30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Business Lunch Japanese in Studio City
Best Japanese in Studio City
Master Critic Review
Daichan
8.3
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Family-owned Japanese soul food restaurant serving authentic comfort dishes like pork katsu-don and chicken katsu curry in a cozy space decorated with colorful Japanese artwork. Founded in 2002 by Gary and Kathy Wang, this unassuming spot focuses on quality ingredients and home-style execution rather than trendy presentations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Katsu-Don, Chicken Katsu Curry, Unagi Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Authentic Japanese soul food run by Japanese staff with genuine home-style cooking
Who should go: Those seeking real Japanese comfort food, not fusion
When to visit: Lunch for quick service before Universal Studios
What to order: Katsu curry with generous portions, sukiyaki, hamachi poke
Insider tip: Make reservations—small space fills quickly during rush hours
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Ventura Blvd and side streets, metered during business hours. Small lot behind building with 6-8 spaces.
Dress code: Ultra-casual - jeans, t-shirts perfectly fine. This is authentic neighborhood spot, not a scene.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation even during lunch rush. Cozy 40-seat space stays intimate.
Weekend wait: 15-25 min without reservation Friday/Saturday 6-8pm. Closes early (9pm) so plan accordingly.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - grab counter seats immediately or 5-10 min for booth during 12-1pm peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - vegetable tempura, tofu dishes, and veggie sides available. Not the focus here.
Vegan options: Very limited - steamed rice, edamame, maybe vegetable tempura (confirm oil). Call ahead to discuss options.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - most dishes use soy sauce and panko. Some sashimi/poke options work. Not a dedicated GF kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for low-key dates - cozy booths, quiet atmosphere, affordable. Skip if you're trying to impress with ambiance; this is about authentic food, not Instagram moments.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch - yes, usually fine. Dinner and weekends - risky. With only 40 seats, regulars and Universal Studios visitors book ahead. Call 30 min before if flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - casual vibe, kids menu available, generous portions to share. Counter seating works for older kids. Gets family traffic pre-Universal Studios visits.
How long does a typical meal take? Lunch: 25-35 minutes total - efficient service for business crowd. Dinner: 45-60 minutes if lingering. Kitchen works fast, perfect for pre-Universal Studios timing.
Is this authentic Japanese or Americanized? Authentic Japanese home cooking - owners are Japanese, staff speaks Japanese, menu reflects real yoshoku (Western-influenced Japanese comfort food). Not fusion or California-Japanese.
Best For
Better for: Choose Daichan over trendy Studio City spots when you want: (1) Authentic Japanese home cooking vs. fusion experiments, (2) Quick, reliable business lunch under $20, (3) Comfort over scene - cozy booth vs. see-and-be-seen patio, (4) Family-owned consistency since 2002 vs. flavor-of-the-month openings.
Skip if: Skip Daichan if you want: Modern Japanese (go to Katsuya or Yuko Kitchen), omakase/sushi focus (try Asanebo), date-night ambiance and cocktails (head to Firefly), or extensive vegetarian options. This is a utilitarian comfort food spot, not a destination dining experience.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Tuesday11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturday12pm - 2:30pm, 5pm - 8:30pm
SundayClosed