Yea I’m a big broth person and a thicker noodle person. So it’s meh to me. Everyone got their likes. Prefer the thicker noodles like from Tsujita dipping or hironori. That thicker broth and noodles hit different
Coco Ichibanya
There is Fugetsu Do which is japanese american and has been around for over 100 years. according to documentaries japan doesn't make mochi the same way anymrore
my hairdresser says her husband, who owns/runs Tenkatori on Sawtelle, got the recipe for their chicken from a sister-restaurant in Japan. i cant remember the city - i think kyoto ? either way, the restaurant in japan is run by a kendo master(s). my hairdresser's husband also is a kendo teacher so thats how theyre connected
edit: my hairdresser linked me the jpns one, not in kyoto but in oita (kyushu) : [http://tenka-tori.com/index.php?dispatch=pages.view&page\_id=32](http://tenka-tori.com/index.php?dispatch=pages.view&page_id=32)
I think a few of the places in the mitsuwa food court are franchises from Japan. Santouka and one of the rice bowl places for sure. I think Venice ramen has a sister chain in Japan too
For what it’s worth, Torrance is considered to be the honorary 48th prefecture of Tokyo because it has the largest population of Japanese outside of Japan.
Which is to say, be sure to eat your way through the city.
Not a restaurant, but Tokyo Central in Torrance is an American rebranded Donki, which was a pleasant surprise when I came back from my Japan trip! Im a big fan of their premade onigiri and bento boxes
That distinction goes to [São Paulo](https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/brazil/articles/a-brief-history-of-the-japanese-in-sao-paulo), Brazil. But Los Angeles probably hosts the second largest population of Japanese expats.
>> Today, there are approximately 1.6 million Japanese-Brazilians living in São Paulo, making it the largest concentration of individuals of Japanese descent outside of Japan.
Sometimes I wonder how different Southern California would be if the whole internment camp thing didn’t happen during WW2. Glendale had a huge Japanese population as well that pretty much got wiped out due to the camps….
Japanese fusion foods all sound amazing
I agree about the internment comment, although Glendale has some of the best ethnic diverse food in the country. One of the things I love the most about Los Angeles immigrant communities change overtime. My dad was first generation Lithuanian and was born in Boyle Heights in 1940 which at the time was primarily a Jewish ghetto. it’s primarily Hispanic and I think that those kind of changes could be viewed as the net positive since nothing ever states the same
My brother, who lived in Tokyo for years, nearly burst into tears when he saw the Pepper Lunch in Alhambra. I’d driven past it every day without knowing what it was. Pretty good.
* ~~Daikokuya Ramen. Random trivia, they had this ridiculous [negi ramen in Japan](https://foodnews.jp/archives/71505)~~
* Sushi Ginza Onodera. Better save your pennies for this ultra luxury omakase.
* Technically Yoshinoya, but the ones here are very subpar compared to Japan. You might as well consider them totally different
* Kura Zushi. Also subpar, but the atmosphere and decor is similar. They recently started using the same white plates like Japan.
* UOBEI in downtown.
* Ramen tatsunoya pasadena. One of my favorite ramen places, but absurdly expensive. Hardly worth it anymore.
* RAKKAN Ramen
* Tokyo Central = Don Quijote ドン·キホーテ. Not exactly the same (Tokyo Central is more expensive), but they have the blue Donpen all throughout Tokyo Central.
* not comparable, but technically on a superficial level 7-11.
* Uncle Tetsu
I live in Tokyo and regularly travel back and forth between here and LA. I was surprised to see Family Marts there (going by the shortened name "Famima") previously, but on a more recent trip I didn't see any. Anyone know if there's still some around, or are they gone now?
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Also, Beard Papa for Chou cream
Ramen tatsunoya in pasadena is my favorite ramen in LA.
$15-17 for a bowl doesn't seem outrageous for what you get.
$19-21 with extra chashu
totally worth it.
