Shojin Downtown

I’ve heard all kinds of good things about this restaurant from fellow vegans & finally got to try it myself. I ordered the 5-​course chef’s special and everything was just perfect & so delicious! definitely a place to go back again soon.

So yummy and good variety on the menu!
Gracious service & all around happy vegan experience!

Um… delicious! But expensive =T
–Stuffed Squash Blossom: I love squash blossoms! And different than the usual fried blossoms, this was pan fried =d
–Dynamite Roll 2.1: This was the fave roll of the night, even though it was a bit on the spicy side. I loved it! Especially with the beet sauce =d
–Spicy Baked Scallop Roll: Okay, the real reason I ordered this was because I wanted to see them torch it at the table. But after all the spicy items, I really should’ve gotten the regular baked scallops. Mouth was ON. FIRE x_​X
–Yellow Magic Orchestra: I didn’t really care for the texture of the tempeh but all the flavors together made for a great roll. I will say though, if we hadn’t gotten this roll before the others, and starving, there would’ve been leftovers.
–Ramen Revolution: Eh, it was okay. Probably should’ve gotten ramen of the century for something a bit different than what I’ve tried elsewhere.
And it’s definitely all about the sauces here.

Shojin is a great place to visit if you’re a vegetarian wanting to try sushi rolls. Not just the basic avocado and cucumber rolls, but the over-​the-​top specialty rolls.
Overall, eating at Shojin was a good experience. The only complaint we had is that they need to have a designated host/​hostess. The restaurant is pretty small and has 2 rooms. The outer room has a couple of large tables to accommodate bigger groups whereas the inner room has tables for 2 – 4 people. Unfortunately, people wander into the outer room since there is no host/​hostess outside to check them in. This ruins the atmosphere of the restaurant since it’s awkward to be eating your meal with people standing 2 feet away from your table.
On to the food! We ordered the stuffed squash blossom (ok), yellow magic orchestra (amazing), spicy baked scallop roll (they actually come to your table to torch this), dynamite (good), crunchy tiger hidden dragon (good), and pirates of the crunchy (good). Don’t waste your money on the homemade ginger, it’s not as good as the generic pink pickled ginger you get at other sushi restaurants.
Definitely make a reservation! We came on a Wednesday night and there was a line at the door when we left at 7pm!

Place was a little hard to find as it’s in a small shopping mall on the third floor, and didn’t expect it to be such a nice looking place so we felt a little underdressed (they treated us nicely all the same).
Had Edamame Croquettes, Crunchy Tiger Hidden Dragon roll and Genmaicha tea. As a non-​vegan eating vegan food, I was pretty impressed.

Amazing and delicious food in a intimate setting. Every bite is satisfying and complex. They are so creative with the dishes so don’t be afraid to take risks with your choices !

Went to this place for the very first time. Decided to check it out for some LA Vegan eats.
Don’t let it’s mall location fool you, once you get through the curtains you are transported to a whole different atmosphere. The lighting is dim and each table is lit by small REAL candlelight. You’ll pass by an assortment of cookies by their partnering busines Pomegranate (vegan desserts), I’m assuming they are selling but the small space and dim light made me feel like I needed to get seated quickly.
The hostess will sit you down– pull out your chair, lay a handkerchief on your lap, and show you that there is a basket under your chair for your belongings.
Before they get you started on the menu, they check in for whether you are Vegan/​vegetarian and if you have any allergies. This is just the beginning of their meticulous attention to detail. These waiters/​hostesses become a part of your experience of the restaurant in addition to your food. If you leave, they place your napkin on the chair. If you move a plate differently then the way they laid it out, they will adjust it to their preferred angle.
Food doesn’t come out all at once. But that is okay, because this gives way for sharing and conversations with your company.
Whatever you order, the tastes aren’t bland or lackluster as some other vegan resteraunts may deliver in lieu of meatatarian dishes you may be used to. For example, the Dynamite Roll 2.0 contains spicy tofu that fooled my tastebuds– I really felt like I was eating crab meat.
As someone who has been transitioning to a more plant-​based diet, their sushi does not disappoint.
I would definitely recommend this place for vegans/​vegetarians and everyone else.
ALSO– this place has a very considerate accommodating women’s restroom full of amenities that you may need to have a relaxed meal.

