The 15 Best Japanese Steakhouses In LA, Ranked

If you're new to Japanese BBQ, Gyu-Kaku is a solid place to start. You definitely won't get the highest-quality cuts, but the experience is fun, consistent, flavorful, and filling. There are locations all throughout Los Angeles stretching from Santa Monica to Pasadena with several in between. Availability varies between locations, but most Gyu-Kaku's offer an all-you-can-eat option for those that are extra hungry.

That said, the a la carte menu is most popular for patrons looking to choose all of their own meats and appetizers. Start off with the light and spicy cucumber salad before digging into the hearty selection of meats. When it's time to get grilling, explore different cuts like the popular prime Kalbi short rib or beef tongue. If you visit during happy hour, meats like the filet mignon and premium sirloin can be ordered at a discounted price. Gyu-Kaku also has a few poultry and pork options to choose from as well.

With eight different locations in Southern California, Shogun is a local favorite that serves up some of the best teppan steak and sushi. The Los Angeles location is in Pasadena, but even if you live on the other side of the city, it's well worth the drive across town. While you can always try walking in, reservations are definitely recommended, so do your best to plan ahead before visiting. Start off with a refreshing and smooth sake or opt for the sake sampler to get a true taste of what Shogun's selection has to offer.

Shogun also has a variety of signature cocktails, many of which are on the sweeter side. When it comes to food, there are tons of sushi rolls to choose from if you want to kick off your meal with a lighter bite. However, once it's time for steak, the filet mignon sumo cut is a must-order.

Tokyo Kalbi offers a premium yakiniku experience in West LA. All of the meats are grilled over Binchotan charcoal, which is a special charcoal sourced from oak trees. Thanks to the fact that there are no flames or smoke, the meat remains tender and juicy. Though there are several different cuts to choose from, the best of the best is without a doubt the Kalbi gold. The marbling is stunning and the flavor is unparalleled. Once you are ready to eat, simply dip your steak in some spicy soy or shio and savor each bite.

When it comes to appetizers, kick things off with the kimchi starter before indulging in Tokyo Kalbi's beef tartare. Though you can definitely order all of your meats a la carte, the restaurant also offers set combo plates if you find that to be easier. Don't forget to order a side of rice to pair with your grilled meats.

As the name suggests, Sakura Japanese Steak & Seafood House is one of the ultimate LA eateries for premium sushi and steak. Located in La Cañada Flintridge. Sakura Japanese Steak & Seafood House is a bit off the beaten path but definitely worth the trek. This traditional teppanyaki dining experience is communal, meaning that all of your guests must be present in order to be seated at your table.

Patrons are able to choose between a teppan steak and seafood dinner or the sakura sushi dinner. If you're craving both seafood and steak, order the filet and shrimp or filet and scallops. You can also go all out with one of the steak and lobster combos. Don't miss out on the side of sautéed mushrooms and the sakura fried rice, especially if you're ordering steak. There are even vegetarian options if you're visiting with a plant-based diner. Though reservations are required, they are recommended.

Located in the foodie haven of Sawtelle, Manpuku offers indoor and outdoor yakiniku experiences. Each table comes with its own grill, allowing patrons to cook their meats and veggies to their liking. The massive menu features everything from sushi to ramen to tempura dishes, but Manpuku's signature dish is none other than beef tongue with green onion (specifically, Tokyo Negi).

However, if you're looking to get a true taste of what Manpuku has to offer, order the American Wagyu tasting. This menu requires at least two participants and is $89 per person, at the time of publication, but the feast is amazing. Start with an assortment of kimchi, shishito peppers, and the house salad before getting into the meats. Steak courses include the Kobe filet, Kobe short rib, and more, and there are also some seafood courses featuring shrimp and scallops. The garlic fried rice is also a highlight that will definitely have you coming back for more.

Wa Dining is a Japanese steakhouse located in Torrance. The plating is beautiful and the ambiance is relaxed while still being refined. If you're able to visit during lunch, there are a handful of specials to choose from that allow patrons to get a true taste of all that wa-dining has to offer. The lunch special is perhaps the best deal, as it includes five courses with the option for your entree being an eight-ounce filet or a 12-ounce ribeye. There are also a couple of seafood options to choose as your entrée, but if you're coming to Wa Dining, you should come for the steak.

In addition to standard filet mignon, New York steak, and ribeye, the absolute best cuts served at Wa Dining are without a doubt the Wagyu filet mignon and the Wagyu New York steak. Both are priced at $120, at the time of publication, so expect to spend a pretty penny ... but know that it will be well worth the cost.

Matū is in our top three thanks to its sleek atmosphere and premium meat. Matū exclusively serves wagyu steak that is 100% grass-fed, resulting in a quality taste and texture in every bite. The Wagyu beef sourced by Matū comes from First Light Farms in New Zealand, and the featured cuts range from center-cut filet to ribeye. Since the butchers prepare the steak every morning, availability differs from day to day. While you can request that your steak be cooked longer, the standard practice at Matū is for all meat to be warm red.

There are four different coursed menus to choose from, with the first being a filet dinner that is three courses. The picanha diner and ribeye dinner are both courses, while the Matū dinner for two is $85 per person and five courses in total, at the time of the publication. You can also order different a la carte starters and sides such as steak tartare, shrimp cocktail, and creamed spinach.

Our pick for the best Japanese steakhouse in LA goes to none other than Niku X in DTLA. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or anniversary, everything from the service to the quality of the meats makes dining at Niku X a top-tier experience. While you can order a la carte, it's best to opt for one of the tasting menus. The interactive Yakiniku Tasting Menu is 14 courses of pure decadence, featuring some of the most luxe seafood and steak options available.

Expect raw and fresh seafood like spot prawns and uni to start. Once you've moved onto the grilled portion of the menu, the fun really begins. Sit back and relax as the experts grill everything from A4 short rib to 45-day dry-aged striploin right in front of you. Each piece of meat is cooked to perfection and a few even melt in your mouth. For dessert, do not miss out on the lavender cake that is just as stunning as it is delicious.