Best Late Night Restaurants in Sawtelle Japantown (90025)
5 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
#1
Tatsu Ramen
8.3
Rowdy, late-night-friendly ramen built for comfort: thick broths, big flavors, and plenty of topping options. The Hippie Ramen is the move for a lighter, veg-forward bowl, while the Old Skool and spicy miso cover the classic cravings. Service is quick and the vibe is casual, perfect for pop-ins.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hippie Ramen, Old Skool Tonkotsu, Spicy Miso Ramen
What makes it special: Late-night ramen with strong vegan and classic options.
A long-running Westwood institution pairing Lebanese classics with late-night energy and hookah. Grilled meats come out juicy and smoky, mezze is generous, and the room leans festive well past midnight. It’s not a quiet dinner spot—think social, music-forward, and built for lingering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mezze Sampler (hummus, baba ghanoush, muhammara), Chicken Shawarma Plate, Kibbeh Nayeh
What makes it special: Private-event friendly Lebanese dining with live-nightclub spirit.
8.2
A cozy West LA izakaya where skewers, small plates, and sake anchor an easy late-night crawl. The kitchen shines on grilled bites and comforting bowls, and the old-school warmth makes it a reliable spot for a slower, more conversational night. Come for variety, stay for the relaxed bar feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tsukune Skewers, Black Cod Miso, Garlic Fried Rice
What makes it special: Authentic izakaya plates and sake in a true late-night setting.
Sawtelle’s go-to dessert stop for late-night sugar runs, known for warm bread puddings and Filipino-leaning flavors like ube. The shop is casual and often busy near closing, but desserts land with real comfort-factor. Perfect capstone after ramen or sushi down the block.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ube Bread Pudding, Hot Bread Pudding Sampler, Ube Cheesecake
What makes it special: Bread pudding in dozens of rotating, Filipino-leaning flavors.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A sidewalk taqueria built for post-midnight cravings, turning out properly seasoned meats and fresh-pressed tortillas until 2am. It’s simple, fast, and flavorful—exactly what you want when everything else is closing. The tlayuda is the sleeper hit.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Tlayuda Mixta, Carne Asada Quesadilla
What makes it special: Late-night street-style tacos with a standout tlayuda.