I’m far from being a gluten-​free vegan but I love this place. Everything that I’ve ordered here has been extremely flavorful and creative. The Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice, the baked scallops, edamame, and the crunchy tiger hidden dragon are my favorites. This place is located in the Little Tokyo Mall that includes validated parking so that is a major score for any downtown establishment. There are other things to do when at this mall so be sure to check it out if you haven’t. It will really show you a delicious side of gluten-​free vegan food if you are curious. The ambiance here is also very cute!

My wonderful boyfriend took me here today. and my friend also tagged along with us. The food was fantastic… The lighting, pictures, and songs made everything extra romantic this place deserves the rating great ratings on Unilocal.Wow Japanese vegan sushi… That taste phenomenal wow. Still amazed A+++ love it. However, quite pricy and far for me :(took me 40 mins to come here

Amazing food. Great wine and cocktail and non alcoholic drink menu.
Gluten free (not for me but some friends)
Delicious and healthy
Cutest bathroom award. So pink!
Great service… food comes slow. I think they wait and serve in courses but we were not sharing dishes so it was weird because some people had their food and some didn’t
Strict reservation policy and esp with groups with food minimum and tip included.
There’s a location in Culver City but the menu is smaller.
Will be back… this weekend:)

Does anyone else feel the deep loss and pain of the absence of the original Shojin Ramen?
In life, there are things known and things unknown (and in-​between are The Doors, yes) furthermore, a known, for certain thing my wife and I could always count on was the original recipe of Shojin Ramen. It was our favorite dish for 5 or more years. Every time we drove up to Little Tokyo from Orange County, it was a unspoken, for certain stop, «We must get some Shojin Ramen». Recently, we’ve regretfully discovered, that the original Shojin Ramen is no more.
You hear about crazy people calling the cops when their fast food place runs out of nuggets. Now I can understand how some people can hold a strong emotional tie to a meal. The original Shojin Ramen was special, we’ve had a lot of our first dates there, over a bowl of original Shojin Ramen, we’ve introduced parents and friends there. It’s always been a sanctuary, a place where we could go to get away and have this amazing meal that does not exist anywhere else. My wife has been vegetarian since she was 12, she’s 28 now, and when she finds somewhere where she actually loves to eat, she holds it near and dear. I think any vegetarian or vegan can relate, for there are seldom great restaurants to dine at. Especially in the arena of Ramen.
We have tried the Shojin Ramen 2, and it’s not the same magic. The broth tastes different, the tofu and mushroom is now replaced with filler vegetables it seems. By adding more to something that was already perfect, it is now less. I’m sure to most it would seem like not too much a departure from the original, but it must be, given that it now takes on the name, Shojin Ramen 2. I don’t know if the head chef left and took his recipes with him, or they can’t get the same ingredients used, or just under new management. There seems to be the same employees there, with the exception of a new server from time to time. We’ve had the same server now for years, I believe her name is spelled «Chia» and she’s ALWAYS the best.
I know it sounds dumb and crazy that people could hold this dish in such high regard, but this is love! And with love is heartbreak. We’ve tried rebounding with 1 other vegan ramen house in Costa Mesa, and does not even come close to the Original Shojin Ramen. We find ourselves reminiscing of how amazing and simplistic the original Shojin Ramen was, over a bowl of sub-​par ramen, that we are only eating in attempts to fill the hole that Shojin Ramen has left in our hearts. It really feels like we’ve lost a dear friend, that you could eat.
The service is always perfect, they make you feel really special there and remember us always. Even the restrooms are thoughtful and perfect.
Shojin, if you’re reading this, I know it’s a lot to ask for, but like the great David Ruffin once sang:
«Aint too proud to beg»
PLEASE BRING BACK THE ORIGINAL SHOJIN RAMEN!
We are your biggest, lifelong fans.
Thank you for all the happy memories and blissful flavor.
Kelleigh & Gabriel
R.I.P Original Shojin Ramen Recipe

