Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Sawtelle's best

Japanese food

Japanese food that honors traditional techniques instead of catering to the most common denominator.

Based on 776 Opinions
+773
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Sushi Enya Sawtelle image 1
Sushi Enya Sawtelle image 2
Sushi Enya Sawtelle image 3
View all
Sushi restaurant

Modern, cozy space shines with stunning Japanese decor and friendly chefs who create a warm vibe. Sushi is super fresh with generous portions and unique rolls like Takashiโ€™s. Happy hour adds great value to this inviting spot.

Sushi here is super fresh with generous portions and includes unique options like the Takashiโ€™s roll. The sushi chefs are incredible and kind, creating a welcoming vibe alongside a solid happy hour selection.

People are saying

"I experienced the best sushi in LA here."

"The fish here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The sushi here is phenomenal; I've never had better."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary to secure a table, especially during peak hours.

2

Happy hour offers discounted sushi plates and drinks before 6:30 pm.

3

Parking is available at The Block plaza with validation from the restaurant.

02
Aki Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Old-school Japanese spot offers fresh sushi served by the owner in a cozy atmosphere. Family-run charm shines through authentic vibe and reasonable prices. Locals love its simple, well-kept setting and unique dishes like Chainsaw Man Deluxe Sushi.

Fresh fish arrives daily and the owner serves it directly at the sushi bar. The menu features sashimi, tonkatsu, and unique rolls like the Chainsaw Man Deluxe Sushi.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is fresh and spectacular."

"I thought the Japanese food here was the best I've ever had."

"I believed this place had the best sushi in LA."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect large portion sizes for all menu items.

3

Prices are reasonable compared to other sushi restaurants in the area.

03
Menya Tigre image 1
Japanese curry restaurant

Small, cozy spot with an open kitchen and covered patio offers a lively vibe with 90s hip hop and reggae. Rich, flavorful Japanese curry dishes like curry ramen and chashu bowl shine here. Seating includes a bar and spaced tables for a comfortable meal.

Rich, flavorful curry ramen stands out with a mild kick and a unique chicken broth base. The menu also features a chashu bowl, curry tsukemen, and chicken karaage over rice, all delivering deep curry flavors and great noodle texture.

People are saying

"The pork cutlet curry was excellent, tender and juicy."

"The outdoor seating area is comfortable and has heating lamps."

"The Japanese food's curry is rich with complex, spicy flavor."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, their tsukemen is 15% off.

2

Parking is challenging in the area, so plan ahead.

3

Expect about a 20-minute wait for a table on Saturday nights.

04
Bangkok BBQ Bowl image 1

Tiny spot with minimalist decor and an open kitchen offers a homely vibe. Teriyaki sauce shines on chicken and steak bowls, while wings and spring rolls pack strong flavors. Friendly atmosphere makes it a relaxing place despite occasional kitchen noise.

Teriyaki sauce stands out as a key highlight, especially on the chicken and steak bowls. Wings, spring rolls, and steak barbecue over rice also feature as notable dishes with strong flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and packed with incredible flavor."

"The owner, Nute, is so warm and friendly."

"I thought their teriyaki sauce was the best I have ever had."

Good to know

1

On June 20, they are having 50% off bowls for the grand opening.

2

On June 21, they will have a BOGO free bowl promotion.

3

They are currently having their soft opening, which includes a free drink.

05
Somisomi image 1
Dessert shop

Outdoor seating invites quick bites of crispy taiyaki filled with sweet or savory treats like Nutella and Cheddar. Creamy soft serve ice cream cools down the fast-paced, busy vibe. Watching fresh taiyakis made adds a fun, visual treat to the experience.

Taiyaki here comes warm and crispy outside with a soft, gooey inside. Fillings like Cheddar, Nutella, Oreo, red bean, and custard offer a mix of sweet and savory flavors in a cute fish shape.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, taiyaki, is warm, crispy, and perfectly sweet."

