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Best Date Night Japanese Restaurants in Los Angeles

50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

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Our Top Pick
Shunji Japanese Cuisine
Michelin-starred omakase from a Matsuhisa original chef with two-decade mastery

Essential Picks

$$$$ Santa Monica Japanese, Sushi
Chef Shunji Nakao delivers one of LA's most refined omakase experiences at this Michelin-recognized counter, where seasonal fish sourced from Japan meets impeccable technique. The intimate 12-seat space (split between two chefs) showcases aged tuna, barely-seared blackthroat seaperch, and Santa Barbara uni with rice that melts seamlessly with each bite.
Must-Try Dishes: Aged Tuna Nigiri, Blackthroat Seaperch, Toro Hand Roll
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred omakase from a Matsuhisa original chef with two-decade mastery
$$$$ Beverly Hills Japanese, Sushi
Ultra-exclusive eight-seat omakase hidden on the second floor of Two Rodeo, where chef Yusuke Yamamoto serves 22 courses of pristine nigiri with playful energy. The former Urasawa space delivers theatrical presentations like uni-caviar tempura and hay-smoked wagyu that explode with flavor.
Must-Try Dishes: Uni-Caviar Tempura, Hay-Smoked A5 Wagyu, Melon Ice Cream in Hollowed Melon
What Makes it Special: Former Urasawa space with $390 omakase featuring theatrical presentations.
9.1
$$$$ Studio City Japanese, Sushi
Former Michelin-starred institution delivering bold fusion-forward rolls and hot dishes alongside impeccable omakase. Founded by Matsuhisa alumni in 1991, this upscale strip mall destination layers Peruvian influences with California creativity in daring specialty rolls and cooked preparations.
Must-Try Dishes: Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna, Seared Toro, SSS (Salmon Sashimi Special)
What Makes it Special: Michelin pedigree meeting California-Peruvian fusion in creative specialty rolls
9.1
$$$$ Downtown LA Japanese
Seven-seat kaiseki counter where Chef Brandon Go—trained at Tokyo's three-star Ishikawa—personally prepares and explains each course using ingredients flown daily from Japan. The $450 omakase format attracts serious Japanese cuisine devotees willing to battle the first-of-month reservation rush for what many consider LA's closest approximation to dining in Kyoto. Expect a meditative two-hour progression through seasonal courses served on the chef's collected antique ceramics.
Must-Try Dishes: Miso-Glazed Black Cod Rice Pot, Steamed Abalone with Liver Sauce (Awabi), Charcoal Grilled Hokkaido Kinki
What Makes it Special: Two-Michelin-starred kaiseki from Chef Brandon Go, who trained at three-star Ishikawa in Tokyo, served to just seven guests per night
$$$$ Beverly Hills Japanese
Nobu Matsuhisa's flagship restaurant since 1987 revolutionized Japanese dining with its pioneering Japanese-Peruvian fusion, creating dishes like black cod with miso that became global sensations. The low-key décor belies the exceptional skill of the staff and an enormous menu where every dish represents three decades of refinement.
Must-Try Dishes: Black Cod with Miso, Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño, Squid Pasta with Light Garlic Sauce
What Makes it Special: Birthplace of the global Nobu empire and modern fusion Japanese cuisine
$$$$ Downtown LA Italian, Japanese
Josef Centeno’s tasting-counter destination blends Italian structure with Japanese precision, delivering a paced, quietly inventive menu. The room is intimate and minimalist, letting the multi-course progression do the talking. Its current one-star Michelin status marks it as the ZIP’s true special-occasion Italian-leaning anchor.
Must-Try Dishes: Uni Pasta / Sea Urchin Course, Seasonal Pasta Flight, Sake-Paired Dessert Course
What Makes it Special: A Michelin-starred Italian-Japanese tasting menu led by Josef Centeno.
$$$$ Downtown LA Japanese, Sushi
A destination omakase counter where technique and fish sourcing are the whole story. Each course is tightly calibrated, with subtle seasoning and temperature control that rewards attention. Expect a long, immersive meal aimed at serious sushi seekers.
Must-Try Dishes: Seasonal nigiri omakase, Hokkaido uni, A5 wagyu bite (when offered)
What Makes it Special: High-end omakase with elite sourcing and exacting technique.
$$$$ West Hollywood Japanese, Sushi
James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole's non-traditional Japanese cuisine elevates business dining with creative sushi and seasonal omakase. The sophisticated atmosphere balances energy with professionalism, making it ideal for impressing clients.
