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An LA Sushi Vet Quietly Opens a Japanese-Peruvian Dining Compound in the Valley

Leona’s Sushi House showcases chef Shigenori Fujimoto’s skill across multiple cuisines, styles, and dining spaces on Ventura Boulevard

A covered patio with seating and a bar at Leona’s Sushi House in Studio City, California.
The covered patio at Leona’s Sushi House in Studio City.
Vivienne Killilea

The San Fernando Valley’s long, winding Ventura Boulevard is already home to some of the region’s best sushi, but that hasn’t stopped newcomer Leona’s Sushi House from trying its hand. Since early November, Leona’s has been leaning on a former Asanebo chef, a veteran Studio City restaurant owner, and a prominent actor to try to make a dent along LA’s busy sushi strip, and people are beginning to take notice.

Former La Loggia owner Frank Leon has joined with actor and first-time restaurateur Evan Ross (The Hunger Games) as well as longtime sushi chef Shigenori Fujimoto to bring Leona’s to the Valley. Fujimoto’s resume includes stints at Matsuhisa and Asanebo (when it first earned a Michelin star), before opening Shiki Beverly Hills in 2014. At Leona’s, Fujimoto and crew create Japanese-Peruvian fare with ceviches and a tiradito de tai with Japanese sea bream, rocoto chile, yuzu, and sea salt. There’s also the albacore with shishito peppers and Fujimoto’s yuzu sauce, in addition to more traditional nigiri, sashimi, and a variety of cut and hand rolls.

Interestingly enough, Leona’s has also developed a second menu as a nod to the space’s Italian past. That means dishes like a shimeji mushroom risotto, black rice Peruvian chaufa paella, and an udon carbonara. A full lineup of cocktails runs $18 per drink and features vodka, gin, and whiskey from Japanese producers.

Though the entry appears modest from Ventura Boulevard, the Studio City restaurant’s interior is massive, clocking in at 5,000 square feet. For those who remember the Ceremony Bar with the retractable window, that space is now combined with the former La Loggia and adjoined by a covered courtyard with a bar and lounge for sweeping indoor-outdoor seating among samurai statues and greenery. Each menu is available across the entirety of the space’s multiple dining and lounge areas, with dinner service running Tuesday through Sunday beginning at 5 p.m.

Leona’s Sushi House is now open at 11814 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604.

Oyster with caviar and uni at Leona’s Sushi House in Studio City, California.
Oyster/kaki with uni, Osetra caviar with yuzu jus.
Sliced sashimi on a blue plate at Leona’s Sushi House in Studio City, California.
Tai sashimi with a yuzu kosho sauce, and sea salt.
Yellowtail with jalapeno and a spicy yuzu soy sauce at Leona’s Sushi House in Studio City, California.
Yellowtail with jalapeno and a spicy yuzu soy sauce.
A restaurant with a sushi preparation area, dining tables, and art at Leona’s Sushi House in Studio City, California.
One of multiple dining and bar areas.
A restaurant with a sushi bar seating area, dining tables, and outdoor patio at Leona’s Sushi House in Studio City, California.
Sushi bar, dining room, and patio.
A bar and dining area with a samurai statue at Leona’s Sushi House in Studio City, California.
Bar and second dining room.
A dining room with bar, chandeliers, and tables at Leona’s Sushi House in Studio City, California.
Second dining area.

Leona's Sushi House

11814 Ventura Boulevard, , CA 91604 (818) 985-9222 Visit Website