"The desserts here are creamy, delicious soft serve."

"The fish cones are soft, chewy, and delicious with great toppings."

Good to know

1

The wait time can be long, especially on weekends.

2

Parking can be tricky, but metered street parking is available nearby.

3

Credit cards are accepted at the shop.

06
Chinchikurin Sawtelle image 1
Okonomiyaki restaurant

Open kitchen with large teppan plates creates a cozy vibe perfect for groups and couples. Okonomiyaki shines with crispy Hiroshima style loaded with fresh seafood like shrimp and squid. Takoyaki here beats Osaka's, making it a top spot for authentic Japanese food.

Okonomiyaki here matches the quality of Japan's best, especially the Hiroshima style which is crispy and loaded with high-quality seafood like tender shrimp and squid. The takoyaki also stands out, even surpassing versions from Osaka.

People are saying

"I thought the okonomiyaki was incredible, just like in Japan."

"The seafood in the okonomiyaki was high quality, with tender shrimp."

"I found this place to be a unique find."

Good to know

1

Parking is convenient across the street.

2

Using the online waitlist helps reduce wait times.

3

The portion size is big enough to share with two people.

07
Anzu image 1
Fried chicken takeaway

Small spot offers juicy karaage with ponzu and crispy katsu. Unique Japanese curry dishes add variety. Family-run vibe with cool music and quick service makes it a great casual stop.

Karaage with ponzu stands out as a flavorful dish. The menu also features katsu and a variety of Japanese curry options.

People are saying

"I loved the savory, crispy curry karaage."

"I found the fried chicken here to be juicy and perfectly seasoned."

"The Japanese food's fried chicken is perfectly seasoned and addictively crispy."

Good to know

1

Anzu is permanently closed; its menu is now at Menya Tigre.

2

There is never a wait to get into this place.

3

They package food in to-go containers, indicating it primarily operates as a takeout place.

08
California Roll Factory image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, cozy spot with a homely Japanese atmosphere and inviting vibe. Sushi offers super fresh fish and unique rolls that melt in the mouth. Friendly service and consistent quality make it a favorite for tempura and sashimi lovers.

Sushi stays fresh and authentic with a great variety of unique rolls and yellow tail sashimi. Tempura dinner is popular too, served with friendly service and consistent quality.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious, it just melts in your mouth."

"I thought the sushi here was the best I've ever had."

"I found the food here to be excellent and delicious."

Good to know

1

The parking lot is self-paid, but free street parking is available.

2

They offer a 10% cash discount on your total bill.

3

No reservations are required, but tables can fill up quickly.

09
Echigo image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi spot shines with authentic nigiri and top-quality fish like abalone and oysters. Atmosphere stays simple and casual, perfect for genuine sushi lovers. Offers traditional Japanese flavors without western twists or heavy sauces.

Sushi here matches the style found in Japan with classic nigiri and no California rolls or heavy sauces. The omakase and sashimi offer authentic flavors with exceptional quality and good value.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was very authentic and the fish was exceptional."

"The Japanese food, especially the omakase, was worth the price."

"The fish here is incredibly fresh and melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are preferred for dinner service.

2

The omakase includes 2 appetizers and 8 pieces of sushi, costing about $80 per person.

3

Lunch specials offer great value compared to dinner prices.

10
Torisoba Sumiya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Open kitchen with charcoal grill flames creates a cozy vibe. Ramen features smoky grilled chicken and rich broth for bold flavor. Seating is tight but inviting, with a large wooden bar facing the kitchen.

Charcoal grilled chicken adds a smoky aroma and rich umami to the ramen. The broth is rich and flavorful, complementing the flame-kissed chicken and thick scallions for a unique taste.

People are saying

"The Japanese Food here has a uniquely smoky, charred chicken."

"The ramen here is super flavorful with perfectly chewy noodles."

"The fried chicken with tartar sauce was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Parking is free with validation in the basement parkade.

2

Expect a five-minute wait before being seated during peak hours.

3

They stop accepting new guests at 9 pm, so arrive early.

11
Hiko Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall sushi spot offers shockingly fresh fish and Chef's Choice omakase that changes with the seasons. Family-friendly vibe with a strict no cell phone policy keeps the atmosphere quiet and intimate. Every dish shows exceptional rice quality and careful preparation.

Sushi here is shockingly fresh and beautifully made, with a chef serious about quality. The menu includes a Chef's Choice omakase that adapts to seasonality and preparation styles.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is shockingly fresh and beautifully made."

"I found the sushi here to be shockingly fresh and beautifully made."

"I found the food here to be really great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

2

Expect to pay extra for any additional items beyond the Chef's Choice.

3

The restaurant has a strict no cell phone policy.

12
Nijiya Market Sawtelle Store image 1
Japanese grocery store

Japanese grocery store shines with fresh sushi like toro and hamachi, plus affordable bento boxes full of variety. Hard-to-find groceries add to the authentic atmosphere. Clean, welcoming space in an older building makes shopping a pleasure.

Fresh, sushi grade fish stands out with options like toro, hamachi, and sweet ebi. Affordable bento boxes and sushi rolls, including battera and chirashi with generous ikura, offer variety and quality.

People are saying

"This grocery store has amazing Japanese snacks and fresh sushi."

"The seafood here is sushi-grade and incredibly fresh."

"I found the Japanese food, especially the sushi, to be fresh and amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and can be frustrating; arrive early if possible.

2

Prepared meals and lunch boxes sell out quickly, especially during peak hours.

3

Nighttime sushi is 20% off, making it a great deal.

13
Yabu image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy spot offers fresh sushi and handmade soba with rich broth. Intimate seating and a garden patio create a relaxed vibe. Open chef's area invites friendly chats, making it great for family meals.

Sushi and sashimi come with fresh, expertly sliced fish and beautiful presentation. Handmade soba and udon noodles have a delightful texture and rich broth, while tempura is freshly cooked with care.

People are saying

"I found the soba to have amazing mouthfeel and bite."

"The sashimi here is so fresh and expertly sliced."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, especially the sushi and sashimi."

Good to know

1

Yabu offers a 10% discount for paying cash.

2

Limited parking is available, especially during peak hours.

3

The lunch special costs $25 and offers good value.

14
En Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Space blends high ceilings with a warm, modern-industrial vibe. Sushi shines with fresh blue fin tuna and generous portions. Bar buzzes with Sapporo on tap and fun games, while staff deliver superb service.

Sushi features fresh blue fin tuna and consistently great quality and portions. Staff provide superb, kind service and the owner brings extensive sushi-making experience ensuring high standards.

People are saying

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

"The lunch special here is amazing and a great deal."

"I experienced the best happy hour here; it can't be beat."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs late into the evening with great discounts on rolls.

2

Parking is convenient with a lot right by the restaurant.

3

Lunch combos offer good value for a reasonable price.

15
Tom's Sushi House image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small shack in a strip mall offers excellent sushi with huge portions and standout rolls like Alaskan spicy. Take-out only with free parking makes quick visits easy. Mixed tempura is crispy and fresh, perfect for Japanese food lovers.

Sushi here offers huge portions with fresh, high-quality fish that melts in your mouth. The mixed tempura is crispy, and rolls like the salmon mango and Alaskan spicy stand out for flavor and balance.

People are saying

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

"The gyoza here were amazing and my favorite item."

"I loved the takeout here."

Good to know

1

Tom's Sushi House is open on Christmas Day for take-out only.

2

Parking at Tom's Sushi House is free and easy to access.

3

The average wait time for orders is about 10 minutes.

16
Midoh - Sawtelle image 1

Large dining room creates a cozy vibe with Japanese music setting a peaceful mood. Menu shines with hamburg steak and pork katsu, while udon and tempura come out hot and crispy. Outdoor seating adds charm to this authentic Japanese diner.

Udon and tempura dishes come out super hot and crispy. The oyster katsu is perfectly portioned and the hamburg steak shines with teriyaki sauce.

People are saying

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

"The corn soup starter was a great sign for the meal."

"The Hamburg steak here is epic with teriyaki or demi-glace sauce."

Good to know

1

Parking is free with a $10 purchase at Sawtelle Place Plaza.

2

One hour of complimentary parking is available in the underground lot.

3

Reservations can be made by calling ahead.

17
Nanbankan image 1
Yakitori restaurant

Intimate yakitori spot shines with authentic flavors and open kitchen counter seating. Cozy, lively vibe pairs well with traditional Japanese decor and grilled onigiri. Small space fills fast, making it a vibrant, upscale dining choice.

Yakitori stands out with authentic flavors and just enough salt seasoning. Grilled onigiri, Soboro Don rice, and black cod offer nicely grilled options alongside an intimate setting with table and counter seating.

People are saying

"I thought the yakitori here was the best I'd ever had."

"I found the authentic Japanese food really tasty and easy to enjoy."

"I thought this was the best Japanese food, my new local yakitori place."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must to dine at this popular yakitori restaurant.

2

Expect to wait if you don't have a reservation, especially on weekends.

3

Bring your vaccination card as it's required for entry.

18
Ramen Chikumo -Japanese Toripaitan image 1

Enjoy rich chicken broth ramen with a jammy boiled egg and handmade pan-fried gyoza featuring thin skin and juicy filling. The modern spa vibe and spotless decor create a laid-back, comfortable space with quiet, clean seating perfect for relaxed chats.

Ramen here features a rich chicken broth that stands out from typical pork-based versions. The signature ramen offers a light, fresh broth with a jammy boiled egg, paired with handmade pan-fried gyoza that have a paper-thin skin and juicy filling.

People are saying

"This ramen is lighter and less oily than others I've tried."

"The gyoza here are juicy and flavorful."

"This Japanese food is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a larger parking structure beneath the building.

2

A typical person spends between $20 and $30 for ramen and one appetizer.

3

The gyoza costs $8 and is a popular appetizer.

19
B.A.D. Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy spot offers fresh sushi and unique specials with quick, friendly service. Family-oriented staff create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for casual dining. Reasonable prices and a good selection of beer and sake make it a great place to enjoy Japanese food comfortably.

Fresh sushi and unique specials stand out here. Service is quick and friendly, making sushi rolls and gyoza solid choices.

People are saying

"I thought the Japanese food here was the best I had."

"The food here is fresh, plentiful, and delicious."

"I found the seafood rolls here to be delicious and creative."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during busy dinner hours.

2

The restaurant offers a large menu with a wide variety of sushi rolls.

3

Prices are reasonable considering the quality of the food.

20
Marukai Market West LA image 1
Japanese grocery store

Japanese grocery store offers a clean layout and a cozy atmosphere like Tokyo markets. Fresh sushi with nigiri and sashimi arrives daily, plus discounted bentos after 7pm. Convenient parking and EBT acceptance make shopping easy.

Fresh sushi arrives daily between 10am and noon, featuring nigiri, poke, and sashimi. Ready-made meals and discounted bentos after 7pm offer hearty, affordable Japanese options alongside shabu shabu meat and hot pot bases.

People are saying

"This grocery store has a great selection of Japanese and Korean foods."

"You'll find plenty of parking available in the back."

"I love their fresh sushi and sashimi assortment daily."

Good to know

1

Discounted bento boxes are available every day at 7 PM.

2

Sushi made in the morning is sometimes discounted after 7 PM.

3

EBT is accepted for purchases at the market.

21
Tokyo Fast Food image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, retro-style Japanese spot with katsu curry and teriyaki chicken that impress. Cozy, homey vibe with friendly owner running the kitchen. Budget-friendly prices and limited seating make it a welcoming gem for casual dining.

Offers crispy tonkatsu, juicy teriyaki chicken, and well-prepared sushi and squid dishes. Katsu curry stands out with a rich flavor, and chicken teriyaki comes perfectly grilled with a balanced sauce.

People are saying

"This Japanese food is so delicious and budget-friendly."

"This teriyaki is so delicious and reasonably priced."

"I loved the authentic Japanese food, it was delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is challenging, but spots can be found when others leave.

2

The combo plate is under $14, including tip, with sides included.

3

Takeout may reduce food freshness; dining in is recommended.

22
Ray's image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Counter-service spot offers large portions and crispy fries with a casual vibe and limited parking. Chicken teriyaki shines with teriyaki tacos and sandwiches providing tasty, filling options. Long lunch lines show steady local popularity near West LA landmarks.

Chicken teriyaki stands out with its large portions and reasonable prices. Variations like the teriyaki tacos and sandwiches offer tasty, filling options beyond the classic bowl with veggies.

People are saying

"These burgers are huge, flavorful, and perfectly cooked."

"This lunch spot has delicious food, like huge chicken teriyaki."

"I thought the teriyaki chicken was amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky, but street parking is available one block away.

2

Ray's closes early at 4pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Expect long lines during lunch hours, especially on weekdays.

23
Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Annex image 1

Small, cozy spot with Naruto-themed decor offers a lively vibe and an open kitchen near the bar. Ramen blends Jiro and Iekei styles with standout garlic ramen and Tsukemen with chashu. Tight tables create an intimate, non-pretentious setting perfect for chill dining.

Ramen here blends Jiro and Iekei styles for a unique taste. The garlic ramen and Tsukemen with chashu stand out as very flavorful options.

People are saying

"I still dream about the ramen here."

"The tsukemen broth is rich, flavorful, and perfectly textured."

"I still dream about the savory, fatty ramen."

Good to know

1

Expect a one-hour wait time during peak hours.

2

The restaurant only offers pork broth options.

3

Parking is available in the back of the restaurant.

24
Curry House CoCo Ichibanya - Sawtelle image 1

Bright, tidy space offers authentic Japanese curry with standout chicken katsu. Casual seating suits groups and kids, with a kid-friendly menu and self-service ordering. Fast-food vibe comes from loud music and bright lighting, making it approachable and lively.

Japanese curry here matches the authentic taste found in Japan, with excellent chicken curry and delicious rice and udon dishes. The curry katsu chicken stands out as a reliable choice.

People are saying

"I loved the Japanese curry rice; it was so delicious."

"The omelette on the rice was fluffy and tasted good."

"I loved the delicious Japanese curry, especially with the crispy chicken katsu."

Good to know

1

Validated parking is available at the back of the restaurant.

2

There is metered street parking and small lots nearby.

3

Expect no wait during Friday lunch hours.

25
Shin-Sen-Gumi YAKITORI image 1
Yakitori restaurant

Yakitori restaurant buzzes with a lively atmosphere and worn wood benches that invite casual dining. Ramen boasts a flavorful broth and tender pork belly, while takoyaki arrives hot with creamy filling and fresh green onions. Expert grilling delivers authentic yakitori in a cozy, crowded setting.

Ramen features a flavorful broth, juicy pork belly that falls apart, and options for soft or hard boiled eggs. Takoyaki comes piping hot with green onions, cream sauce, bonito flakes, and a creamy filling with tender octopus. Yakitori is expertly prepared with authentic grilling techniques.

People are saying

"I loved the yakitori, especially the chicken hearts and cartilage."

"The yakitori food here is surprisingly good, especially the hearts and cartilage."

"I considered the ramen here the best I ever ate."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 9 pm to close, Monday to Thursday.

2

Parking can be difficult; consider arriving early or visiting on weeknights.

3

Bowls of ramen start at $30, with additional toppings costing extra.

26
Asakuma Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi spot offers fresh fish and generous portions in a sleek, modern setting. Chirashi lunch and poke bowls shine with excellent flavors. Warm lighting and thoughtful takeout extras make dining here both casual and inviting.

Fresh, flavorful fish defines the chirashi lunch, served in generous portions. Poke bowls come with freshly prepared ingredients and excellent flavors, making both dine-in and takeout sushi experiences stand out.

People are saying

"The delivery sushi was fresh, beautiful, and flavorful."

"I thought the poke bowls were delicious and affordable."

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

Good to know

1

Asakuma Sushi is great for to-go orders.

2

The sushi platter is ready in about 30 minutes.

3

The menu offers a variety of traditional and unique specialty rolls.

27
Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles image 1

Outdoor seating offers a cozy vibe while indoors buzzes with energy. Ramen shines with rich flavors and fresh noodles. Space balances intimacy and relaxation, making it perfect for enjoying authentic Japanese food.

Ramen stands out with rich, authentic flavors and a variety of options including tsukemen and vegan bowls. The noodles are consistently fresh and the broth deeply satisfying.

People are saying

"The Tsukemen broth is rich, deeply umami, and has a thick, grainy texture."

"The salmon bowl was quite good, with fresh ingredients."

"The Japanese Food's dipping broth is rich and deeply umami."

Good to know

1

During busy hours, especially dinner time from Thursday to Saturday, there can be up to an hour-long wait.

2

On Monday evening, there was no line at Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles.

3

Seating is limited and the restaurant is very popular.

28
Killer Noodle Tsujita image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen spot offers Tokyo style peanut-sesame broth with spice and numbness options. Spacious seating includes a heated patio for comfort. Loud noise and house music create a lively vibe amid red and black decor.

Ramen stands out with its Tokyo style peanut-sesame broth and a choice of spice and numbness levels. Big, meaty gyoza and crispy chicken karaage serve as solid appetizers, while multiple vegetarian ramen options add variety.

People are saying

"The soup's flavor is off-the-hook, with a great balance of heat and depth."

"The gyoza here are gigantic and fatty, with a crisp, chewy skin."

"The ramen here is creamy and the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging on Sawtelle.

2

The restaurant gets really busy after 6PM.

3

You need to jot your name down on their wait list to avoid waiting idly.

29
SushiStop Sawtelle North image 1
Sushi restaurant

Bright, clean space with fresh sushi and a relaxed vibe suits quick lunches or casual dinners. Popular dishes include spicy salmon roll and spicy tuna crunchy rice appetizer. Outdoor patio seating adds to the friendly atmosphere.

Fresh and tasty sushi stands out here, with spicy salmon roll, spicy tuna roll, and a spicy tuna crunchy rice appetizer among popular choices. Lunch specials include $10 ramen and a wide selection of items, offering good value for authentic Japanese flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is great; Oscar made it a fantastic experience."

"This lunch spot has great value and delicious ramen."

"The Japanese food here is tasty and affordable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a $10 lunch special with a wide selection of items.

2

SushiStop Sawtelle North is an alcohol-free establishment.

3

Parking in this area is challenging.

30
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar image 1
Conveyor belt sushi restaurant

Sushi glides on a revolving conveyor belt with fresh fish and neat presentation, making dining both affordable and fun. Robots deliver drinks, adding a tech-forward vibe to the lively, energetic atmosphere. Japanese-style booths and touch screen ordering enhance the experience.

Sushi comes on a revolving conveyor belt with plates mostly priced around $4, each holding two pieces. The fish is incredibly fresh and the presentation is neat, making the experience both affordable and fun.

People are saying

"It's a fun experience with the conveyor belt sushi and robot drink delivery."

"It's a fun, kid-friendly place with prizes for eating plates."

"The Japanese food here is fresh, tasty, and a great value."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; expect long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is available for free for customers.

3

The restaurant has a unique prize system for eating 15 plates of sushi.

Discover more

Sawtelle, Los Angeles

Area guide
Loading Map...