Los Angeles is home to restaurants highlighting many of the world’s best cuisines. If you’re in mood for authentic Japanese flavors, LA provides you with countless options. I have rounded up a few of the absolute best Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles to help you plan your next dinner out!
Urasawa

Photo courtesy of Urasawa
Although your wallet will be much lighter after a visit to Urasawa, those who have tasted Chef Urasawa’s sushi say it is well worth the cost. The area’s most expensive sushi restaurant has a months’ long waiting list, making it also one of LA’s most exclusive restaurants.
Necco

Photo courtesy of Necco
As its name suggests, “necco” uses [a] variety of root vegetables suck as ginger, lotus root, carrot, daiko and so on, which are absolutely good for your body.
This delicious Japanese-fusion restaurant features healthy small plates for both lunch and dinner, has raving fans and even offers their fare via Uber Eats.
Asanebo
Chef Tetsuya Nakao came to America in 1982. He and his younger brother, Shunji, were the original chefs that helped start Matsuhisa in Beverly Hills. After establishing the restaurant as one of the best in Los Angeles, the Nakao brothers ventured out to start their own place. “Asanebo” opened in September 26, 1991. Over the years, “Asanebo” was recognized as one of the top Japanese restaurants from Zagat, LA Times, LA Weekly, and more.
Head to Studio City’s sushi strip to taste the superb sushi at Asanebo.
Katsu-Ya

Photo courtesy of Katsu-Ya
As one of only four Master sushi chefs in Los Angeles, Chef Katsuya Uechi brings three decades of culinary artistry and restaurant operations to the world. Katsuya Uechi was born and raised in Okinawa, Japan, known simply as “KATSU”- for his distinctive style and first –rate execution of high quality traditional sushi, Uechi is recognized as one of the major style setters in the world of Japanese cuisine.
Experience fresh sushi prepared by a master sushi chef! Katsu-Ya has four locations in the Los Angeles area.
Miyabi Uni

Photo courtesy of Miyabi Uni
Classically trained in Japan and critically acclaimed for their cuisine all over the world, our master chefs bring over 90 years of collective Japanese fine dining experience and bridge the past and present as they take diners on a journey of traditional flavors and modern creations through their exploration of sea urchin.
When beloved restaurant Maruhide Uni Club closed, two chefs from the restaurant opened Miyabi Uni to provide LA with a delicious sea urchin menu.
Nobu
As one of West Hollywood’s most desired special event destinations since 2008, Nobu Los Angeles offers renowned Nobu Style cuisine, exceptional service and an ideal location for entertaining.
The Malibu location is one of my family’s favorite spots. With amazing food and beautiful views, we’ve had many a wonderful meal there.
n/naka

Photo courtesy of n/naka
At n/naka, we are devoted to providing a unique and satisfying dining experience through our interpretation of kaiseki. This traditional Japanese culinary art form reflects the ever-changing rhythms of the earth by taking the freshest seasonal ingredients and presenting them in their most natural states. Using the very best ingredients we have access to is true kaiseki; we proudly serve vegetables from our own organic garden built and maintained by our friends at Farmscape Gardens.
For fine dining, head to n/naka to partake in the experience that made the restaurant a feature in the first season of Netflix’s “Chef’s Table.” This is an evening you won’t soon forget!
Which of these Japanese restaurants have you tried? Would you add any others to the list?
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