Best Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles [2024]

Los Angeles is a city known for its diverse culinary scene, and Japanese cuisine is no exception. From traditional sushi to modern fusion dishes, LA has a plethora of Japanese restaurants to choose from. In this article, we will explore some of the best Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles, highlighting their unique menus, atmosphere, and standout dishes. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or looking to try something new, there is a Japanese restaurant in LA that will satisfy your cravings. So, let’s dive into the world of Japanese cuisine in the City of Angels.

Shin

Address: 1655 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: +1 (323) 874-4692
Website: hollywoodshin.com
Details: $$, Sushi restaurant

Shin is a Japanese restaurant located in Hollywood that serves delicious and authentic Japanese food.

Shin was originally called Ikemen Ramen and in 2013 and 2014 was featured in the Shin Yokohama Ramen Museum, as testament of the quality and authenticity of their food.
It is the only restaurant in the US to ever be featured in the Shin Yokohama Ramen Museum and they are proud to continue the tradition of serving authentic Ramen to their guests.
And to top all that, the month of May 2023 has brought yet another incredible moment as Shin is featured once again at the prestigious Yokohama Ramen Museum! This dazzling reaffirmation cements Shin’s status as a top ramen restaurant.

The restaurant has a wide variety of dishes, including sushi, ramen, bento, yakitori, and sashimi. The staff is attentive and helpful, and the owner is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. The restaurant has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, with a nice outdoor area and easy parking.

The food at Shin is outstanding, and the restaurant has a huge selection of authentic Japanese beers and sake. The nigiri and sashimi are particularly noteworthy, and the ramen is exquisite. The restaurant also has a cube at every table that you can tap for service or the check, which adds to the unique dining experience. Shin is a local gem that should not be missed if you’re a fan of Japanese food.

The service at Shin is excellent, with the staff providing outstanding service in addition to the outstanding food. The waiter is friendly, helpful, and attentive, and the food is delivered quickly with a smile and good recommendations. Whether you’re looking for a pre-show dining choice for groups of friends and family or a romantic dinner for two, Shin is the perfect spot. If you’re in the area, be sure to check out this special restaurant and indulge in its delicious Japanese cuisine.

n/naka

Address: 3455 Overland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Phone: +1 (310) 836-6252
Website: n-naka.com
Details: $$$$, Kaiseki restaurant

N/Naka is a Japanese restaurant located in Los Angeles that offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant has been featured on Chef’s Table, and it lives up to its reputation as one of the best Japanese restaurants in California. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the service is exceptional.

The food at N/Naka is exquisite and reasonably priced. The restaurant has a wide variety of dishes, including traditional sashimi, tasting menus, and amazing desserts. The Abalone Pasta is a standout dish that is both delicious and a work of art. The restaurant also has a wonderful sake selection, with many unique options that diners won’t find anywhere else. This is the perfect place to dine if you’re looking for a special occasion or a romantic date night.

The restaurant is a small space that fills up quickly, so reservations are recommended. The ambiance is perfect for escaping the routine and enjoying a unique dining experience. The staff is accommodating and attentive, and the food is truly remarkable. If you’re looking for the best Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles, look no further than N/Naka. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t forget.

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa

Address: 600 W 7th St #150, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: +1 (213) 627-3000
Website: sugarfishsushi.com
Details: $$$, Sushi restaurant

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa is a Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles that offers an authentic and delicious sushi experience. The restaurant has a simple yet inviting atmosphere, with limited seating and no reservations. The staff is very attentive and friendly, and they offer great guidance on the menu items. The sushi is incredibly fresh and delicious, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures that just melts in your mouth.

The menu at SUGARFISH features a limited but interesting selection of sushi dishes, with a focus on authenticity and quality. The “Trust Me” menu is a perfect meal that includes a selection of sashimi, sushi, and hand rolls. The fish is to die for, and the rice is warm and perfectly cooked. The presentation is lovely, and the sushi comes with a “how to eat it” instructions. The restaurant also offers a great lunch deal with fresh and quick service.

SUGARFISH is one of the best sushi places in Los Angeles, with amazing flavors and quality that will make you fall in love with sushi. The restaurant is very busy, and the lines can be long, but it’s definitely worth the wait. The staff is accommodating and friendly, and the sushi is simply fabulous. If you’re looking for a true Japanese food experience, SUGARFISH is a must-stop spot that you should definitely visit.

