Best Girls Night Out Approved Japanese Restaurants in Downtown LA
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Sama Handroll
Chef-driven handrolls with a full cocktail-bar experience.
Notable Picks
8.3
A polished Arts District handroll bar from chef Lester Lai that leans into tight technique and a cocktail-forward izakaya mood. The rolls are clean, properly warm-rice-to-cold-fish balanced, and paced for lingering rather than rushing. Best experienced as a curated handroll set with drinks rather than à la carte grazing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro hand roll, Lobster hand roll, Uni hand roll
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven handrolls with a full cocktail-bar experience.
8.1
A handroll-leaning counter tucked inside a nightlife-style room, blending sushi precision with a downtown bar buzz. Fish quality is clean and well-seasoned, and the menu pushes beyond basics into richer, saucier temaki builds. Come for an elevated handroll session that feels like part of the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna temaki, Blue crab temaki, Uni & caviar temaki
What Makes it Special: Handrolls in a bar-driven, after-dark Downtown setting.
Worthy Picks
#3
Sushi Asobu
7.7
A newer Little Tokyo izakaya with a tight menu of charcoal-leaning small plates and a thoughtful sake lineup. The room is lively but compact, making it a solid pre-show or late dinner move.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Karaage, Beef Curry, Yellowtail Carpaccio
What Makes it Special: Modern izakaya energy with strong drinks and snackable plates.