Must-Try Dishes: Hama Chili, Gyutoro, Crispy Brussels Sprouts
What Makes it Special: James Beard Award-winning chef creates innovative Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine

Notable Picks

$$$$ Koreatown Japanese, Sushi
Chef Naruki Matsumoto sources fish directly from Tokyo's Toyosu Market for this essential omakase experience. The 15-piece nigiri-focused tasting showcases pristine seasonal fish with exacting Edomae technique, from buttery nodoguro to delicate Japanese sardine. Operating since 2016 in the space formerly known as Hirozen, this strip mall gem delivers high-end sushi without the usual pretension.
Must-Try Dishes: 15-Piece Omakase, Seared Nodoguro, Spanish Mackerel Nigiri
What Makes it Special: Daily fish flown from Tokyo's Toyosu Market with 20+ years chef expertise
$$$$ Palms Japanese, Sushi
Mori Nozomi delivers meticulously crafted omakase centered on traditional techniques, pristine sourcing, and artistic presentation. Chef Nozomi leads an all-woman team, and guests praise the seamless execution and calm setting, making this a destination for serious sushi enthusiasts.
Must-Try Dishes: Otoro Nigiri, Kasugodai, Hon Maguro Temaki
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred, chef-led experience with rare, seasonal fish.
8.9
$$$$ Palms Japanese, Seafood
Chef Niki Nakayama's 13-course modern kaiseki weaves California seasonality through traditional Japanese technique across a 3-hour progression, anchored by a signature spaghetti-abalone course that has never left the menu since 2011. The 26-seat ryokan-inspired room operates with exacting service—staff retained for over a decade—and ends with Nakayama greeting each table personally. At $365 before drinks, this is a deliberate investment in craft rather than a casual dinner out.
Must-Try Dishes: Signature Spaghetti with Abalone, Pickled Cod Roe & Black Truffle, Zensai Assortment, Binchotan-Seared A5 Miyazaki Wagyu
What Makes it Special: Chef Niki Nakayama's 13-course kaiseki blends Japanese tradition with California seasonality in a 26-seat intimate setting, featured on Netflix's Chef's Table
#12 UKA
8.9
$$$$ Hollywood Japanese
A Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant inside JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, UKA serves meticulous multi-course omakase dinners that spotlight pristine seafood and seasonal produce. The intimate room and counter seating overlook Hollywood, making it one of the city’s most serious Japanese dining experiences.
Must-Try Dishes: Kabutamushi dumpling with Japanese sea bream, Grilled abalone with butter ponzu, Seasonal wagyu course with red wine jus and miso butter
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred kaiseki and omakase with sweeping Hollywood views.
8.9
$$$$ Beverly Hills Japanese
YAZAWA specializes in premium A5 Wagyu beef directly imported from Japan, offering an authentic yakiniku experience where diners grill pristine cuts tableside. The restaurant's in-house butchers ensure exceptional quality, with staff providing detailed explanations of each cut's unique characteristics and origin.
Must-Try Dishes: A5 Wagyu Omakase Selection, Yazawa-Yaki Sirloin, Wagyu Tartare with Uni
What Makes it Special: Only yakiniku restaurant in LA importing entire Japanese cattle weekly.
$$ Culver City Japanese, Ramen
Michelin-recognized Tokyo import specializing in rich tori paitan chicken broth with housemade mochi noodles and premium toppings like A5 Wagyu, duck, and fermented pork chashu. The signature bowl features truffle oil and draws hour-long weekend waits for its gravy-thick, umami-packed broth that has earned acclaim across multiple cities.
Must-Try Dishes: Signature Toripaitan with Trio Meats, Garlic Knock Out Ramen, Karaage Fried Chicken
What Makes it Special: Michelin Guide recognition since 2017 for revolutionary chicken-based tori paitan broth
$$$$ West Hollywood Japanese, Sushi
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's globally celebrated Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant offers world-class dining in a sleek setting. Celebrity clientele and signature dishes like Black Cod Miso make this the ultimate power lunch destination.
Must-Try Dishes: Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño, Toro Tartare with Caviar
What Makes it Special: World-renowned chef Nobu's signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion in celebrity hotspot
$$$ Studio City Japanese, Sushi
Third-generation sushi chef Tetsuya Tanabe balances innovation with tradition through signature rolls that marry modern technique with family legacy. The contemporary space features both counter and table seating, where modern innovations meet timeless sushi craft in carefully composed specialty rolls.