Katsuya

Address: 6300 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: +1 (323) 871-8777
Website: katsuyarestaurant.com/hollywood
Details: $$$, Sushi restaurant

Katsuya is a Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles that offers an outstanding dining experience. The food is excellent, bursting with different flavors and interesting texture combinations. The menu is both traditional and innovative, with plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. The atmosphere is beautiful and classy, with a cool overall vibe and a live DJ. The service is friendly and helpful, with servers going above and beyond to ensure guests have the best experience possible.

The omakase is a must-try at Katsuya, offering the full experience of the restaurant’s delicious fresh sushi and innovative choices. The spicy tuna crispy rice, yellow tail, wagyu goyza, and rock shrimp tempura are particularly recommended. The presentation of the dishes is beautiful and elegant, and the taste, textures, and presentations are all 10/10. The staff, including servers like Sam and Zachariah, are welcoming and helpful, making guests feel at home and ensuring they have a fun and enjoyable night.

Katsuya is a great choice for a special occasion or a pre-theater night out. The environment is hip and crowded, but not pretentious, with a good location and excellent food and service. The prices are on the expensive side, but the quality of the food and service is worth it. Whether you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine or a newcomer to it, Katsuya is an excellent restaurant that won’t disappoint. From the creamy shrimp to the daily specials, everything is mouth-watering and delicious, offering one of the best meals you can have in Los Angeles.

Tatsu Ramen

Address: 2123 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: +1 (310) 684-2889
Website: tatsuramen.com
Details: $$, Ramen restaurant

Tatsu Ramen is an authentic and delicious Japanese restaurant located in Los Angeles. The atmosphere is lively and super cute, with efficient service and a focus on the ramen and dipping. The ordering process is done by kiosk, making it quick and easy. The staff is super friendly and kind, even when the restaurant is packed and busy. The seating process is straightforward, with customers ordering on the iPads outside and receiving a text when their table is ready.

The ramen at Tatsu Ramen is amazing, with thin noodles cooked al dente and flavorful soup. The Bold Ramen is a must-try, along with the best pork bun in town. The portions are hearty and reasonably priced, making it a great value for money. The chicken rice and four ramen options are all very good, with the red being particularly recommended. The vegan-friendly Naked Ramen is also remarkable, with marinated soft-boiled egg, scallions, breadcrumbs, a sweet glaze, and the option to add spicy tofu and garlic.

Tatsu Ramen is a must-add to your restaurant list, with some of the best ramen and pork bun in Los Angeles. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner with family and friends, offering a limited but unique and tasty menu. The restaurant can get busy, so be patient and expect to wait a little for seating, but it’s definitely worth it. Whether you’re a ramen snob or new to Japanese cuisine, Tatsu Ramen is an excellent restaurant that won’t disappoint.

Nobu Los Angeles

Address: 903 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Phone: +1 (310) 657-5711
Website: noburestaurants.com/losangeles
Details: $$$$, Restaurant

Nobu Los Angeles is a fabulous Japanese restaurant that offers an amazing dining experience for its customers. The ambiance is great, with a relaxed and respectful atmosphere that is perfect for couples and friends. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful, providing excellent service throughout the meal. The restaurant has a good drinks menu, including some specific LA dishes.

The food at Nobu Los Angeles is exquisite, with every dish being perfect and complex in taste. The seafood is fresh, and the meat dishes are cooked to perfection. The black cod miso, lobster tacos, and rock shrimp tempura are particularly divine. The baked snow crab sushi and bento box are also highly recommended. The desserts are phenomenal, with the bread pudding being the highlight of the night.

The wait staff at Nobu Los Angeles is excellent, with the waitress being very helpful and guiding customers well around the menu and drinks list. The waiter, Josh, is very professional, attentive, and personable, engaging in conversation without being intrusive or annoying. He makes great recommendations and clearly knows what he is doing. Parking can be on the street or with the valet. Despite the reception staff being beyond snobby and pretentious, the food and service are the stars of the show, making it a must-visit restaurant in LA.

Yamashiro Hollywood

Address: 1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Phone: +1 (323) 466-5125
Website: yamashirohollywood.com
Details: $$$, Asian fusion restaurant

Yamashiro Hollywood is a spectacular Japanese restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with its stunning city views and Hollywood Hills sunset. The restaurant has a great vibe and atmosphere, making it a must-visit for visitors and locals alike. The gardens and outdoor space have been recently upgraded and improved, providing an even more fabulous setting.

The food at Yamashiro Hollywood is inventive and beautiful, with a super yummy Japanese/fusion menu that is adapted to the local clientele. There is literally something for everyone, and all the dishes we tasted were really good. The cocktails selection is also great, with the Kabayahsi cocktail being unique and refreshing with notes of hibiscus and ginger. The service is terrific, with the staff being polite, professional, and attentive, providing good prompt service throughout the meal.

