Top 24 calamari in Little Tokyo
Dive into the vibrant culinary scene of Little Tokyo, where calamari takes center stage. This beloved dish showcases tender squid, often accompanied by a crispy breading and zesty dipping sauce. Whether you're in a bustling restaurant or cozy izakaya, the calamari in Little Tokyo is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts. Experience a harmonious blend of Japanese flavors and classic comfort food.
- 1. Daikokuya Little Tokyo in Little Tokyo
- 2. Marugame Monzo
- 3. TOT Little Tokyo
- 4. Rice & Nori in Little Tokyo
- 5. Kouraku Japanese Ramen & Grill
- 6. OOTORO LITTLE TOKYO
- 7. OOmasa
- 8. Sushi Enya Little Tokyo
- 9. Sushi Gen in Little Tokyo
- 10. Kinjiro
- 11. Chinchikurin Little Tokyo in Little Tokyo
- 12. Mitsuru Sushi & Grill
- 13. Ramen Maruya
- 14. Sushi Takeda
- 15. Hama Sushi
- 16. Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen - Little Tokyo
- 17. Sushi Kaneyoshi
- 18. Ichiban of Tokyo kachow
- 19. Zencu Sushi & Grill
- 20. Torigoya
- 21. Sushi & Teri
- 22. Sushi Gala / Las Galas
- 23. Tensho
- 24. KAMINARI GYOZA BAR
1. Daikokuya Little Tokyo in Little Tokyo
Family-owned establishment favored by locals and tourists alike, offering an authentic Japanese dining experience.

The calamari stood out as a notable starter of the meal, with its crispy exterior and delicious flavor. However, opinions on its quality differed, as some found it to be a tad too chewy for their preference. Moving on from the calamari, the ramen was the main course that followed.
The ramen had a satisfying taste and provided a good complement to the appetizer. However, the calamari's texture was a subjective point of contention, as it may not have met everyone's expectations. Nevertheless, the flavors and textures of both dishes contributed to an enjoyable meal overall.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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2. Marugame Monzo
Authentic Japanese udon noodles, made fresh in-house

The calamari udon dish I tried was a delicious culinary experience. The calamari stood out with its tender texture, while the udon noodles complemented it well. The broth was full of flavor, adding an extra element of enjoyment to the meal.
The calamari was cooked to perfection, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. Its tenderness was a delight, and the way it paired with the udon noodles in the dish was exceptional. Overall, the combination of flavors and textures made for a highly recommended dish.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Dinner
3. TOT Little Tokyo
Centrally located in LA's Little Tokyo, family-owned and operated, and known for their wide variety of traditional Japanese dishes.

The calamari dish showcased excellent cooking techniques, resulting in a perfectly prepared and seasoned meal. Its delightful taste made it a standout and a must-try for anyone visiting.
The calamari was cooked to crispy perfection, offering a delicious and enjoyable experience for the lucky diners. Its mouthwatering flavor made it a highlight of the meal, and a strongly recommended dish for all.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Asian Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
4. Rice & Nori in Little Tokyo
Authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of Los Angeles

The calamari dish was a standout, with its perfectly crispy exterior and delightful taste. The accompanying dipping sauce added an extra layer of flavor, making this a highly recommended dish. Its freshness and excellent texture were particularly noteworthy, contributing to an enjoyable dining experience.
Undoubtedly, the calamari left a positive impression, boasting a fresh and appealing taste. The dish's freshness was outstanding, and its texture was simply fantastic. Given the chance, this delicious calamari would certainly be ordered again, delivering a satisfying and tasty meal.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
5. Kouraku Japanese Ramen & Grill
Reasonable prices, cozy atmosphere, and late-night hours until 2 am.

The calamari dish had a delicious flavor that was spot on, but the texture was a bit chewy for one person's preference. Despite this, they would be willing to try it again.
On the other hand, the calamari was prepared to perfection with a crispy exterior and no excess oil. It was a great start to the meal as an appetizer, and its taste was enjoyed by whoever tried it.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
6. OOTORO LITTLE TOKYO
Authentic Japanese cuisine, fresh seafood, cozy atmosphere.