Must-Try Dishes: Truffle Halibut Roll, Seared Specialty Rolls, Albacore Belly Nigiri
What Makes it Special: Third-generation chef innovating traditional sushi with contemporary precision
8.8
$$$$ Beverly Grove Japanese, Sushi
Sushi Tama is an omakase-focused counter and dining room on Robertson where seasonal nigiri, premium tuna, and precise technique anchor a polished but relaxed experience. Locals book it for special-occasion dinners that feel high-end without tipping into stiff formality.
Must-Try Dishes: Table Omakase Menu, Aburi Toro Nigiri, Premium Tuna Bowl
What Makes it Special: Refined omakase-driven sushi with serious fish sourcing and technique.
$$$ Studio City Japanese, Sushi
Chef Tomoki Hombe's 2023 opening quickly became a celebrity favorite, delivering Valley-style omakase with expertly seasoned nigiri and familiar specialty rolls. The intimate blonde-wood space tucked beside jazz club The Baked Potato offers exceptional bang-for-buck with entry omakase starting at $80.
Must-Try Dishes: Albacore Fried Onion Roll, Seared Salmon Roll with Truffle, Nodoguro
What Makes it Special: Former Sushi Enya chef delivering celebrity-favorite rolls with exceptional value
8.6
$$$$ Westwood Japanese, Sushi
Asuka is an intimate Westwood sushi bar known for meticulous fish cutting, traditional techniques, and a calm, polished dining room. It leans more toward nigiri and specialty rolls than novelty items, making it a favorite for diners who want a slower, more composed sushi experience than the nearby student haunts.
Must-Try Dishes: Chef’s omakase sushi, Toro nigiri, Baked crab hand roll
What Makes it Special: Refined, chef-driven sushi in a serene room that feels built for proper dinners.
8.6
$$ Long Beach Japanese, Sushi
Naples Island sushi restaurant focusing on traditional Japanese fundamentals with pristine fish quality. Modern izakaya style with tapas plates makes it suitable for business meetings despite dinner-only hours.
Must-Try Dishes: Garlic Albacore, Miso Black Cod, Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño
What Makes it Special: Chef-quality fish with Japanese authenticity rare in Long Beach
$$$ Studio City Japanese, Sushi
Michelin-recognized Japanese-Peruvian fusion from Chef Shige Fujimoto creating irreverent dishes in a hip space with distinctive dining areas. The innovative menu balances ceviche and sashimi-quality seafood with playful creations like udon carbonara with smoked pork belly and sticky-sweet oxtail bao.
Must-Try Dishes: Udon Carbonara, Oxtail Bao, Halibut Ponzu
What Makes it Special: Michelin Guide recognition for Japanese-Peruvian fusion from Michelin-star chef
8.6
$$ Los Feliz Japanese, Sushi
Led by Chef Chano with over 25 years of fine dining experience, Roji serves freshly imported fish at approachable prices in a cozy, modern setting. The intimate space features both indoor dining and a relaxed patio, making it ideal for conversations. Strong omakase program balances traditional techniques with contemporary flair.
Must-Try Dishes: Omakase Selection, Yellowtail with Truffle, Hamachi Nigiri
What Makes it Special: Expert sushi chef with 25+ years experience serving affordable omakase
#23 RVR
8.6
$$$$ Venice Japanese, Ramen
Travis Lett’s Japanese-leaning tavern folds hand rolls, gyoza, and charcoal-grilled plates into a dim, high-energy space that reads effortlessly romantic. Not strictly a sushi bar, but the hand rolls and raw bites make for a stylish, shareable date.
Must-Try Dishes: Cod Tempura Handroll, Tuna Handroll, Crispy Pork Belly Gyoza
What Makes it Special: A buzzy Venice izakaya where standout hand rolls meet moody design.
$$$ Marina del Rey Japanese, Sushi
Sushi Enya brings a more polished omakase experience to the marina, with a chef-driven bar and intimate room that leans into higher-end cuts and composed bites. Diners treat it as a special-occasion spot for pristine fish and paced service, whether they’re at the counter or a small table.
Must-Try Dishes: Chef's Omakase, Toro Sashimi, Hokkaido Scallop with Caviar
What Makes it Special: Refined omakase-focused sushi in an intimate room right off the marina.
$$ Torrance Japanese, Sushi
Sushi Gone Wild is a compact, high-energy sushi bar where locals crowd in for creative rolls, generous sashimi, and a lively neighborhood feel. With strong multi-platform ratings and hundreds of reviews, it’s the go-to South Torrance spot when you want fun, reasonably priced sushi with real regulars’ energy.
