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Intricately sliced sea bream sushi on a black board.
Kasugo dai, or young Japanese sea bream, from 715 Sushi in Arts District.
Matthew Kang

The 19 Essential Sushi Restaurants in Los Angeles

Where to indulge in the most pristine nigiri and sashimi

by Matthew Kang Updated
11 comments / new
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Kasugo dai, or young Japanese sea bream, from 715 Sushi in Arts District.
| Matthew Kang
by Matthew Kang Updated
11 comments / new

Los Angeles has a plethora of culinary strong suits, like regional Chinese fare and tacos of all stripes, but almost none are as impressive as the city’s sushi offerings. Though the pandemic was challenging for sushi restaurants, especially those that rely on counter-side interactions between chefs and diners, LA’s scene is returning to full strength. From upscale omakase menus to enduring mom-and-pop classics, here now are 19 of Los Angeles’s essential sushi restaurants.

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The Brothers Sushi

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The Valley is no stranger to good sushi and Brother’s is a fine addition to the thriving scene. Order a la carte or sit back and let chef Mark Okuda take care of the meal with an omakase. While the more-creative menu costs $200, the $140 menu offers much of the same stellar sushi. Brothers also expanded to Santa Monica last year with much of the same offerings.

21418 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
(818) 456-4509
(818) 456-4509
Sushi on a slate plate.
Sushi from Brothers Sushi in Woodland Hills.
Matthew Kang

Also featured in:

Shin Sushi

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Shin Sushi brings a refined omakase experience from chef Taketoshi Azumi, whom patrons refer to as Take-san. The high-end, Michelin-worthy array of nigiri is priced at around $180 per person for dinner.

16573 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91436
(818) 616-4148
(818) 616-4148
Shin Sushi
Shin Sushi
Shin Sushi [Official Photo]

Sushi by Scratch Restaurants

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A longtime fan of LA’s sushi restaurants, chef Phillip Frankland Lee took his appreciation to the next level by creating his own style with Sushi by Scratch Restaurants (formerly known as Scratch Bar). Traditionalists would balk at Lee’s undertaking, but the fans continue to show up in droves. Prices for a meal here start at $145.

16101 Ventura Blvd #242, Encino, CA 91436
(818) 906-9775
(818) 906-9775
Seared yellowtail nigiri at Sushi|Bar
Matthew Kang

Also featured in:

Sushi Note

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Sushi Note combines the mastery of chef Kiminobu Saito with fantastic wine pairings. The highest-end $140 omakase includes pristine fish, moderately seasoned rice, and great service. The $75 wine pairing takes the omakase to the next level.

13447 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 802-3443
(818) 802-3443
Rich marbled tuna sushi on a slate.
O-toro nigiri from Sushi Note.
Matthew Kang

Also featured in:

Sushi Kisen

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This unassuming spot in Arcadia has a versatile lunch sushi set from chef Hiro Yamada (Sushi Gen, Shiki). The sub-$40 lunch special comes with nine pieces of nigiri, a cut roll, miso soup, and a few small bites. The price jumps up at dinner, where most opt for the more elaborate, Edomae-style omakase.

1108 S Baldwin Ave B6, Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 623-6033
(626) 623-6033
For edomae-style sushi without leaving the San Gabriel Valley: Kisen Sushi.
Sushi at Kisen in Arcadia.
Cathy Chaplin

Also featured in:

Morihiro

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Sushi chef Morihiro Onodera founded the celebrated Mori in West LA before helming the counters at Inn Ann and Shiki over the past few years. Onodera has finally opened his own omakase restaurant in Atwater Village, with masterful preparations and stunning world-class sushi. The price to see Onodera in action is equally sky-high.

3133 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 522-3993
(323) 522-3993
Japanese bowls hold fine foods during daylight hours atop a wooden table.
Morihiro
Morihiro

Also featured in:

Kogane

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Chefs Fumio Azumi and Kwan-san have brought a phenomenal destination-worthy sushi place to Alhambra, with a hefty $300 per person dinner menu served at the bar and a more reasonable $120 lunch on weekdays. Quality is top-tier, with two kinds of rice and all the freshest fish available.

