20 Best Sushi Restaurants in Los Angeles

]Sushi is and has been a part of Los Angeles for decades—it’s the birthplace of the California roll, where chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa made his name, and where supermarket sushi first appeared. If you seek exceptional sushi restaurants in Los Angeles, our list of the 20 best sushi restaurants in Los Angeles is your best bet.

Los Angeles has many culinary strengths, such as regional Chinese cuisine and tacos of many kinds, but few are as spectacular as the city’s sushi choices.

Though the pandemic was tough for sushi restaurants, particularly those that rely on counter-side relationships between chefs and guests, LA’s sushi sector is reviving. From fancy omakase menus to time-tested mom-and-pop favorites.

Best Sushi Restaurants in Los Angeles

Finding fantastic sushi restaurants in Los Angeles might be difficult with the plethora of sushi eateries available. But don’t worry, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you by listing the top 20 sushi restaurants in Los Angeles.

1. Sushi Kaneyoshi

L.A. has plenty of fantastic Edomae-style sushi bars for all the warm sushi rice and dragon rolls, with no finer example than this relatively new omakase ($300) buried down in the basement of a Little Tokyo office building.

Sushi Kaneyoshi, run by renowned sushi chef Yoshiyuki Inoue, is unrivaled in terms of luxury, sophistication, and overall wow factor.

The specific seafood utilized in Kaneyoshi’s roughly 20 courses changes seasonally, but customers can expect to dip into a delicate Hokkaido crab chawanmushi, as well as one of the city’s top ankimo and nodoguro preparations.

A word of caution: Tock reservations are difficult to come by here, but the end result is definitely worth the time and effort.

2. Q

Q is a haven in the midst of bustling downtown Los Angeles. As you walk to your seat, classical violins play, and diners are similarly reverent—this is not Nobu.

Few restaurants outside of Tokyo make omakase sushi as good as Q and just watching Hiroyuki Naruke display his culinary prowess is worth the hefty admission price.

With precision and elegance, each piece of exquisite seafood is delicately sliced and laid atop perfectly shaped rice.

There are usually 15 or more classes, and each one is a stunningly produced experience. It’s no surprise that Q was awarded a Michelin star in 2019.

3. Sugarfish

Sugarfish is a beloved sushi chain with multiple locations across Los Angeles. Known for its minimalist approach and focus on high-quality ingredients, Sugarfish offers a menu that highlights the simplicity and freshness of sushi.

Guests can enjoy their “Trust Me” menu, which has a selection of nigiri, sashimi, and hand rolls crafted with precision.

4. Nobu

Nobu, located in West Hollywood, is one of the most famous sushi restaurants in Atlanta that combines Japanese flavors with Peruvian influences.

With its chic and sophisticated atmosphere, Nobu offers an upscale dining experience. Guests can indulge in signature dishes like black cod miso and rock shrimp tempura, alongside an impressive selection of sushi and sashimi.

5. Asanebo

This is a cutting-edge sushi restaurant that strives for excellence in execution.

The house specialties are approachable and imaginative (sea bass with butter lettuce, shiso pesto with, toro tuna, Santa Barbara uni with egg custard), but they aren’t afraid to make a spicy tuna roll, which is why it’s so popular.

This is one of the cozier interpretations of the L.A. strip-mall sushi design, with somewhat darker lighting and a slightly warmer ambiance.

7. Sushi Park

Sushi Park, situated in West Hollywood, is a hidden gem that offers an intimate and authentic sushi experience. The omakase menu at Sushi Park features a variety of seasonal ingredients, expertly crafted by skilled sushi chefs.

With limited seating and a tranquil ambiance, Sushi Park provides an exclusive and unforgettable culinary journey, making it one of Atlanta’s best sushi restaurants.

READ ALSO!!!

• 15 Best Sushi Restaurants In NYC
• 15 Best Sushi Restaurants In Miami
• 15 Top Chinese Restaurants In Atlanta
• Top 20 Chinese Restaurants In New York
• 14 Best Chinese Restaurants In Sacramento

8. Kiriko

Kiriko was one of the first restaurants to transmit Japanese quality to newcomers: they’ve been doing it for two decades, pre-Nobu, pre-sushi revolution, and they’ve got it down.

The ceviche is light and refreshing, and the mango with smoked salmon is delightfully ’90s and vintage cool.

The fish is delicious, and it comes from long-standing ties with the best local suppliers. Instead of wine, which is good but overused, try sake.

9. Sushi Zo

Sushi Zo, with locations in Downtown LA and West LA, is known for its traditional omakase experience.

Chef Keizo Seki focuses on quality and simplicity, serving a progression of sushi pieces that showcase the natural flavors of the fish.

Sushi Zo offers an intimate dining setting, where guests can witness the chef’s meticulous craftsmanship. So if you are looking for a top sushi restaurant for a romantic night out, try Sushi Zo.

10. Nozawa Bar

Although the number of omakase options in Los Angeles has increased in recent years, we still believe that this Michelin-starred sushi counter in the back of Sugarfish Beverly Hills offers the ideal combination of pleasure and value.

