Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Sawtelle Japantown (90025)
5 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
#1
Hamasaku
8.8
A long-running Sawtelle-area sushi destination with polished technique and a broad roll lineup that balances freshness with California-style creativity. The room feels more upscale than the strip-mall exterior suggests, and the menu rewards both classic nigiri fans and roll seekers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Yellowtail Jalapeño Sashimi, Lourd Roll
What makes it special: A Sawtelle staple known for refined fish and signature California-leaning rolls.
#2
Yamakase
8.6
A high-energy omakase counter that leans luxe with uni, toro, and truffle through a tightly paced progression. Flavorful extras and warm staff banter keep it celebratory rather than hushed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase, Toro and uni bites, Truffle-accented nigiri
What makes it special: A splurge-level omakase with playful, ingredient-forward twists.
8.2
A Westside Persian institution serving refined, saffron-perfumed stews and expertly grilled kebabs in a comfortable, traditional dining room. Portions are generous, and execution stays reliably high year after year.
Must-Try Dishes:
Koobideh platter, Fesenjan stew, Tahdig with khoresh
What makes it special: A long-running Persian dining room with consistently polished grilling.
#4
Casa Modena
8.1
An intimate Italian dining room where handmade pastas and Northern Italian mains stay front and center. The vibe is classic and low-key, with food that prioritizes comfort and technique over flash.
Must-Try Dishes:
Housemade tagliatelle, Osso buco, Tiramisu
What makes it special: Chef-driven Italian cooking with a strong handmade-pasta core.
Worthy Picks
#5
Echigo Sushi
7.9
A tucked-away upstairs sushi counter with a loyal local following and a focus on clean, traditional nigiri. It’s quiet, straightforward, and ideal for letting high-quality fish do the talking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase nigiri, Chirashi deluxe, Roll-it-yourself hand roll set
What makes it special: Intimate omakase-leaning spot with excellent chirashi.