1129 S Fremont Ave Unit C, Alhambra, CA 91803
(626) 703-4148
(626) 703-4148
Fumio Azumi and Kwan-san at Kogane restaurant in Alhambra, California.
Fumio Azumi and Kwan-san at Kogane.
Matthew Kang

Also featured in:

Sushi Tama

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Sushi Tama opened in August 2020 with a sleek counter and impeccable nigiri using Japanese-sourced fish. Chef Hideyuki Yoshimoto worked for years in Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market before partnering with Showa Hospitality at this stylish sushi destination in a chic part of West Hollywood/Beverly Grove.

116 N Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
(424) 249-3009
(424) 249-3009
A collection of fresh sushi and nigiri in a simple box.
Sushi Tama
Matthew Kang

Also featured in:

Nozawa Bar

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The spirit of Nozawa lives on at this intimate sushi bar located behind the Sugarfish in Beverly Hills. With fewer than 10 seats, this rarified experience feels very much like a top-level place in Tokyo, with theatrical service and a hushed counter dining experience. The $225 per person meal comes with 20-some courses.

212 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(424) 216-6158
(424) 216-6158

Also featured in:

Sushi Takeda

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With multiple omakase options — from a $110 menu at lunch to a $280 menu for dinner and a nigiri-only menu for $140 — this intimate omakase experience is one of the most talked-about sushi dinners in town. Chef Hide Takeda sources fish from California and Toyosu Market in Tokyo.

123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St #307, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 613-0083
(213) 613-0083

Also featured in:

Sushi Kaneyoshi

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Kaneyoshi is one of the newer stars in LA’s high-end sushi scene. This counter-only restaurant in Little Tokyo costs a hefty $300 a person and serves a truly spectacular dinner comparable to the best around the world. Sister restaurant Bar Sawa offers a more affordable omakase next door with cocktail pairings to boot.

250 E 1st St B1, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 277-2388
(213) 277-2388
Jewelrybox chirashi from Kaneyoshi
Jewelrybox chirashi from Kaneyoshi
Kaneyoshi

Also featured in:

Hama Sushi

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Little Tokyo’s Hama Sushi is best known for its no-nonsense approach. Plastered on the front door is a sign that lays out the ground rules: Only sushi and sashimi. No tempura, teriyaki, noodles, or “rice alone.” Those who find the approach agreeable will be treated to some of the finest sushi in town. Grab a seat at the horseshoe-shaped bar and order a la carte from a list of fairly standard fish prepared exceptionally well.

347 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 680-3454
(213) 680-3454
Mackerel nigiri at Hama Sushi in Little Tokyo.
Mackerel nigiri at Hama Sushi in Little Tokyo.
Cathy Chaplin

Also featured in:

Hamasaku

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Chef Ei Hiroyoshi, formerly of Sasabune in Beverly Hills, has landed as the head chef of Hamasaku and so far the affable sushi master has brought a renewed focus on what makes LA sushi special. Hamasaku has always had more of the saucy sushi roll crowd in its corner strip mall space (even President Obama has made a visit), but those in the know can experience some of the most bang-for-the-buck sub $100 omakase in town in front of Hiroyoshi, who commands a terrific skill with nigiri and other Japanese dishes.

11043 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 479-7636
(310) 479-7636
A sushi chef wearing a white bandana prepares a hand roll.
Chef Ei Hiroyoshi, head sushi chef of Hamasaku.
Matthew Kang

Also featured in:

Q

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The quality of the fish speaks for itself at this refined sushi den in the heart of Downtown’s Financial District. While dinner will cost a pretty penny, lunch is a worthy splurge for those working in the area. The dinner omakase is priced at $300, while lunch is $150.

521 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 225-6285
(213) 225-6285
Oyster from Q Sushi
Q Sushi
Cathy Chaplin

Also featured in:

Sushi Gen

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This iconic sushi restaurant in Little Tokyo is constantly packed at the bar and in the dining room. Most come for the unbelievably priced lunch sashimi special, but order directly from the menu or at the bar for an even better experience. The expansive selection of nigiri sushi and sashimi never fails to please.

