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A newly-transplanted New Yorker is looking for LA's best sushi. Considering there are dozens, if not hundreds, of sushi places in LA, we wonder if maybe we should break it down. Where's the best place to get sushi that goes around on a conveyor belt? The best place for sashimi? The sushi place with the best lighting? The best sushi-to-go? The home of the biggest sushi abomination, like a Philly roll? What's your favorite sushi place, and why?
mmmmm sushi photo by jetalone via flickr
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this is such a tough question! since LA itself is the best place for sushi in the country.
i haven't ventured too far beyond the westside in terms of sushi. i love both kiriko (on sawtelle) and mori sushi (pico, a few blocks west of sawtelle). sasabune was just okay when it was in that tiny shack on sawtelle, but i havent tried it since its move to the larger location on wilshire.
The best sushi is at Urasawa. Nobody questions that. The question, of course, is who serves the SECOND-best sushi, and there are at least a dozen places that could qualify in one way or another: Wa, Matsuhisa, Mori, Shibucho, Tama, Kiriko, Asanebo, Gen, Nishimura, Tenn, et al. At the moment, my money - unfortunately too much of it - is on Mori.
sure, it's out of the way...but i have to hand it to go's mart in canoga park.
the place is half video store/half sushi bar and is lit like a laundromat. despite the low emphasis on decor, the chef is as talented and innovative (sushi and handrolls w/truffle oil, or salt) as any i've ever tasted. get there early and let him decide what you're eating.
from one NYer to another: Best Sushi in LA is usually found on the West Side with one exception: Mori (Pico), Sushi Tenn (Sawtelle) & Nishimura (Melrose)
As an eastsider I'll speak up for Hama in Little Tokyo; R23 in downtown has lots of fans (not me, too pricey); and Saito's in Silverlake may be the best sushi located next to a donut shop in the city.
Sushi Dan's!! Sushi Dan's!! Sushi Dan's!! They have two locations, one in Studio City and one in WeHo The rolls are fairly original, if you must go try the Great White Shark roll with white tuna or the Volcano which is twice the size of a regular roll - white fish/salmon around crab, etc baked with dynamite sauce. Yum!!!
Niko Niko Sushi in Los Feliz (1755 N Vermont) may not be world class sushi, or the most swank place, but it's cozy and cute, and for the price, you can't beat their high quality fish. Their Nigri Sushi is always top quality and delicious, and their combos are a great price for the amount you get. Otherwise, I wouldn't recommend their rolls - not very original or tasty. But oooh, their nigri is so so good!!! AND, to top it all, $3 small Saporros, and $5 large ones. Can't beat it.
Anybody been to CAlifornia Roll and Sushi Company on HIllhurst, next to the Coffee Bean? They have the most unique rolls...haven't had the sashimi, but their appetizers and specialty rolls haven't disappointed yet.
The best sushi is at Sushi King on Wilshire (around the intersection of Euclid or 14th).
Don't let the name fool you. They have the most authentic sushi in LA. Don't go here for unique sushi rolls. Come here for the best monkfish liver, amaebi or uni.
Izayoi and Sushi Gen, both in Little Tokyo. Both are authentic sushi places and both are excellent. I've been going to Izayoi a lot as of late and I have to say that this is an excellent sushi bar with new things to try as they become available.
Sushi Echigo on Santa Monica Blvd. just west of Bundy is the place to go for the best chef's choice at the bar. Its above a Pizza Hut but you'll be glad you gave it a shot!
Cost-wise, I'm putting my heft behind Tama. Sure, Mori & Nishimura might be "better", but if you want a great meal for less than 3 bills, Tama is the place.
And I pray that Julie and Norman are kidding. If not, I'd like to sell them some swampland for a quick turnaround.
If price is NO object: Urasawa. That place should be worshipped.
midori on ventura blvd. in studio city. $23.95 for all-you-can-eat, hands down the best (affordable) sushi i've had in southern california. i find myself constantly craving the yummy roll.