Best Japanese Restaurants in Downtown LA (90013)
10 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Essential Picks
A destination omakase counter where technique and fish sourcing are the whole story. Each course is tightly calibrated, with subtle seasoning and temperature control that rewards attention. Expect a long, immersive meal aimed at serious sushi seekers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal nigiri omakase, Hokkaido uni, A5 wagyu bite (when offered)
What makes it special: High-end omakase with elite sourcing and exacting technique.
Notable Picks
8.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
The high-volume Downtown handroll bar that keeps the standard for fast, consistent Nozawa-group quality. Warm rice, cold fish, and snappy nori land with repeatable precision, and the short menu encourages ordering a full run. It’s built for efficiency but still tastes cared for.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro hand roll, Lobster hand roll, Yellowtail jalapeño hand roll
What makes it special: Nozawa-group handroll precision at true Downtown scale.
8.3
A polished Arts District handroll bar from chef Lester Lai that leans into tight technique and a cocktail-forward izakaya mood. The rolls are clean, properly warm-rice-to-cold-fish balanced, and paced for lingering rather than rushing. Best experienced as a curated handroll set with drinks rather than à la carte grazing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro hand roll, Lobster hand roll, Uni hand roll
What makes it special: Chef-driven handrolls with a full cocktail-bar experience.
8.2
A modern handroll specialist in the Arts District that keeps things crisp, clean, and well-paced. The fish-to-rice ratios are tight, nori is properly crackly, and sets land with a satisfying progression. The room is casual-buzzy, making it easy for repeat lunches or low-key dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue crab hand roll, Scallop hand roll, Spicy tuna hand roll
What makes it special: Handroll sets with crisp nori and precise fish-rice balance.
8.1
A handroll-leaning counter tucked inside a nightlife-style room, blending sushi precision with a downtown bar buzz. Fish quality is clean and well-seasoned, and the menu pushes beyond basics into richer, saucier temaki builds. Come for an elevated handroll session that feels like part of the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna temaki, Blue crab temaki, Uni & caviar temaki
What makes it special: Handrolls in a bar-driven, after-dark Downtown setting.
#6
Kombu Sushi
8.1
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
A reliable neighborhood sushi bar with a broad roll lineup—from clean classics to bigger, baked specialty rolls. The fish is consistently fresh for the tier, and portions are generous without feeling sloppy. It’s an easy weeknight go-to for groups who want variety and a comfortable, low-pressure room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Citron Roll, Blue Dynamite Roll, Rainbow Roll
What makes it special: Big, crowd-pleasing rolls and a strong sake-friendly menu in the Arts District.
#7
Sushi Go 55
8.0
A long-running Little Tokyo-area standby that stays focused on clean sashimi and classic nigiri without the Downtown hype tax. The fish is fresh and portioned generously, and the vibe remains quietly neighborhood-rooted. Great for a dependable sushi meal that doesn’t feel like a scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, Salmon belly nigiri, Hamachi nigiri
What makes it special: Quiet Little Tokyo staple with strong chirashi and sashimi value.
#8
Suehiro DTLA
8.0
A legacy Japanese comfort-food institution reborn in Downtown, covering ramen, curry, and diner-style classics. Broths and sauces lean hearty and familiar, built for repeat visits rather than trend chasing. Late hours and broad menu make it a dependable all-purpose stop in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Japanese curry rice, Tonkotsu ramen, Chicken karaage
What makes it special: Old-school Japanese comfort classics with real Downtown longevity.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A Little Tokyo galleria ramen room leaning Kyoto-style and comfort-forward. Broths are rich and well-balanced, with a menu that also nods to donburi and small sides. A solid, dependable sit-down bowl when you want familiar Japanese warmth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shoyu ramen, Spicy miso ramen, Gyoza
What makes it special: Kyoto-leaning ramen comfort inside the Little Tokyo galleria.
7.8
A bright, greenery-filled Japanese comfort kitchen that leans homey rather than formal. Bowl-and-plate staples land with clean, dependable execution, making it a steady weekday anchor for Downtown workers. Not showy—just reliably satisfying.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken katsu curry, Salmon teriyaki bowl, Udon noodles
What makes it special: Japanese comfort plates in a calm, plant-forward Downtown room.