Sakuraya is an old-school Japanese confectionary in Gardena.

Sakae Sushi is a hugely popular family-run shop in Gardena.

Shin-Sen-Gumi’s Gardena location has everything from customizable ramen to a brand-new drive-through.

Kagura in Torrance is a laidback izakaya serving a powerful tonkatsu.

Fukugawa is a hidden restaurant in Gardena that serves one of the best Japanese breakfast sets around.

Interstellar is the best cafe near the Santa Monica Promenade. The Korean-owned spot serves excellent burritos, katsu, bulgogi, and more.

Jinya is a bonafide chain with locations across the country, but still makes a very solid tonkotsu ramen.

Kai Ramen has multiple locations across LA and makes excellent classic tonkotsu broth.

Rakkan Ramen in Santa Monica offers a wide range of plant-based ramen options, along with a great patio.

Ken's Ramen in Virgil Village makes some of the best paitan (chicken-based) ramen in LA. We especially like the spicy Hell version.

Kotoya is one of the best ramen shops on the Westside and we're especially big fans of their tonkotsu.

Sunset Sushi is a new spot in Silver Lake with gorgeous boxes of fish.

Sushi Kaneyoshi is a high-end sushi bar hidden in the basement of an office building in Little Tokyo,

The Brothers Sushi in Woodland Hills is a tiny Japanese restaurants serving one of the best chirashi bowls in the city.

Suehiro Cafe is a 47-year-old restaurant in Little Tokyo serving Japanese comfort foods.

Yess Aquatic is a fantastic Japanese food truck in the Arts District specializing in local seafood.