Head chef Osamu Fujita deviates from tradition, serving a spectacular array of amply portioned dishes over nearly two hours—a faster lunch, in fine dining terms.

During that time, you’ll be immersed in a kaleidoscope of flavors and textures, beginning with a rich, substantial piece of sweet freshwater eel and a sashimi trio of New Zealand shrimp, Japanese octopus, and juicy bluefin tuna.

11. Sushi Gen

If you’re searching for a somewhat more affordable sushi meal, this Little Tokyo staple is well-known among L.A.’s raw fish connoisseurs for its moderately priced, high-quality à la carte nigiri choices.

The major lure is the $ 23-weekday lunch special, which includes a rainbow of sashimi, soup, salad, and rice.

Head here in the evening for a faster table, and you’ll be rewarded for your patience with fresh halibut, scallops, sea urchin, fatty tuna, monkfish liver, and oysters, all in a very calm, wood-paneled sushi bar atmosphere.

Just remember to follow the rules: no personal device use while dining, and make sure your group is present outside the restaurant to be seated—and no, you can not put your number down and go somewhere.

12. Hama Sushi

Hama Sushi, located in Little Tokyo, is a neighborhood sushi spot with a laid-back atmosphere.

Known for its friendly service and fresh fish, Hama Sushi offers a menu that features classic nigiri, rolls, and inventive sushi creations.

The restaurant’s casual and welcoming vibe makes it a go-to spot for locals and sushi enthusiasts alike.

13. Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle

Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle, situated in Sawtelle Japantown, is primarily known for its delectable ramen.

However, the restaurant also offers a sushi menu featuring fresh and flavorful options.

Guests can enjoy a combination of ramen and sushi, experiencing the best of both worlds in one dining experience. This makes Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle one of the best sushi restaurants in Los Angeles.

14. Echigo Sushi

At first glance, Echigo does not appear to be much. The restaurant is located on the second level of a strip mall, above a Pizza Hut and a dentist, and features white-tile floors and bright lights that do not suggest high-end sushi.

However, it has been providing reasonably priced Nozawa-style sushi for nearly two decades. What Echigo lacks in design, it more than makes up for in fish quality.

In fact, many consider it one of the best omakase in Los Angeles, especially given the price.

15. KazuNori

KazuNori, located in Downtown LA and Westwood, is a popular spot for hand roll enthusiasts.

With a minimalist setting and a focus on the art of hand rolls, KazuNori offers a unique sushi experience.

Guests can enjoy a variety of hand rolls made to order, featuring high-quality ingredients and crisp nori (seaweed).

16. Sushi Inaba

Yasuhiro Hirano’s tiny sushi counter, now operating out of sister restaurant Inaba in Torrance, provides an ultra-premium omakase ($280) that masterfully blends dry-aged fish and unique delicacies like mantis shrimp and plump Japanese oysters.

You may expect a gut-busting crash course in the art of sushi at this restaurant. If you have a smaller appetite, ask Yasu-san to cut the quantity of rice.

For a closer taste of Sushi Inaba, go to Kaneyoshi on Tuesday nights, where Hirano appears for a reservation-only collaboration meal that costs $400 per person.

17. Mori Sushi

Mori Sushi, located in West LA, is a traditional sushiya that focuses on Edomae-style sushi.

Chef Morihiro Onodera’s dedication to authenticity shines through his meticulously crafted nigiri and sashimi, making Mori Sushi one of the finest sushi restaurants in Los Angeles.

The tranquil atmosphere and intimate counter seating at Mori Sushi allow guests to appreciate the chef’s artistry up close.

18. Matsuhisa

Matsuhisa, the birthplace of the Nobu empire, is busy, small, and bustling with the spirit of a culinary institution. Magnums of sake lining the walls, low ceilings, blond wood, and crockery on the show are all trademarks of an L.A. sushi restaurant.

From the yellowtail with ponzu and jalapeo to the miso with black cod and the rock shrimp tempura, Nobu Matsuhisa’s hallmark dishes transformed the way Americans ate sushi and continue to do so. But be prepared to pay dearly.

19. Sushi Enya

Sushi Enya, situated in Beverly Hills, is a contemporary sushi restaurant that infuses traditional techniques with modern influences.

Chef Kiminobu Saito’s artistic presentations and unique flavor combinations make each sushi piece a work of art. Sushi Enya’s sleek decor and vibrant atmosphere create an engaging dining experience.

20. Sushi Sasabune

Sushi Sasabune, situated in Brentwood, is known for its traditional omakase menu that prioritizes the quality of ingredients.

Chef Nobi Kusuhara focuses on simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the fish to shine. The intimate setting and dedication to authenticity make Sushi Sasabune a favorite among sushi purists and one of L.A.’s top sushi spots.

Summary

Los Angeles is a thriving metropolis recognized for its rich culinary scene, and sushi is no exception. From traditional omakase experiences to modern fusion eateries, Los Angeles has a wide range of sushi restaurants to suit all tastes and preferences.

In this piece, we’ve highlighted the 20 sushi restaurants in Los Angeles that are sure to satisfy your sushi needs, whether you’re a local or a guest touring the city.