30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Sushi Rolls in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Oomasa Restaurant
7.8
A Little Tokyo fixture since 1972 that runs a traditional sushi bar alongside a deep bench of Japanese comfort plates—tonkatsu, teriyaki, bento boxes—served in a Japanese Village Plaza storefront that trades on familiarity over flash. It draws solo counter regulars and group tables equally, working best when you lean into the combination platters and let the kitchen do what five decades of muscle memory produces.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oomasa Special Combination, Chirashi Sushi, Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet)
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A Little Tokyo institution since 1972 with a traditional sushi bar and Japanese comfort food served in a space that feels like stepping into Tokyo.
Who should go: Solo diners, groups, and Japanese comfort food devotees.
When to visit: Early evening on weekdays to avoid peak-hour waits.
What to order: Start at the sushi bar for chirashi or nigiri, then move to a bento box or the Oomasa Special Combination — it bundles tempura, sashimi, and sushi with sides.
Insider tip: Sit at the sushi bar for the freshest cuts and direct access to the chef's recommendations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free 2-hour validated parking in the Japanese Village Plaza garage—ask your server for a validation stamp before you leave
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection: vegetable tempura (7 pieces, $13.75), age dashi tofu, avocado roll, cucumber roll, vegetable roll, edamame, seaweed salad, miso soup, and house salad
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the traditional Japanese decor creates a transporting atmosphere that feels like stepping into Tokyo. The space is lively yet intimate enough for easy conversation, and the sushi bar adds visual interest. Request a table rather than the bar for more privacy. Be aware that waits can get long after 6PM, so arriving early or on a weeknight keeps the experience smooth.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights you can generally walk in without much trouble. Weekend evenings and dinner rush (after 6PM) often mean a significant wait, so booking ahead is smart for those times. Call (213) 623-9048 to reserve. Bar seating tends to open up faster if you're flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - the menu includes a dedicated kids sushi plate with tuna, shrimp, egg omelet, rolled sushi, and fruit. The casual, family-owned atmosphere (operating since 1972) is welcoming to families, and the noise level is forgiving enough that kids won't feel out of place. Two hours of free validated parking makes logistics easier. Best before the dinner rush.
Is it good for groups? Yes - the restaurant accommodates group dining and accepts group reservations by phone. The sushi bar and table areas can handle parties, though larger groups should call ahead to arrange seating. Expect tighter quarters during peak hours. For groups over 6, book at least a few days in advance to ensure they can seat you together.
Is there outdoor seating? Not confirmed - there is conflicting information about outdoor seating availability. The restaurant is located within Japanese Village Plaza Mall, which has a courtyard setting, but whether Oomasa itself offers dedicated outdoor tables is unclear. Call ahead to confirm current options.
Best For
Hours
Monday11:30am - 9pm
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday11:30am - 9pm
Thursday11:30am - 9pm
Friday11:30am - 10pm
Saturday11:30am - 10pm
Sunday11:30am - 9pm