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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Hillcrest

Japanese food

A craving for Japanese food is rarely satisfied by anything else.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
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Updated April 2026
01
Makai Sushi image 1
Makai Sushi image 2
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Japanese restaurant

Cozy spot with a laid-back Hawaiian vibe and fresh, high-quality sushi. Enjoy exceptional fresh fish in dishes like the Godzilla bowl, crafted by a trained sushi chef. Casual, neat space with a welcoming patio and sophisticated music.

Fresh fish quality stands out with sushi and poke that many find exceptional. The menu includes items like the Godzilla bowl and tempura roll, prepared by a formally trained sushi chef.

People are saying

"I found the Japanese food here to be the freshest I've ever tasted."

"The owner Matthew makes you feel right at home during lunch."

"It's super chill with an authentic Hawaiian vibe."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

The menu features a variety of poke bowls and sushi options.

3

Parking is available nearby, but it can be limited during peak hours.

02
DASHI image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi shines with fresh ingredients and true fresh wasabi, matching Michelin star quality. Interior boasts Japanese murals and a chic layout that feels warm despite some loud music. Service is friendly, making it a top spot for Japanese food lovers.

Sushi here stands out for its freshness and quality, rivaling Michelin star standards. True fresh wasabi is available, and the overall experience combines great food with wonderful service.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the matcha flan; it's the best dessert I've ever had."

"The dinner spots here are beautiful, delicious, and fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Parking is limited; allow extra time to find street parking.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is preferred.

03
KOMATSUYA japanese cuisine & sushi image 1

Enjoy an 8-course Omakase with diverse dishes like yakitori and imported beef. The cozy, quiet space feels like a Tokyo neighborhood home. Pair meals with fantastic sake and Japanese IPA for a true taste of Japan.

Omakase offers an 8-course kaiseki-ryori dinner with more than just sushi, including soups, yakitori, and imported beef. Nigiri like salmon, chutoro, and amaebi stand out alongside beautifully prepared steaks and desserts.

People are saying

"I experienced thoughtful Omakase that went beyond just sushi."

"The wine here is unforgettable, truly the best I've ever tasted."

"The Japanese food here is an omakase experience beyond just sushi."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the 8-course Omakase dinner experience.

2

The menu allows for any Nigiri to be made into a maki roll upon request.

3

Prices are fair for high-end sushi, often less than similar restaurants.

04
HiroNori Craft Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Cozy space with wood style design feels intimate but gets crowded fast. Tonkotsu ramen shines with rich broth and perfect noodles, while shoyu ramen offers a balanced savory taste. Limited, uncomfortable seating adds to the packed yet popular vibe.

Tonkotsu ramen stands out with rich, flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles. The shoyu ramen offers a balanced, savory taste with fresh ingredients and great service.

People are saying

"The Tonkotsu Ramen broth is rich, silky, and well-balanced."

"The vegan ramen and gyoza here are flavorful and satisfying."

"I thought this Japanese food was the best ramen I had in California."

Good to know

1

The place fills up quickly, and they do not take reservations.

2

Expect wait times of over an hour on Friday evenings.

3

Parking can be inconvenient due to nearby construction.

05
Baikohken Ramen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, modern ramen shop offers an upscale yet cozy vibe with a clean, bright interior. Known for authentic broths and perfectly balanced richness in miso ramen, it also serves tasty sides like croquette and takoyaki. Atmosphere stays quiet and casual for relaxed meals.

Ramen here features a super flavorful broth with perfectly balanced richness, especially in the miso ramen and butter corn miso ramen. Sides like croquette and takoyaki add variety beyond the noodles.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be excellent and authentic."

"These ramen Date Spots have a phenomenal, flavorful broth."

"The Japanese food here, especially the ramen, is delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dining, which is a recent change.

2

Parking is very difficult, especially on weekends.

3

The Tonkotsu ramen costs about $24, while Miso ramen is $15.

06
Sushi Deli 1 image 1
Sushi restaurant

Walls covered in manga pages create a casual atmosphere that feels more like a burger joint. Fresh, affordable sushi shines with a monthly special under $15 and a rainbow roll featuring salmon, tuna, and avocado. Energetic crowds enjoy sake cocktails and lively vibes.

Fresh and affordable sushi stands out here, with a monthly special under $15 that includes four half rolls and miso soup. The rainbow roll features a beautiful pattern of salmon, tuna, and avocado sashimi, and the Monday happy hour offers good deals on sushi.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is fresh, flavorful, and reasonably priced."

"The sushi service was so impeccable and welcoming."

"The vegetarian sushi options here are abundant and amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 3-6pm with food and drink specials.