The Yellow Dragon Roll and Hamachi Mango roll are fresh, complex, and delicious, and the food is some of the best quality one can ever have. The pricing is as expected for a great experience, with it being a reasonably priced restaurant in a spectacular setting. The restaurant is a notable event from beginning to end, and the view, vibe, and people-watching are very Hollywood and entertaining. Yamashiro Hollywood is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for a special experience with great food and service.

Sushi Katsu-ya

Address: 11680 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
Phone: +1 (818) 985-6976
Website: katsu-yagroup.com
Details: $$$, Sushi restaurant

Sushi Katsu-ya is a fantastic Japanese restaurant that offers unique dishes and a flavor that is unsurpassed. The restaurant has a lively and jovial atmosphere, making it ideal for family and friends’ gatherings. The original location is next to Rusty’s pets in the corner of a small strip mall at Colfax and Ventura. The restaurant has a rundown look from the outside, but the interior is top-notch and feels like Japan.

The sushi at Sushi Katsu-ya is incredible, with the unagi being one of the best, and the price is lower than expected for this quality. The Lobster and Oysters are also very fresh and good. The restaurant has a fantastic selection of sushi, and all sorts of other great items that will not blow your budget. The dishes are more creative than Nobu, and Chef KatsuYa’s small dishes are all wonderful. The service is excellent, and the sushi chef is very creative and a star.

The Happy Hour at Sushi Katsu-ya is amazing, with great pricing on sushi and drinks. The fresh sashimi and the popcorn shrimp appetizer are highly recommended. The restaurant is always busy, so it is advisable to make a reservation and park further away and walk. In all, Sushi Katsu-ya is a fantastic sushi restaurant that offers unique dishes, great service, and a lively atmosphere.

Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle

Address: 2057 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: +13102317373
Website: tsujita.com
Details: $, Noodle shop

Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle is a fantastic Japanese restaurant that is well-known for its savory and delicious food. The restaurant has a lively and friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal place to enjoy some quality ramen, beer, or sake with friends. Although the wait can be long, the prices are reasonable, and there are cafes and shops within a block to kill some time.

The restaurant is a perfect place for ramen snobs who are looking for the best ramen experience. The broth is the fattiest and richest of them all, and the noodles are fat and absorb all the juices. The thickest noodle is used in their ramen, and it’s excellent. They have the best seasoning on the table called Onikasu that adds extra flavor to the ramen. The chasu is lightly torched with a thick cut, and the broth is rich, not too salty, and has the perfect level of chewiness.

The service at Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle is very good and attentive, and the seating can be tight, but it’s a fun place to enjoy some quality ramen with friends. The restaurant has outdoor seating with heating lamps, making it a perfect place to enjoy a meal even in cold weather. In all, Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle is a fantastic place to enjoy delicious and savory ramen, and other unique dishes. It’s a must-visit restaurant for ramen lovers who want to experience the best ramen in LA.

Shojin Organic and Natural

Address: 333 S Alameda St Suite310, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: +1 (213) 617-0305
Website: theshojin.com
Details: $$$, Vegan restaurant

Shojin Organic and Natural is a fantastic vegan Japanese restaurant that offers a unique and innovative menu. The restaurant has a soft and artsy ambiance, giving it the feel of a speakeasy. The staff is friendly and dedicated, providing excellent service to customers. The restaurant is located in Little Tokyo on the third floor of a shopping galleria, and it’s highly recommended to make a reservation before visiting.

The restaurant’s concept behind their food is to satisfy the soul, and they achieve this through their delicious and savory dishes. The menu is entirely meat-free, and they have a wide range of appetizers, main entrees, and desserts. The Pirates of the Crunchy and Spicy Tofu & Avocado Roll are excellent main entrees, while the Matcha Green Tea Cake is a perfect dessert to end the meal. The restaurant also offers a seasonal taster special, which includes a variety of dishes such as pumpkin croquettes, braised Brussels sprout, and eggplant sushi.

The biggest surprise of the restaurant is that although the menu may mention words like “tuna” or “shrimp,” the dishes are entirely vegan and flavored to taste like those kinds of sushi. The cocktails are all made with sake, making them unique and delicious. The staff is attentive and dedicated, providing excellent service throughout the meal. In all, Shojin Organic and Natural is a fantastic vegan restaurant that offers a unique and innovative menu. It’s a must-visit restaurant for vegans who want to experience the best Japanese vegan food in LA.

