If you want a idea how small and crowed most restaurants in Japan are try this place. Note: it is not Japanese food. It's basically a mix. A few Chinese dishes, a few Vietnamese dishes, etc. It's pretty good but it's always crowded. Expect a wait.
It's on 3rd just east of La Cienega across from Old Navy.
This is a small chain and originally from LA. There are about 7 of them so far. They are Armenian and they make some super delicious chicken (and other stuff). My favorite item there is the Chicken Shawarma (sp?). If you've ever been to a Greek fast food place and seen the big cone of lamb or beef rotating on a machine and cooking slowly from which they cut off the edges to make gyro sandwiches out of, well Chicken Shawarma is made on the same kind of machine. Stacks and stacks of chicken are piled on the machine along with some stuff at the top that melts and drips all over it as it cooks.
Yaohan is a Japanese super market. They have stores all over the world.
Most of the Yaohan's have other stores inside in addition to the main
super market. For example the one in Costa Mesa has 4 fast food
counters, a bakery, an small appliance shop, a travel agency, a gift shop, a
Shiseido counter, a Auto accessories store, a toy store, a Japanese dinnerware
store, a book store, a hair salon and a few other things. It's a great
place to visit. The food's not great but it's usually passable.
This place is interesting in part because it's so hidden. If somebody didn't tell you it was there you'd probably think it was a closet. The sushi's not bad. The dinner sets of Japanese food are large but not great. I really like the Poki bowl which is kind of like eating a bowl of California role with some sashimi added to it.
Directions: Take the 55 to McFadden east and then turn left on to Newport Blvd. Go Past the 5 to Bryan. Just past Bryan turn right into the parking lot of Tony's Landing. Tommy Sushi is behind Tony's Landing, behind the Thai BBQ (which is also pretty good) Don't mistake it for the Teppan restaurant next door.
Tommy's is somewhat famous in Los Angeles. They've become a small chain and there are a couple in O.C. They make chili burgers and they are some of the greasiest things you'll ever eat. They are extremely delicious but you can only eat them about once every 2 months because they are so greasy. Tommy's is also open 24 hours. I don't know how we did it but when I was in high school my friends and I could eat 4 double cheeseburgers from Tommy's each. Note, all burgers come with chili by default. If you don't want the chili why are you at Tommy's?
Todai is an all you can eat Japanese buffet. Lunch is something like $10. Not a bad price for all you can eat including sushi. It's not bad for an all you can eat place.
Directions: There is more than one of these too. The one I've been to is here. Take Beach Blvd south from the 405 about 6 lights. Todai is on the right just past Warner. I'm not sure there is a sign but there is a Fitness Center and Edward's Charter Center Theaters. Also Todai is right next to the tallest building within miles.
Me and Evan and Sakura tried this place out. It's on the northern Washington (there are two Washingtons right there) and Sepulevda. There is always a line. I'm not sure why. We tried it out and for me it seems like bad drive in movie Mexican food. It was cheap but I personally got a stomach ache after I ate there. I guess I don't understand the line. If you want Mexican go to Alberto's or Baja Bud's.
The Hump is some of the best Sushi / Sashimi on LA and it's in a cool location to boot. It's actually at the Santa Monica Airport. Sounds strange but it's definitely cool. I've only been here once but it was most certainly an unforgettable pleasure for my mouth.
Ten Ten is another great place for Dim Sum. It's often very busy and there can be wait any day of the week. Again weekends are the best time to go as there is more variety. I'm not sure what hours Dim Sum is served there but I suspect it's 11am to 2pm