422 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 617-0552
(213) 617-0552

Also featured in:

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715 Sushi

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Awarded a Michelin star within just a few months of opening, this rarefied omakase counter from chef Seigo Tamura feels like one of the top sushi restaurants to open in Los Angeles in the past few years. Incorporating a proper mix of prepared dishes from ankimo (monkfish liver) to Japanese hairy crab, the tastings might go through 20 courses of delicious bites, from slippery umami-rich kohada (gizzard shad) to seared anago (sea eel).

738 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 547-0459
(213) 547-0459
Chef Seigo Tamura with his brother preparing sushi at 715 Sushi in Arts District.
Chef Seigo Tamura with his brother preparing sushi at 715 Sushi in Arts District.
Matthew kang

Shunji Japanese Cuisine

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Longtime West LA chef Shunji Nakao has moved his upscale omakase restaurant to Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica, with an intimate new counter starting at $280 per person to sit in front of Shunji, and $250 to get one of the seven seats in front of chef Miki Takahiro. Of course for these prices, one should expect near the best-quality nigiri in Los Angeles, with Nakao’s careful construction and proper balance between fish and rice.

3003 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Shunji sushi on a plate bearing the restaurant’s name.
Toro nigiri at Shunji.
Crystal Coser

Also featured in:

Sugarfish

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With numerous locations across Southern California, Sugarfish remains one of the most reliable sushi restaurants in Los Angeles with various fixed-price and takeout nigiri packages that cater to everyone. But most of all, it’s a solid entry point to quality sushi designed by legendary chef Kazunori Nozawa, from tender ponzu-laced albacore to melt-in-your-mouth chutoro over Nozawa’s famous warm rice.

304 12th St, Manhattan Village, CA 90266
(424) 675-7644
(424) 675-7644
Sushi from Sugarfish.
Sushi from Sugarfish.
Manolo Langis

Sushi Chitose

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Priced at just $75 per person, the omakase from Hirofumi “Gen” Sakamoto offers one of the best deals in town. Settle into 15 pieces of terrific sushi that impress even the snobbiest of sushi-goers — the varieties of fish range from familiar cuts to more obscure ones.

402 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 316-6268
(310) 316-6268

Also featured in:

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The Brothers Sushi

21418 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364

The Valley is no stranger to good sushi and Brother’s is a fine addition to the thriving scene. Order a la carte or sit back and let chef Mark Okuda take care of the meal with an omakase. While the more-creative menu costs $200, the $140 menu offers much of the same stellar sushi. Brothers also expanded to Santa Monica last year with much of the same offerings.

21418 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
(818) 456-4509
(818) 456-4509
Sushi on a slate plate.
Sushi from Brothers Sushi in Woodland Hills.
Matthew Kang

Shin Sushi

16573 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91436

Shin Sushi brings a refined omakase experience from chef Taketoshi Azumi, whom patrons refer to as Take-san. The high-end, Michelin-worthy array of nigiri is priced at around $180 per person for dinner.

16573 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91436
(818) 616-4148
(818) 616-4148
Shin Sushi
Shin Sushi
Shin Sushi [Official Photo]

Sushi by Scratch Restaurants

16101 Ventura Blvd #242, Encino, CA 91436

A longtime fan of LA’s sushi restaurants, chef Phillip Frankland Lee took his appreciation to the next level by creating his own style with Sushi by Scratch Restaurants (formerly known as Scratch Bar). Traditionalists would balk at Lee’s undertaking, but the fans continue to show up in droves. Prices for a meal here start at $145.

16101 Ventura Blvd #242, Encino, CA 91436
(818) 906-9775
(818) 906-9775
Seared yellowtail nigiri at Sushi|Bar
Matthew Kang

Sushi Note

13447 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Sushi Note combines the mastery of chef Kiminobu Saito with fantastic wine pairings. The highest-end $140 omakase includes pristine fish, moderately seasoned rice, and great service. The $75 wine pairing takes the omakase to the next level.