Takami Sushi and Robata

Address: 811 Wilshire Blvd #2100, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: +1 (213) 236-9600
Website: takamisushi.com/index.html
Details: $$$, Japanese restaurant

Takami Sushi and Robata is an excellent restaurant that offers an Asian fusion menu with a unique and international execution. The restaurant is located on the 24th floor of a downtown high-rise, providing breathtaking views of the city from inside or the terrace. The atmosphere is trendy and cool, making it ideal for solo diners, romantic dates, or business meetings.

The menu is extensive, offering a large selection of appetizers, sushi, sashimi, and larger plates. The food is fresh, delicious, and well-prepared, making it a must-try for all sushi lovers. The Japanese Taco, Rock Shrimp, Robata Lamb, Robata Salmon, Kanpachi Sashimi, and 21st Roll are all excellent dishes that customers should try. The restaurant also has a full bar with creative and interesting alcoholic beverages.

The service is excellent, and the staff is professional, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. Customers have praised the staff’s dedication and performance, with some mentioning specific servers by name. The restaurant offers valet parking, and customers can also find nearby garages to park their cars. The pricing is reasonable for the quality and quantity of all items, making the overall experience truly memorable. In all, Takami Sushi and Robata is a hidden gem that offers an excellent dining experience with outstanding service and breathtaking views.

Wokcano – Downtown LA

Address: 800 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: +1 (213) 623-2288
Website: wokcanorestaurant.com
Details: $$, Asian restaurant

Wokcano – Downtown LA is an excellent Asian cuisine restaurant that offers amazing food and a laidback atmosphere. The restaurant is open late, making it an ideal place for late-night dining in Downtown LA. The menu is extensive, offering a great variety of Asian dishes, including sushi, dumplings, and other Asian cuisine. The food is delicious, and the portions are generous, making it a great value for the price.

The service is excellent, with friendly and attentive staff who are always willing to help. The restaurant is big enough to avoid long waits to be seated, and the staff is accommodating and efficient. The happy hour menu is great, with a nice selection of hors d’oeuvres and beverages, making it a fun and affordable place to hang out with friends.

Customers have praised the food quality, from the hot and sour soup, calamari, crab wontons, and chicken gyoza to the Tuna rolls, garlic shrimp, Korean short rib, peacock sushi, spicy crab tempura sushi, spicy salmon rolls, and volcano sushi. The Singapore style noodles, truffle oil spicy salmon roll, black pepper beef, and honey Walnut shrimp are also highly recommended dishes. The prices are reasonable, making it an excellent value for the quality of the food and service. In all, Wokcano – Downtown LA is a must-try for anyone looking for great Asian cuisine in Downtown LA.

Noe Restaurant & Bar

Address: 251 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: +1 (213) 356-4100
Website: omnihotels.com/hotels/los-angeles-california-plaza/dining/noe-restaurant
Details: $$$, Bar & grill

Noe Restaurant & Bar is a high-end restaurant with excellent food, a nice atmosphere, and friendly staff. The restaurant is located in the Omni hotel and offers valet parking. The menu is extensive, offering a great variety of dishes, including filet mignon, roasted white meat chicken, beet salad, and bouillabaisse. The food is delicious, and the portions are generous, making it a great value for the price.

The staff is accommodating and efficient, with a waiter named Abraham receiving special praise for his knowledge and helpfulness with celiacs. He made excellent suggestions and was willing to make substitutions, turning breakfast into a highlight of the day for a celiac customer. The hostess VJ also received praise for treating a late customer like a VIP and taking them to a great table. The entire staff was very accommodating, making the experience enjoyable for all customers.

Noe Restaurant & Bar is an excellent place for special occasions or drinks after work. The ambiance is great, and the venue is located in downtown LA, making it a convenient place to have a drink in the evening after a long day. The outdoor seating is also a great option, especially with heaters strategically located to keep customers warm. The restaurant is a bit expensive, but it is well worth the price for the quality of the food and service. It is highly recommended for anyone looking for a high-end dining experience in downtown LA.

From the classic sushi bars to the trendy modern Japanese fusion restaurants, Los Angeles has a diverse range of Japanese restaurants that cater to all tastes and preferences. We’ve explored some of the top Japanese restaurants in LA, highlighting their unique menus, atmosphere, and standout dishes. Whether you’re a foodie seeking new culinary experiences or simply looking for a delicious meal, these Japanese restaurants are sure to impress. So, next time you’re in LA, be sure to check out these top Japanese spots and indulge in the flavors of Japan.