Takami * * * * $$$

Who? Themos, Dora, Gina, Stavros
Where? Downtown
How much? $52

This newly opened place is very unique. It is located in the 21st floor in a downtown skyscraper, with indoor as well as outdoor seating, hence the views are beautiful. It offers a one-of-a-kind choice from 3 different cuisines, namely sushi, fusion and robatas (the meat stuff), so it's like dining in three restaurants simultaneously! The food is very good, service is great and friendly, yet the prices are a little on the high side since the portions are relatively small. Therefore go for the taste, not to satisfy your hunger. All this in combination with an excessive wine list and a lounge next door makes this the perfect date place. Parking is valet only, $7.

Shaab + + + $

Who? Andrew and Joyce
Where? Raymond and Union, Pas

Joyce swears by this Japanese Sushi/Shabu house, but having been twice, I can't explain why it hasn't given me a great long-lasting impression. The restaurant was busy both times we went and we had to wait both times (Sat nights). Sashimi (Chirashi) bowl is a nice, decent tasting selection. Service was OK, Ambience is OK - I just can't explain it. Parking in the lot 2 blocks North. Extra star for Old Town already factored in.

Gyu Kaku + + + + $ $

Where? La Cienega and 2 blocks south of San Vicente
Who? Howie's Birthday Consortium

Very nice looking Japanese BBQ restaurant that uses in-table coals for self cooking. Wide selection of BBQ'able items. Kalbi, ribs and chicken are fantastically seasoned and succulent, the shrimp was amazing, and the asparagus is jumbo sized. Portions of each item are mini, so you may need to spend in excess of $25 (4-5 plates) to get full. The grill has some heat issues which occasionally limited cooking speed. Park on the streets behind the restaurant.

Zencu + + $ $

Who? CASA
Where? J-Town Plaza

Big portion combo dinner - Tonkatsu was OK. Terrible presentation on the Crispy Spicy Tuna Roll but it tasted somewhat decent. Super slow service despite the fact that there were only two occupied tables in the entire restaurant! Nice sleek interior. Early 90's pop/dance music continually plays.

East Yakatori + + + $

Who? Don, Aly, Rajiv, Andrew
Where? First and Alameda

Cozy and dimly lit, traditional feel. Good sushi and presentation.

Curry House + + + $

Who? Amy, Fesh, Deb, Andrew
Where? 2nd and Los Angeles

Very nice, savoury and filling Japanese Curry on the outskirts of J-town. Affordable.

Sushi Go 55 + + + + $

Who? Andrew, Sushu, Howsah
Where? 3rd and Alameda

Fantastic sushi, difficult to find but worth the effort. Prompt, fast service - perfect if you're in a rush to the Disney Hall.

Daikokuya + + + + $

Who? Joyce, Eric, Caroline, Andrew
Where? J-Town

Japanese ramen in minute, steamy quarters - authentic, as far as I can tell - cheap, good and always packed.

Sohoju + + $

Who? CASA

Decent Japanese food in a modern looking locale. Nothing special.

Tokyo Wako + $ $

Where? Shoreline Village, Long Beach
Who? Chris V, Shane, Iannick, Deba, Haibin

Unattentive service and overpriced. I had the sashimi bowl, which was not too bad. But everyone else had complaints about the temperature of the food, its order of arrival, and the plain manner in which it was prepared. Thumbs down. But location is nice.

A Taste of Japan + + + + $$

Where? Markham, Woodbine and Esna Park, Ontario, Canada (I know, it's not in L.A.)
Who? Andrew and Brian and Yuh Mey's Wedding Party and Family

Convenient parking. Fun atmosphere due to the Teppan chefs who are a little eclectic and don't speak English too well. Salmon and Strip Loin (Dinner D) off the grill is top notch especially when washed down with some sake. There is more than ample food for $21.95CDN. Chefs will let you play and will fire pieces of food at young unsuspecting children.

A Thousand Cranes + + + + $$

Who? Steier Research Group
Where? J-Town, Los Angeles and 2nd (Otani Hotel)

Koji's Japan + + + $$

Who? Lots of CASA people
Where? Hollywood and Highland

Decent shabu shabu.

Crane Sushi + + + +/ $

Who? CASA board 05-06
Where? Alhambra

Extra + for value.

Mikoshi + + $

Who? CASA
Where? The closest one to USC is at Fig and 30.

The food is decent - it's similar to Panda quality, but with much better presentation. A very cookie-cutter chain of Asian food without any authenticity. The curry chicken rice was decent and of sufficient portion, but nothing like Hurry Curry. Good destination for a large group, say if you're having an after-meeting event.

Mako + + + $

Who? Krystal, Andrew, Siao, A. Lok
Where? Silverlake close to Dresden (may be closed now [Jul 2007])

Hole in the wall with cheap Japanese food. Coolest thing is that it's BYOB!

Big Wasabi + +

Here's another miniature Japanese restaurant located at Willshire and La Jolla. It's so small that when we were finally seated, we had to scoot out of the way to make way for our server. The food is decent but doesn't come in large enough quantities for the price. I could have gotten the "all you can eat sushi" for roughly the same price as my meal. Rumour has it there is a half-off sushi coupon... alas I never happened upon such a thing.

Wh0? Jarika, Michellios, Howie, Andrew

Oomasa + +

Located in the Tokyo Village Plaza, this booth/counter restaurant is almost completely shielded from outside eyes. The dinner special is served in Bento boxes and is pretty decent, and although nothing spectacular is pretty filling. The tea-flavoured ice cream was the best part. Prices are moderate. A nice place to talk privately, to discuss life and/or research over some food.

Who? Andrew, Joyce, Thomas

Joy Mart + + +

Delicious sashimi and sushi are served in this very nice-looking restaurant located at the heart of the Japanese Village. Ingredients are fresh and well presented. The noodle dishes may look small in the menu but they are huge! The ramen is virtually unfinishable. I had the Pad Thai here and it is very good, as was the Hot Asian Sushi Roll. Prices are moderate and can add up quickly.

Who? Andrew, Howie, Jenn Jenn and later... Steve

Suehiro + + +

Located in J-town, Suehiro is a nice cosy place where you can satisfy late-night Sushi cravings. The flan dessert is delicious. Bring a few friends for a relaxed eating experience. Thumbs up.

Who? Andrew, Howie, Jared+Erika