Little Tokyo: A Food Lover’s Guide

The initial Rakkan Ramen opened up in 2011 as a four-seat ramen bar in Tokyo and increased to the united state in 2017 with a branch in Little Tokyo. The broth is packed with umami and is completely plant-based. With vegan and gluten-free options, the menu conveniently meets any type of nutritional constraints while still dishing out a scrumptious bowl of ramen. The Garnet, the store’s miso-based ramen, is abundant and enjoyable; for a wonderful kick, get it spicy.

Rakkan Ramen and Vegan Options

Today, Little Tokyo doubles as both a business and social center for the dynamic Japanese American neighborhood. Right here are the cooking treasures, both reputable neighborhood favorites and new arrivals to the location, to experience in Little Tokyo.

The previous Kagaya in Little Tokyo was thought about the zenith of shabu-shabu in Los Angeles, offering just the very best quality American prime-grade beef and Japanese wagyu in lovely pieces. With a cook and owner change over the past couple of years, the new establishment is called Tensho, though the dedication to elegant, premium shabu-shabu hasn’t changed. The most effective relocation would certainly be to buy the high-level fish and shellfish and wagyu combination, which happens $200, and simply appreciate the trip.

Shabu-Shabu Excellence at Tensho

Japan-based Champ’s Curry began its life in The golden state as a pop-up in Long Beach prior to opening its initial place in Little Tokyo in 2020, filling the curry void left after the much-loved Curry House in Weller Court shut permanently. The katsu right here is crunchy on the outside, tender on the within, and most significantly, the Kanazawa-style curry is thick, abundant, and tasty. For heat applicants, order the curry spicy for a shed that builds with every dose.

Champ’s Curry: A Curry House Successor

With nearly 140 years of history, it’s no surprise that Little Tokyo is a must-visit on any Los Angeles bucket checklist, attracting both indigenous Angelenos and travelers to its streets. The neighborhood is among 3 historical Japantowns left in the country, surviving its time as a ghost community during the Japanese American incarceration in World War II, in addition to attempts at redevelopment and gentrification in the years that followed. Today, Little Tokyo functions as both a social and business center for the lively Japanese American area. Here are the culinary gems, both well-established community faves and new arrivals to the area, to experience in Little Tokyo.

Today, Little Tokyo increases as both a social and business facility for the vivid Japanese American area. Today, Little Tokyo increases as both a commercial and social facility for the lively Japanese American area. The first Rakkan Ramen opened up in 2011 as a four-seat ramen bar in Tokyo and increased to the U.S. in 2017 with a branch in Little Tokyo. The former Kagaya in Little Tokyo was considered the zenith of shabu-shabu in Los Angeles, offering only the finest top quality American prime-grade beef and Japanese wagyu in stunning pieces. Comply with the scent of fresh, hot dough with Little Tokyo Galleria to discover Little Tokyo Taiyaki, a small cart spinning out the fish-shaped Japanese pastries.

Mitsuru is another shop with a decades-long visibility in the community. This no-frills coffee shop uses Japanese comfort dishes like teriyaki, tempura, and oyakodon sets at budget friendly rates.

Mitsuru: Affordable Japanese Comfort Food

The food selection at Hama Sushi is straightforward, with a concentrate on sashimi and sushi. Combination C, that includes a mix of preferred sashimi and rolls, is a inexpensive and wonderful ($30) option to try. Sit at the counter for a direct take a look at the treatment took into each item of sushi. The delay can be long during weekends, particularly for supper solution, so attempt to drop in throughout the week or for lunch rather. Tsutomu Iyama, Hama’s owner, passed away in 2025, but the restaurant remains open.

Hama Sushi: A Simple and Special Treat

Pasta e Pasta by Allegro is a Japanese take on Italian food. Routine clients below are separated into two camps: those who vow loyalty to the mentai Japanese cream pasta and those who teach uni pasta supremacy. With the luscious and strong flavors in both recipes, nevertheless, neither side is mistaken, and everybody success.

