KAMINARI GYOZA BAR

We loved everything about this place! We arrived around 5pm so were able to choose from the Happy Hour menu. We didn’t have any of the appetizers because we wanted to fill up on the gyoza. You can choose from pork, chicken (has lard), shrimp and vegan. We had the yaki pork, yaki shrimp and age chicken. Make your own dipping sauce - vinegar:shoyu ratio = 3:2 with optional chili oil. Finished everything off our plates. DELICIOUS!!!

Walking into Kaminari Gyoza Bar, I immediately felt wrapped in a warm, industrial-Japanese atmosphere that balances comfort with edge. The focus on gyoza is clear, and it pays off—the dumplings arrive perfectly crisp on the bottom with juicy, flavorful fillings that feel carefully crafted rather than rushed. I loved how the menu keeps things concise, letting the quality of execution speak louder than sheer variety. The drinks pair effortlessly with the food, making it an easy spot to linger and enjoy the rhythm of the space. Service felt relaxed yet attentive, which matched the casual bar-style energy of the room. Overall, it’s the kind of place I’d return to specifically for cravings, not convenience. Kaminari feels intentional, cozy, and quietly confident in what it does best.

A casual, no fuss, gyoza bento diner. Not super extravagant, but if you need something simple but tasty, it’s a great place to find a balanced bento meal. Their gyoza was fresh and cooked to perfection, and the variety of small side dishes (rice, soup, salad, pickles, spring roll, etc) was great.

4.5/5 ### Kaminari Gyoza Bar: A Dumpling Devotion in Little Tokyo Tucked away in the heart of Little Tokyo at 323 E 1st Street in Los Angeles, Kaminari Gyoza Bar is a love letter to Utsunomiya-style gyoza, the iconic Japanese dumplings hailing from the gyoza capital of Japan. Opened in 2022 by Shigemitsu "Shige" Fujii, a native of Utsunomiya who swapped his fried chicken spot for this focused haven, the restaurant channels the purity of hometown specialists—minimal menu, maximum flavor. With bright yellow noren curtains framing the entrance and a sleek, fast-casual interior featuring communal tables and booths, it's the perfect pit stop for a quick, satisfying bite amid the bustle of downtown LA. Open daily from 11 AM, it buzzes with locals and tourists alike, especially during lunch rush

We visited Kaminari Gyoza Bar in Little Tokyo after attending a ceremony at the nearby Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. We found it simply by searching for a place with great reviews, and it turned out to be a wonderful surprise. We arrived around noon and were definitely hungry, since none of us had eaten breakfast. The gyoza immediately hit the spot. They offer them three ways… steamed… pan fried… or deep fried… and every version was well made and full of flavor. We ordered the complete meal option, which was the best value and gave us a chance to try more items. The dipping sauces were also a highlight. The chimichurri chili was excellent. The garlic aioli was just average in comparison. The restaurant is small but very clean, organized, and efficient. Service was friendly and fas