12 Best Hibachi Restaurants In LA
Los Angeles has some of the best restaurants in the world, ensuring that locals and visitors alike have premium access to authentic cuisine from around the globe. Hibachi is a Japanese style of cooking that typically revolves around grilled meats, veggies, and rice. Hibachi restaurants like Benihana are popular for birthdays and other special events thanks to the upbeat atmosphere and live cooking entertainment. Some of the most popular hibachi dishes include fried rice, steak, shrimp, and chicken, but there are plenty of options that cater to every kind of diet.
Both children and adults are drawn to the art of hibachi, and while nothing beats the real deal of having the chefs cook right in front of you, several LA restaurants have made hibachi more accessible and laid back via casual food trucks and eateries. From hidden gems to iconic staples, we've rounded up the 12 best hibachi restaurants in LA.
Hibachi Papi
Looking to cure your craving for hibachi in West LA? Hibachi Papi puts a modern spin on hibachi and is one of the best options for patrons seeking quality take-out. Each bowl is made to order, ensuring that freshness and flavor are top priorities. You can choose between plates and bowls along with a la carte orders of meat or fried rice. Though meats tend to be the star of the show when it comes to hibachi, the menu features plenty of vegetarian options.
The grilled tofu bowl is a steal for only $8.50, as is the sautéed veggie bowl. However, it doesn't get more decadent than the lobster plate. Despite being the most expensive item on the menu, the lobster plate is still under $30, making Hibachi Papi one of the most affordable and accessible hibachi restaurants in the city. For a little surf and turf action, order the shrimp and filet fried rice.
Sakura Japanese Steak & Seafood House
Despite being a bit on the outskirts of town, Sakura Japanese Steak & Seafood House remains one of the most locally-loved places for hibachi in LA, in addition to being one of the best Japanese steakhouses in LA. Sakura Japanese Steak & Seafood House is located in La Cañada Flintridge, and though walk-ins are welcome, it tends to get pretty packed during dinner, and reservations are highly recommended. The teppan section of the menu features all of the hibachi classics, including steak, shrimp, chicken, and fried rice. Those craving some land and sea will appreciate the many combo options, such as filet mignon and scallops or chicken and shrimp.
There's also a kids menu for children under nine that features smaller portions of shrimp, filet mignon, New York steak, and sesame chicken. The calamari steak is a unique seafood entree that is served alongside garlic butter and lemon, and unlike most hibachi restaurants, guests can choose to have chicken liver or sautéed mushrooms rather than the standard shrimp appetizer.
Ohana Hibachi
Ohana Hibachi puts a Hawaiian twist on standard hibachi. Pair your meal with a cold and crisp can of beer for the ultimate meal in East LA. The Kalbi plate is without a doubt the highlight of the menu and features 24-hour marinated kalbi ribs that are cooked with care on a hibachi grill. Though the Kalbi glaze is amazing, Ohana Hibachi serves other decadent sauces such as citrus miso, creamy garlic soy, and black Goma ginger.
Vegetarians will be completely satisfied by the tofu plate that is cooked until it boasts a nice char, while the filet mignon plate is a guaranteed pleaser for meat lovers. In addition to sautéed seasonal veggies, each entree is also served with either white or brown rice, but it is best to upgrade to garlic fried rice. If you prefer seafood, both the shrimp and salmon plates are great options you won't want to miss.
Mexihanas
Looking for a solid meal in Long Beach? Mexihanas Hibachi Grill should be at the top of your list! Enjoy your classic hibachi spread alongside an ice-cold Mexican Coke for the ultimate seaside lunch in Long Beach. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday starting at noon, and the menu is designed to satisfy even the most particular of hibachi lovers. The Delux plate is a simple combo of chicken and steak but is also served with three juicy pieces of shrimp. Each entree comes with fried rice and grilled carrots, zucchini, and onions, but fried rice can always be upgraded to chicken for only $1.50.
Though the combos come with more than enough food, other eye-catching add-ons include everything from a lobster tail to garlic noodles. Mexihanas even offers grilled tuna steaks for $9, allowing you to create the most delicious hibachi-style seafood spread in Long Beach.
Bachi Yaki
Bachi Yaki Japanese Grill has three different locations across the area in Downtown LA, Paramount, and La Puenta. The Bachi bowls are incredibly popular due to their convenient nature and premium flavor. Each bowl is made with veggies and fried rice, but you also have the option to upgrade your fried rice to include shrimp or chicken. If you prefer noodles over rice, the rice can also be swapped for YAYA noodles. That said, if you're extra hungry, go for the Bachi burritos.
These massive burritos are wrapped with a spinach tortilla and are filled with fried rice and veggies along with your choice of protein. From filet mignon to shrimp to lobster, these decadent burritos are unlike any other that you'll find in Los Angeles. Bachi Yaki also caters to patrons following a plant-based diet with offerings like veggie fried rice, veggie YAYA noodles, and even a veggie plate that features Bachi Yaki's signature sauce.
HabachiHana Grill
Caught a craving for a hibachi steak combo in DTLA? HabachiHana Grill is a consistent eatery that serves simple yet tasty plates with all of the traditional hibachi fixings. Each entree comes with steamed rice and vegetables, and the protein options are abundant. In addition to standard meats like filet mignon, chicken, and New York steak, HabachiHana Grill also serves tons of seafood like salmon, scallops, and even lobster. If you're not in the mood for such a huge portion, consider ordering a bowl rather than a plate.