Must-Try Dishes: Salmon Gone Wild roll, Baked Alaska roll, Dragon roll
What Makes it Special: Lively neighborhood sushi bar with creative rolls and strong value.
$$$ Echo Park Japanese, Seafood
Chef Ricardo Zarate brings Michelin-recognized Nikkei cuisine to this vibrant Echo Park ceviche bar opened in August 2024. The inventive Japanese-Peruvian fusion features technicolor ceviches, hefty hand rolls, and theatrical plating assembled at the turquoise-quartz bar, all in a scrappy-chic space with live piano music.
Must-Try Dishes: Salmon Tiradito with Miso, Yellowtail Tostada, Shrimp Dumpling Ceviche
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized chef's Nikkei fusion with fine dining execution at casual prices
8.6
$$ Hollywood Japanese, Ramen
Tokyo-born Tonchin’s LA outpost brings a polished, modern ramen experience to the Melrose corridor, anchored by rich yet balanced tonkotsu. The bowl construction is meticulous—springy noodles, silky broth, and well-seared chashu—while sides and kakigori desserts make it feel like a full night-out spot rather than a quick slurp. Cocktails and late hours add real neighborhood pull.
Must-Try Dishes: Classic Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Tan Tan Ramen, Smoked Dashi Ramen
What Makes it Special: A Tokyo institution’s refined tonkotsu and dessert-forward ramen bar format.
8.6
$$$$ Echo Park Japanese, Sushi
Michelin Bib Gourmand izakaya by Chef Charles Namba showcases pristine kanpachi sashimi and ikejime fluke alongside yakitori in an intimate Echo Park setting. While primarily focused on small plates, the beautifully plated sashimi selections and Japanese aesthetic create highly photogenic moments worth the pilgrimage.
Must-Try Dishes: Kanpachi Sashimi, Ikejime Fluke with Yuzu, Potato Pancakes with Salmon Roe
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized izakaya serves limited but exceptional sashimi between acclaimed yakitori and seasonal small plates
8.5
$$$$ Fairfax Japanese, Seafood
ADKT LA is a moody French-Japanese spot on Fairfax that leans into cocktails, polished service, and chef-driven plates more than pure sushi. It’s a place for lingering evenings built around wagyu, seafood towers, and shareable small plates rather than a quick roll-and-go meal.
Must-Try Dishes: Seafood Tower, Wagyu Chateaubriand, Matcha Tiramisu
What Makes it Special: French-Japanese cooking in a polished cocktail-forward dining room.
$$$ Marina del Rey Japanese, Sushi
Irori Sushi is a long-running tatami-style restaurant tucked into a shopping center, known for floor-level seating, bento lunches, and a surprisingly affordable omakase. Regulars come for the mix of traditional ambiance and strong value on sashimi, nigiri, and hot dishes.
Must-Try Dishes: 12-Piece Omakase, Bento Box Lunch, Yellowtail Collar
What Makes it Special: Tatami-style seating and an omakase-and-bento format that balances tradition and value.
$$ Pasadena Japanese, Ramen
Founded by master ramen chefs Hiro and Nori, this craft ramen specialist makes everything in-house, from hand-cut noodles to 15-hour tonkotsu broth using traditional Japanese techniques. The signature tonkotsu delivers rich umami depth without being heavy, while the shoyu features soy sauce aged over 300 years in Japanese barrels.
Must-Try Dishes: Tonkotsu Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Vegan Ramen
What Makes it Special: Hand-cut noodles and 15-hour tonkotsu broth by Japanese master chefs
$$ West Hollywood Japanese, Ramen
This pioneering plant-based outpost of the legendary Japanese chain redefines vegan ramen with creamy soy milk 'tonkotsu' and innovative vegetable broths. Since transforming to fully vegan in May 2025, Ippudo V showcases traditional Japanese techniques through a plant-forward lens, offering both comfort and creativity.
Must-Try Dishes: Pla-Ton Vegan Tonkotsu, Shojin Shoyu Ramen, Super Mario Bros Roll
What Makes it Special: First fully vegan Ippudo location on the West Coast
$$$ Silver Lake Japanese, Sushi
Silver Lake's most photogenic izakaya transforms traditional sushi into edible art with gold leaf, black tobiko, and truffle oil presentations. Chef Damon Cho's Premium Sashimi Hashimori features 18 pieces arranged like a cornucopia, while the Miso Crab Salmon wrapped in truffle oil draws crowds with cameras ready.
