Let’s Find the Best Sushi in Los Angeles

Los Angeles. A place known for their outstanding variety of foods. Like most major cities, there’s a bit of everything that can be found here, but some say LA stands out from the crowd for having some of the best food in the country. You’ll find a lot of Mexican, Chinese, Korean, and Persian foods being center stage there, but one universal favorite amongst everyone is sushi. There are a ton of great sushi places in the city but we’re not here for “great” – no we are here for the best. It’s time for a deep dive into the best sushi in Los Angeles. We’ve been on a roll finding the Best Of in Los Angeles recently so it’s only right that we now look for sushi as well.

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1. Sushi Gen

The number one spot for a lot of LA residents for their choice of sushi!

📍 422 E 2nd St | Los Angeles | sushigen-dtla.com

Anyone that’s in LA won’t be surprised that Sushi Gen is at the top of our list because this place is a fan favorite. A hugely popular spot known for their outstanding sushi, Sushi Gen has thousands of five star reviews bringing their average to 4.6/5 on Google and 4.3/5 on Yelp. 

They have been serving their delicious dishes since 1980 in the heart of downtown LA. If you’re looking for a specific type of sushi that best fits your palate- they’ve got it. Choose to fill your plate with Sea Urchin, Spicy Tuna Roll, Yellowtail Belly, or get one of their Lunch and Dinner plates that’ll fill you up only to leave you wanting seconds.

“The sashimi lunch was really fresh~ Loved all of the items but my favourites were the tuna and the negitoro. Salmon teriyaki was huge and the teriyaki sauce was great - not too sweet with the right consistency. The wait was long for lunch but service was quick.” -Yelp Review

2. NIKU X | LA

A sushi spot in LA known for a one of a kind exclusive seafood buffet with a special surprise…

📍 900 Wilshire Blvd Ste 212 | Los Angeles | nikux.com

NIKU X in LA is doing something that hasn’t been done before in the country; they are “the first and the only establishment that offers an exclusive FRESH A5 Wagyu Steak Buffet.” Yup, that’s right, the entire restaurant is a seafood buffet that offers customers certified fresh A5 Waguy steak, and if that doesn't sound intriguing we don’t know what else does! 

From other Japanese seafood dishes and tasty sushi options your money will be spent well when you go to NIKU X for lunch or dinner. Prices for your entire buffet experience range from $99 to $159 depending on the type of experience you want. 

At the buffet you’ll have your pick of twelve to sixteen seafood options along with one order of Yakisuki for each guest and a “From Chef” menu to look at. NIKU X | LA has thousands of five star reviews bringing their average to 4.6/5 stars on Google and 4.5/5 stars on Yelp- and we love to hear that for our hunt for finding the best.

“Nate gave us great service! Definitely come again! The food is very delicious. My favorite was miss sea bass! The lobster was sweet and fresh! Amazing food and service!” -Yelp Review

3. Osawa

Japanese favorites and select sushi rolls come together for an amazing experience!

📍 77 N Raymond Ave | Pasadena | theosawa.com

Just a little outside the greater Los Angeles area in Pasadena is Osawa, a hidden gem in the sushi community. Find your new go-to spot that has amassed hundreds of five star reviews leaving their score on Google as 4.6/5 stars and 4.4/5 on Yelp. This place has a cute and cozy vibe thanks to their accented wood walls and intimate lighting. 

At Osawa they have Japanese small plates for you to enjoy along with, of course, sushi:

• They have “Sushi Sets” where you can get their “Sushi Lunch” which is eight pieces of  sushi w/ Negi Toro Hand Roll & Miso Soup. 
• There’s also the Deluxe Sushi Set and Premium Sashimi Plate if you want something different. 
• That plus more can be found at Osawa which is where you can find the best sushi in the Los Angeles area.

“One of my favorite restaurants in Pasadena! Super authentic Japanese food with the most charming servers. It is family owned and the family actually goes around to greet the diners. Our family loves this place!” -Yelp Review

4. KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar

A small LA and NY chain best known for their “original hand rolls” & more!

📍 421 Main St | Los Angeles | handrollbar.com

Just like Sushi Gen, a lot of Angelenos will point to KazuNori as their number one pick for sushi in the city. They have made quite the name for themselves in the LA area as they have expanded to seven locations there and four all the way in New York. And with their success they have made sure every new opening is matched with the same standards as the restaurant before has. Averaging 4.1+ stars for each location, we’re taking a look at their best rated location on Main Street in Downtown. 

