Top Japanese Restaurant in Brea
Isa Japanese Ramen
916 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States
Quaint little Japanese restaurants. Staff was very friendly and the menu has something for everyone. All my favorite Japanese dishes. Definitely would return
Ichiban
1015 E Imperial Hwy c3, Brea, CA 92821, United States
$$ to $$$My Pick for Restaurant of the Year Award 2019, (also 2017, 2018)!Ichiban in Brea is easily my favorite restaurant for 2017! Finally, a restaurant that gets it ALL right. Thirty years in business tells the story, there is much more to the story of this Ichiban Restaurant for me. We had a great time visiting this wonderful Japanese Restaurant in beautiful Brea, CA. This was my first visit; I was invited and almost passed on going; C told me it was Ichiban... I already knew that Ichiban is Japanese for number 1.I am very glad I accepted; I have found a great, must return to Japanese Restaurant experience that I can only rave about!The owner, Tom was our greeter and I was immediately impressed as Tom is very personable and quite willing to share some smiles, his humor (a couple of jokes.. as I had one to share with him) and some interesting information on Ichiban. As he took us to our table he told me that his wife Masako is the visionary of this exceptional restaurant as I was commenting on the pleasing interior decor.A restaurant to get inspired by; everything unfolded perfectly after being seated. Julio (they call him Juliosan he told me later) was our server. Young, mild, well mannered... a super server in my opinion; took our order and proceeded to make our dining experience as perfect as he possibly could.Tom checked up on us also and he brought Masako over and introduced her to us (They check up on all of their customers). She was very gracious willing to talk and listen; I told her how much we were enjoying her beautiful restaurant; I mentioned that the Sake was excellent (very smooth and favorable), the Chicken Karaage was the best (first time I have had this delicious Japaneses style fried chicken), the plating was gorgeous (see some of my photos) and I also mentioned my appreciation of the minimal interior design. She smiled and thanked me as I went on and on and on...The food at this Ichiban was delicious and artistically plated; they serve generous portions (plenty left to take some home) and we consider the pricing to be very affordable to us!There is nothing Tom, Masako and Juliosan could have done to improve our experience. 100 percent satisfaction... easiest 5 Star of the year and we visit a lot of restaurants, many fine dining. C and S travel far more than I do; they search out the best (I do also but sometimes I look for the diamond in the rough). Ichiban is a diamond for sure but a diamond cut by an expert.This was Cs choice to celebrate her birthday out of all the restaurants she visits (a whole lot). Also, in this regard there was a group seated next to us that were celebrating; they told me that they love this Ichiban and have been loving it for 30 years..Thirty Years of getting it ALL right! I highly recommend this Ichiban. On my favorites list for sure!Note: I read all the reviews. This restaurant has mostly 5 Star reviews with a lot of praise for quality, good atmosphere, friendly staff and friendly personable owners.However, I notice a few reviews at 1 Star. In my opinion I find it hard to believe any of those reviews; they read like a vendetta rather than a review (my take on them). I am a level (8) Guide for Google Maps. I eat out more than anyone I know or have met. I would easily give this restaurant 10 Star review if I could.. I hope you read between the lines like I do. Best to you all.. I hope this helps you!by cmilton111Google Guide for Laguna Beach7/10/2017... update 7.2029_______________________________________ &CAM - Staff Writer World Traveler wrote:Ichiban: I Came here for the first time last year & was impressed with the food and service.The food is delicious & in good portions, for a reasonable price - They have many varieties of Japanese American Entrees plus Shashmi & Sushis - and a Sushi Bar -The waiters are friendly & knowledgeable -Its a cute place in Brea nestled in a strip mall off Imperial Hwy.____________________________________________
Kabuki Japanese Restaurant
975 E Birch St K, Brea, CA 92821, United States
