Best Hidden Gems Seafood Restaurants in Downtown LA
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Sushi Kaneyoshi
Chef Yoshi-san, trained at two-Michelin-starred Sushi Ginza Onodera, serves 20-course Edomae omakase at a hidden 10-seat counter in a Little Tokyo basement.
Notable Picks
8.7
Chef Yoshi-san's 20-course Edomae omakase operates from a hidden 10-seat basement counter accessed through a Little Tokyo parking garage and hotel lobby. His training at two-Michelin-starred Sushi Ginza Onodera shows in the precise technique, with repeat customers comprising more than half of each evening's seating. Reservations release monthly and disappear within minutes—at $300, it draws sushi purists who compare it favorably to top Tokyo counters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hairy Hokkaido Crab Chawanmushi, Nodoguro (Blackthroat Perch), Ankimo (Monkfish Liver)
What Makes it Special: Chef Yoshi-san, trained at two-Michelin-starred Sushi Ginza Onodera, serves 20-course Edomae omakase at a hidden 10-seat counter in a Little Tokyo basement.
#2
Sushi Gen
8.3
A Little Tokyo institution since 1980 where the $23-26 sashimi lunch special delivers halibut, fatty tuna, uni, scallops, and oysters at prices that confuse people given the quality. Strip mall setting, no reservations, long waits—all part of the deal. Regulars know the sashimi lunch is table-only; the dinner omakase and a la carte nigiri satisfy those who want the counter experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sashimi Lunch Special, Chirashi Bowl, Omakase
What Makes it Special: Little Tokyo institution offering exceptional sashimi value since 1980
#3
Hama Sushi
8.1
A decades-old Little Tokyo sushi counter where the chef runs an omakase-style program built around whatever is freshest that day — you sit, you trust, you eat what's put in front of you. The format rewards solo diners and regulars who prefer a chef-led cadence over menu browsing, and the price point lands well below what the omakase label typically commands. Expect a no-frills counter setup with zero pretense and fish that reflects the morning market, not a preset rotation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef's Choice Omakase, Eel, Scallop
What Makes it Special: Decades-old Little Tokyo sushi counter where the chef dictates the meal from whatever is freshest that day
Worthy Picks
#4
Catch 21
7.8
Catch 21 is a casual seafood and grill spot near the edge of Skid Row known for fish and chips, grilled plates, and an easygoing patio. It serves as a pet-friendly everyday option for downtown workers and locals who want quick, affordable seafood without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish and Chips, Grilled Sole Fish Plate, Shrimp and Fries Combo
What Makes it Special: A low-key seafood counter with dog-friendly outdoor seating and solid everyday prices.