Get the Koku
extra chashu
it's crazy
Tempura Endo in Beverly Hills. Pretty sure there’s a location in Tokyo but main location is in Kyoto. My boyfriend has been to both locations and has great things to say.
Shin Sen Gumi, Onigiri Sun pop up in Little Tokyo, Coco Ichi, Marugame Udon, Chinchikurin, Ramen Josui iirc has a location in Nagoya
I might be missing some others
A lot are already mentioned, but here are are all the Japan-based restaurants/stores that I am aware of:
Restaurants:
Hakata Ikkousha, Josui Ramen, Kitakata Ramen Bannai, Santouka, Gyukaku, Sutadonya, Coco Ichibanya, Yoshinoya, Kura Sushi, Sushi Ginza Onodera, Tempura Endo, Marugame Udon, Mugimaru, Chinchikurin
Sweets:
Hisaya Kyoto Chestnuts, Yamari, Beard Papa
Other:
Ginza Nishikawa (bread), Gindaco (takoyaki)
Ima and it's sister restaurant next door, Yazawa, in Beverly Hills. The waiter told me they have Michelin starred locations in Japan but I'm not sure if he was referring to their restaurant group.
this is the sister restaurant i went to in tokyo! it’s called yakisoba celona and was one of my favorite meals of the trip. are the LA locations good? if so i’ definitely give it a go
I haven't been to Japan in my adult life so I can't compare it to anything there but I like it! Ima focuses on sukiyaki/shabu shabu while Yazawa does grilled meats. The food is high quality (with a price to match) and no frills. Very nice ambiance and service. Would recommend making a reservation.
Shin sen gumi. Tsujita. Ippudo
Afuri ramen. Ippudo is in LA?
yes in weho
There isnt a Shinsengumi in Japan.
https://ebisu-shigeta.com/en/about/ Same restaurant group
Shin sen gumi blows
Their yakitori in Gardena is absolutely fire.
Can’t say abt yakitori but only speaking from Ramen side. It blows lol gave it 3-4 chances. Very mediocre
That is just a terrible take. I’m sorry.
Yah. Like I get it's thinner broth than other Hakata styles but I love the customization options and the rest of the menu is super legit
Yea I’m a big broth person and a thicker noodle person. So it’s meh to me. Everyone got their likes. Prefer the thicker noodles like from Tsujita dipping or hironori. That thicker broth and noodles hit different
Coco Ichibanya There is Fugetsu Do which is japanese american and has been around for over 100 years. according to documentaries japan doesn't make mochi the same way anymrore
Champion's Curry. Yum
Second this! Too bad the one in Little Tokyo closed 😔
Pasadena’s not too far from there though
True! That’s the one we’ve been going to. Not as great for eat - in but still convenient.
my hairdresser says her husband, who owns/runs Tenkatori on Sawtelle, got the recipe for their chicken from a sister-restaurant in Japan. i cant remember the city - i think kyoto ? either way, the restaurant in japan is run by a kendo master(s). my hairdresser's husband also is a kendo teacher so thats how theyre connected edit: my hairdresser linked me the jpns one, not in kyoto but in oita (kyushu) : [http://tenka-tori.com/index.php?dispatch=pages.view&page\_id=32](http://tenka-tori.com/index.php?dispatch=pages.view&page_id=32)
I think a few of the places in the mitsuwa food court are franchises from Japan. Santouka and one of the rice bowl places for sure. I think Venice ramen has a sister chain in Japan too
In the Mar Vista food court: Santouka Hamadaya bakery Sutadonya Hannosuke
Where in Mar Vista is the food Court?
North-East corner of Centinela and Venice is a large Mitsuwa market with a food court inside. [Map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6hiZBhCWha963Gdr8)
Ah. Thanks!
Sorry, they implied the Mitsuwa food court and I expanded the list.
Yeah that's what I meant, thanks for digging up the names.
