Top 5 Japanese Restaurant in California

3416 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

“So the cost of the tasting menu was around $400 with all of the fees. The food was tailored around the theme of nostalgia and used a lot of local ingredients including seafood and vegetable and fruits. The dining experience is communal but I was cut off from the other party with the floral arrangement which made it a pretty isolating experience. Which could be good or bad for you depending on if you want socialize. The meal started off with a very earthy, floral tea. One of my favorite dishes was the slice of corn whatever you want to call it with caviar. Overall, the food was good. I felt really rushed. The experience is supposed to be two and a half to 3 hours but I was done around 2 hours or less. They also moved me before the dessert course to the upstairs room which was kind of uncomfortable. I thought I was being moved because they overbooked but nobody ever sat in my seat. I would have preferred to stay at the table. I was the only one up there. A lot of the dishes are very heavy. There wasn't much to break it apart in terms of something light or acidic. There was just a slice of peach during the duck portion. But then I was really full, plus being kind of rushed, the course after that was wagyu which I couldn't really enjoy because there was no breakup of flavors and well time. The duck breast was very good and then there was a box that come with a duck liver moose and beef jerky and a couple of other things. After the wagyu was the dessert which at least the melon was refreshing and then I did like the strawberry shortcake. The desserts were the weakest part of the menu for me. But overall I just felt rushed and kind of uncomfortable. I guess I expected it to be a bit more how do I put it... Cohesive? Comfortable? I didn't expect any flaws. I didn't love every dish. Do I think it was worth what I paid? I am not sure. Would I go back? I don't think so. I'll also add that I asked a couple of times for the drink menu, but I just got suggestions and didn't realize I would be paying $60 for two drinks on top of the meal. I could have just gotten the wine pairing at that rate. Some things were really good but I think they could have been enjoyed even more if I felt like I had time to savor them. There are a bunch of different servers that come at different times and they do provide a lot of information about each plate, which is great but also, just ease up a little. Part of the atmosphere is part of the food experience and feeling anxious or nervous because of the pacing doesn't really add anything to the experience in my opinion. But overall stuff was pretty friendly. I thought they were a bit stiff on their deliveries sometimes which surprised me as well. But it was a good experience. Something new at least. Have I had tasting courses I enjoyed more for a lot less? Yes.”

2016 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

“Ordered the chicken katsu and it was really good. And a Robertson pineapple martini, it was good just a little bitter at times but it was good. The chocolate chip macadamian nut cheesecake was really good, the best part add the fresh strawberry puree on top it makes it even better.”

4371 Glencoe Ave Suite B4, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, United States

“Very fresh and good Japanese restaurant and it is busy. We really liked everything. The Omakase sushi was such a good value. The service was quick and the staff was friendly. Will come back again to this cute restaurant.”

584 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States

“I just had the pleasure of dining at this gem of a restaurant, and I must say it was the best Omakase experience I’ve ever had. The dishes were not just fresh; they were a burst of flavors, each one meticulously crafted. I’d give it 10 stars if I could! One thing to note, they exclusively offer Omakase, an 18-course culinary journey (you can do a paring of wine or sake) While it might seem high-priced at first glance, when you consider the quality and artistry that goes into each dish, it’s worth every penny. If you’re a true food enthusiast seeking a memorable dining experience, don’t miss out on this culinary masterpiece! ;) (I got too excited and forgot the good pictures)”

330 Main St, Vista, CA 92084, United States

“I was greeted immediately. Staff is very friendly. The place is very clean and smells delicious the moment you walk in. Great music selection 👌 I tried the Escondido.. so fresh and had layers of flavor. I highly recommend Can't wait to try more next time”

307 S Lower Sacramento Rd Suite D, Lodi, CA 95242, United States

”Love this place!!! It’s a spot that I always know will have everything on point. Highly suggest sitting outside if you want to have a bit more quiet conversation. Inside seating can be louder. Otherwise, service, selection, and atmosphere is fabulous every time!!!”

19106 Normandie Ave Ste 2, Torrance, CA 90502, United States

”First time visiting this restaurant, and surely won’t be the last. Great food, and good service. Party of five we had the chance to share several dishes, like the poke, chicken salad, Kona pork cabbage, and the Kirby short ribs. Every dish was extremely satisfying and delicious. And also the guava cake yummy! We will definitely be back to try different dishes.”