The calamari at OOTORO Little Tokyo is known for its exceptional cooking and seasoning. It is a dish that is highly recommended for those who enjoy calamari. The restaurant has perfected the art of preparing this dish, making it a must-try for any visitor.
In general, calamari can be hit or miss depending on the restaurant. However, OOTORO Little Tokyo stands out due to their attention to detail in preparing this dish. The calamari is cooked to perfection, resulting in a tenderness that is unmatched. Additionally, the seasoning enhances the flavor of the calamari without overpowering it. Overall, the calamari at OOTORO Little Tokyo is a standout dish that should not be missed.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
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7. OOmasa
High-quality ingredients, Friendly staff, Cozy atmosphere

The calamari dish had varying textures, with one opinion finding it slightly chewy yet acceptable, while another enthusiastically described it as crispy. Despite this, both assessments agreed on the enjoyable flavor of the calamari.
One diner had a positive experience with the calamari, praising its crispy and delicious qualities. However, the other diner's experience differed slightly, with the calamari being described as slightly chewy. Regardless of the differences, the shared opinion was the good flavor of the calamari dish.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Affordable Nightlife
- Dinner
8. Sushi Enya Little Tokyo
Featuring traditional Japanese decor and ambiance, with a variety of sake options

The calamari dish was a definite highlight of the meal. Its texture was outstanding, with a satisfying crispy exterior and a tender interior. The flavor was also exceptional, making it a standout dish. The dipping sauce provided an excellent complement to the calamari, enhancing its taste even further.
Overall, the calamari was a must-try dish. Its perfect crispiness and delicious flavor made it a crowd-pleaser. The dipping sauce added an extra layer of flavor, making it an even more enjoyable dining experience. Fans of calamari won't want to miss out on this dish.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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9. Sushi Gen in Little Tokyo
Small and cozy atmosphere with a focus on traditional sushi-making

The calamari at Sushi Gen has a delicious flavor, although the texture was a bit tougher than preferred. On the other hand, the calamari's taste was on point, making for a satisfying dining experience.
Sushi Gen's calamari stands out for its exceptional flavor and contrasting textures. The exterior is crispy and adds a satisfying crunch, while the interior is tender and juicy. This combination creates a delightful culinary experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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10. Kinjiro
Offers a wide variety of Japanese dishes, unique and authentic decor

The calamari at Kinjiro is exceptional and highly recommended. It stands out for its tender and flavorful qualities, with a satisfying crunch that takes it to another level. It is certainly one of the best calamari dishes available in LA.
Kinjiro's calamari is cooked and seasoned to perfection. Its texture is crispy and not overly greasy, which adds to its appeal. The excellence of this dish makes it a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant.
TOPICS
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
- Asian Cuisine
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11. Chinchikurin Little Tokyo in Little Tokyo
Authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of Little Tokyo

The calamari stood out as a delicious component of the meal. It was fresh and had an appealing texture that made it a memorable dish. Whether it was the preparation or the quality of the ingredient, the calamari was a definite hit.
Cooked to perfection, the calamari was a clear highlight of the dining experience. Its flavor was impressive, making it a standout option for those who enjoy this type of dish. The meal was elevated by the inclusion of this well-prepared calamari.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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12. Mitsuru Sushi & Grill
Authentic Japanese cuisine, Fresh ingredients, Cozy atmosphere

The calamari dish received mixed reviews. One opinion found the calamari to be overly tough, making for a less enjoyable experience. However, the same calamari was praised for its flavor in the same assessment.
In a different evaluation, the calamari was highly recommended. It was cooked to perfection, resulting in a satisfying crunch. The texture did not detract from the overall positive experience, and the dish was considered a must-try.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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13. Ramen Maruya
Authentic Japanese ramen and a variety of calamari dishes

The fried squid legs, also known as calamari, made for an excellent appetizer. They had a crispy exterior, yet were not overly greasy. The calamari we tried was a standout dish, boasting a perfectly cooked and well-seasoned profile.
Overall, the calamari left a positive impression. Its crispy texture and well-executed cooking enhanced the flavor, while the seasoning was on point, contributing to a delicious start to the meal.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Hidden Gems
14. Sushi Takeda
Located in Little Tokyo, offering a traditional Japanese atmosphere

