Best Sushi Restaurants in Downtown LA (90012)
11 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Essential Picks
9.1
A 10-seat, basement hideaway serving a meticulous Edomae omakase built around deeply seasonal fish and handmade details. The meal feels like a tightly composed progression from delicate tsumami to perfectly temperature-tuned nigiri, with a calm, ceremonial pace. Reservations are tough, but the craftsmanship is the draw.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Edomae omakase, Aged kohada nigiri, Uni course with warm rice
What makes it special: Michelin-level Edomae omakase in an ultra-intimate setting.
Notable Picks
#2
Sushi Gen
8.8
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Trendy Table Hotspots
A Little Tokyo institution that still delivers with robust sashimi cuts and an expansive nigiri lineup. The famous lunch sashimi special is a local rite of passage, and the bar menu rewards repeat visits. Expect lines, but also reliable fish quality at scale.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sashimi lunch special, Bluefin toro nigiri, Uni shoots
What makes it special: High-volume classic sushi done right for decades.
#3
Bar Sawa
8.7
An eight-seat omakase bar that blends precise nigiri with Japanese cocktails and hi-fi bar ambiance. The sushi leans Edomae with clean, confident seasoning, while drinks are integrated as a true pairing. It’s a lively alternative to more hushed counters without sacrificing technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
17-course omakase, Botan ebi nigiri, Highball pairing set
What makes it special: Omakase and cocktail bar executed at equal altitude.
#4
Sushi Takeda
8.6
A serene Weller Court counter where Chef Hide Takeda focuses on nigiri-forward omakase with subtle aging and knife work. The room is quiet and minimalist, letting the fish carry the night. Compared to flashier spots, it’s all about restraint and polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nigiri-only omakase, Iwashi roll with pickled daikon, Dry-aged chu-toro
What makes it special: Quiet, precision sushi omakase with a purist bent.
#5
Hama Sushi
8.3
Old-school sushi bar energy with a tight focus on raw fish and hand rolls. The cuts are clean, the rice is lightly seasoned, and regulars swear by the hand roll program. It’s cramped and no-frills, but the fish quality keeps it packed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna hand roll, Albacore toro nigiri, Santa Barbara uni
What makes it special: Classic bar sushi with standout hand rolls.
#6
Eigikutei
8.1
A polished Little Tokyo dining room pairing omakase sushi with wagyu shabu-shabu and kaiseki-style courses. Fish quality is strong, and the hot-pot sequence adds a special-occasion arc beyond standard sushi bars. The experience feels refined without being stiff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase sushi course, A5 wagyu shabu-shabu kaiseki, Seasonal sashimi trio
What makes it special: Kaiseki-leaning sushi plus wagyu shabu-shabu in one menu.
#7
Ootoro Sushi
8.1
Decades of experience culminate in edible art at this upscale omakase counter where each piece arrives as a photogenic masterpiece. The Instagram-savvy presentation includes dramatic torch work and colorful garnishes that make every course social media ready.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef's Omakase, Toro Tartare, Charcoal-Grilled Fish Collar
What makes it special: Theatrical presentation designed for social media
8.0
A dependable neighborhood sushi bar with a broad menu, clean nigiri, and a popular happy-hour draw. Rolls skew traditional with a few modern touches, and quality holds steady across busy nights. It’s a reliable choice when you want variety without omakase prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Albacore with yuzu ponzu, Toro hand roll, Assorted sashimi platter
What makes it special: Well-rounded sushi menu with strong weekday value.
Worthy Picks
#9
Sushi Gala
7.7
A newer plaza shop turning out fresh rolls and chef specials with a slightly more modern, sauced-but-balanced style. Fish is consistently bright, and the menu leans crowd-pleasing without feeling generic. A good hidden-gem option for casual sushi in Little Tokyo.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s special roll, Yellowtail jalapeño sashimi, Salmon hand roll
What makes it special: Modern rolls and specials in a low-key plaza setting.
#10
Tokyo Haus
7.6
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Food Hall Frenzy
All-you-can-eat sushi in Weller Court that prioritizes range and speed over fine-dining finesse. The nigiri is straightforward, and the roll list is long enough to please groups with different tastes. Best framed as a fun, filling outing rather than a fish-purist stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium AYCE set, Salmon sashimi, Mango roll
What makes it special: AYCE format with a big roll and nigiri lineup.
#11
Sushi & Teri
7.5
A Japanese Village Plaza counter spot serving quick rolls, bowls, and teriyaki with consistent freshness. The menu is built for casual drop-ins and takeout, with generous portions and friendly efficiency. It’s a convenient everyday sushi fix in the heart of the plaza.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna roll, Salmon avocado roll, Teriyaki bento with California roll
What makes it special: Fast, reliable plaza sushi with solid portions.