A Chef’s Guide to Little Tokyo in Los Angeles

Niki Nakayama and her then-partner (now wife) Carole Iida-Nakayama have been delighting diners at their acclaimed restaurant, n/naka, in the Palms for over 12 years. They brought the Japanese tradition of kaiseki dining—multicourse meals highlighting the freshness of seasonal ingredients—to Los Angeles and beyond. At n/naka, patrons can indulge in a lavish 13-course menu featuring dishes like sushi, nigiri, seared wagyu, and seasonal spaghetti with abalone. With a stellar review from Jonathon Gold in 2012, a Netflix feature, and two Michelin stars, it’s clear their culinary message has resonated.

Both Niki and Carole hail from Los Angeles’s San Gabriel Valley, located just east of the main city. They frequently visited Little Tokyo, the vibrant heart of the city’s Japanese American community in downtown L.A. Established in 1885, Little Tokyo is one of only three Japantowns in the U.S., alongside San Francisco and San Jose. The area is brimming with restaurants serving traditional Japanese cuisine, specialty bakeries, shops focusing on Japanese American culture, and dessert cafes. With so many options, spending an afternoon in this bustling neighborhood can feel almost overwhelming.

This is Niki and Carole's personal guide to one of their beloved neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Little Tokyo, as shared with Dinogo.

Kouraku Japanese Ramen

Address: 314 E. Second St.
Recommended dish: Niku dango teishoku

Established in 1976, Kouraku holds the title of the first and longest-running ramen restaurant in the United States. Here, guests can experience traditional Japanese dining with a menu inspired by dishes that gained popularity in Japan after World War II. Expect to find favorites like takoyaki, yakisoba, and Chinese-inspired options such as mapo tofu, along with a variety of ramen. The restaurant operates until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and until 10 p.m. on other nights, making it a favored late-night spot. Niki’s top pick at Kouraku is the niku dango teishoku, or pork meatballs braised in sweet soy sauce, which she fondly associates with her childhood.

Café Dulce

Address: 134 Japanese Village Plaza Mall
Recommended treat: The dinosaur egg

Despite its Italian name, Café Dulce is an Asian-style bakery offering delightful treats like fruit-topped egg tarts, strawberry cream doughnuts, Vietnamese coffee, and Hong Kong-style milk tea. Founded by James Choi and his mother in 2012, it is recognized as one of the first gourmet coffee shops in the Little Tokyo area. Carole particularly loves the cream-filled matcha doughnuts and the ‘dinosaur eggs,’ chewy green buns made with tapioca flour and colored with spirulina, which are a must-try.

Nijiya Market

Address: 124 Japanese Village Plaza Mall
Recommended purchase: An organic selection of Japanese produce

Los Angeles is home to three major Japanese grocery chains: Mitsuwa, Tokyo Central, and Nijiya. While everyone has their favorites, Niki prefers the Little Tokyo location of Nijiya for its convenient location and extensive range of organic produce, which is mostly sourced from their farm near San Diego. Shoppers can find rare Japanese vegetables, including matsutake mushrooms and takenoko (young bamboo shoots). A trip to Nijiya wouldn't be complete without exploring its deli, offering comforting dishes like pork tonkatsu, curry, hamburger steak, as well as fresh sashimi and sushi.

Kinokuniya

Address: 123 Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka St., #205
Must-have: A magazine focusing on contemporary Japanese design

Kinokuniya is Japan's largest bookstore chain, boasting 16 locations across the United States, including one in Little Tokyo. Here, you can discover a vast selection of books in both English and Japanese, including literature, manga, graphic novels, art books, and children's titles. Carole particularly loves their collection of Japanese cookbooks and magazines.

Popkiller

Address: 343 E. Second St.
Recommended purchase: A unique T-shirt

Owner Ricky Takizawa hails from Japan and relocated to Los Angeles at the age of 22 in 1996. He quickly developed a passion for vintage fashion and began designing T-shirts with friends. While Popkiller has had four different locations over the years, the Little Tokyo shop is the only one still standing. The merchandise at Popkiller draws inspiration from both Japanese and American styles, featuring T-shirts with quirky designs (like those that read “Jesus shaves”) alongside a collection of vintage items. It’s a must-visit spot for Carole whenever she’s in Little Tokyo.

Utsuwa no Yakata

Address: 333 Alameda St., #101
Recommended purchase: A Japanese-style mug

For all your needs in Japanese dishware, kitchenware, and ceramics, Utsuwa no Yakata is the place to go. While they offer a substantial range of products on their online store, Niki prefers browsing their in-store selection. You'll find a delightful assortment of sake ware, tea ware, bowls, cups, and mugs, along with quirky items like parakeet- and penguin-shaped chopstick rests.