The shrimp fried rice bowl is a favorite among regulars, but you can also kick things up a notch with the spicy shrimp bowl. The yakisoba chicken noodle bowl is a great alternative to a rice base, and you can also order a side of pretty much anything so as to build your ideal meal. That said, keep in mind that a side of filet mignon will cost you nearly $18, while the filet mignon plate is only $24.
323 Hibachi Grill
Though food trucks have a reputation for being a convenient and casual dining option, 323 Hibachi Grill proves that quality can remain a top priority. Everything from the produce and proteins to the spices is carefully evaluated and deemed worthy before being used, and the hearty plates are unforgettable. Those looking to share or have plenty of leftovers will appreciate the combo plates that can include everything from chicken to salmon to lobster. Though the fried rice is amazing, the 323 noodles are worth ordering at least once if you want to switch things up. Plus, remember to order a side of the 323 hibachi-style veggies to match.
While you can't go wrong with any of the dishes, the luxe lobster plate is worth the splurge. The grilled lobster tails are seasoned to perfection, and though the $37 price point is higher than the average menu item, it's still not a bad deal for the amount of lobster that is given.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is a chain restaurant that allows patrons to do their own cooking at their own table. Though Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ isn't a traditional hibachi restaurant, it's too popular not to be included on this list as it has garnered a following of loyal regulars that love their fair share of grilled meats and veggies. Each table features its own grill where diners can cook their favorite meats at their leisure while they mix and mingle with friends. Considering there are more than 800 Gyu-Kaku across the world, it's safe to say that this renowned establishment always manages to impress.
You are able to customize your order with your choice of cuts and proteins, ensuring that everything from start to finish is exactly to your liking. That said, some steaks are better than others. The 21-day aged Angus beef is the best of the best when it comes to having a tender texture and rich flavor, and the Harami miso skirt steak is the most popular cut at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ.
Korean Kitchen Hibachi BBQ
As the name suggests, Korean Kitchen Hibachi BBQ puts a Korean twist on your basic hibachi dinner. Korean Kitchen Hibachi BBQ is located in Little Tokyo in the Japanese Village Plaza. Start off on a lighter foot with the cold seasoned tofu, edamame, and one of the sushi rolls. Similarly to most traditional hibachi joints, each BBQ entree includes soup, salad, seasoned veggies, and rice, but one additional item given at Korean Kitchen Hibachi BBQ is kimchi. From beef to tofu, the teriyaki section of the menu is more closely aligned with the flavors that you'd find in classic hibachi dishes.
That said, some of Korean Kitchen Hibachi BBQ's most popular items include the cuttlefish BBQ and Kalbi beef short rib BBQ. Seafood lovers should also consider ordering freshwater eel or mackerel. The combination BBQ dishes are great for patrons who want the best of both worlds, with shrimp and veggies tempura served alongside their choice of protein.
Benihana
Benihana is perhaps the most popular and well-known hibachi restaurant in the country, let alone California. The Santa Monica location is the ultimate birthday spot for kids and adults of all ages, and the lively atmosphere, charismatic chefs, and comforting cuisine make it a timeless classic. Each hibachi entree comes with Benihana's signature onion soup, a refreshing ginger salad, a hibachi shrimp appetizer, a side of grilled hibachi veggies, house-made sauces, steamed rice, and green tea. That said, be sure to come hungry for this coursed experience.
If you're a seasoned hibachi-goer, you'll also know to upgrade your steamed rice to fried rice. Steak lovers should stick with the filet mignon, but there are also plenty of surf and turf options for those that also want to enjoy some seafood. Sip on a glass of wine or a cocktail while you watch the chef make a volcano out of onions before concluding your meal with strawberry mochi or green tea ice cream.
Ying Hana Teppanyaki
Ying Hana Teppanyaki is a casual and unassuming Japanese restaurant that has become a local go-to spot for takeout. After ordering at the counter, guests are treated to flavorful and comforting grilled meats, hearty noodles, and classic rice dishes. The hibachi salmon is a consistent favorite thanks to the sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce that it is cooked in. The hibachi vegetables include broccoli, zucchini, onions, mushrooms, and carrots, making it a great option for vegetarians. However, the hibachi veggies can also work as a sharable side dish to your meat-heavy entrees.
When it comes to appetizers, miso soup always manages to hit the spot, but the crispy shrimp tempura is a tasty option that comes with five pieces, making it perfect for two people looking to share. The chow mein noodles are simple but delicious and offer a nice change of taste when compared to steamed rice. That said, the best thing about visiting Ying Hana Teppanyaki is the unbeatable prices which remain unbelievably low.
Magic Hibachi
Magic Hibachi is a convenient food truck that operates out of Downtown Los Angeles. Despite being pretty small, the menu has managed to garner a steady following of loyal customers who enjoy ordering a late-night dinner of grilled steak and shrimp. Switch up your standard surf and turf order with the salmon and chicken entree that is served with classic fried rice and tasty grilled veggies. However, nothing beats the New York steak, chicken, and shrimp combo. This hearty portion can easily be shared between two people, and for only $20, it's a pretty fair bargain.
Not in the mood for rice? Opt for one of the noodle bowls instead, which can be made with either shrimp, chicken, or steak. Those hoping to heat things up can also go for a spicy shrimp bowl, while the teriyaki chicken bowl is a sweet take that is served with crunchy broccoli on top of a bed of white rice.