What makes KazuNori unique is they focus their efforts on “just-made hand rolls” – in fact they are known as the place for “The Original Hand Rolls.” They want every bite to feel as fresh and tasty as your very first and that’s what you get with hand-rolls. Their seaweed is “specialty harvested” and their sauces are made in-house, so you’re getting something truly special here.

“Fresh seafood. Simple but delicious so you can appreciate the true flavors of the fish. I had the uni, ankimo, toro, crab, and lobster. We got there early, but didn't have to wait too long” -Yelp Review

5. Temaki Society

A new spot for sushi that is becoming the definition for the “best sushi in Los Angeles”

📍 351 S Broadway | Los Angeles | instagram.com/temaki_society 

Although there are many popular spots for sushi with thousands of reviews, sometimes the best are underground spots, the ones that not a lot know about and we want to help get some eyes on this spot. Temaki Society are coincidentally known for their hand-rolls and they are giving KazuNori a run for their money. With less than 100 reviews on both Google and Yelp, they have a score of 4.9/5 and 4.8/5 stars respectively. The flavors are truly something to rave about, the team of three behind the counter make sure every single roll is crafted to perfection both looks wise and taste wise. Temaki Society is well worth the visit and shout out for those looking for the best sushi in LA.

“They literally have the best Temaki in LA! Beautiful and delicious. Uni temaki is must try, one of the highest quality uni I've had for a while. Toro and bluefin tuna are super good too. Space is not bit but very cozy. Will definitely come back.” -Yelp Review

6. Uzumaki Sushi

We’re bringing back fan-favorites for this pick, it’s Uzumaki in Culver City!

📍 11060 Washington Blvd | Culver City | uzumaki-sushi.com

We’re headed back a little ways outside LA proper, this time we’re going to Culver City to visit a highly rated restaurant, 4.7/5 stars on Google and 4.4 on Yelp, it’s none other than Uzumaki Sushi. Uzumaki is a name that gets brought up a lot by sushi fanatics as it delivers on both the flavor profile as well as the setting and presentation.

And what makes them a worthy stop is their approach to their food, they won’t charge you an arm and a leg like other places. Uzumaki is pretty laid back so you can visit during your lunch break from work or with friends while you’re in town. If you want to get a plate full of their best then you should try their Uzumaki plates or the 12pc Omaske. They also have A la Carte if you’re looking for specific individual rolls as well. They’ve got a little bit of everything for sushi fans.

“The quality of the sashimi was more than excellent. My tea cup was never less than half full, the food came out quick, and the ambiance was perfect for dinner. All in all I'd come back just for the service and high quality fish.” -Yelp Review

7. SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa

A popular chain for all things sushi based on the style of Chef Nozawa!

📍 600 W 7th St #150 | Los Angeles | sugarfishsushi.com

Just by saying the name “Sugarfish” anyone that’s anyone will immediately vouch for their food because this local chain to both California and New York is a hotspot for hungry patrons who have a craving for good, quality sushi. 

Chef Nozawa is well-renowned and has created a style of sushi that Sugarfish takes its inspiration from. Traditional rolls and impeccable service have led every single Sugarfish location to average 4.5+ stars on Google. Sourcing fish from all around the world, you’ll be able to experience an array of flavors that you can’t find at any other sushi place in the city. 

They have Sashimi, your pick of sushi with the likes of Hokkaido Sea Scallops, New Zealand Sea Bream, and Unagi on that particular menu, Hand & Cut Rolls, and limited items that you just have to go and get before they’re gone. 

“Some of the best sushi I've ever had. The servers bring out each dish very quickly and everything is so fresh and well seasoned. No need for soy sauce or anything on top of the sushi. Loved the vibes.” -Yelp Review

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card to Sugarfish here!

8. Sushi Enya Little Tokyo

A popular laid-back spot for those looking for the sushi experience in LA!

📍 343 1st St | Los Angeles | opentable.com

And finally we’ve reached the last but certainly not least place on our list, it’s Sushi Enya in Little Tokyo. A smaller sushi chain averaging 4.5+ stars on Google, you’ll be quickly impressed with the presentation of their plates because each roll is handcrafted to look like a worthy Instagram picture. And yes, it does taste as good as it looks, because as much as the presentation matters in a meal, the taste is what we’re really after. Sushi Enya’s sushi will leave you feeling full but satisfied and that’s all we can ask for with our dining experience. 

“One of my favorite places, I've been coming here for almost 10 years. Everything about this place is fabulous, the service is always great, and the food is awesome. The fish is always perfect!

And now they have this awesome cocktail!” -Yelp Review

Whether you go for a Spicy Tuna Roll, a Dragon Roll, Uramaki, Shrimp Tempura, or a classic California Roll, all of these places offer some of the best sushi in Los Angeles.