I have eaten here almost every month since moving to LA in December and the food just gets better and better. I don’t like any rolls with the citrus chia sauce.
I love the Green Tea Layered Cake! I’ve never had anything like it. I dream of it all the time.
Dislikes
— Scollop Roll: other than the torching at the table, it’s mushy and doesn’t have much flavor
— Gyoza: the batter is too think and flavors or creativity not complex enough for the price

My favorite restaurant ever. Amazing vegan Japanese restaurant with sushi, ramen, and more. Everything is vegan. Everything is delicious. And the service is phenomenal. The staff remembers and values their loyal customers. I’d eat here every day if I could!
Recommendations: pirates of the crunchy roll and dynamite roll.

The thing about this place is, they are really meticulous with their food, service, presentation… everything. And if you’re gonna enjoy yourself, be prepared for it (very Japanese in etiquette). It’s also not exactly cheap eats.
The rolls don’t always come out at the same time. Usually one after another. Same deal with the ramen.
They don’t allow anything non– vegan in the restaurant– like, cake you want to eat there (ask them nicely to store and, and then eat it outside).
There’s a basket under your chair for your stuff, so you don’t have to hang it over the chair like a normal barbarian.
The food is amazing. Salty, with bits of sweet, crunchy, and chewy in texture, there’s something for everyone.
— Dynamite Roll– salty and flavorful, soft in texture
— Pirates of the Crunchy– crispy and crunchy, with a delicious sauce (similar sauce as Dynamite Roll. Different texture)
— Crunchy Tiger, Hidden Dragon– crispy bits and pieces on top, but rolled with creamy avocado
— Ramen Evolution– now this was tasty. Exactly what ramen should be, with the perfect miso broth that’s flavorful, but not super salty.
— Ramen of the Century– a lighter broth than Ramen Evolution (white broth) that really tasted of tahini. Very sesame-​ish. Not bad, but you have to really like tahini flavor to love this one.
Green tea and peach tea are refillable. Not sweetened. You can ask for beet syrup on the side. That’ll do it.
At the end of the meal, they give you a cup of warm tea. Rose? Chrysanthemum? I know, they’re totally different, but I don’t remember…)
If it’s your birthday, they’ll bring out something small, like a scoop of ice cream, or a small slice of cake.
Bathrooms are amazing. AMAZING. Outstanding.
Parking is easy– parking structure, and they have validation for… ugh. 2hrs? 3? I should really know…

I found this place on a Unilocal search. All vegan Japanese restaurant with a big menu! Wow! How have I not heard of Shojin?! For dinner, it helps to make reservations. The interior is elegant but not too formal. The service is outstanding!
We had a potstickers appetizer and two kinds of sushi. And hot saki. Lovely meal! Next time I will try a tempura appetizer and some ramen. Can’t wait!

Excellent first vegan experience, which totally fooled me into thinking the sushi had meat/​fish in it. They have a very nice atmosphere, which would be a great place for a romantic date. I actually went with a group of friends instead, so although initially awkward sitting below a picture with a heart, we loved the overall experience.
They recommend 2 dishes per person, which makes this place pretty pricy ($ 30 – 35 per person total). However, after trying their «Best» Rolls and appetizers (labeled on menu), we felt it was justified. The best were the Spicy Baked Scallop Roll (Flavorful and the mushroom tastes just like scallop), Crunchy Tiger Hidden Dragon (BBQ seitan and tempura veggies), and the Stuffed Shiitake Mushrooms appetizer (super flavorful and would rival the best dish on most menus).
Highly recommend for non-​Vegans as I was super impressed and would come back. I feel like that’s a pretty good complement when I LOVE meat, and when this place is as pricy as most steak places.

