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Yama Sushi Marketplace — quality LA sushi and sake at lower prices
One of Yama Sushi Marketplace's many black box assortments
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Courtesy Alysia Rodriguez
)
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Yama Sushi Marketplace on setting the standard for Japanese food
Guest: Scott Kohno, co-owner of Yama Sushi Marketplace, a local Japanese market chain with locations in San Gabriel, West L.A. and Koreatown.
Yama Sushi Marketplace is a local chain that helps set the standard for quality sushi and Japanese cuisine in Los Angeles — all while trying to keep prices more affordable than you might expect.
About the owners
Kenzo Yamada opened the business in 1984 after working as a local fish broker. He eventually sold the business in 2021 to Scott Kohno and his family. Kohno sat down with Austin Cross, who hosts AirTalk every Friday, to explain how they've continued to deliver quality sushi and expand the business.
Making Japanese culture accessible and affordable
Yama Sushi Marketplace's Koreatown grand opening.
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Courtesy Alysia Rodriguez
)
Yama Sushi Marketplace looks to provide the best of both worlds — high-quality sushi lower costs — in serving customers.
How do they do it? They've benefited from Yamada's connections, sourcing quality fish through trusted suppliers like Bluefiná. It also helps that it's not a restaurant, minimizing the overhead costs that come with staffing.
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Restaurant details
- The Kohno family has expanded to West L.A. and Koreatown. A fourth location is set to open in Sherman Oaks, although its official opening date hasn’t been announced.
- Co-owner Wendy Kohno has a background as a kikisake-shi — sake sommelier — and has helped build out the market’s selection of more than 200 sakes, most of which you can find at their San Gabriel and West L.A. locations.
- They also have classes on sushi, sake and miso.
What we tried
- California Roll (their most popular menu item)
- Bara Chirashi
- Yama Deluxe Platter
- Narumi Sake (Yama's own craft sake)
Yama Sushi Marketplace is co-hosting American Craft Sake Fest on Saturday, Sept. 10. Click here for more details.
How to visit
- Address:
- San Gabriel location — 911 W Las Tunas Dr., San Gabriel, CA 91776
- West LA location — 11709 National Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
- Koreatown location — 3178 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
- Hours: All three businesses are open every day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Cost: A six-piece California roll costs $7.39; sushi platters range from $49 to $114.95.
What should we try next?
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