Los Angeles, a diverse culinary paradise, is renowned not only for its sprawling beaches and Hollywood glamour but also as a prime destination for sushi enthusiasts. It’s home to world-class sushi restaurants where talented chefs deliver unique and unforgettable dining experiences. Join us as we explore these iconic sushi spots, perfect for checking in and savoring the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine in Los Angeles.
Sugarfish
Sugarfish is famous for its strict rules, from no extra rice or salt to guidelines on how to dip in soy sauce. Founder Chef Kazunori Nozawa aims to ensure the quality and authenticity of his dishes. This restaurant chain boasts 11 locations and consistently receives high praise from diners. The menu features exquisite sea bream paired with shiso, fatty albacore tuna belly, and sweet bay scallops. You can order à la carte or choose set menus ranging from $19 to $52.
Sea bream sushi at Sugarfish restaurant.
Urasawa
Hiroyuki Urasawa is a legend in the Japanese culinary scene in Los Angeles. Urasawa, located on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, proudly holds two Michelin stars. Urasawa personally selects and inspects each piece of fresh seafood daily, transforming them into culinary masterpieces adorned with gold leaf, foie gras, and truffle. The dishes here are not only delicious but also reflect a deep respect for Japanese culinary traditions.
Omakase course featuring premium ingredients at Urasawa.
Q
Located in downtown Los Angeles, Q is a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant highly acclaimed for its quality. Chef Hiroyuki Naruke, originally from Tokyo, serves omakase menus for lunch and dinner (priced from $75 to $200 per person). The menu begins with tsumami (small appetizers) and continues with sashimi and nigiri. Naruke has spent years perfecting the ratio of red vinegar and sea salt in his rice, and employs various techniques to enhance the flavor of the fish.
Exquisite nigiri sushi at Q restaurant.
Sushi Ginza Onodera
Sushi Ginza Onodera is a high-end sushi restaurant with a 16-seat bar in West Hollywood. Even their miso soup is meticulously prepared with three types of aged miso. This restaurant also boasts two Michelin stars and is renowned for using top-quality ingredients and masterful techniques to create authentic Edomae sushi. The chefs here are trained in Ginza, Japan, ensuring a world-class dining experience. Expect to spend around $300 for the experience.
Premium ingredients used at Sushi Ginza Onodera.
Sushi Roku
Sushi Roku stands out with its luxurious interior and innovative cocktails. The menu is diverse, featuring traditional sushi like octopus, freshwater eel, and yellowtail, alongside bolder creations incorporating ingredients like Sriracha, olive oil, parmesan cheese, kumquat, jalapeno, and avocado. Some unique and enticing dishes include lobster baked with miso hollandaise and blue crab caviar with garlic aioli and truffle mushroom soy sauce.
Shin Sushi
Shin Sushi is a cozy sushi spot nestled in an upscale shopping center in the San Fernando Valley. Chef Taketoshi Azumi, who named the restaurant after his father’s establishment in Tokyo, runs the restaurant with meticulous care and customer-friendly service. The atmosphere is relaxed and the prices are reasonable, especially at lunchtime. However, purists might be less inclined to visit as it doesn’t offer dishes like chicken teriyaki.
Cozy interior at Shin Sushi restaurant.
Matsuhisa
Before becoming an empire with hotels, cookbooks, and celebrity friends, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa opened his flagship restaurant in Beverly Hills. Despite being around for decades, the restaurant remains consistently busy, serving top-notch sushi with a wide array of fresh seafood including albacore tuna, freshwater eel, and sea urchin. The menu also features a wide selection of oysters, cold dishes like sashimi tacos, and hot specialties such as black cod with miso and truffle chicken dumplings.
Mori Sushi
Mori Sushi is a small, 39-seat restaurant located on Pico Boulevard. The space is simply designed with white walls, paper lanterns, and blonde wood. The chef has earned a Michelin star and is known for using house-made tofu, organic produce from farmers markets, and wild-caught fish. Even small details like hibiscus salt, yuzu pepper, and mountain yam flour are carefully considered.
Meticulously prepared sushi at Mori Sushi restaurant.
Conclusion
Los Angeles is a culinary haven with countless delicious and unique sushi restaurants. From traditional to innovative, you can find every type of sushi you desire. Whether you’re a long-time sushi aficionado or just beginning to explore the world of Japanese cuisine, Los Angeles is sure to offer unforgettable experiences. Plan your trip today and don’t forget to check out these renowned sushi restaurants!