Ramen is just one of the many foods to be found a short walk from the Little Tokyo/Arts District Station. Photo: Fred Camino
The eight new stations on Metro’s growing rail system will lead Angelenos to some fantastic options for munching. The internet is buzzing about the possibilities and even the Mayor has chimed in with his two cents about where to eat.
Metro has put out a map of restaurants (PDF) along the line, but the inclusion of places like McDonalds, Subway, and Pizza Hut left me wanting to explore the dining options a little deeper. I love a Quarter Pounder as much as the next guy, but I decided it would be best to look to the local reviewers on Yelp! to find out if Metro missed any gems along the Gold Line that don’t involve golden arches.
My general methodology goes like this: restaurants must be located within half a mile (about a 10-minute walk) from the stations, they must receive at least four stars from Yelp reviewers and there has to be a minimum of 10 Yelp reviews in order to make the cut. If some restaurants listed don’t match this criteria, I’ll make note of it.
First up, the Little Tokyo/Arts District Station.
Little Tokyo/Arts District Station
The first stop headed east from Union Station is packed with places to eat. Metro’s map listed three places, my Yelp search returned 193 restaurants! Wow. Let’s see what stands out.
View Foodie Guide to Gold Line Eastside Extension – Little Tokyo/Arts District in a larger map
Kagaya (0.1 miles away)
4.5 stars based on 130 reviews
Pricey Japanese shabu shabu.
Restaurant Komasa (0.1 miles away)
4.5 stars based on 221 reviews
Mid-range sushi bar.
Sushi-Gen (0.1 miles away)
4.5 stars based on 536 reviews.
Super popular sushi bar.
Hama Sushi (0.1 miles away)
4.5 stars based on 277 reviews.
Another well received sushi bar.
Mikawaya (0.1 miles away)
4 stars based on 153 reviews.
Delicious Japanese desserts. I’ve been here, the mochi is awesome.
Korean Kitchen Hibachi Barbeque (0.1 miles away)
4.5 stars based on 24 reviews.
Korean BBQ in Little Tokyo.
Shabu Shabu House Restaurant (0.1 miles away)
4 stars based on 299 reviews.
More affordable shabu shabu.
Daikokuya (0.1 miles away)
4 stars based on 1096 reviews.
The most popular ramen restaurant in Little Tokyo.
Furaibo (0.1 miles away)
4 stars based on 19 reviews.
Japanese izakaya (drinking establishment with food on the side, sort of the Japanese version of the gastropub) with an extensive menu. People seem to rave about the chicken wings.
Mitsuru Cafe (0.1 miles away)
4 stars based on 111 reviews.
Bakery serving unique Japanese desserts and baked goods.
Toshi Sushi (0.1 miles away)
4 stars based on 24 reviews.
The name says it all: sushi!
Restaurant Aoi (0.1 miles away)
4 stars based on 23 reviews.
Quaint restaurant serving Japanese staples.
Aloha Cafe (0.1 miles away)
4 stars based on 43 reviews.
Authentic Hawaiian food.
Suehiro Cafe (0.1 miles away)
4 stars based on 180 reviews.
Japanese food, open until 3 a.m. on weekends. Party, eat at Suehiro, catch the first train back to East L.A. around 3:40 a.m.
Oomasa (0.1 miles away)
4 stars based on 205 reviews.
Traditional Japanese fare.
Izayoi (0.1 miles away)
4 stars based on 70 reviews.
Izakaya with sushi.
Takumi (0.2 miles away)
4 stars based on 28 reviews.
Another sushi favorite in Little Tokyo.
TOT / Teishokuya of Tokyo (0.2 miles away)
4 stars based on 150 reviews.
Japanese restaurant specializing in rice bowls.
Shojin (0.3 miles away)
4 stars based on 135 reviews.
Japanese style vegetarian cuisine.
Kushi Shabu (0.3 miles away)
4 stars based on 108 reviews.
Another shabu shabu option.
Wurstküche (0.3 miles away)
4 stars based on 671 reviews.
Sausages, fries and beers in an über hip setting. One of my favorites.
Mako Sushi Inc. (0.3 miles away)
4.5 stars based on 16 reviews.
Yet another sushi joint.
Sushi Go 55 (0.3 miles away)
4 stars based on 198 reviews.
More sushi. I wonder if the Gold Line is the most sushi accessible light rail in the country?
R23 (0.3 miles away)
4 stars based on 202 reviews.
More sushi, but this time in the Arts District instead of Little Tokyo.
A Thousand Cranes (0.3 miles away)
4 stars based on 56 reviews.
Japanese restaurant located in the Kyoto Grand Hotel featuring a tempura bar.
Honda Ya Izakaya (0.3 miles away)
4 stars based on 195 reviews.
Another izakaya, open till 1:00 a.m.
Blue Dahlia Cafe (0.3 miles away)
4 stars based on 174 reviews.
Burgers and wine in the Arts District.
Curry House (0.3 miles away)
4 stars based on 221 reviews.
Delicious Japanese curry dishes. One of my favorite spots in Little Tokyo!
Rikyu Restaurant (0.3 miles away)
4 stars based on 18 reviews.
Little Tokyo noodle house.
LA Chicken (0.3 miles away)
4 stars based on 24 reviews.
Insanely tasty chicken at an affordable price. I’m addicted to this stuff.
Hana Ichimonme Restaurant (0.4 miles away)
4 stars based on 54 reviews.
Ramen house hidden in the Little Tokyo Shopping Center.
Phew. So that’s it for the Little Tokyo/Art District Station (Click here for the full list of restaurants from Yelp.)
Thirty-one four-star restaurants and we’re only on the first stop of the train line.
In the next posting I’ll be looking at the restaurants across the river near the Pico/Aliso Station.
Other stops:
Categories: Metro Lifestyle