Best Japanese Restaurants in Palms
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
n/naka
Chef Niki Nakayama's 13-course kaiseki blends Japanese tradition with California seasonality in a 26-seat intimate setting, featured on Netflix's Chef's Table
Notable Picks
#1
n/naka
8.9
Chef Niki Nakayama's 13-course modern kaiseki weaves California seasonality through traditional Japanese technique across a 3-hour progression, anchored by a signature spaghetti-abalone course that has never left the menu since 2011. The 26-seat ryokan-inspired room operates with exacting service—staff retained for over a decade—and ends with Nakayama greeting each table personally. At $365 before drinks, this is a deliberate investment in craft rather than a casual dinner out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Spaghetti with Abalone, Pickled Cod Roe & Black Truffle, Zensai Assortment, Binchotan-Seared A5 Miyazaki Wagyu
What Makes it Special: Chef Niki Nakayama's 13-course kaiseki blends Japanese tradition with California seasonality in a 26-seat intimate setting, featured on Netflix's Chef's Table
#2
Mori Nozomi
8.9
Mori Nozomi delivers meticulously crafted omakase centered on traditional techniques, pristine sourcing, and artistic presentation. Chef Nozomi leads an all-woman team, and guests praise the seamless execution and calm setting, making this a destination for serious sushi enthusiasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Otoro Nigiri, Kasugodai, Hon Maguro Temaki
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred, chef-led experience with rare, seasonal fish.
8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family Friendly Favorites
A neighborhood go-to for affordable rolls and nigiri that leans more casual than precious. Expect fast counter energy, lots of regulars, and a menu that mixes classic cuts with playful house rolls. Best for weeknight takeout or a low-key dine-in when you want sushi without ceremony.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ugly Roll, Spicy tuna roll, Salmon skin hand roll
What Makes it Special: Solid, wallet-friendly sushi with a loyal local following.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A stripped-down Palms counter built around a dense, fatty tonkotsu base that holds its own against dedicated ramen houses across the Westside. The format is pure function—order, sit, eat—which works in its favor when you want a solo bowl without ceremony. Regulars rotate between the black garlic and spicy variations, but the draw is the broth itself, rich enough to justify the no-frills setup.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Ramen, Black Garlic Ramen, Original Ramen
What Makes it Special: A no-frills Palms noodle counter built around a rich, fatty tonkotsu broth that ranks among the Westside's best
7.8
Tokyo-leaning dashi ramen with a lighter, umami-forward broth profile that feels distinct from the Westside’s heavier tonkotsu norms. The Palms outpost is casual and welcoming, with strong vegan bowls and a late-night-friendly schedule.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dashi Ramen (Signature), Creamy Vegan Ramen, Spicy Miso Dashi Ramen
What Makes it Special: A lighter dashi base that spotlights noodles and toppings.
7.6
This Venice Boulevard food truck does Sinaloa-style sushi with a playful, LA-street spin—think saucy rolls, bold seasoning, and portions that satisfy. It’s a non-traditional Japanese stop that thrives on late-day cravings and casual hangouts. Great when you want something fun and different from standard Westside sushi bars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sinaloa-style baked rolls, Spicy tuna roll with house sauces, Cucumber-wrapped fresh roll
What Makes it Special: A Japanese-Mexican Sinaloa sushi truck that’s hard to find elsewhere nearby.