Daichan

Step inside Daichan on Ventura Boulevard and you’re instantly transported to a different world. Every surface of this family-run Studio City spot is adorned with an eclectic collection of Japanese curiosities—Buddha figurines, woodblock prints, and colorful fish lanterns that dance whenever the door swings open. It’s the kind of place that feels like someone’s well-loved home, complete with the warmth and character that only decades of history can provide.

The menu here is all about soul-satisfying Japanese comfort food done right. Their poke bowls are legendary in the neighborhood, having been served long before raw fish in bowls became a Los Angeles staple. The portions are generous, with pristine slices of sashimi nestled atop properly seasoned sushi rice—no trendy toppings or fancy drizzles to distract from the quality of the fish itself. The toro bowl rivals what you’d find at high-end omakase spots, while the scallop version gets a delightful kick from red pickled ginger.

Beyond the poke, don’t sleep on the udon bowls or the karaage. The curry udon is the kind of dish that fixes whatever ails you—thick, chewy noodles swimming in a richly spiced broth with tender pieces of chicken. And the karaage benefits from an impossibly light tempura batter that shatters with each bite, paired with a mirin-spiked dipping sauce that begs for generous dunking.

Fair warning: Daichan is one of the most beloved lunch spots in the area, so be prepared to wait. Even on weekdays, lines can stretch to 30 minutes or more. But there’s a reason the neighborhood keeps coming back—this is the kind of unpretentious, genuinely delicious cooking that turns first-timers into regulars.