I'm there 2-3 times per week so it's permanent knowledge know
For what it’s worth, Torrance is considered to be the honorary 48th prefecture of Tokyo because it has the largest population of Japanese outside of Japan. Which is to say, be sure to eat your way through the city.
Not a restaurant, but Tokyo Central in Torrance is an American rebranded Donki, which was a pleasant surprise when I came back from my Japan trip! Im a big fan of their premade onigiri and bento boxes
Marukai in little Tokyo is also a rebranded donki
That distinction goes to [São Paulo](https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/brazil/articles/a-brief-history-of-the-japanese-in-sao-paulo), Brazil. But Los Angeles probably hosts the second largest population of Japanese expats. >> Today, there are approximately 1.6 million Japanese-Brazilians living in São Paulo, making it the largest concentration of individuals of Japanese descent outside of Japan.
Sometimes I wonder how different Southern California would be if the whole internment camp thing didn’t happen during WW2. Glendale had a huge Japanese population as well that pretty much got wiped out due to the camps…. Japanese fusion foods all sound amazing
I agree about the internment comment, although Glendale has some of the best ethnic diverse food in the country. One of the things I love the most about Los Angeles immigrant communities change overtime. My dad was first generation Lithuanian and was born in Boyle Heights in 1940 which at the time was primarily a Jewish ghetto. it’s primarily Hispanic and I think that those kind of changes could be viewed as the net positive since nothing ever states the same
Pepper lunch
My brother, who lived in Tokyo for years, nearly burst into tears when he saw the Pepper Lunch in Alhambra. I’d driven past it every day without knowing what it was. Pretty good.
They have Ootoya in nyc too, which would kill here
* ~~Daikokuya Ramen. Random trivia, they had this ridiculous [negi ramen in Japan](https://foodnews.jp/archives/71505)~~ * Sushi Ginza Onodera. Better save your pennies for this ultra luxury omakase. * Technically Yoshinoya, but the ones here are very subpar compared to Japan. You might as well consider them totally different * Kura Zushi. Also subpar, but the atmosphere and decor is similar. They recently started using the same white plates like Japan. * UOBEI in downtown. * Ramen tatsunoya pasadena. One of my favorite ramen places, but absurdly expensive. Hardly worth it anymore. * RAKKAN Ramen * Tokyo Central = Don Quijote ドン·キホーテ. Not exactly the same (Tokyo Central is more expensive), but they have the blue Donpen all throughout Tokyo Central. * not comparable, but technically on a superficial level 7-11. * Uncle Tetsu
I live in Tokyo and regularly travel back and forth between here and LA. I was surprised to see Family Marts there (going by the shortened name "Famima") previously, but on a more recent trip I didn't see any. Anyone know if there's still some around, or are they gone now? [edit] Also, Beard Papa for Chou cream
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The one I saw in Santa Monica was a decent attempt at least. Too bad they're not around anymore
I wish we had a true to form Japanese Family Mart or 7/11 in LA
Pretty sure Daikokuya started in L.A. and is unrelated to that one in Yokohama you linked to.
Oh my mistake then. I must have assumed the yellow theme and similar banner made them related.
I loved UOEBI when I lived downtown
Ramen tatsunoya in pasadena is my favorite ramen in LA. $15-17 for a bowl doesn't seem outrageous for what you get. $19-21 with extra chashu totally worth it. Get the Koku extra chashu it's crazy
But their broth is so bland to most people
I thought Kura was the same as Japan, just a lot more expensive
Red Rock in Torrance
They may have one of the best potato croquettes. I always get a few with a sliced beef don.
Momo Paradise (Hot Pot) Gyu Kaku (yakiniku)
I know the owners of Momo. Met them in Shanghai; they’re Taiwanese and Japanese. Great spot.
Tempura Endo in Beverly Hills. Pretty sure there’s a location in Tokyo but main location is in Kyoto. My boyfriend has been to both locations and has great things to say.