Shojin is easily one of the best vegan restaurants in Los Angeles, and perhaps the country when it comes to authentic plant-​based Japanese. They are located on the second floor of a mall, but don’t worry-​the interior is tranquil and sophisticated. Servers and hosts are consistently bubbly and helpful.
Stand out menu items for me are the Stuffed Shiitake Mushrooms, spicy ‘tuna’ on rice, and the Sea Vegetable Salad. As for the rolls, my favorites are the Spicy baked Scallop, Pirates of the crunchy (fried tempeh, spicy mayo, avocado), and Yellow Magic Orchestra (pumpkin tempura). These are all items I have tried recently, though I am almost certain I wouldn’t find anything on this menu less than spectacular. Shojin also has an excellent beer and wine selection, as well as an interesting cocktail menu (Matcha Russian!). Highly recommended for vegans and omnivores alike.

Went to Shojin a couple of times but tonight my boyfriend and I went for a special occasion. We ordered off the menu instead of the prefixe which changes by season. We got the seaweed salad, Pirates of the Crunch roll, Spiderwoman roll, and the exception ramen.
The seaweed salad was delicious and they graciously split the salad into 2 portions for our table of 2. I liked the mix of seaweed, greens, and sesame seeds.
Both the rolls we ordered were tasty. I loved the Yuzu sauce on the Spiderwoman roll. The roll itself had enoki mushroom, avocado, asparagus, and pumpkin. I loved the Pirates of the Crunch roll because it came with 2 delicious sauces. The spicy beet sauce was amazing and not too spicy.
The exception ramen was a new twist on the broth. It seemed to be slow cooked vegetables. I liked that they used konyaku (a type of yam) noodle but the broth taste wasn’t my favorite. It definitely tasted like a sweet vegetable soup. Since it was mixed with a heap of vegetables already (carrots, kale, broccoli, cauliflower), I found myself wishing there was more soup and a different dimension of flavor.
The service however is top notch! They are very attentive and the dishes come out right on time after you finish the previous one. The restaurant also had a romantic atmosphere with candles and flowers.
I would say 4.5 stars but let’s round up :)

My grandparents visited, and my grandma is a vegetarian and upon her last visit, my aunt took her here. She loved the food so she wanted to come here again. I was slightly skeptical about the food because it was an entire 10 course dinner that was all vegan/​vegetarian, so I wasn’t sure how it would taste.
Some of the dishes were pretty good like their rendition of dumplings; the dough was nice and chewy. The salad was super fresh, and it included kale, tangerines, and slices of avocado. The dressing was on the sweeter side but it complemented all the ingredients really well and was really fresh. Then, there came a series of sushi rolls, and they all just ended up tasting the same because they were all drizzled in a spicy mayo. It wasn’t bad tasting, but it wasn’t great. The desserts were delicious though! There was a taro ice cream, which wasn’t too sweet and super creamy and you could definitely taste the taro!!!
My grandma said that it wasn’t as good as the last time she came; it was definitely more heavy and focused on the fusion rolls this time. I probably wouldn’t come here again, because even after 10 courses, I was still a little bit hungry, and from what I tasted, there wasn’t a dish that I would crave or want to come back for.

I never knew I would ever experience sushi outside of avocado, carrot, and cucumber rolls. Vegan sushi exists!
The Crunch Tiger, Hidden Dragon roll was really delicious and filling. Filled with BBQ seitan and asparagus, rolled in avocados and topped with crispy potatoes. It’s also drizzled with wasabi mayo and tamari sauce, so no side sauce needed! If I was eating alone, this would’ve stuffed me; the sizes were big and the roll was long. The Dynamite Roll 2.0 was also super delicious, with spicy tofu, avocado, and spicy mayo and mango sauce. (common theme, avocados).
It’s a great place to go with friends, and the service is phenomenal. And above all, visit the bathroom! (esp. if you’re a lady). Trust me. This is a full rest room.

