Best Sushi in Los Angeles?

Searching for the best sushi in Los Angeles? Well we haven't visited all the sushi restaurants in Los Angeles, so we can't make the claim that we know the absolute best. And taste is just a bit subjective anyway, isn't it?

But we are sushi freaks so I think we can speak authoritatively about sushi, if nothing else. In fact we are just foodies in general, but sushi is definitely one of our culinary loves.

This page will be a work in progress, because we are always trying new places and will update with new finds, new photos and such, to help you get your sushi on. Below are just some of our favorites that come to mind right away as the best sushi in Los Angeles. They are listed in random order. If we missed your favorite sushi place, we apologize. There are many very good Japanese restaurants in the LA area so we can't include them all.

Our Favorite Los Angeles Sushi Restaurants

Hirozen Gourmet:
This small hole in the wall, located in a tiny corner strip mall on Beverly Blvd in West Hollywood, is really easy to miss. It is in the far corner, tucked away from view. Its pretty small inside too, with only a handful of tables and about 8 seats at the sushi bar. We kinda took Hirozen for granted for years because it was close to where we lived and grew up with it. Always good sushi though. But it wasn't until recently that we really started to appreciate this place. If you just go in and order your old average sushi standby dishes ("I'll have the tuna, salmon and yellowtail sushi please") you are going to miss a whole world of goodness. Not that there is anything wrong with those simple and classic cuts but if you have an open mind you'll find all sorts of goodness to be had, ranging from the simple to the elaborate, from easy to appreciate to more "sushi challenging" with new flavors to wake up your tired palate. Our favorite thing to do now is the Sushi Omakase which is basically the chef's choice. They just start bringing sushi and don't stop until you tell them you are full. You learn about all kinds of wonderful sushi this way. This really took this place to another level for us, up there with the best we've had. But be careful, sushi can get pricey so if you have a big appetite you might want to ask what your total is up to from time to time! In general Hirozen is a relatively affordable pick of the best sushi in Los Angeles, but it can add up.

Sushi House of Taka:
While we grew up with Hirozen nearby, the House of Taka is a bit newer to us but it has already won us over. It is located on Van Nuys Blvd in Sherman Oaks, so for you Valley folk, this is a great spot. The specialty of the house here is super high quality fish and huge pieces! Just look at those cuts of sushi (below)! They are literally two or three times as much fish as you could expect at most sushi restaurants. Best sushi in Los Angeles? At least its the biggest we've seen, and its great stuff. We've heard that the head chef at Taka is a true master and buys his own whole fish from the fish mart, only picks the very best and then butchers them himself, keeping only the best cuts for himself and then selling off the rest to other local sushi restaurants who don't have as much know-how or experience. I don't know if this is true or not but I'd believe it in a heartbeat. Why? Because the texture, flavor and purity of the fish you get here is second to none, just great stuff. And look at the size of those pieces! Highly recommended. This is even family friendly as far as sushi places go with a casual atmosphere and high chairs available!

Matsuhisa:
The flagship restaurant of Nobu Matsuhisa, the famous chef with restaurants around the world, Matsuhisa is not just a sushi restaurant. They serve a dizzying array of absolutely world class cuisine at this average sized spot on the gourmet strip of La Cienega Blvd between Wilshire and San Vicente. Matsuhisa is quite a bit more expensive than the prior two restaurants, but it is also fancier and there is absolutely no holds barred when it comes to bringing you stunning asian inspired foods. When we go here, we usually order one of the Omakase meals which is basically a prix fixe menu chosen by the chef. It is not only sushi although sushi and/or sashima usually make a significant appearance; and somehow it is still some of the best sushi in Los Angeles. The sushi that is served here is stunning. It is hard to find any better sushi on the planet. But again, don't miss all the other culinary wonders served here, from the simple to the downright hedonistic (Seared foie gras on top of Kobe beef anyone?). Not to be missed and definitely worth it as a splurge on a special night out.