It is unfortunate that I have to give a bad rating to Kabuki Japanese Restaurant, Brea. We have dined at the Kabuki Japanese Restaurant in Pasadena with no issues and with a large group. My wife and I stopped in for dinner since it was a Thursday night and it would not be crowded. My wife ordered a chicken and beef teriyaki plate. I ordered 4 individual pieces of sushi and one hand sushi roll. That is it - 5 pieces of sushi. My wife was finished with her dinner of soup, salad, chicken and beef teriyaki and I still had not received my small sushi order. The food server came to our table twice to try instill that my order was coming but they were back-up with orders. After spending 40 minutes (with no hot tea refills), I told the food server and manager to cancel my sushi order. When I was paying my tab, the manager told me that a story that one of the sushi chefs had to go to the hospital since he cut himself while working. First and foremost, you do not explain to me as the patron that the manager gave. That was totally disgusting. Second, if the sushi chefs are running behind in completely orders, tell me as the customer that it will be a long wait to get my order. Be honest. I would have ordered something else. But to try and appease me or simply lie to the me as the patron is extremely poor business. Kabuki Japanese Restaurant (all of them) have lost my business forever. I will make sure that my family and friends who visit japanese restaurants to dine, never go to Kabuki Japanese Restaurant, Brea.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
120 S Brea Blvd #1, Brea, CA 92821, United States
Was looking forward to a delicious Japanese BBQ, however, didnt have an opportunity. Wait time was over 1.5 hrs. in the middle of the week? They had a sign on service delay due to short staffing. Ended up going to Vietnamese restaurant next door.
Shin
1655 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States
I liked this quirky little alcove with outdoor seating and parking just out of view from the roaring Hollywood Blvd near the southwest corner at La Brea it’s slightly hidden in a small strip mall shared parking with a cute Italian restaurant a bit closer to the street. It hides behind the La Brea motel where I stayed and I never saw it from Hollywood Blvd. so now that you can find it I recommend that you do. This is a high end top shelf sushi bar with lots of culinary flair! Japanese restaurants are never cheap but this one is not too expensive for the value. They have extensive assortment snd selections and my ramen for under $20 was filled with.double noodles and extras chosen from a large assortment which is a great novelty I’ve never had before! You can pick and choose all sorts of goodies to go in the steaming brew! Also TONS of appetizer and mini yakitori and seaweed salads and Japanese pickles and all of that Asian delicatessen stuff you can only find in the big city! I especially loved the fact the on a Sunday afternoon they had a few unobtrusive big screens up with the football game that you could see but not hear. Perfect! The outdoor seating was very nice because this place is in a protected cove off of La Brea and you never sense the Hollywood Blvd clamor. Plus I even say a doggy water bowl outside which suggests they are pet friendly outdoors, perhaps! Try this, especially if you’re staying at the Hollywood LaBrea Inn. It’s invisibly just around the corner and is the best thing in walking distance that I’ve found. 4 stars!
Meshuga 4 Sushi
526 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States
After having a great time at their Pico-Robertson location, I decided to try out their place on La Brea(about midway between Beverly and Melrose).The place is very clean and well lit with an excellent Staff.On the recommendation of the Manager, I had the Japanese Pizza(crispy rice, spicy tuna, avocado, nacho jalapeno) Meshuga Roll(spicy tuna, fresh jalapeno and ponzu sauce) and Yellowtail Special Roll(spicy yellowtail, avocado, cucumber, cilantro and ponzu sauce).I was extremely pleased with the selections and devoured all 3. Frankly, it was the best Kosher sushi Ive ever had including in Israel.It was all superfresh, beautifully presented and super tasty.For dessert, I had their Oreo Insanity(vanilla ice cream surrounded by fried oreos drizzled with chocolate). I found this very creative as well as another very delicious offering.Service was fast and friendly and the A/C was great on a hot day.Conclusion: Hands down best Kosher sushi restaurant I have ever been.Well done Meshuga Sushi.
