The quality of the fish has always been fresh, and the chicken katsu is also fantastic. Service is a bit slow, they don't take reservations and you usually have to wait for a while to get in, and once you get in it's very crowded inside. I recommend coming here right when they open. read more

I was waiting outside this restaurant for my father, as we were going to eat at the restaurant next-door. Just as I was thinking to myself, maybe I'll try this place next time, a woman who I think may have been the owner, walked up to me, and asked if I was waiting to go into the restaurant, to which I replied, no. She then told me that I wasn't allowed to wait by the bench that was reserved for people dining at her restaurant. Now, if there were actually people waiting outside, I wouldn't have been sitting on their bench, however, there was nobody there, so I really didn't think it was an issue for me to sit on their bench, which was empty. I really value kindness, and I feel that she was acting very entitled and that her rude attitude was very unnecessary. Due to this, I will not be going back to try this restaurant as I previously thought I would. read more

I never post negative reviews but have to remark what a disappointing experience we had tonight. I simply don't understand all of the positive reviews. The restaurant is a cluttered environment with terrible food. read more

The food and service are always amazing! The owner and her sons (who are staff) are so kind and helpful with recommendations. While they have gotten busier over the last few years, the food is always worth the wait. If you don't want to wait, I recommend going early for dinner or for lunch instead! read more

So disappointed. I've come here before for dine in and have normally liked what I got. Also a note, the staff is extremely friendly so this review has nothing to do with them. The miso cod dish...WHAT HAPPENED? I paid $18 for 3 TINY pieces of fish that was cooked so poorly and with a glob of something on top, which was completely inedible. There was more tofu in it than fish. I've never been so disappointed before with an order. We ended up throwing the entire dish away. The sukiyaki was so salty and unappetizing. The hijiki rice was okay and the udon was good. But the miso cod was a disgrace and the whole meal was ruined because of it. read more

Loved the homey mom & pop vibes. The chicken udon came out super hot (which I appreciate!) and tasted so homey... like I was eating in my mom's kitchen. The eggplant was soft & flavorful. Chirashi was fresh & the sushi rice had the perfect texture + slight vinegar taste. A yummy & affordable Japanese meal if you're in the area! read more

Such a cozy spot with a great vibe! Feels like home with their super comforting and delicious food.

Such a cute spot with cute decor. Perfect weeknight or lazy weekend dinner spot. It gets crowded fast and you have to put your name down on the waitlist but things move pretty fast. Waited around 30 mins with 4 tables ahead of us at 7pm. Meals are served pretty fast to, expect to wait about 10-15 mins. Food is great for the price point and if you're looking for Japanese comfort food. The Japanese women are so nice and cute. We ordered natto and both women warned us that if we were hesitant to not order it which I appreciated their honesty. We got a fish plate, sukiyaki with double beef, miso eggplant, lotus root, and natto for $78 with tips. I'll prob order takeout here next time as the type of food they make is conducive to takeout. read more

See all

I had a wonderful experience The sushi was fresh and beautifully presented . The restaurant had a cozy ambiance, and our server was very attentive. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a memorable sushi night out! read more

My favorite comfort Japanese food in the whole valley. The menu is so diverse there's something for everybody and if you're looking to try something new, it's here as well. There's always a wait so I would suggest coming a little before they open or waiting the line. The workers here are all so nice and sweet and the ambiance of the restaurant is cozy with interesting Japanese decorations hanging. It's a small and casual restaurant and definitely a hidden gem in a city full of other Japanese restaurants. read more

See all

has been a neighborhood staple for at least 20 years... tasty, reliable and decently priced. and of course i get a giggle out of the decor.

The best Japanese restaurants in ALL of Los Angeles (I have literally looked for other places. None compares). Three reasons why: 1) the food! It's not just your sushi joint, but it's a full on Japanese food menu. All of it is good. Go explore! Their known for their poke but all of it is super good 2) the ambiance. It feel like, and it is, a mom and pop Japanese place. The decor gives it a full stamp of authenticity 3) The service! It looks like they're all family and they're so kind and responsive. Just talk to them, they're very nice. I wish Daichan would branch out. I wish you guys 1000 years of success. You deserve it! read more

This is one of my favorite places to eat. The food is always excellent! I particularly love the poke bowl and the house udon soup. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is inviting. Some guy from Ohio said it was the best food he's ever had, "we don't get food like that over there." I highly recommend! read more

Definitely don't know why I've waited so long to eat here. I used to live Panorama City so Daichan was abt a 15 min drive but now I'm in Valencia so it's a bit of a trek to get here. We ordered the eel bowl and daimyo chirashi bowl and a side of tempura okra. Everything was delicious, I don't know why I waited so long to get food from here. read more

Daichan - Daimyo chirashi - Japanese Near Me - Studio City, California

See all

Very good food and lovely service. Solid 4.5 out of 5 (they deserved the round up). Excited to go back!

We used to frequent Daichan when we lived in the area, over fifteen years ago. Recently, we started coming back and were so pleased that not much has changed; maybe just some updates to the menu. We love the steamed catfish on the bed of cabbage, and the hajiki (spelling?) seaweed rice. Service is so gracious and swift. Their food and service has a touch of home. We really love it here and appreciate the beautiful family who always presents us with healthy, comforting food. read more

Loved the atmosphere and service, and the food of course! Will be back there as soon as I can!