The calamari dish at Sushi Takeda is exceptional and deserves recognition. Its tenderness and rich flavor make it a standout option on the menu. The cooking of the calamari is done to perfection, resulting in a delightful texture that elevates the eating experience.
Highlighting the meal at Sushi Takeda was the calamari. The tenderness and delicious flavor of the calamari make it a must-try for anyone who visits the restaurant. Its perfect cooking and pleasant texture make it one of the most enjoyable dishes to eat during the meal.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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15. Hama Sushi
Located in the heart of Little Tokyo, offers a unique outdoor seating experience

Hama Sushi offers exceptional calamari that is sure to delight. The calamari stands out for its crispy and flavorful texture, making it one of the best options for those who enjoy this dish. The quality of the calamari is evident in its tenderness, which is not overpowered by grease.
Calamari is a popular choice at Hama Sushi, and it's easy to see why. The restaurant serves up tender, crispy calamari that is sure to satisfy. The calamari is cooked to perfection, resulting in a delightful balance of textures and flavors that keep customers coming back for more. Whether you're a calamari aficionado or new to this dish, Hama Sushi's calamari is not to be missed.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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16. Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen - Little Tokyo
Authentic Hakata-style ramen from Fukuoka, Japan

The calamari appetizer received mixed reviews. On one hand, it was enjoyed for its freshness and great texture, making it a suitable beginning to the meal. The taste was also praised for its accuracy and deliciousness. On the other hand, there were criticisms that the calamari was a bit too chewy for ideal consumption. However, despite the texture issue, the flavor was still found to be satisfying.
In summary, the calamari dish was somewhat of a disappointment in terms of texture, but its flavor was a success. Some loved the freshness and texture, while others found it to be too chewy. Nonetheless, the taste itself was commendable, leaving room for potential redemption with another try.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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17. Sushi Kaneyoshi

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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18. Ichiban of Tokyo kachow

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
19. Zencu Sushi & Grill
Chic ambiance with a wide variety of Japanese whiskeys and sakes

Calamari Rings are a popular dish due to their delicious taste and unique texture. Zencu, in particular, is known for its specialty Calamari Rings, which are lightly fried to perfection. The end result is a dish that is both crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. The light frying method used by Zencu allows the natural flavor of the calamari to shine through, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
Zencu's Calamari Rings have gained a reputation for being delicious and satisfying. The dish is expertly prepared, with the calamari rings fried to a golden brown color. The light and crispy coating complements the tender and juicy calamari, resulting in a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you're looking to try something new or enjoy a classic seafood dish, Zencu's Calamari Rings are sure to impress. Overall, they are a testament to Zencu's commitment to providing high-quality, delicious food to its customers.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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20. Torigoya
Authentic Japanese food, cozy atmosphere, friendly service

The calamari served in this location is a standout dish. It was cooked to perfection, with a texture that was sure to delight. The seasoning was well-balanced, adding to the overall flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the calamari. This dish is a must-try for anyone visiting, as it is sure to leave a lasting impression.
If you're a fan of calamari, you'll be thrilled with what's on offer here. The calamari is crispy and delicious, with a satisfying crunch in every bite. The quality of the dish is consistently high, making it a reliable choice for any meal. Overall, the calamari is a highlight of the menu and is not to be missed.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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21. Sushi & Teri
Authentic Japanese ambiance, skilled itamae (sushi chefs), popular among locals

The calamari dish was a standout, with a delightful crunch and well-cooked texture. Its taste was highly recommended, promising a satisfying experience for anyone who tries it.
As my order, the calamari was cooked to perfection. It had an appealing flavor that was neither too overpowering nor bland, and its texture was just right – not too chewy, making every bite enjoyable.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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22. Sushi Gala / Las Galas
Authentic Japanese cuisine in a modern setting

The fried calamari I ordered was decent but not exceptional. This restaurant offers a unique combination of American and sushi dishes on their menu.
My experience with the fried calamari was satisfactory, although it did not stand out. The restaurant's distinguishing feature is its blend of American and sushi cuisine.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
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23. Tensho
Authentic Japanese cuisine with a twist, using locally sourced ingredients.

The calamari at Tensho is a standout dish. Its texture is striking – crispy on the outside, yet tender and flavorful on the inside. The accompanying dipping sauce adds an extra layer of deliciousness, enhancing the taste of the calamari.
Tensho's calamari is truly exceptional. With a perfectly crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior, it offers a great balance of textures and tastes. Whether you're a calamari enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this dish is sure to impress.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
24. KAMINARI GYOZA BAR

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
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