MANDATORY 20% TIP FOR PARTY OF 5 PEOPLE.
Ugh my original review was taken down and I wonder if it’s because I said vegans tastebuds are atrophied. Anywho, this place thoroughly deserves the 1 star review. I was on a health kick and asked bridal party to meet me here for dinner. This place is outrageously overpriced for the rabbit food they serve and it’s NOT GOOD. They don’t do a good job of transforming ingredients, they don’t do a good job of making food taste good and I am really confused by other people saying it’s SOOOO good.
The place is inside the 333 Alameda building and there is a parking structure. It’s difficult to find the entrance because they use incredibly tacky velcro sticks to open and close their entryway. I’m sorry are we 2 and missing the dexterity to open actual doors? It’s literally brown plastic cloth with velcro for doors. When I first came here it was not busy. At all. We were still asked to move tables because one of our members was running late. In an empty restaurant. Logic eludes this place and customer-​centric mindedness and courtesy non-​existent. The service was also so bad, every time we wanted to order something it was impossible to get ahold of the incompetent air headed waitress who never bothered to stop by. I’m unsure what her function is but definitely not serving customers.
The worst offense is the mandatory 20% tip that is attached. You can see in the link below that my party ordered 4 food items and 2 dessert items. (Dessert btw was absolutely disgusting and who charges $ 10 for MANGO PUDDING?)There was only 5 of us and they charged a 20% mandatory tip. FOR WHAT? It makes me think if they were racist towards us or sexist or ageist because I don’t see other people saying they added on that tip. Also, I’ve been to a lot of restaurants and I’ve never seen a 20% mandatory tip for a party of 5. What is NORMAL is 18% tip for 6 or more. Ugh makes me furious but you know what? I’d rather pay to find out about a disgusting, horrible unethical place sooner than later. Consider yourself warned!!!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on the same floor as Shojin and wondered what restaurant it was in the corner. Shojin is among some great companies. They are on the same floor as Manna KBBQ, Tsumaru Udon Honpo, Hondaya Izakaya, and Sushi Go55.
My experience at Shojin is quite unique. They are a completely vegan Japanese restaurant. There are some very unique dishes on the menu and the ambience is quite classy. The servers are all Japanese and the presentation of the dishes are beautiful.
The food is expensive. Everything comes tapas style so you should order 2 – 3 dishes per person. This will definitely run you a pretty penny. I suggest coming with a party of 3 – 4 so you can try more dishes.
The taste, well, is like vegan food. They really try to imitate many Japanese dishes, both traditional and non-​traditional. None of the dishes measured up to their non-​vegan equivalent. I can totally see this being a great option if you’re vegan but I probably wouldn’t come again.

I’m not vegan, but definitely open-​minded. I came here for my cousin, who’s vegan, to celebrate her birthday. We had reservations for four at 6:30pm on a Saturday night. Parking was easy, since the building has a parking structure, which Shojin gives validation for 2 hours of free parking.
The wait staff was excellent. They gave great recommendations and were very attentive. Shojin recommends great 2 dishes for every person, when doing family style. For a party of 4, we just opted to order 7 dishes. We ordered Stuffed Shiitake Mushrooms, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Dynamite Roll 2.0, Crunchy Tiger Hidden Dragon, Pirates of the Crunchy, Yellow Magic Orchestra, and Baked Scallop Roll. My favorites were the Yellow Magic Orchestra and Dynamite Roll 2.0.
The food was all very delicious, despite the no fish. We didn’t end up ordering dessert, but the restaurant still gave fruits with a candle for us to sing Happy Birthday with. They also took a photo of us and printed it to put into a simple card for us. I would definitely recommend this restaurant!