Daichan satisfies our cravings for fresh Japanese food after coming back from a recent vacation to Japan. Parking is a bit difficult, but the staff is friendly and quick to bring out what you ordered. Crispy rice with spicy tuna and spicy Serrano fried chicken are my favorite appetizers, and the chicken Katsu curry has just the right amount of savory crunch. Large menu with poke, rice bowl, and udon options so everyone in your party has options. read more

Daichan absolutely did not disappoint! I've been recommended this place by a few trusted sources and I'm so glad that I finally tried it. The yellowtail poke bowl was incredible -- definitely recommend the Hijiki Seaweed Rice as the base. The Green Salad was awesome, and so were the gyoza . I will be back again and again... and again! read more

See all

Food! Service! Love it very much!!! I've been coming here for a few years. I see myself going for many more years!

Daichan is our favorite Japanese restaurant, with its unique menu and amazing tastes, not just your teriyaki, nor your ubiquitous ramen shop. Their little sign, "Japanese Home Cooking", says it all! For over forty years, we've loved everything about Daichan - the attentive service, the unique and delicious appetizers, consistently great dishes and aromas, seeing little Daisuke all grown up helping his hardworking parents on some nights, all this has kept us coming back, bringing all our visiting family members and friends to experience Daichan for nearly 50 years. I've also been amazed with the variety of artwork on all of the walls and hanging from the ceiling. I miss the special large beautiful Sashiko piece that once hung like a divider. BTW, try the Renkon (lotus root) appetizer and the Hamachi (yellowtail) plate! read more

This quaint spot has excellent food and service and a menu I'm eager to sample thouroughly

love love love the chicken curry katsu! best katsu ever, lightly fried and not too heavy. the curry is really delicious and it's just a great meal. i also love their green tea ice cream; not to sweet and tastes just like green tea!! read more

Daichan has always been a great Plan B if Sugarfish is too busy. After several visits the staff remembers you and what you like to order. I am not a memorable person whatsoever but they sure remember you and your family. The menu has some good favorites like the curry Katsu. Pork or chicken are my favorites. The rice is cooked perfectly of course and the curry is made from scratch. Agedashi tofu and tuna rolls are great starters. They always seem to find a nice cool and sweet slice of watermelon to accompany your dish as well. Remember to write your name on the waiting list so that order is maintained in that effico Japanese style. read more

See all

Small cozy spot with entertaining decor. I had the Chicken Katsu Curry Plate. Good flavor, but there wasn't much else to it. It looks like a lot of food, however the plate is probably 3/4 rice and curry sauce. The amount of actual chicken meat in the cutlet was disappointing and it's almost all panko, which was crisped up nicely. My partner had the Vegetarian Poki Bowl and again there wasn't much to it. We had to ask for more tofu on the side to mix in. Menu prices are fair. Although the restaurant wanted to charge us another $3 to replace a miso soup after my partner accidentally spilled her entire bowl. I can't imagine there's a huge profit margin on simple miso soup and it would've meant a lot to my partner to show that they care and to console her embarrassment. Given it was the end of the day I would also think that they'd want to deplete any soup reserves, but anyways it wasn't meant to be. We arrived at the restaurant 30 minutes before closing, so perhaps being part of the last few tables of the day didn't set us up for the best experience. I'd perhaps give this spot another shot in the future as it seems to have a strong following. read more

Daichan - Chicken Katsu Curry Plate (not a hearty portion of chicken) - Japanese Near Me - Studio City, California

First time, after many years of attempting to eat here. It's a small place with a wait usually always. Garlic Baby Squid very good and the tuna poki was excellent as well. It wasn't what I was expecting - "Japanese Soul Food" but very cool! read more

Authentic Japanese, great menu and service. Be prepared to wait in line unless you have a reservation. Miso eggplant, purple potato tempura, sushi bowls, tofu in seaweed... everything was amazing! read more

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Los Angeles. Every dish I've had is a banger, and the staff is really friendly. My go-to is the Chicken Katsu Curry, with the Stuffed Pumpkin appetizer. It's a really special place. read more

Always delicious and fresh, but I wish I spoke Japanese so I could talk to Uka You can't beat the house Udon and sashimi selections. read more

One of my favorite spots for Japanese food! I come here whenever I can. This is a neighborhood gem. read more

