Best Family Friendly Favorites Japanese Restaurants in Downtown LA
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Suehiro DTLA
Old-school Japanese comfort classics with real Downtown longevity.
Notable Picks
#1
Suehiro DTLA
8
A legacy Japanese comfort-food institution reborn in Downtown, covering ramen, curry, and diner-style classics. Broths and sauces lean hearty and familiar, built for repeat visits rather than trend chasing. Late hours and broad menu make it a dependable all-purpose stop in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Japanese curry rice, Tonkotsu ramen, Chicken karaage
What Makes it Special: Old-school Japanese comfort classics with real Downtown longevity.
#2
Sushi Go 55
8
A long-running Little Tokyo-area standby that stays focused on clean sashimi and classic nigiri without the Downtown hype tax. The fish is fresh and portioned generously, and the vibe remains quietly neighborhood-rooted. Great for a dependable sushi meal that doesn’t feel like a scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, Salmon belly nigiri, Hamachi nigiri
What Makes it Special: Quiet Little Tokyo staple with strong chirashi and sashimi value.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A Little Tokyo galleria ramen room leaning Kyoto-style and comfort-forward. Broths are rich and well-balanced, with a menu that also nods to donburi and small sides. A solid, dependable sit-down bowl when you want familiar Japanese warmth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shoyu ramen, Spicy miso ramen, Gyoza
What Makes it Special: Kyoto-leaning ramen comfort inside the Little Tokyo galleria.
#4
Chinchikurin
7.9
A dedicated Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki shop where the layered noodle-and-cabbage pancake is the whole point. Crisp edges, sweet-savory sauce, and teppan theater make it a fun, focused meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki, Mochi Cheese Okonomiyaki, Negi-Topped Okonomi
What Makes it Special: One-dish mastery of Hiroshima okonomiyaki.
#5
Ramen Maruya
7.6
A low-key plaza spot serving Hakata-style ramen alongside sushi and bento, with house-made noodles and a mellow, food-court-adjacent feel. Broth is classic and satisfying, and the menu breadth makes it great for groups with mixed cravings. Not flashy, but quietly solid.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, Chashu Ramen, Ginger-Dressed House Salad
What Makes it Special: House-made noodles in a relaxed plaza setting.