13447 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 802-3443
(818) 802-3443
Rich marbled tuna sushi on a slate.
O-toro nigiri from Sushi Note.
Matthew Kang

Sushi Kisen

1108 S Baldwin Ave B6, Arcadia, CA 91007

This unassuming spot in Arcadia has a versatile lunch sushi set from chef Hiro Yamada (Sushi Gen, Shiki). The sub-$40 lunch special comes with nine pieces of nigiri, a cut roll, miso soup, and a few small bites. The price jumps up at dinner, where most opt for the more elaborate, Edomae-style omakase.

1108 S Baldwin Ave B6, Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 623-6033
(626) 623-6033
For edomae-style sushi without leaving the San Gabriel Valley: Kisen Sushi.
Sushi at Kisen in Arcadia.
Cathy Chaplin

Morihiro

3133 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Sushi chef Morihiro Onodera founded the celebrated Mori in West LA before helming the counters at Inn Ann and Shiki over the past few years. Onodera has finally opened his own omakase restaurant in Atwater Village, with masterful preparations and stunning world-class sushi. The price to see Onodera in action is equally sky-high.

3133 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 522-3993
(323) 522-3993
Japanese bowls hold fine foods during daylight hours atop a wooden table.
Morihiro
Morihiro

Kogane

1129 S Fremont Ave Unit C, Alhambra, CA 91803

Chefs Fumio Azumi and Kwan-san have brought a phenomenal destination-worthy sushi place to Alhambra, with a hefty $300 per person dinner menu served at the bar and a more reasonable $120 lunch on weekdays. Quality is top-tier, with two kinds of rice and all the freshest fish available.

1129 S Fremont Ave Unit C, Alhambra, CA 91803
(626) 703-4148
(626) 703-4148
Fumio Azumi and Kwan-san at Kogane restaurant in Alhambra, California.
Fumio Azumi and Kwan-san at Kogane.
Matthew Kang

Sushi Tama

116 N Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Sushi Tama opened in August 2020 with a sleek counter and impeccable nigiri using Japanese-sourced fish. Chef Hideyuki Yoshimoto worked for years in Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market before partnering with Showa Hospitality at this stylish sushi destination in a chic part of West Hollywood/Beverly Grove.

116 N Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
(424) 249-3009
(424) 249-3009
A collection of fresh sushi and nigiri in a simple box.
Sushi Tama
Matthew Kang

Nozawa Bar

212 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

The spirit of Nozawa lives on at this intimate sushi bar located behind the Sugarfish in Beverly Hills. With fewer than 10 seats, this rarified experience feels very much like a top-level place in Tokyo, with theatrical service and a hushed counter dining experience. The $225 per person meal comes with 20-some courses.

212 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(424) 216-6158
(424) 216-6158

Sushi Takeda

123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St #307, Los Angeles, CA 90012

With multiple omakase options — from a $110 menu at lunch to a $280 menu for dinner and a nigiri-only menu for $140 — this intimate omakase experience is one of the most talked-about sushi dinners in town. Chef Hide Takeda sources fish from California and Toyosu Market in Tokyo.

123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St #307, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 613-0083
(213) 613-0083

Sushi Kaneyoshi

250 E 1st St B1, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Kaneyoshi is one of the newer stars in LA’s high-end sushi scene. This counter-only restaurant in Little Tokyo costs a hefty $300 a person and serves a truly spectacular dinner comparable to the best around the world. Sister restaurant Bar Sawa offers a more affordable omakase next door with cocktail pairings to boot.

250 E 1st St B1, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 277-2388
(213) 277-2388
Jewelrybox chirashi from Kaneyoshi
Jewelrybox chirashi from Kaneyoshi
Kaneyoshi

Hama Sushi

347 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Little Tokyo’s Hama Sushi is best known for its no-nonsense approach. Plastered on the front door is a sign that lays out the ground rules: Only sushi and sashimi. No tempura, teriyaki, noodles, or “rice alone.” Those who find the approach agreeable will be treated to some of the finest sushi in town. Grab a seat at the horseshoe-shaped bar and order a la carte from a list of fairly standard fish prepared exceptionally well.

