Top Los Angeles Asian Restaurants

Finding the best Asian restaurants in Los Angeles can be daunting. It takes even native Angelenos years, maybe decades, to uncover the secret culinary gems that hide in neon-washed strip malls and industrial warehouses. And while it's always satisfying to discover some hole-in-the-wall down a dark alleyway, sometimes you need to rely on the tried and true favorites, the places where you can take large groups of family and friends and everyone will leave satisfied. What follows here is a cross section of what I consider to be the best Asian restaurants in Los Angeles, from ragtag to ritzy.

Pho 87
1019 N Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 227-0758

This spot on the north end of Chinatown has the best pho in Los Angeles, and insanely cheap too. Not much on the décor, but the service is always friendly and lightning fast. Make sure you bring cash; no credit cards accepted here. Also do yourself a favor and try one of their beverages. The pennyworth leaves drink(rau ma) is delicious.

Hollywood Thai
5241 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles , CA 90027
Tel. 323-467-0926

Located in Thai Town in Hollywood, this place boasts live karaoke entertainment while you eat. It can often start to feel like a Thai version of a David Lynch movie, but that's why you're here. The bar looks like a tropical cabana. Their beer is the coldest I've ever had in my life. Their hot and sour shrimp is so good and spicy you'll feel like you visited the sauna after you're done. Order the pad ka pow with a fried egg on top and they'll look at you like you're an old pro.

Daikokuya
327 E. 1st Street
LA, CA 90012

Little Tokyo has a plethora of ramen houses, but this one is hands down THE BEST. To make their soup base they boil the pork bones overnight, and their korobuta pork belly chashu is heavenly. The décor is killer as well, straight out of every ramen aficionado's favorite noodle western, 'Tampopo'.

Soot Bull Jeep
3136 W 8th St
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 387-3865

Wear some old clothes to this BBQ joint in Koreatown, because the smell of galbi cooked at your table with real charcoal (not gas grills like fancier Korean restaurants) will haunt you for days. If you're like me, then smelling that smoky meat smell on your sheets, in your hair, and on your towels is a good thing. Keeps me coming back for more.

Cho Sun Galbee
3330 W. Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90019
(323)734-3330

This is the classy Korean place you take your more conservative acquaintances. The service is upscale to say the least. The nice thing about Cho Sun is that you can order all different types of Korean dishes. Most people love the BBQ, but here you have the option to try bibimbap, naeng myun, even hwae dup bap which is like a Korean version of Japanese chirashi. AND you can leave not smelling like a charcoal meat bomb.

Din Tai Fung
1108 S. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
626-574-7068

A little out of the way but sooo worth it. Get here early on the weekends because there are massive lines and the parking lot is a nightmare. These are the best dumplings I've had in Los Angeles. It's something about the way they make their skin...so soft, so smooth...like silk that you can eat.

Sushi Gen
422 E Second St
Los Angeles, CA 90012-4209
Phone: (213) 617-0552

Tucked away in a Little Tokyo strip mall you'll find the freshest sushi in all of Los Angeles. There are no crazy rolls on the menu, just traditional fare. Simple, elegant, mouthwatering freshness. The tempura is also the best I've had. Never oily, always perfectly crisp. This place is always packed for dinner so come early.

Sushi Nozawa
11288 Ventura Blvd Ste C
Studio City, CA 91604-3149
Phone: (818) 508-7017

This place is more a shrine than a restaurant. It is a shrine dedicated to the god of sushi and Nozawa is the head monk. You are making this trek out to the valley because you have decided to worship raw fish for the night. There is no music in this place. Nobody is speaking. Everyone is quietly eating with humility and deference. Be warned: if you sit at the bar, you give up your right to order what you want. Nozawa will lead you on your journey and you must obey. Is it worth it to sit in silence while you chew on some marinated toro? YES. Just like church, you'll want to come at least once a week to worship.

Matsuhisa

129 N La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone: (310) 659-9639

This is no joke. Just go here once in your life. Order the omakase, whichever price level, all three are good-- and let them surprise you with dish after dish of taste sensations. The menu is of course Chef Nobu's signature fusion style, but it's just so amazing that you won't care what kind of cuisine you're eating.

Asia De Cuba
8440 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, California 90069
323 848 6000

Another fusion restaurant, but this place has a different take on it from Matsuhisa. Asia de Cuba is all about the atmosphere, the décor, the celebrities sitting next to you, the stunning view...you get the drift. But that's not to say the food isn't excellent. Lobster mashed potatoes? Enough said.