Daichan   

This is our favorite Japanese restaurant in L.A. They call it "Japanese Soul Food," just like you'd be served in someone's home in Japan. You'll find specialties here that are available nowhere else in the city, and the owners (a married couple) are very friendly. Gary is the chef, and he is also a nutritionalist, so most dishes are healthy. Go with a group of 4 and order lots of little things to share: stuffed lotus root, fried seaweed tofu, albacore or spicy tuna poki, shishitou tempura, udon, fresh fish (great selection -- try one in miso sauce), hot ginger drink, etc. Be sure to order things you've never heard of -- it's all delicious!!!