347 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 680-3454
(213) 680-3454
Mackerel nigiri at Hama Sushi in Little Tokyo.
Mackerel nigiri at Hama Sushi in Little Tokyo.
Cathy Chaplin

Hamasaku

11043 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Chef Ei Hiroyoshi, formerly of Sasabune in Beverly Hills, has landed as the head chef of Hamasaku and so far the affable sushi master has brought a renewed focus on what makes LA sushi special. Hamasaku has always had more of the saucy sushi roll crowd in its corner strip mall space (even President Obama has made a visit), but those in the know can experience some of the most bang-for-the-buck sub $100 omakase in town in front of Hiroyoshi, who commands a terrific skill with nigiri and other Japanese dishes.

11043 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 479-7636
(310) 479-7636
A sushi chef wearing a white bandana prepares a hand roll.
Chef Ei Hiroyoshi, head sushi chef of Hamasaku.
Matthew Kang

Q

521 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

The quality of the fish speaks for itself at this refined sushi den in the heart of Downtown’s Financial District. While dinner will cost a pretty penny, lunch is a worthy splurge for those working in the area. The dinner omakase is priced at $300, while lunch is $150.

521 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 225-6285
(213) 225-6285
Oyster from Q Sushi
Q Sushi
Cathy Chaplin

Sushi Gen

422 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

This iconic sushi restaurant in Little Tokyo is constantly packed at the bar and in the dining room. Most come for the unbelievably priced lunch sashimi special, but order directly from the menu or at the bar for an even better experience. The expansive selection of nigiri sushi and sashimi never fails to please.

422 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 617-0552
(213) 617-0552

Related Maps

715 Sushi

738 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Awarded a Michelin star within just a few months of opening, this rarefied omakase counter from chef Seigo Tamura feels like one of the top sushi restaurants to open in Los Angeles in the past few years. Incorporating a proper mix of prepared dishes from ankimo (monkfish liver) to Japanese hairy crab, the tastings might go through 20 courses of delicious bites, from slippery umami-rich kohada (gizzard shad) to seared anago (sea eel).

738 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 547-0459
(213) 547-0459
Chef Seigo Tamura with his brother preparing sushi at 715 Sushi in Arts District.
Chef Seigo Tamura with his brother preparing sushi at 715 Sushi in Arts District.
Matthew kang

Shunji Japanese Cuisine

3003 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Longtime West LA chef Shunji Nakao has moved his upscale omakase restaurant to Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica, with an intimate new counter starting at $280 per person to sit in front of Shunji, and $250 to get one of the seven seats in front of chef Miki Takahiro. Of course for these prices, one should expect near the best-quality nigiri in Los Angeles, with Nakao’s careful construction and proper balance between fish and rice.

3003 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Shunji sushi on a plate bearing the restaurant’s name.
Toro nigiri at Shunji.
Crystal Coser

Sugarfish

304 12th St, Manhattan Village, CA 90266

With numerous locations across Southern California, Sugarfish remains one of the most reliable sushi restaurants in Los Angeles with various fixed-price and takeout nigiri packages that cater to everyone. But most of all, it’s a solid entry point to quality sushi designed by legendary chef Kazunori Nozawa, from tender ponzu-laced albacore to melt-in-your-mouth chutoro over Nozawa’s famous warm rice.

304 12th St, Manhattan Village, CA 90266
(424) 675-7644
(424) 675-7644
Sushi from Sugarfish.
Sushi from Sugarfish.
Manolo Langis

Sushi Chitose

402 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Priced at just $75 per person, the omakase from Hirofumi “Gen” Sakamoto offers one of the best deals in town. Settle into 15 pieces of terrific sushi that impress even the snobbiest of sushi-goers — the varieties of fish range from familiar cuts to more obscure ones.

402 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 316-6268
(310) 316-6268

Related Maps