Downtown Los Angeles boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, and its Japanese restaurants are no exception. From upscale sushi bars to casual ramen shops, there's a Japanese eatery to satisfy every palate and budget. This guide explores 27 of the best Japanese restaurants in DTLA, categorized for easier navigation. This list showcases the diversity of Japanese cuisine available, highlighting both established favorites and exciting newcomers. Finding the perfect Japanese restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles just got a whole lot easier.
Upscale Sushi & Omakase Experiences
These establishments offer refined dining experiences, often featuring high-quality ingredients and expertly crafted sushi. Expect to pay a premium for the exceptional quality and service.
- Sushi Gen: Known for its impeccable Edomae-style sushi and intimate atmosphere. Reservations are essential.
- Sugarfish: A popular chain, but its DTLA location maintains the high standards expected from Sugarfish, focusing on pristine seafood and simple preparations.
- Nozawa Bar: This hidden gem offers a true omakase experience, with the chef selecting the freshest seasonal ingredients for a personalized tasting menu. (Reservations highly recommended, often booked weeks in advance.)
- Wabi Sabi: Specializes in creative and modern sushi presentations, pushing boundaries while maintaining high-quality ingredients.
Ramen & Noodle Houses
Ramen is a Japanese comfort food staple, and DTLA offers several excellent options, each with its own unique style and broth.
- Daikokuya: A classic ramen institution with long lines that are worth the wait. Known for its rich tonkotsu broth.
- Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle: This popular spot is renowned for its meticulously crafted tsukemen (dipping ramen).
- Men Oh Tokushima: Offers a variety of ramen styles, focusing on flavorful broths and perfectly cooked noodles.
- Shin Sen Gumi Hakata Ramen: This ramen shop specializes in Hakata-style ramen, a thinner, lighter style popular in Fukuoka, Japan.
Casual Japanese Eateries
These restaurants provide a more relaxed atmosphere and often offer a broader menu, beyond just sushi or ramen.
- Marugame Monzo: A popular udon chain offering fresh, handmade udon noodles in a variety of delicious broths and toppings.
- Ganko Ittetsu: Another udon establishment providing a comforting bowl of udon noodles with flavorful broths and toppings.
- Kura Revolving Sushi Bar: This unique restaurant offers a fun and interactive sushi experience, with plates of sushi slowly revolving on a conveyor belt.
- Raku: Offers a diverse menu of Japanese small plates (izakaya-style), perfect for sharing with friends.
Izakayas & Japanese Pub Fare
Izakayas are Japanese-style pubs, often serving a variety of small plates and drinks, perfect for a casual evening out.
- The Brig: A popular izakaya known for its delicious food and wide selection of sake and Japanese beers.
- Izakaya Murasaki: A traditional izakaya with a cozy atmosphere and a varied menu of Japanese small plates and drinks.
- Oishii: Offers a modern take on traditional izakaya fare with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Hidden Gems & Unique Finds
These are some of the lesser-known but equally noteworthy Japanese restaurants in DTLA.
- Fuku: A modern Japanese restaurant focusing on innovative techniques and unique flavor combinations.
- Hachidai: Specializes in yakitori (grilled skewers), a popular Japanese street food.
- HiroNori: A sushi restaurant emphasizing high-quality ingredients and artistic presentation.
Beyond the Usual Suspects: Exploring DTLA's Diverse Japanese Cuisine
The following restaurants offer a glimpse beyond the typical sushi and ramen options:
- Tempura Endo: This restaurant specializes in tempura, a classic Japanese dish of lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables.
- Robata JIN: Features robata-yaki, a Japanese grilling style using charcoal, giving the food a unique smoky flavor.
Specialty Shops & Markets
For a more immersive experience, consider visiting these specialty shops:
- Mitsuwa Marketplace: A large Japanese supermarket offering a wide variety of Japanese groceries, produce, and prepared foods. A great place to find ingredients for your own Japanese cooking experiments!
- Nijiya Market: Similar to Mitsuwa, offering an extensive selection of Japanese food products.
Cafes & Dessert Spots
- Little Tokyo Galleria: While not a single restaurant, this location houses many smaller Japanese eateries and dessert options worth exploring.
New & Upcoming Spots (Check for current openings and reviews):
24-27. The Downtown LA food scene is constantly evolving, so be sure to check online reviews and local publications for the newest and hottest Japanese restaurants that may not be listed here. These could range from new ramen shops to modern interpretations of traditional Japanese cuisine.
Finding Your Perfect Japanese Restaurant in DTLA
This list provides a comprehensive starting point for exploring the diverse world of Japanese cuisine in Downtown Los Angeles. Remember to check websites or call ahead for hours of operation, reservations policies, and to browse menus. Happy dining!
