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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Van Nuys

Japanese food

Authentic Japanese meals that feel like a neighborhood staple rather than a tourist trap.

Based on 518 Opinions
+515
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Updated April 2026
01
Bar Uerukamu image 1
Bar Uerukamu image 2
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Authentic Japanese restaurant

Small izakaya-style spot offers authentic Japanese atmosphere with soothing jazz and an intimate vibe. Sushi shines with best tuna and perfect rice, while omakase dinners deliver exquisite flavors. Sake lovers enjoy an unparalleled selection that feels like Tokyo.

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."

"I found the izakaya food to be authentic and felt like I was in Tokyo."

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 serves fresh fish with flavorful sauces and crisp vegetables. Sushi options are well made and portions are generous. Clean, bright atmosphere enhances the fresh, satisfying experience.

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."

"Parking available here was easy."

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 spot offers super fresh sushi at prices about $3 less than nearby places. Cozy Japanese decor and ambient lighting create a relaxing vibe. Music shifts from nightclub-style to mellow, adding a unique atmosphere to your meal.

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 thought the prices were affordable."

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
BOBARITA image 1
Bubble tea store

Cozy bubble tea shop offers a calm escape with friendly service and a pleasant interior. Freshly made taiyaki with Oreo filling and unique sushi spam and egg bring a tasty Japanese twist. Soft music adds to the comforting vibe.

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."

"It felt like a warm hug, instantly lifting my mood."

"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 shines with fresh fish and hand rolls at great prices. Relaxed vibe pairs well with perfect music selection. Local gem boasts a Wall of Fame that tells its story.

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
Golden Bowl Teriyaki image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion spot shines with chicken teriyaki featuring great char and light sauce. Bowls come large with plenty of rice and meat, topped by fresh jalapeรฑos and avocado. Small space and casual atmosphere keep prices reasonable and lines steady.

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.

07
Kyushu Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small ramen spot offers vegan ramen and fresh sushi like salmon and tuna. Intimate seating and authentic Japanese chatter create a cozy vibe. Affordable beer and a varied menu make it a great casual choice.

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."

"It feels like you're actually in Japan here."

"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.

08
Okamoto Kitchen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Food truck serves authentic Japanese dishes like the Katsu Curry Sandwich and Sushi Burrito with Tuna. Casual vibe fits friendly gatherings and draws anime fans. Easy online ordering makes pickup or delivery simple.

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.

09
Vallarta Supermarkets image 1

Supermarket shines with authentic Mexican style and fresh sushi that includes best buy dates. Wide aisles and a guacamole bar create a clean, inviting space. Large parking and financial services add ease for busy shoppers.

Sushi here is very fresh and comes with a best buy date on every container. The sushi bar offers a quick, affordable option with polite staff ready to serve.

People are saying

"This grocery store has a wide selection of products, I found everything I needed."

"The Japanese food here is always fresh and affordable."

"I loved the guacamole bar; it tasted better than Whole Foods'."

Good to know

1

Birote rolls cost $1 each.

2

Parking can be difficult at Vallarta Supermarkets.

3

The store has a great selection of fresh produce and ethnic foods.

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Van Nuys, Los Angeles

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