See all

One of my favorite sushi restaurant dishes (or really, favorite dishes just in general) is chirashi, and scrolling through Daichan's photographs reveals a stunning menagerie of this special treasure. Daichan was close to my Airbnb in LA, and their obvious skill with the aforementioned treat made it an easy choice for dinner. We called ahead of time for a take out order, and they had it prepared in about 30 minutes. At 6pm there was no parking available in the tiny shopping center that houses Daichan, so it was a good thing we had not planned to dine in (you might be able to find parking on the street, but we had no luck, and in the end my husband just dropped me off). Daichan has such character, and as other reviewers have stated, it really is a mom and pop shop, in fact, it has a more homey feel than most other family run restaurants. I loved the whole vibe here! Now, just like the parking lot, the interior was packed as well, so either dine earlier or later, or expect a wait. I walked right up to the cash register, and though they were clearly busy, the two employees I interacted with were friendly. They quickly ran my card, handed me my order, and off I went! Back at the house, I hungrily consumed my daimyo chirashi and it was good! I especially appreciated the included lettuce, a less common accompaniment, as well as the generous portion of ginger. All the fish was sweet and fresh! We shared an order of edamame, and it was fine, but just basic and salted. My husband had he chicken kaarage dinner, and I was impressed by the variety that was included here: chicken, lots of rice, shredded cabbage, a watermelon slice, carrots, and a sort of pasta salad. Phew! It's certainly an interesting mix, and while he was not effusive in praise, said it was fine. Prices are pretty average at about $15-$20 per entrée. Menu offerings consist of standard sushi and Japanese dishes, along with some less common (and I think more home-style cooking) options. I wish I would have looked over their dessert menu that includes ice cream, mocha, steamed cheesecake, and dorayaki (a cake with red bean and chestnuts that sounds so lovely!). Their sake and Japanese beer selection appeared decent. In the end, I enjoyed my meal, but did not love it. I think dining in is a large part of Daichan's charm, and presentation is a big part of the appeal of chirashi, so my experience was not quite what it could have been. But if ever in the neighborhood again, I would not hesitate to have a meal here. read more

See all

Daichan is my #1 spot for Japanese comfort food and is easily one of my favorite restaurants in the city. Even when it's so busy that the wait for a table is an hour or more long, the food is 100000% worth the wait! It's a bit of a hike for me to get there, but I always make the trek every few months for my "quarterly emotional support katsudon". The staff are very sweet and efficient, and the restaurant is incredibly cozy. I've never been disappointed with a single item I've ordered from Daichan; my favorites include the pork katsudon, the katsu curry plate, the curry udon, stuffed lotus root, and eggplant. Writing this review makes me want to go back ASAP, and I think I will!!! read more

Very quaint place w pretty interesting Japanese decor. Have no complaints about food or service. The waitresses were very nice and it was clean. Tried their Hawaiian garlic chicken, deep fried. It was delicious! Cold house sake was great with it as well. Parking is a hassle. It's $5 valet or street parking. read more

Daichan - Hawaiian garlic chicken - Japanese Near Me - Studio City, California

The idea of a simple, straight forward Japanese food without the attitude is always appealing. Especially in Los Angeles. Dishes are down to earth and homey. Had sashimi, beef teriyaki, eel, soup, and soba - all very good with much pleasant environment and attentive service. Highly recommended. Make reservations or come early as the open. Enjoy. read more

One of the best Japanese food that I have ever had. Parking is awful. They don't take reservations and they close super early. But still, you want to go for the wonderful food. Authentic ambience. Not too comfortable read more

Let me start by saying that there was a week in which I ate here 4 separate times. This is a local gem to us in Studio City. The food? Exceptional. The service? Amazing. The ambiance? Cozy. If you like Japanese, Daichan is a must. read more

See all

Great food and nice workers. The only problem is they don't answer the phone and it's walk in only. I did love the ambiance and chicken katsu curry read more

TLDR; Extremely homey mom & pop sushi place, eccentric interior, authentic and delicious Japanese food, and very generous portions. Come early for dinner, especially on the weekends, as lines can get up to an hour long. My friends and I came on a Saturday evening at 5:30 and were seated right away. It did get busy around 7 though. The interior of this place is incredibly quirky. From little Japanese figurines, to masks to trinkets, the restaurant felt like an intimate hole in the wall. We ordered: Stuffed Pumpkin Appetizer (5/5): This is literally just tempura kabocha. It came out piping fresh n hot. The fluffy tempura combined with the soft kabocha inside was a recipe for sheer elation. A simple, yet delicious appetizer. This definitely sparked joy!!! Black Cod (Butterfish) Nitsuke (5/5): I highly recommend ordering your seafood nitsuke style. The sweet soy sauce that the fish is served in is an incredible compliment to the savory meat. The butterfish lived up to its name - each bite was silky and fatty and full of flavor. These entrees also come with a GIANT bowl of rice, noodles with Japanese mayo, a slice of watermelon, and some carrots. The food here isn't fancy. It's comfort, it's homestyle, and it's absolutely delicious. The family that runs this place is super sweet and friendly. I will definitely be back. Valet is $5 in the plaza. read more

See all

If you want authentic Japanese food, this is the place. I was very impressed by the quality and the attention to detail. We started with the spinach and sesame seed appetizer. Then we had the mixed tempura, which was cooked perfectly. We really liked the nori wrapped tofu appetizer. For the main course, we both went for the Daimyo Chirashi. I would have preferred it served in a bowl rather than a plate, but it was really delicious. I'm picky about sushi rice and this place has it perfect. I think I will start frequenting this restaurant. read more

Daichan - Japanese Near Me - Studio City, California

Hawaiian Garlic Chicken is one of my favorites. Stuffed Lotus root was very tasty. Try their Organic Brown Rice Tea.