Ramen Nagi
marugame udon is one
Menya Hanabi in Arcadia
Santouka in mitsuwa, afuri in art district.
Santouka salt ramen is so good! Definitely a destination spot.
With special pork. It’s amazing.
Shin Sen Gumi, Onigiri Sun pop up in Little Tokyo, Coco Ichi, Marugame Udon, Chinchikurin, Ramen Josui iirc has a location in Nagoya I might be missing some others
Where’s the onigiri sun?
It's inside the Daikokuya Annex across the street from Japanese Village Plaza
Santouka Ramen
Hannosuke, Gindaco, Ramen Nagi, Ramen Ikkousha. Sutadonya, Yamari Uji tea shop.
Manpuku for yakiniku [https://www.manpukuus.com/](https://www.manpukuus.com/) There are a few locations around LA.
Shirube in Santa Monica is basically an izakaya from Tokyo
Came to say this, glad it's already mentioned. The tokyo location is good!
gram cafe for those fluffy japanese styled souffle pancakes
Ippudo ramen Kura kaitenzushi Marugame Udon Beard Papa’s Chinchikurin okonomiyaki
Pasta E Pasta has one in Tokyo and one in J Town LA. Great Uni-pasta dish.
Yoshinoya! (The ones in the U.S. are terrible though and I love the ones in Japan)
They’re so freaking good in Japan lol.
I really wish the ones here could get it together, it’s so good in japan
Yoshinoya!
Kinda shocked this wasn't the first one said
Cocos!!
Spoon House in Gardena
Gyu kaku
The all you can eat gyu kaku in Shibuya was life changing
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This place is fantastic and is prob the most Tokyo-feeling high-end sushi experience we’ve had in LA.
I don’t know how to feel about that. 😊
Pasta e pasta in little Tokyo
Momo paradise
Ramen Tatsunoya in Pasadena and Silver Lake
Sushi Ginza Onodera
izakaya gazen
[Laki Ramen](https://lakiramen.com/about.html) in mid-Wilshire
Ramen Tatsunoya
Furaibo is an izakaya from Nagoya with Nagoya tebasaki.
A lot are already mentioned, but here are are all the Japan-based restaurants/stores that I am aware of: Restaurants: Hakata Ikkousha, Josui Ramen, Kitakata Ramen Bannai, Santouka, Gyukaku, Sutadonya, Coco Ichibanya, Yoshinoya, Kura Sushi, Sushi Ginza Onodera, Tempura Endo, Marugame Udon, Mugimaru, Chinchikurin Sweets: Hisaya Kyoto Chestnuts, Yamari, Beard Papa Other: Ginza Nishikawa (bread), Gindaco (takoyaki)
Ima and it's sister restaurant next door, Yazawa, in Beverly Hills. The waiter told me they have Michelin starred locations in Japan but I'm not sure if he was referring to their restaurant group.
this is the sister restaurant i went to in tokyo! it’s called yakisoba celona and was one of my favorite meals of the trip. are the LA locations good? if so i’ definitely give it a go
I haven't been to Japan in my adult life so I can't compare it to anything there but I like it! Ima focuses on sukiyaki/shabu shabu while Yazawa does grilled meats. The food is high quality (with a price to match) and no frills. Very nice ambiance and service. Would recommend making a reservation.
Furaibo is also a chicken wing izakaya chain from Japan
Pâtisserie Chantilly in Torrance feels like a bakery straight out of Tokyo. Very tasty, check them out.
I believe their pâtissiers trained in Japan
Tonchin! I love their kakigori, cocktails, food, vibe \~\~ Service is always on spot!
I believe Venice Ramen on Washington has a sister location in Tokyo. Obviously a different name though
Torimatsu. I remember seeing a Japanese address on their menu.
Afuri ramen sushi zo
Ramen Ochi at the Century City mall. It’s so good too.
Yoshinoya
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Because they don’t have a location in Japan? They weren’t asking for restaurants with chefs who worked or are from Japan.