Best Japanese Restaurants in Historic South-Central

67 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant restaurant

1. Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(3525)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 50 times today

At Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant, perched 21 floors above Downtown Los Angeles, sushi isn’t just food; it’s an experience. Celebrated as one of the best sushi spots in LA, Takami offers an unparalleled dining atmosphere with breathtaking city views. Diners rave about the "fresh and wonderful" sushi, particularly recommending the Hamachi carpaccio and spicy tuna crispy rice. One patron noted, "The sushi today was very fresh and spot on," echoing the sentiments of many who appreciate the authentic taste and quality. Whether it's the rooftop ambiance or the meticulously crafted rolls, Takami promises an unforgettable sushi adventure right in the heart of DTLA.

2. Camelia

4.5

Awesome(184)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Arts District

Booked 48 times today

Camelia, nestled in the vibrant Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, is a French-Japanese bistro that masterfully blends contemporary French cuisine with subtle Japanese influences, creating a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Praised for its "innovative and creative" dishes, Camelia has quickly become a culinary gem in LA. Guests rave about the "exceptional food" and the beautifully designed space, making every visit a delight. Standout dishes include the striped bass with French succotash and the uni otoro toast bites, each described as a taste revelation. With its "friendly and competent service," Camelia ensures a top-notch dining adventure, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking to explore the best of contemporary French cuisine with a twist.

3. Mrs. Fish

4.5

Awesome(1676)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 51 times today

Nestled in the historic Pershing Square Building in Downtown Los Angeles, Mrs. Fish offers an unrivaled Japanese dining experience that marries tradition with modernity. The restaurant is renowned for its "amazing sushi" and "excellent saki selection," ensuring authenticity and quality in every dish. Guests rave about the "amazing views and a giant fish tank," which adds to the unique ambiance. With glowing reviews praising the "delicious options and excellent service," Mrs. Fish stands out as a top destination for authentic Japanese cuisine. Whether it's the "crispy tuna rice" or the vibrant atmosphere enhanced by live jazz music, every visit promises to be a memorable gastronomic journey. Mrs. Fish is the perfect place for a magical date night or a festive group celebration, consistently delivering a "superior staff" experience and "amazing vibe."

A photo of Katsuya - L.A. Live restaurant

4. Katsuya - L.A. Live

4.5

Awesome(2809)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 29 times today

Katsuya - L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles stands out as a pinnacle of sushi excellence, heralded by the Los Angeles Times as the "Best Sushi Restaurant" in Southern California. Chef Katsuya Uechi's mastery in crafting unique rolls and exquisite sashimi platters is evident, making it a must-visit for sushi enthusiasts. Diners rave about the authenticity and innovative dishes such as the "Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna" and "Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño". One diner exclaimed, "The best sushi we have ever had," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. This hotspot not only promises a visually stunning experience by Philippe Starck but also an unforgettable culinary journey, making each visit uniquely delightful.

5. HATCH

4.7

Exceptional(642)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 13 times today

HATCH, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Los Angeles, is a treasure trove of authentic Japanese cuisine with a delightful Californian twist. This izakaya bar & grill is renowned for its expertly curated yakitori and an inventive raw bar that keeps diners coming back for more. Patrons rave about the "exceptional service" and the "unforgettable" culinary experiences, highlighting dishes like the wagyu & wasabi and the squid ink karaage as absolute must-tries. The ambiance at HATCH is both modern and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a casual night out. As one reviewer put it, it’s “a hidden gem” where the fusion cuisine "isn’t just food; it’s art." Whether you're in for the innovative cocktails or the lively vibe, HATCH promises an extraordinary dining adventure in the heart of LA.

6. Ebaes

4.6

Exceptional(10)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • South Los Angeles

Booked 5 times today

At Ebaes in South Los Angeles, the fusion of traditional Asian flavors with a unique twist has locals and USC students raving, especially about their signature Ramen dishes. Their original Ebaes Ramen, a delightful blend of exotic and familiar tastes, is consistently praised for its creamy, flavorful broth and expertly cooked proteins. Customers have described the experience as “having a unique flavor reminiscent of Thai curry” and celebrated the dish for its “creamy and spicy” qualities that stand out in the crowded Ramen scene. With a charming atmosphere and a reputation for friendly service, Ebaes offers an unforgettable culinary exploration that's both innovative and deeply satisfying. A visit here promises not just a meal but a dive into a cultural exhibit of food and creativity.

