Makomae Japanese Cuisine

868 N Diamond Bar Blvd, Diamond Bar, CA 91765, United States
+1 909-861-6537
$$$ Japanese restaurant
(394 Reviews)

Discover the Essence of Traditional Japanese Dining at Makomae Japanese Cuisine

Nestled in the heart of Diamond Bar, Makomae Japanese Cuisine is a true gem for sushi lovers and culinary adventurers alike. This quaint restaurant offers a delightful journey into authentic Japanese flavors, expertly crafted by skilled chefs who bring their cultural heritage to every plate. If you're seeking a dining experience that transcends the ordinary, look no further!

From the moment you step inside, the inviting atmosphere envelops you, making you feel like you've been transported straight to Japan. The minimalist decor, soft lighting, and the hustle of chefs artfully preparing sushi create an ambiance that is both cozy and exhilarating, hinting at the rich culinary experience that awaits.

One of the standout features of Makomae is its extensive sushi menu that appeals to a wide range of palates. The highlight is undoubtedly the Premium Chirashi Bowl, an exquisite medley of fresh fish including decadent toro, sweet shrimp, and savory uni, masterfully plated for only US$31.95. Each component is fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced, delivering a flavor explosion with every bite. Another must-try is the Uni & Ikura Don, which showcases the buttery richness of uni paired with the briny pop of ikura, all for US$30.95. It's a dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also evokes emotion, as echoed in customer Natalia Pavlova’s review, stating it makes you "squeak with every bite."

For a delightful midday experience, the lunch specials are equally impressive. The Sushi & Sashimi Combination, featuring an array of fresh fish such as tuna, yellowtail, and salmon, provides exceptional value at just US$12.95. Customers have noted the remarkable attention to quality, making this a perfect option for anyone looking to indulge without breaking the bank.

Don’t miss out on the unique rolls that Makomae has to offer, including the zesty Spicy Tuna Roll and the visually stunning Rainbow Roll. Each roll is artfully presented, promising not just a meal but a feast for the eyes as well. If you're feeling adventurous, consider reserving the famed Omakase experience, which allows chefs to showcase their creativity and the best ingredients of the day – a true representation of sushi artistry.

However, be prepared for lines! As many satisfied customers, including Kylie Dan, attest, getting to Makomae early is essential to ensure a seat, especially during peak hours. The restaurant garners rave reviews for its commitment to quality and authenticity, making it a favorite not just for locals but for those in neighboring cities seeking an unparalleled sushi experience. Lawrence Seymour describes it as 'Truly authentic,' mirroring the quality found in Japan.

Whether you're a sushi connoisseur or a newcomer to Japanese cuisine, Makomae Japanese Cuisine is not just a restaurant; it's a cherished culinary destination. From the freshness of the fish to the meticulous skill exhibited in each dish, you'll leave with your taste buds dancing and a craving for more. So, gather your friends or treat yourself to an unforgettable meal at Makomae – where every bite tells a story and every visit is a journey back to the heart of Japan.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

394 Reviews
Natalia Pavlova

20 Sep 2025

What a gem! The Premium chirashi bowl was absolutely delicious! And Uni and Ikura don - so good you want to squeak with every bite. Japanese uni was tender and sweet, perfect! And lunch prices are super reasonable. Note: Makomae opens at 11:30 am, but by that time there's already a line of people waiting.

あん

19 Sep 2025

Love this place. Good quality sushi with reasonable price. They can do really good omakase and they can do good bento. You can enjoy their quality with different price range. Food is always delicious with good portion. Highly recommend their omakase. For lunch, must be there early before they open to get seated in the first round.

Thomas McAndrew

29 Aug 2025

The sashimi and sushi is consistently excellent and the value for the price is even better. I can't wait to return.

Saman S

15 Jul 2025

A hidden gem. Makomae is a Japanese run sushi spot with excellent quality fish and more authentic sushi/food. They have a wide selection of fish, including changing selections from what they get from Japan. They're also known for their Omakase, but you should make a reservation in advance. If you like cooked rolls, unagi sauce and teriyaki, this isn't the spot.

R Hop

08 Jul 2025

Great sushi restaurant with good prices and options to upgrade to some premium sushi

Marc Rillera

02 Jul 2025

Makomae is a hidden gem of a Japanese restaurant in Diamond Bar. We went for (my bday) dinner on a Wednesday - without a reservation - and there was about a 20 minute wait, so not too bad. Here's what we recommend: - Premium chirashi bowl ($34.95): this was amazing value. There was chutoro, uni, amaebi, salmon, tuna, and a whole lot more in this bowl. We even got the fried shrimp head on the side with it. Fish was amazingly fresh and we were very impressed! It's a must try! - Salmon skin salad ($11.95): another dish with amazing value. It was overflowing with salmon skin. Another must try! We also tried the fried geso aka squid legs ($7.95), agedashi tofu ($6.95), and gyutan aka beef tongue ($8.95). These were ok, we'd recommend sticking to the premium chirashi and salmon skin salad. There is also an omakase option available for 10 pieces that comes out to like $60-70pp. Not bad value given how expensive omakases are in LA. There are limited tables at the restaurant so get there early. Or make a reservation ahead of time. Ample parking spaces in the lot. Would highly recommend and will definitely be back.

Lawrence Seymour

11 Jun 2025

Truly authentic Japanese restaurant! Food, service are excellent!! The quality is very much like in Japan. I have spent a lot of time in Japan over the years. Hard to find a better Japan restaurant than this, especially being far away from L.A., Torrance, and Costa Mesa. It's definitely my favorite place to eat sushi and anything else!

Kylie Dan

09 Jun 2025

One of the best sushi places I’ve been to in the states. The fish is super fresh and melts in your mouth. The restaurant is run by Japanese people and the chefs are also Japanese. However, this place can get superrrrr busy. We came around 12 and had to wait around an hour. The restaurant itself is small, so your food comes out reasonably quickly. The service is attentive. It’s a great restaurant with great food! The quality is worth the price! They also have fish you can get that’s flown from Japan. Crazy!

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