Best of 15 Japanese restaurants in Encino
When it comes to dining in Encino, Japanese restaurants stand out as a popular choice. With a variety of options, these establishments offer authentic and innovative Japanese cuisine, including sushi, ramen, and yakitori. From casual eateries to upscale dining, the Japanese restaurants in Encino cater to diverse tastes and preferences, making them a must-try for any food lover visiting the area.
- 1. Sola Japanese Izakaya Dining
- 2. Kopan Sushi & Ramen
- 3. Yamato
- 4. Okumura Restaurant
- 5. Sushi KATSU-YA Encino
- 6. Shin Sushi
- 7. Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Los Angeles in Encino
- 8. Makoto Sushi in Encino
- 9. Cho Cho San Encino
- 10. Benihana
- 11. Starlight Sushi
- 12. Midori Sushi
- 13. Zeppin Sushi LLC
- 14. Sushi Hirosuke
- 15. Nashi Sushi in Encino
1. Sola Japanese Izakaya Dining
Traditional izakaya dining experience

Sola Japanese Izakaya Dining is an intimate and authentic Japanese dining spot that offers a cozy and dim-lit atmosphere, perfect for sharing plates as a group. The menu features delicious and flavorful dishes, including a smoked dashi starter with high-quality toppings. Although a bit salty, this dish was well-received by our team, who appreciated its unique taste and presentation.
The noodles at Sola Japanese Izakaya Dining are perfectly chewy, and the service is top-notch. The restaurant's modern and cool atmosphere elevates the dining experience, making it a great spot for both casual and special occasions. The menu items are perfect for sharing, and the combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates. If you're looking for a delicious and authentic Japanese dining experience, Sola Japanese Izakaya Dining is an excellent choice.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
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2. Kopan Sushi & Ramen
Offers vegetarian and vegan options, charming atmosphere, and friendly service

Kopan Sushi & Ramen is a restaurant with a nicely decorated interior, although some diners find the chairs less comfortable. Plentiful parking options are available, including an underground structure and metered street parking. Regular customers visit this location frequently, up to 3-4 times a month, and highly regard it as one of the best among other branches.
This establishment excels in providing great service and offering delicious food, particularly their sushi rolls. Although it is famous for its ramen, the sushi and sashimi are also exceptional choices. The staff is commended for their friendliness and professionalism, even when the restaurant is bustling with activity.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
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3. Yamato
Traditional Japanese recipes, using fresh ingredients and sustainable seafood

Yamato is a family restaurant that offers a clean and affordable atmosphere for its customers. The skilled chefs prepare food right in front of the customers, creating a unique and interactive dining experience. The staff is friendly and accommodating, particularly with children, making it an ideal location for celebrations and gatherings. The service is excellent and the ambiance is lively, providing a great atmosphere for any occasion.
The sushi at Yamato is decent, but may not impress true sushi connoisseurs. However, customers can still enjoy a variety of fresh fish and other menu items. The adjoining teppanyaki room offers a Benihana-style cooking experience, where food is prepared on a grill in front of the customers. Although it can be a bit pricey, it is a good option for those looking to satisfy their fish cravings. Overall, Yamato is a decent restaurant with good food and great service.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Dinner
4. Okumura Restaurant
Intimate spot with a focus on traditional Japanese cuisine

Okumura Restaurant is a well-regarded sushi establishment, known for its consistently delicious sushi and high-quality fresh fish. The restaurant's owner and staff are known to be friendly and attentive, providing excellent service to their customers.
The restaurant offers a wide variety of sushi and sashimi, with fresh fish delivered daily and prepared by highly skilled chefs. From a visual and taste perspective, the dining experience is extremely satisfying.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
5. Sushi KATSU-YA Encino
Celebrity chef, Michelin-starred restaurant

Sushi KATSU-YA Encino provides a distinctive dining experience, combining delicious food with variable service quality. While some patrons have praised the efficient and attentive waitstaff, others have reported long waits and inadequate clearances. Regardless, the restaurant's culinary offerings are widely acclaimed.
The establishment is particularly famous for its inventive and artistically presented sushi dishes. The spicy tuna plate, adorned with vibrant ruby slices and jade slivers, looks like a royal pop art creation. The eel roll is ensconced in satiny, thin avocado, and the California roll, garnished with warm lobster and asparagus, offers a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors. The albacore sashimi is also renowned for its delectable taste. Non-sushi dishes are equally impressive, ensuring a satisfying dining experience for all patrons.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
6. Shin Sushi
Skilled itamae (sushi chefs), cozy atmosphere, and fresh ingredients

