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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Van Nuys

Japanese food

Japanese food that honors the nuance of the cuisine instead of offering a generic, watered-down version of the menu.

Based on 505 Opinions
+502
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Updated April 2026
01
Bar Uerukamu image 1
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Authentic Japanese restaurant

Small izakaya-style space offers an authentic Japanese atmosphere with a warm, intimate vibe enhanced by soothing jazz music. Frequented by those seeking top-tier sushi and an unparalleled sake selection, it feels like a neighborhood gem transporting guests to Tokyo.

Offers authentic izakaya food with a huge selection of small, shareable portions. Serves curated sake alongside high-quality sushi and Japanese dishes favored by many Japanese patrons.

Sushi features best tuna and perfect sushi rice with authentic izakaya dishes that feel like Tokyo. Omakase dinners offer exquisite flavors and high-quality ingredients sourced by the owner.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is fantastic."

"The sake selection here is unparalleled and exclusive."

"The food here is delicious and made with such care."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for parties larger than four.

2

Parking is free and abundant in the plaza.

3

Expect to spend at least an hour and a half for the omakase experience.

02
Balboa Poke image 1
Poke bar

Poke bar offers fresh, melt-in-your-mouth fish and a variety of options including real eel and sushi. Lighting stays even and the atmosphere feels clean and fresh. Bowls come with flavorful sauces and fresh vegetables, creating a satisfying experience.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious. Staff help with choices and the overall quality is fantastic.

Poke bowls come with good portions and fresh fish. Sushi options are also available and well made.

People are saying

"The poke here is always super fresh and delicious."

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi and poke, is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"The food here is really fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at Balboa Poke.

2

The large size for $20 offers a generous portion.

3

There are many protein options, sides, and sauces available.

03
otto sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi restaurant with cozy Japanese decor and ambient lighting creates a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. Music varies from nightclub-style to mellow, contributing to a unique vibe. Tables feature convenient utensil drawers, enhancing the dining experience.

Food features incredibly fresh ingredients and delivers excellent, delicious flavors consistently. Quality remains great across dishes.

Sushi here is super fresh and crafted with skilled hands. Prices run about $3 less than nearby spots, and service is consistently excellent.

People are saying

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

"These Date Spots have delicious sushi, especially the baked salmon roll."

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

Good to know

1

Parking is tight, so consider street parking if the lot is full.

2

Prices for rolls are around $12, making it affordable compared to other places.

3

Takeout is recommended due to limited seating inside.

04
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Bubble tea store

Bubble tea shop offers a quiet, cozy atmosphere with soft music and a pleasant interior that feels like a warm hug. The space attracts those seeking a calm escape with friendly service and a comforting vibe.

Fresh and amazing food pairs well with excellent boba and a variety of other tasty options. Drinks and dishes both stand out for their quality and flavor.

Freshly made taiyaki stands out with options like Oreo filling. The sushi spam and egg offers a unique twist, and croffles add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The brown sugar milk tea is perfectly balanced and creamy."

"I found the food and boba here to be amazing."

"I loved getting the freshly made taiyaki here."

Good to know

1

BOBARITA is open late for evening visits.

2

Expect to pay around $13 for specialty taiyaki.

3

There is limited seating available for customers.

05
Yagumo Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall sushi spot with a relaxed atmosphere and perfect music selection. Offers an incredible selection of hand rolls and amazing prices on fresh fish. Known as a local gem with a loyal following and a Wall of Fame showcasing its history.

Food ranges from great and delicious to just alright with some orders being terrible. Service stays consistently good despite the food quality.

Sushi here offers consistent quality at an amazing price. The menu includes baked green mussels and rolls like California and Philadelphia that appeal to all ages.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was excellent."

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"I thought the sushi here was excellent."

Good to know

1

The Hand Roll Challenge offers a free t-shirt for finishing a spice level 10 roll.

2

The Wall of Fame has hundreds of winners over the years.

3

Yagumo Sushi offers a good variety of sushi options.

06
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Ramen restaurant

Small, quaint ramen restaurant with intimate indoor seating and a neat, peaceful ambience. Japanese chatter and laughter create an authentic atmosphere reminiscent of Japan. Offers affordable beer and a varied menu beyond ramen.

Japanese cuisine features great quality sushi and consistently delicious food with great prices.

Ramen stands out with a vegan option and consistently great taste. Sushi like Salmon and Tuna and appetizers such as Edamame and Miso Soup complement the menu well.

People are saying

"I tried most of the ramen around and it's my new top pick."

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

"The ramen here is amazing, rich, and super filling."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Parking can be challenging; it's located at the back of the building.

3

The restaurant is open late, serving food until midnight on Mondays.

07
Okamoto Kitchen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Food truck offers Japanese dishes with varied fries and authentic flavors. Atmosphere suits casual gatherings with friends or family, often drawing anime fans. Ordering online for pickup or delivery is common, with monthly visits to the area.

Food stands out for its consistent quality and great taste. It reflects cultural roots and offers a unique experience compared to other options.

Generous chicken cutlet and rich curry sauce define the Katsu Curry Sandwich. The Sushi Burrito with Tuna offers exquisite flavor, while the onigiris and Karaage stand out as well.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be consistently amazing."

"You've got to try the Okonomi fries from these food trucks."

"This Japanese food, especially the sushi burrito, has exquisite flavoring."

Good to know

1

Okamoto Kitchen often participates in local festivals and events throughout the year.

2

Order ahead on their website to ensure timely pickup or enjoy delivery.

3

Prices are standard for a food truck, making it affordable for most.

08
Golden Bowl Teriyaki image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion spot with limited seating and a busy takeout focus draws steady local lines. Food features notably good chicken teriyaki and fresh jalapeรฑos, with bowls topped by avocado and steamed vegetables. Small space and reasonable prices create a casual, no-frills atmosphere.

Food arrives fresh and steaming hot even late in the day. Portions are generous and packed with flavor at every visit.

Teriyaki bowls stand out with great char on chicken and a light teriyaki sauce. Large bowls offer decent value with plenty of rice and meat.

People are saying

"I thought the teriyaki bowls here were the best I had ever had."

"I thought the food here was great."

"I thought the teriyaki bowls here were the best I had ever had."

Good to know

1

It's best to call ahead if you can get through.

2

Lunch is super busy and hard to get through.

3

There is very limited seating with only 3 tables.

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