramen stands out with its rich, flavorful broth and brisket, served hot on a small stove to keep it warm. Other dishes like kimchi fried rice and garlic short rib complement the meal well.

An extensive menu offers premium meats with distinct flavors and unique cuts. The dining experience includes a scratcher game and a lively vibe from the 1960s Seoul-inspired décor.

People are saying

"The Korean BBQ here has delicious, tender meats and yummy sides."

"The meats here are so tender and bursting with flavor."

"The ramen here is so flavorful and rich."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Parking can be challenging in the area, so plan accordingly.

3

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

05
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Asian restaurant

Small dining space with long table bars and cute mascot art creates a casual, cozy vibe. K-pop music and a clean, modern interior set a relaxed atmosphere. The place fills up quickly, making it lively but sometimes noisy.

Fusion of sushi and Korean BBQ on inari creates a unique taste. Fresh fried tofu sushi and yubu sushi varieties like Unagi Avocado and Philly Salmon stand out with solid flavors.

Fusion of sushi and Korean BBQ on inari creates a unique flavor combo. Six different Yubu flavors offer distinctive tastes with each piece of fried tofu sushi being delightfully different.

People are saying

"You have to try the kimchi fries and yubu for Korean food here."

"The Japanese food here, especially the yubu, is stuffed and filling."

"The yubu here is so tasty and each one has a unique flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is available right in front of the store, making it convenient.

2

The restaurant runs a soft opening promotion until February 14th.

3

They offer a lunch special for $14.99 that includes three yubu of any choice.

06
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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.

Pouring barley tea over rice creates a heartwarming touch. The menu features unique Korean dishes that offer a distinct taste experience.

People are saying

"The pot rice dishes are flavorful and comforting."

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

"The pot rice here is so flavorful, with a fragrant crispy rice crust."

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.

07
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.

Sweet and savory flavors come together in the unagi strawberry temaki, offering a distinct taste. Unique touches like handroll holders and sail-like curtains create an immersive dining vibe.

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."

"The hand rolls here have a unique twist with unconventional ingredients."

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.

08
Pigya image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue spot with modern black interior and bright table lights highlights authentic grill setup at each table. The atmosphere is very loud, making conversation difficult, and tables are crammed closely together. Valet parking and wheelchair accessibility add convenience to the experience.

Ramen stands out with its perfect broth and comes at the end of the meal. The pork selection pairs well with the rich noodles.

Kimchi fried rice and hangover ramen add a unique Korean BBQ experience. The dipping sauces include a creamy garlic parmesan sauce that stands out.

People are saying

"The Korean BBQ here is surprisingly good for the price."

"The dipping sauces, especially the creamy garlic parmesan, are unique."

"I tasted the best pork belly I have ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are allowed but recommended for busy times.

2

Valet parking is available for $4.

3

Street parking is free after 6 pm.

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Koreatown, Los Angeles

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