No overview to Little Tokyo would be total without Fugetsu-Do, the cherished Japanese manju and mochi confectionery store. Fugetsu-Do has been family-owned and operated considering that 1903, dishing out pleasant tidbits made fresh daily. If you’re new to typical Japanese desserts, go with a pre-packed six-piece tray; the rainbow dango and chocolate mochi are good entry factors. Visit early in the day to stay clear of the line that snakes out the door, and bring cash if you don’t intend on reaching the $15 minimum for credit cards.

Adhere to the odor of fresh, hot dough via Little Tokyo Shopping center to discover Little Tokyo Taiyaki, a small cart churning out the fish-shaped Japanese pastries. Tastes right here include custard cream, delicious chocolate, mozzarella cheese, wonderful potato, and red bean. The cart likewise sells hotteok, a crunchy Korean pancake full of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Both taiyaki and hotteok are best delighted in fresh and warm, so plan to eat them as soon as possible.

Fugetsu-Do: Traditional Japanese Confectionery

Discover delectable bread loaves or get a fast morning meal at this Japanese-style Western bakeshop. One can’t go wrong with the melon pan (a fluffy sweet bun with a crunchy cookie crust racked up to resemble a melon) or the fit to be tied cheesecake (a Japanese-style cheesecake that is lighter than its New York-style equivalent but equally as rich). For one-handed, on-the-go snacking objectives, grab a steamed bun; the nikuman is a classic choice, however there’s likewise a vegetarian option with mushrooms.

Head to Torigoya to drink and take a break with buddies after work. Focusing on charbroiled poultry skewers smoked over imported charcoal, Torigoya offers each skewer as it comes off the grill. Get the 10-skewer course and do not fail to remember to get the unique yuzu sauce on the side to improve every bite. Call in advance to make a booking, as walk-ins are extremely minimal.

This Utsunomiya-style gyoza area in Little Tokyo really feels right in the house in the traditionally Japanese American community, offering gold brownish pan-fried, deep-fried, or boiled dumplings. Select in between shrimp, pork, hen, or a plant-based dental filling, after that add sides, or order a bento, which comes with rice and pickles.

Torigoya: Charbroiled Chicken Skewers

The Japanese French food selection at Little Tokyo’s Azay represents the course its beginning cook, Akira Hirose, took to opening the dining establishment. Born in Kyoto, Hirose learnt Azay-le-Rideau, France, prior to transferring to the united state to function as a pupil at L’Orangerie in the very early 80s. Hirose opened up a French restaurant in Kyoto in the late 80s before debuting the now-closed Maison Akira in 1998 in South Pasadena. Azay distills Hirose’s life experiences into a menu that includes what may be the last standard Japanese breakfast in Los Angeles, plus an everyday bento, omurice, duck confit, beef Bourguignon, and extra. The dinner menu changes weekly but often offers dishes like miso black cod, branzino, and charred octopus. After Hirose’s death in September 2024, chef Chris Ono occupied the mantle, leading the dining establishment together with Hirose’s child Philip and the rest of the family members.

Set in Honda Plaza, Kinjiro is a local-favorite izakaya that offers a superb lineup of sake alongside recipes like agedashi tofu, dashi-seasoned ikura, and ochazuke. Recipes right here are meant to be shared, so it’s ideal to select a group, acquire a container of purpose (or a couple of beers), and order for the table. Kinjiro focuses on reservations, so it’s ideal to intend a journey here ahead of time and connect in advance; minimal walk-ins are available if tables are open.

This traditional Little Tokyo sushi restaurant does it all, from reasonably priced sashimi and sushi lunch establishes that are exceptional for the price, to a complete sushi bar experience with skilled cooks utilizing beautiful fish from around the globe. There isn’t a restaurant more typical of Los Angeles sushi than Gen in Little Tokyo.

Visit Marugame Monzo to sample handmade udon noodles– turned out and reduce to bouncy perfection in plain sight of the eating area. For first-timers, the kake or beef udon is a good area to begin, but for those well into their udon explorations, the trademark miso carbonara or sea urchin cream udon are must-try bowls.