Shin Sushi is a notable omakase spot, ideal for those special occasions when you're willing to splurge on an extraordinary sushi experience. The restaurant is known for offering superior, rare fish, skillfully prepared and presented in imaginative ways. A meal at Shin Sushi is more than just dining; it's a memorable event that will leave a lasting impression until your next visit.
Behind Shin Sushi is a dedicated husband-and-wife team. The chef, who is passionate about his craft, ensures each piece of sushi showcases intricate and diverse flavors. His wife, also the server, provides attentive and friendly service, contributing to the overall warm and inviting atmosphere. The combination of exceptional sushi and exceptional hospitality makes Shin Sushi a hidden treasure that avid sushi lovers should not miss.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
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7. Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Los Angeles in Encino
Offers an authentic, intimate Edomae-style sushi experience

The omakase experience was truly unique, offering a speakeasy vibe in a cool setting with a lively atmosphere. The friendly chefs made the experience enjoyable and memorable. The sushi was a standout aspect of the meal, with its freshness and quality still lingering in my mind.
Upon arrival, we parked in an underground parking lot that charged a flat fee of $6. This convenience added to the overall positive experience, making it even more enjoyable to embark on this culinary adventure.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Personal Celebrations
- High-End
8. Makoto Sushi in Encino
Cozy atmosphere, attentive service, and extensive sake menu

Makoto Sushi is a restaurant that offers friendly, quick, and exceptional service. The servers are kind and hustle to ensure customers enjoy their dining experience. One standout feature of Makoto Sushi is their high-quality sushi and fresh fish. The dedication to providing fresh and delicious meals creates a welcoming and satisfying atmosphere for all patrons.
In addition to their excellent service, Makoto Sushi's menu showcases an extensive variety of sushi and fish dishes. The freshness of their ingredients is evident in every bite, making it a top destination for sushi lovers. The combination of their friendly and attentive service, along with their high-quality offerings, makes Makoto Sushi a standout restaurant in the industry.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
9. Cho Cho San Encino
Wide variety of sake, attentive service, and beautiful presentation

Eating is a necessity and a source of pleasure, and for me, sushi is the ultimate comfort food. I could eat sushi every day at Cho Cho San Encino, a popular Japanese restaurant known for its delicious and beautifully presented dishes. The menu offers a wide variety of Japanese cuisine, with a well-stocked sushi bar being a particular highlight.
The atmosphere at Cho Cho San Encino is casual yet modern, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing meal. One of my favorite things about the restaurant is the beautiful chandelier that adds to the ambiance, making it the ideal setting for enjoying plate after plate of sushi. Whether it's more important than sex or not, sushi is definitely a significant aspect of my life.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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10. Benihana
Teppanyaki-style dining, Hibachi show, extensive sake list

Chicken fried rice at this establishment was found to be overly greasy, with an unfortunately scarce presence of chicken. The taste did not live up to previous experiences. On the other hand, the steak and vegetables were satisfactory but seemed to be missing a certain something. The pricing was considered steep for the quality of food received.
Despite the drawbacks in the main dishes, the restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with dinner entertainment, as they prepare your food in front of you. The soup received positive feedback for its taste. The salad was also enjoyable, especially when complemented with their signature ginger dressing, which can be purchased for take-home use. A recommended dinner option is Rocky's Choice, offering both steak and chicken in one dish. Contrary to the subpar fried rice, this entree is highly commendable.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Social Gatherings
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11. Starlight Sushi

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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12. Midori Sushi
Serves traditional Edomae-style sushi

Midori offers very good sushi at a reasonable price compared to other places, although it may not be exceptional. The all-you-can-eat option is a great value, priced at under $3
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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13. Zeppin Sushi LLC
Fresh fish flown in from Japan, cozy atmosphere, omakase options

Zeppin Sushi LLC offers an all-you-can-eat sushi experience with a variety of delicious and fresh rolls. The restaurant has a comfortable and clean atmosphere, making it an enjoyable place to dine. The staff are attentive, polite, and helpful, providing great service to customers. However, the premium rolls in the all-you-can-eat selection were not as impressive as expected.
The appetizers at Zeppin Sushi LLC are a highlight, particularly the garlic edamame which was a standout favorite. The roll selection is decent, but the premium rolls left something to be desired. Despite this, the service at the restaurant was excellent, with staff who are super friendly, attentive, and always eager to recommend new dishes to try. Overall, Zeppin Sushi LLC offers a good all-you-can-eat sushi experience with tasty appetizers, making it a decent option for sushi lovers.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
14. Sushi Hirosuke

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
15. Nashi Sushi in Encino

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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