2

Daily specials on food and rotating monthly specials are available.

3

Parking is limited, so consider arriving early or using public transport.

07
RK Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi spot shines with fresh fish quality and authentic chicken teriyaki. Cozy, family-friendly vibe meets vibrant nightclub energy from loud music and chatter. Quick lunch service keeps it reliable and lively.

Fresh fish quality stands out with perfectly balanced flavors in sushi and sashimi. The chicken teriyaki and chicken katsu bento box offer generous portions and authentic taste with fresh wasabi enhancing nigiri.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is fresh and tastes great."

"I thought the spicy ramen was legit and pretty good."

"I found the salad to be delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great prices on select items.

2

The all-you-can-eat menu is $40 but has limited options.

3

Parking is available in a small lot with about 10 spaces.

08
Gelabong image 1
Bubble tea store

Bright pastel blue shop offers fresh mochi donuts and warm Taiyaki with fillings like Nutella and red bean. Sweet smells fill the air, inviting guests to relax at outdoor tables or counter seats. Casual, cute, and perfect for a quick Japanese treat.

Warm, fish-shaped waffles called Taiyaki come with various fillings like Nutella, strawberry, custard, and traditional red bean paste. These are made fresh on the spot and offer a cute, delicious treat with a soft, sweet center.

People are saying

"I loved the milk tea and boba here."

"You have to try the mochi donuts; they have an amazing texture."

"You have to try the fresh taiyaki, especially the Nutella filling."

Good to know

1

The parking lot is small and often full; metered street parking is available.

2

Free 45-minute parking is offered in the lot near Gelabong.

3

Gelabong offers a variety of milk alternatives, including oat milk and lactose-free options.

09
Pokรฉ Chop image 1

Small poke bar shines with fresh fish and brown sushi rice options. Chicken katsu is crispy and tender, while gyozas offer a crunchy bite. Inside seating features a trendy, clean interior with football games on TVs and great music.

Poke bowls come out fresh with options like brown sushi grade rice on request. Chicken katsu features a crispy breading with tender meat inside, and gyozas are very crunchy.

People are saying

"I found the poke here to be the best I've ever tasted."

"I found the parking to be limited."

"The Japanese food here has super fresh ingredients and lots of topping options."

Good to know

1

Parking at Pokรฉ Chop can be a nightmare, but there is a lot available.

2

The medium size poke bowl comes with three scoops of protein.

3

Avocado costs $1 extra for about 5-7 slices.

10
Ramen Ryoma Hillcrest image 1
Ramen restaurant

Spacious interior with a huge pot of broth simmering sets an authentic ramen scene. Variety of broths and vegan ramen shine in the menu. Loud music shifts vibe from cozy dining to nightclub energy, while an upstairs bar offers a quiet retreat.

Ramen here stands out with variety of broth options and delicious veggie and vegan ramen choices. Sushi rolls come with notably good pickled ginger that complements the meal well.

People are saying

"The ramen here is cheap and delicious."

"The sushi here is fresh and delicious."

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, was flavorful and amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open late on weekdays.

2

Expect to pay around $40 for multiple dishes.

3

They charge extra for certain sauces and toppings.

11
Lazy Acres Market - Mission Hills image 1

Market offers fresh sushi and Ahi Poke alongside natural foods and premade meals. Enjoy specialty bakery treats and a clean, local vibe with a small outdoor seating area. Prices lean high but quality and variety make it worth visiting.

Sushi comes fresh and ready at the sushi bar with options like Ahi Poke and Sushi-Rice plates. Hot cooked dishes and baked goods round out the Japanese food selection.

People are saying

"I found a great selection of fresh, organic healthy foods here."

"I thought the Cookie was amazing, packed with chocolate chips."

"I ordered the poke bowl; it was delicious."

Good to know

1

The market offers a great selection of fresh produce and healthy snacks.

2

There is plenty of parking available for customers.

3

They provide samples of their cosmetics section.

12
Whole Foods Market image 1
Grocery store

Grocery store offers fresh sushi and Asian bowls alongside cozy aisles and soothing music. Rooftop parking and an Amazon pick-up station add convenience. Crowds love the ready-made meals and fresh produce.

Fresh sushi stands out with options like salmon sushi and sushi rolls. Hot foods and Asian bowls complement the selection, alongside snacks like cookies and kombucha.

People are saying

"I found so many fresh, organic, and healthy food options here."

"I found the market's prepared food and desserts to be high quality."

"I loved the hot foods and sushi here."

Good to know

1

Parking is extremely difficult, especially during peak hours.

2

Whole Foods Market offers special deals on Tuesdays and Fridays.

3

The hot food bar may not be ready by 11 AM.

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