The Best Omakase in LA: Discover Top Sushi Experiences in Los Angeles
Curated by
cdteliot
6 min read
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Los Angeles, renowned for its diverse culinary scene, offers some of the finest sushi omakase experiences in the country, with options ranging from intimate sushi bars to Michelin-starred establishments. From traditional Tokyo-style nigiri to innovative chef's creations, the city's omakase offerings cater to a wide range of preferences and budgets, reflecting its rich history as a pioneer of Japanese cuisine in America.
1. Morihiro: Atwater Village's Premier Omakase Destination by Chef Morihiro Onodera
latimes.com
Morihiro, helmed by master sushi chef Morihiro Onodera, offers an exceptional omakase experience in Atwater Village. The restaurant showcases Onodera's decades of expertise, featuring meticulously prepared nigiri and seasonal small dishes that fuse cha-kaiseki style with traditional omakase2. Onodera's attention to detail extends beyond the food, as he crafts all the restaurant's ceramic dishware and uses specially sourced Akitakomachi rice from his hometown in Iwate Prefecture2. The omakase menu is notable for its impressive variety and volume, with a parade of flavors culminating in rich tuna dishes2. Complementing the exquisite sushi is a carefully curated sake selection, offering perfect pairings to enhance the dining experience4. While Morihiro's prices reflect its high-end status, the restaurant has adapted to offer more accessible options, including takeout bento boxes and affordable omakase sets, without compromising on quality1.
5 sources
2. Sushi Kaneyoshi: Little Tokyo's Hidden Omakase Gem
foodtalkcentral.com
Sushi Kaneyoshi, a hidden gem nestled in the basement of a Little Tokyo office building, offers one of the most refined and luxurious omakase experiences in Los Angeles. Chef Yoshiyuki Inoue, drawing from his experience at Michelin-starred establishments, presents a 20-course feast of appetizers, sashimi, and nigiri prepared using traditional Edomae techniques12. The $300 per person omakase features exquisite dishes such as hairy Hokkaido crab chawanmushi, rare nodoguro (blackthroat sea perch), and silky ankimo (monkfish liver)2. With only 10-12 seats available nightly, securing a reservation is challenging but rewarding for sushi enthusiasts seeking an exceptional dining experience12. The restaurant's attention to detail, from the elegant wood sushi counter to the carefully curated sake list, creates an immersive atmosphere that transports diners to a world of culinary excellence2.
5 sources
3. Hayato: Downtown LA’s Two-Michelin-Starred Kaiseki Omakase Experience
foodtalkcentral.com
Hayato, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles, offers an intimate and exceptional dining experience with its 7-seat counter and 14-course kaiseki-style omakase. Chef Brandon Hayato Go presents a seasonal celebration of Japanese cuisine, artistically arranged on vintage Japanese pottery and porcelain he has personally collected4. The restaurant offers only one seating per night, starting at 6:30 pm, making it a highly sought-after culinary destination3. