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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Sawtelle

Japanese lunch spots

A midday break calls for a quiet Japanese lunch.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Bangkok BBQ Bowl image 1
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Tiny restaurant with minimalist decor and an open kitchen creates a homely vibe and relaxing ambiance. The space feels airy despite limited seating, offering a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Loud kitchen noises occasionally disrupt the otherwise comforting setting.

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.

Quick service suits a fast lunch with satisfying flavors. The spot works well for both lunches and dinners but shines as a lunch bite destination.

People are saying

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

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

"This lunch spot's food is delicious and made with fresh ingredients."

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.

02
En Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Space combines high ceilings with a cleaned-old industrial look and modern interior, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A separated bar offers a lively spot with games and a fully stocked selection including Sapporo on tap and lychee martinis. Seating is ample, making it comfortable for dining with friends or special occasions.

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.

Lunch combos come with a variety of options and a good selection of specials. The lunch deals offer great tasting sushi and provide solid value.

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.

03
Ray's image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Counter-service burger spot with outside sidewalk seating and limited parking draws long lunch lines. Atmosphere feels casual and quick, suited for to-go orders rather than sit-down meals. Known for large portions and crispy fries, it attracts a steady local crowd near busy 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.

Offers a quick lunch option with a long line during peak hours. Convenient for grabbing a bite near several busy spots.

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.

04
Chinchikurin Sawtelle image 1
Okonomiyaki restaurant

Open kitchen with large teppan plates creates a cozy, homey atmosphere that feels festive and laid back. The place draws groups and couples, offering expertly made okonomiyaki with fresh ingredients and generous portions. The vibe matches a busy boulevard spot, combining casual fun with a touch of authenticity.

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.

Lunch specials include Beef Curry and Chicken Karaage prepared well with good flavor. Nearby spots like Wanderlust and Beard Papa add options for a casual meal with friends.

People are saying

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

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

"This lunch spot's okonomiyaki tastes just like Hiroshima street food."

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.

05
Yabu image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy Japanese restaurant with intimate seating and a charming back patio featuring garden-style cover. Atmosphere stays relaxed and inviting with soft lighting, suitable for family meals. Offers fresh, high-quality sushi and soba, with an open chef's prep area where diners can chat during food preparation.

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.

Lunch specials arrive mostly quickly with two sets served in good time and one taking longer. Meals include a raw fish bowl with noodles and an assorted tempura option, priced around $25, with flavors that prompt repeated praise.

People are saying

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

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

"This lunch spot's special was so good, I said it multiple times."

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.

06
Curry House CoCo Ichibanya - Sawtelle image 1

Bright, tidy space with modern decor and casual seating suits solo diners and groups alike. Atmosphere feels approachable but leans toward a fast-food vibe with loud music and bright lighting. Known for authentic Japanese curry, it offers a kid-friendly menu and convenient self-service ordering.

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.

Lunch hours have no wait and no line on weekdays, making it easy to get a quick meal. The atmosphere stays calm and pleasant during Friday lunch.

People are saying

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

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

"The sliced beef curry at this Lunch Spot is so tasty and tender."

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.

07
Marukai Market West LA image 1
Japanese grocery store

Japanese grocery store offers a clean, organized layout with a peaceful, cozy atmosphere reminiscent of Tokyo supermarkets. It features a wide selection of Japanese food and unique produce, including fresh sushi and sake. The store accepts EBT and provides convenient parking.

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.

Offers a variety of sushi, sashimi, and bento boxes daily from 11:30 am. Includes fresh lunch meals and affordable bentos alongside frozen foods, snacks, and drinks.

People are saying

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

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

"This Lunch Spot has a great variety of Asian specialty foods."

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.

08
SushiStop Sawtelle North image 1
Sushi restaurant

Bright, clean space offers both indoor and outdoor patio seating with a relaxed, friendly vibe. Sushi is fresh and affordable, with dishes often beautifully presented. The atmosphere suits quick lunches or casual dinners among friends.

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.

Lunch specials offer high quality and fresh options with generous portions. The $10 ramen and poke bowl stand out for their value and taste.

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.

09
Torisoba Sumiya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Open kitchen with charcoal grill flames creates a cozy, lively atmosphere accented by warm wood and modern decor. Seating is tight but inviting, with a large wooden bar facing the kitchen and about 10 tables. The vibe blends authentic Tokyo style with casual comfort, making it quietly distinctive.

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.

Lunch draws a wait list around noon showing steady demand. Frequent visits confirm it as a popular spot for midday meals.

People are saying

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

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

"The char chicken at this lunch spot is incredible."

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.

10
Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles image 1

Outdoor seating expands the space with a cozy, relaxing vibe that contrasts the intimate, buzzing interior. The atmosphere hums with the sound of slurping noodles and chopsticks, reflecting a serious ramen focus. Seating is limited indoors but spacious outside, creating a dynamic energy between the two areas.

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.

Lunch offers a solid menu with quick options. It stays manageable without long waits, especially on weekends.

People are saying

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

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

"This Lunch Spot's dipping ramen has thick, chewy noodles and rich broth."

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.

11
Ramen Chikumo -Japanese Toripaitan image 1

Interior design features wall slates and a modern spa vibe with spotless, stylish decor. Atmosphere stays laid back and comfortable, supporting relaxed conversations. Seating is very comfortable, and the place maintains a quiet, clean environment even when half full.

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.

Ramen with lunch meat stands out for a quick lunch. The spot suits a low key birthday lunch with friends.

People are saying

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

"This Japanese food is so fresh and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot has yummy, reasonably priced ramen with fresh flavors."

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.

12
Gelson's - West LA image 1
Grocery store

Combination of grocery store, wine bar, and restaurant creates a unique shopping and dining experience. Bright, clean interior with wide aisles and quiet outdoor seating offers a calm, relaxing atmosphere. Multiple food bars and bakery add variety, making it more than just a typical grocery store.

A sushi bar sits slightly apart from the main shopping area, offering fresh sushi and other Japanese items. The poke bowl stands out as a popular choice, especially during weekday happy hour at the wine and sushi bar area.

Lunch happens at the bar just inside the store, offering a casual spot to eat. The cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and drinks, making it a versatile choice for midday meals.

People are saying

"This grocery store has an amazing selection of quality, fresh food."

"I found this lunch spot felt like a grocery store and wine bar."

"The Japanese food, especially the poke bowl, was really good."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to validate with a purchase.

2

The store offers a great selection of fresh meats and vegetables.

3

The wine and sushi bar area has food and drink during weekday happy hour.

13
FuRaiBo image 1
Japanese restaurant

Dark, moody interior with a retro Tokyo urban feel creates a cozy yet intense atmosphere. Regulars enjoy Japanese-style chicken dishes and grilled rice balls in a traditional izakaya setting. Free parking and a tucked-away location add convenience in a busy neighborhood.

Pork curry katsu and udon soup stand out for their rich flavors. Grilled meats like yakitori skewers and a tender rib eye with ponzu sauce also feature prominently.

Lunch offers reasonable prices and a quick, easy ordering process. The spot has ample parking and is not busy during midday, but some combos like the teba and chita may not appeal to everyone.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the imported sake and beer with my meal."

"I loved the Japanese food, especially the spicy fried chicken wings."

"The fried chicken at this Lunch Spot has a light, spicy coating."

Good to know

1

The parking in the back lot is free.

2

There was no waiting, and I could walk in and sit down immediately.

3

They offered many options to choose from on the menu.

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Sawtelle, Los Angeles

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