Sake House Miro
809 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States
I have never seen a more throwback Japanese restaurant. To clarify its not traditional in the normal sense, just a snapshot from the late 80s. From the décor, to the boob tube to the vhsd commericals, tv shows, cartoons, newspapers. Someone got a hold of a hoarders stash and went to town on their Japanese memorabilia fetish.Butterfish according to them is Chilean bass or black cod (sablefish). Its rarely used in sushi, but holds great flavor and has a firm, but flaky texture when cooked, grilled. I find that confusing seeing some up and coming sushi using rock cod as a sustainable replacement for Unagi. I had to try it and I was disappointed. Was it American, Japanese, Escolar, etc. Sushi is pretty exact as to the species so this mystery fish needs clarification. Grilled it needed its own flavor besides just topped with sweet miso and for the price, its a rip off. Twice as much as other sushi for similar portion. The sashimi is pretty generous for the price, served fresh and nicely garnished.Takoyaki is a little gooey, batter could be adjusted to solidify more. Octopus was firm and flavorful, not rubbery. Perhaps it was the oil used, but they were super dark, needed a creamier sauce and more bonito flakes. Not the most memorable appetizer.Yakitori is the way to go for sure. Order a bunch because they are small and will go quick. The key here is the use of jidori chickens which are a flavorful vegetable organically fed species with great flavor. The key to them is the freshness. It should be served 24 hours from slaughter and never frozen, unlike the kobe beef its often compared to, its about being a higher quality breed versus just fat content. Most people would never try chicken butt, but to me it gives the breast and leg a run for its money. More tender, more fat. Salmon belly is a delicacy like salmon skin that when fried is packed with flavor and texture. Unable to get a look into the kitchen yakitori is generally cooked on Japanese white oak called binchotan for its high heat and almost no smoke flavor. I found they need to let the meat sit a minute before plating and serving as juices and marinades pooled.Cheap beer, basically a special going all the time. Super cold beer, which isnt a common occurrence in Japanese restaurants. I thought the rice could have been cooked more. Sake is pretty cheap and you get to choose your own shot glass from a variety of colors and shapes giving you an individual experience.Service is mediocre. Slightly understaffed I think Im too used to the hyper friendly martyr style service some Japanese restaurants give. For a place called sake house I thought theyd have more variety in sake. Gratuity for large groups and allowed multiple tabs splits. Seating is a bit uncomfortable as that parts a little rustically re-used. I might have standardized the tables and chairs a little more. Street parking and easy to miss. Just look for the goodwill with the knockoff google font. Its a great local spot for cold cheap beers and meat on a stick, but Im skeptical it can keep up with trendier and fresher Japanese food. Bathroom needs renovations.
Oki Doki roll and sushi
724 N Brea Blvd #B, Brea, CA 92821, United States
Came here for the first time yesterday and was super impressed. I really prefer dining in when sushi is on the menu, but, Covid. The pickup process was quick and easy and met with the most kind staff you can imagine. Things there were spotless and they even had hand sanitizer available. And the food was sooo perfect. Got it home and every cut was fresh, beautiful, and still at that right cool temperature. Even the presentation was on point. I highly recommend these guys!
Hana Maru Sushi
375 W Birch St, Brea, CA 92821, United States
Horrible!!!! Service was bad. And food was naaaasty. My chicken teriyaki had a groooossssss after flavor. (My stomach today, is not ok if you know what I mean). Super small portions too. Anyways, the place wasn't even busy so not sure why it took forever to get greeted, forever to get our drinks, forever to get our food. When we finally got one of our appetizers, the edamame was ice cold! Half the table got their meals and we're finished eating before the other half! Oh, and get this, just as we got our appetizers, a table who sat after us were already done and leaving, then we finally got our appetizers. Not even a 10% off for the beyond horrible service. Just a dumb look on their face when I voiced my concerns. No wonder why the place was empty. I should've taken that as a sign.My family and I will NEVER go back and I plan to tell others about our awful experience and the awful food they served us.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
1065 Brea Mall Suite 2050A, Brea, CA 92821, United States
Its fun that kids got to choose what they wanted to eat, but for the price, we could go to a real Japanese restaurant to enjoy a better quality of sushi.The tonkotsu ramen had the look, the color but not the taste of the ramen. The soup base had no flavor at all. Not recommended.