4722 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, United States

”I was extremely disappointed when the server told me there’s no salmon sashimi when that’s the only thing I was craving for. I simply do not understand why they cannot serve sashimi but the salmon sushi is still available. We switched it to toro sashimi but we got served with a minced almost a toro paste. I won’t doubt it if you tell me that’s ground pork. Please google the definition of sashimi. No matter how “fusion” you trying to be. Do not mix “tartare” with “sashimi”. No offense but this place is for those who don’t have sushi a lot. It’s not authentic at all. Not the kind of sushi I was hoping for but I wouldn’t say it’s bad. Afterall the price is relatively low. I’d be okay to have sushi with this quality as a bento box or takeout order at midnight when there’s no other choices. It feels like the kitchen just bought supermarket sushi and served it on plates. The hand rolls are slightly better. You might as well just go to KazuNori. At least Servers are friendly and professional. But I still won’t come back again. If you must try this place. Order the “don’t ask just eat” set. Those are serving slightly more premium fishes. Or lower your expectations.”

280 S Clementine St, Anaheim, CA 92805, United States

”Place looked beautiful and magical. Definitely a must-go to anybody that enjoy fantasy themed cafes or boba teas. The food tasted delicious and sweet. I didn't get to try the non-sweet dishes but I will definitely be back to hang out and enjoy the atmosphere.”

1200 I St, Modesto, CA 95354, United States

”We sat at the bar. It's amazing to see the artistic impressions these sushi chefs create. I didn't know which roll to choose so we asked for a recommendation. The chef asked what I liked and made this personally, for me 🥹. The added fried jalapenos on the side were an amazing addition!!...🍣👨🏾‍🍳 Thank you for your creativity”

359 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

”I was looking for some good ramen and this place was so good! I took the train so idk about parking. It was small inside so there was a short wait. Wait wasn't bad although I wish you didn't have to wait there because I felt like I was in the way on the sidewalk. But it was worth it. Workers were nice and the vegan ramen was so good. Good portion and price and really tasty. Highly recommend.”

111 N Atlantic Blvd UNIT 241, Monterey Park, CA 91754, United States

”My first time here after hearing so many good things from my husband since he grew up eating at this place. We got the combo which was the noodles, rice with beef and a salad. I got their house special noodles which is the daikokuya noodles. Overall K thought it was ok. The noodles were a bit starchy. But the broth was creamy just enough, although I felt like there wasn’t enough char shiu meat in my noodles, just very little and thinly sliced. We also got CA rolls and they were very good. I’ll try other dishes next time.”

1060 S Mt Vernon Ave, Colton, CA 92324, United States

”Yummy and fun”

314 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

”Great late night spot for authentic delicious Japanese food that isn't just sushi. I got the tempura bowl that while delicious I would steer others to get the …”

26489 Ynez Rd D, Temecula, CA 92591, United States

”Good food, nice sushi selection however rice is too much, not so much selection of rice less sushi or sashimi option. Bringing out your food can take time. The section that we were seating was smelly, smelly and stinky. Friendly service who help us. Most likely will be visiting and hopefully they clean the section we were seating.”

1277 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States

”Good food and excellent service. Decent choice of beer and sake. Japanese waitress was very personable and accomadating. Fish is definitely priced for the area. Overall, it was a clean restaurant and no nosense sushi chef. Would go again. Parking is difficult for the area.”

314 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

”Great late night spot for authentic delicious Japanese food that isn't just sushi. I got the tempura bowl that while delicious I would steer others to get the tempura entree instead. It's the same amount of food but the difference is the tempura was piled on the rice in the bowl so it was hard to dig down to the rice and since the tempura was stacked together it got soggy faster. While in the entree the tempura is to the side of the rice so it's a bit easier to eat. My friend got the Chicken Mixed Fries curry that he said was very flavorful and would get again. His only complaint was that the katsu meats were a bit over fried. The takoyaki was good and pretty typical. The prices on the menu already have tax included which was nice to see.”

5607 South St, Lakewood, CA 90713, United States

”This place is a hidden gem. Efficient, friendly, and fantastic service. Our rolls came out within 5 minutes of ordering. They were flavorful, seasoned well, and plated with precision. This is a great place to come for a date, a friendly gathering or even to host out of town guests!”

2728 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States

”Wanted a quick snack before heading back home and we were hungry but not starving ! Found this spot in Santa Monica . The service was great . No where to really sit or stand inside . We ordered four different flavors . They ran out of the mushroom unfortunately, but we had two different tuna’s , the salmon and the eggplant . The tuna mayo was our favorite the rest weren’t bad !nice snack place Its decent for what it is and simple .”

967 W Foothill Blvd, Upland, CA 91786, United States

”This Japanese restaurant is excellent. They have a fantastic range of Japanese fusion food which is really delicious. The sushi rice was perfectly cooked and seasoned and the seafood was very fresh. The service was excellent and the restaurant was very clean. I live in Australia but if I lived here this would most definitely be my regular Japanese restaurant. Highly recommended!!”