A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Los Angeles, CA | Downtown LA restaurant

7. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Los Angeles, CA | Downtown LA

4.8

Exceptional(145)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Little Tokyo

Booked 25 times today

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in Downtown Los Angeles offers a uniquely authentic barbecue experience that stands out in the vibrant Little Tokyo neighborhood. Known for its engaging "cook-your-own" style, the restaurant allows diners to become chefs at their tables, grilling premium meats to perfection. Patrons rave about the quality and flavor of offerings such as the "must-try" Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib, highlighting the "delicious and well-seasoned meats" that provide a mouthwatering experience. The setting is not only stylish and upscale but also conducive to a magical dining atmosphere, perfect for any occasion from casual lunches to celebratory dinners. Coupled with attentive service and a convivial ambiance, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ delivers an unforgettable dining delight, making it a top destination for barbecue enthusiasts.

8. Eigikutei

4.8

Exceptional(87)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Little Tokyo

Booked 12 times today

Eigikutei in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, offers an exquisite Shabu-shabu experience that stands out for its authenticity and quality. Diners rave about the Shabu-shabu, describing it as "abundant and delicious" with meticulous care taken in every dish served. The Hannari and Miyazaki Wagyu Shabu-shabu are particularly lauded, with one guest noting both selections are "amazing." The restaurant's atmosphere and service match the high standards of its cuisine, ensuring a memorable dining experience. As one reviewer puts it, Eigikutei's Shabu-shabu is worth the visit, making it an essential destination for those seeking authentic Japanese flavors in the heart of Los Angeles.

9. Norikaya

4.8

Exceptional(17)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Koreatown

Booked 10 times today

Norikaya is a Handrolls & Izakaya concept by Michelin starred Chef Akira Back, offering an elevated Japanese culinary experience, focusing on refined small plates that showcase the art of simplicity and precision. With a luxurious yet intimate atmosphere, Norikaya delivers signature dishes such as delicately crafted temaki, fresh sashimi, and seasonal tasting menus designed to highlight the finest ingredients.Each meal is a curated journey through Japanese flavours, accompanied by a carefully selected range of sake and wines. Norikaya is the perfect setting for a sophisticated evening of exquisite Japanese cuisine and exceptional service.

10. TENSHO

4.9

Exceptional(69)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Little Tokyo

Booked 7 times today

TENSHO, nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, is a beacon of Kaiseki cuisine, offering an authentic Japanese dining experience. Since its opening, TENSHO has won the hearts of diners with its "exquisite flavor" and "premium experience for special occasions," as noted in glowing reviews. The restaurant's 23-year veteran chef, trained in traditional Japanese cookery, masterfully crafts each dish to perfection, ensuring a "consistently outstanding" Kaiseki journey. Patrons rave about the "melt-in-your-mouth" A5 wagyu and the "superb" multi-course omakase, highlighting the freshness and quality of the ingredients. With a "very caring, nice service" and a "relaxed atmosphere," TENSHO is undoubtedly a jewel in Los Angeles’s culinary crown, perfect for those seeking a genuine taste of Japan.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
daniel
Las Vegas •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Service was phenomenal and food was quick and delicious. It was a great place not super busy and intimate great for a date night.
More info
Katsuya - L.A. LivePrice: Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
•
4.5
N
NIKO
Los Angeles •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
10s across the board: great service and atmosphere, incredible food, nice upkeep. Seared tuna crispy rice, yams, black cod, and uni pasta were our faves. First time my date has been to Mrs. Fish; she loved it.
More info
Mrs. FishPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
•
4.5
S
Stephen
Los Angeles •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Delicious, beautiful, catchily thought out dishes in a sexy, atmosphere. Service is excellent, drinks are also fantastic. Can’t miss for a great night out with friends or date night.
More info
HATCHPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
•
4.7
L
Luke
Los Angeles •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Beautiful interior and very attentive staff, everything was delicious and i left so comfortably full i was thinking about it all night, lol.
More info
CameliaPrice: Very Expensive• French / Japanese• Arts District
•
4.5
M
Matthew
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Brought my girl here for her birthday. We live in Lancaster, so it was a big deal for us, but we felt the food was absolutely amazing. I loved the setting. Beautiful view, and I love dark places and relaxing music. The service was top tier. Everything came out very quick. It was perfect, for us, and we plan on going back sooner than later.
More info
Takami Sushi & Robata RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
•
4.6

Best Japanese Restaurants in Historic South-Central

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67 restaurants available nearby

1. Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant

2. Camelia

3. Mrs. Fish

4. Katsuya - L.A. Live

5. HATCH

6. Ebaes

7. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Los Angeles, CA | Downtown LA

8. Eigikutei

9. Norikaya

10. TENSHO

See what locals rave about