Must-Try Dishes: Premium Sashimi Hashimori, Truffle Toro Bowl, Miso Crab Salmon
What Makes it Special: Gold leaf and caviar-topped presentations elevate traditional izakaya sushi into showstopping Instagram moments
8.4
$$ Torrance Japanese
Koshiji is a cozy yakitori-focused izakaya on Hawthorne where skewers grill over binchotan in full view of the counter. South Bay regulars come for carefully seasoned chicken, offal, and vegetables, plus a solid list of sake and beer in a room that feels closer to Tokyo than a strip mall.
Must-Try Dishes: Negima chicken thigh skewer, Tsukune chicken meatball skewer, Beef tongue skewer
What Makes it Special: Binchotan-grilled yakitori with a cozy, transportive izakaya atmosphere.
8.4
$$$$ Sawtelle Japanese, Sushi
Kusaki offers a stylish, plant-based omakase experience blending Japanese tradition with modern vegan creativity. Known for extraordinary vegan rolls, attentive service, and a cozy setting ideal for intimate dinners, it stands out for its inventive flavors. Chef Pearl and team deliver delightful chef’s choice experiences that surprise even non-vegan diners.
Must-Try Dishes: King Mushroom Roll, Trumpet Mushroom Nigiri, Crispy Avocado Rice
What Makes it Special: Innovative vegan omakase led by Chef Pearl.
8.4
$$$ Sawtelle Japanese, BBQ
Manpuku’s West 3rd location is a yakiniku specialist where groups grill premium cuts of beef and offal at the table. The experience feels equal parts Japanese barbecue and special-night-out, with multi-course sets that handle the ordering for you.
Must-Try Dishes: US Kobe Sukiyaki, Monaka Truffle Beef Tartare, Miso-Marinated Steak
What Makes it Special: Tabletop Japanese barbecue built around premium wagyu and set menus.
#37 Ōwa
8.4
$$ Venice Japanese, Sushi
A sleek Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar where nigiri, crudo, and signature maki meet serious drinks. The room skews polished and intimate—ideal for a more elevated sushi night.
Must-Try Dishes: Tokusen Sushi Omakase (7-piece), Chu-Toro Crudo, Ōwa Spicy Hotate Roll
What Makes it Special: Refined nigiri and sashimi program paired to a craft cocktail bar.
8.4
$$$$ Hollywood Japanese
Rokusho brings a Tokyo-born modern izakaya sensibility to Hollywood with inventive hand rolls, composed small plates, and a serious cocktail program. The dim, design-forward space feels built for nights out while still putting real care into technique and ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy tuna crispy rice, Uni and wagyu hand roll, Gindara miso black cod
What Makes it Special: A Tokyo-linked izakaya with creative small plates, hand rolls, and cocktails.
$$$$ Beverly Hills Japanese, Sushi
Secret fourteen-seat omakase hidden in Rodeo Collection's underground parking garage, where Chef Kiminobu Saito crafts 20 courses of pristine nigiri. This intimate jewel box feels like discovering a Tokyo speakeasy, complete with thoughtful wine pairings curated to enhance each course.
Must-Try Dishes: Dry-Aged Amberjack, Hokkaido Scallop with Sea Salt, Yuzu Gelato
What Makes it Special: Underground parking garage location creates Tokyo speakeasy vibe.
$$ Culver City Japanese, Sushi
Chef David Movsisian's Michelin-rated handroll specialist operates in The Culver Steps with a sleek industrial bar setting and just 24 counter seats. The focused menu delivers fresh handrolls made to order alongside quality sashimi appetizers, Japanese craft beer, and loose-leaf teas served in traditional tetsubin iron teapots.
Must-Try Dishes: Baked Crab Roll, Negi Toro Handroll, Soft Shell Crab Roll
What Makes it Special: Michelin recognition for focused handroll-centric menu in modern industrial setting
$$ Westchester Japanese, Ramen
This Westchester outpost of HiroNori brings the mini-chain’s deeply layered tonkotsu and shoyu broths, springy house noodles, and polished service to a modern, buzzy room right off Lincoln. It’s the most polished ramen experience in 90045, with late hours, sake, and small plates that make it feel closer to a casual date-night spot than a quick noodle stop.
Must-Try Dishes: Tonkotsu Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna
What Makes it Special: Craft ramen from a respected California mini-chain with serious tonkotsu.
