Best Japanese Restaurants in Palms Cheviot Hills (90034)
5 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Essential Picks
#1
n/naka
9.3
Chef Niki Nakayama’s modern kaiseki is the defining special-occasion meal on the Westside, balancing deep Japanese technique with California seasonality. Courses move from feather-light dashi and pristine sashimi to warm, comforting clay-pot and grill moments, all paced with quiet precision. Reservations are tough, but the experience feels intimate and personal from first bite to final dessert.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal kaiseki tasting menu, Abalone spaghetti with mentaiko and black truffle, Miyazaki wagyu course when offered
What makes it special: A Michelin-starred, contemporary kaiseki tasting led by Chef Niki Nakayama.
9.1
A discreet, reservation-only Edo-style omakase counter where each piece is shaped and seasoned to be eaten immediately. The experience is quiet, ultra-focused, and built around top-tier fish flown in frequently, with pacing that rewards attention. Come here when you want chef-driven classic nigiri at a destination level in a strip-mall setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase nigiri progression, Zuke toro, Uni with warm rice
What makes it special: Pure omakase-only Edo nigiri with meticulous rice-and-fish balance.
Notable Picks
8.1
A long-running Palms ramen shop known for sturdy broths and generous bowls, with a welcome range from classic tonkotsu to black-garlic and spicy miso. The room is casual and quick, but the kitchen delivers comforting, repeatable satisfaction. Ideal for a weeknight slurp or low-key catch-up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy black garlic ramen, White garlic ramen, Chicken broth ramen with soft-boiled egg
What makes it special: Bold, crowd-tested ramen broths in a no-frills neighborhood setting.
8.0
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family Friendly Favorites
A neighborhood go-to for affordable rolls and nigiri that leans more casual than precious. Expect fast counter energy, lots of regulars, and a menu that mixes classic cuts with playful house rolls. Best for weeknight takeout or a low-key dine-in when you want sushi without ceremony.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ugly Roll, Spicy tuna roll, Salmon skin hand roll
What makes it special: Solid, wallet-friendly sushi with a loyal local following.
Worthy Picks
7.6
This Venice Boulevard food truck does Sinaloa-style sushi with a playful, LA-street spin—think saucy rolls, bold seasoning, and portions that satisfy. It’s a non-traditional Japanese stop that thrives on late-day cravings and casual hangouts. Great when you want something fun and different from standard Westside sushi bars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sinaloa-style baked rolls, Spicy tuna roll with house sauces, Cucumber-wrapped fresh roll
What makes it special: A Japanese-Mexican Sinaloa sushi truck that’s hard to find elsewhere nearby.