8.3
$$ Long Beach Japanese, Sushi
Vibrant izakaya experience featuring a sushi bar styled like a Japanese street-side restaurant complete with roof overhang. Creative specialty rolls blend traditional techniques with modern presentations, while the yakitori and small plates program appeals to groups seeking variety.
Must-Try Dishes: Star Roll, Grilled Skewers, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
What Makes it Special: Authentic izakaya atmosphere with theatrical sushi bar design transports diners to Tokyo
$$ Downtown LA Japanese, Sushi
A polished Arts District handroll bar from chef Lester Lai that leans into tight technique and a cocktail-forward izakaya mood. The rolls are clean, properly warm-rice-to-cold-fish balanced, and paced for lingering rather than rushing. Best experienced as a curated handroll set with drinks rather than à la carte grazing.
Must-Try Dishes: Toro hand roll, Lobster hand roll, Uni hand roll
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven handrolls with a full cocktail-bar experience.
$$ Fairfax Japanese
Sugarfish’s La Brea outpost focuses on Nozawa-style omakase sets where the fish, rice temperature, and sauces are tightly controlled. It’s a streamlined, sit-down sushi experience built around the Trust Me menus rather than sprawling a la carte options.
Must-Try Dishes: Trust Me, Nozawa Trust Me, Blue & Dungeness Crab Hand Roll
What Makes it Special: Tightly scripted omakase-style sushi focused on fish quality and rice.
8.3
$$$ Culver City Japanese, Sushi
Head Chef Moto from the historic Chiba sushi bar brings modern minimalist aesthetics to this neighborhood gem established in 2017. The streamlined menu focuses on traditional nigiri and curated rolls with multiple omakase tiers starting at reasonable prices, featuring standouts like seared salmon belly with truffle and their signature baked crab handroll.
Must-Try Dishes: Baked Crab Handroll, Seared Salmon Belly Nigiri, Uzumaki Plus Omakase Set
What Makes it Special: Former Chiba chef's precise knife work and fish aging program in minimalist space
$$$ Venice Japanese, Sushi
Modern Venice sushi with a lively room, shareable rolls, and a patio that works for an intimate, low-lit date. Nigiri is solid, and crisp rice and signature maki lean playful without losing craft.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Chef’s Selection Nigiri, Hamachi Serrano Roll
What Makes it Special: A stylish Venice room pairing polished nigiri with creative, crowd-pleasing rolls.
8.2
$$ Koreatown Japanese, Sushi
Iki Ramen elevates the genre with house-made broths and humanely sourced meats, delivered in a welcoming izakaya setting since 2019. The focus on ingredient integrity and modern Japanese technique attracts both ramen purists and newcomers. Locals return for soul-warming bowls and a compact menu of comfort sides.
Must-Try Dishes: Signature Tonkotsu Ramen, Shoyu Chicken Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen
What Makes it Special: Artisan broth and ethically farmed meats set it apart.
$$ Marina del Rey Japanese, Sushi
Moto Azabu combines a full sushi bar with izakaya-style plates and a lively second-floor dining room overlooking Washington Boulevard. It’s where groups mix sashimi, rolls, and grilled bites with cocktails, turning dinner into a longer night out near the water.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy Tuna Roll, Baked Crab Roll, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna
What Makes it Special: A second-floor sushi and izakaya bar with cocktails and marina-adjacent views.
$$$ Silver Lake Japanese, Sushi
Chef Damon Cho's omakase-focused sibling restaurant delivers theatrical multi-course experiences with caviar-topped toro, truffle-enhanced sashimi, and baked king crab hand rolls. The intimate counter seats and table options showcase seasonal Japanese fish with modern flourishes designed for maximum visual impact.
Must-Try Dishes: Miso Crab Salmon, Caviar Toro Appetizer, Baked King Crab Hand Roll
What Makes it Special: Focuses exclusively on sushi with decadent caviar and truffle presentations unavailable at sister restaurant
$$ Marina del Rey Japanese, Sushi
SUGARFISH’s marina location follows the brand’s strict set-menu approach, turning out “Trust Me” sequences of nigiri and cut rolls built around high-quality fish and warm rice. It’s a dependable choice for guests who want a streamlined sushi experience without navigating a long menu.
Must-Try Dishes: Trust Me Set, Nozawa-Style Toro Nigiri, Albacore Sashimi with Ponzu
What Makes it Special: A set-menu sushi experience built around the signature Trust Me format.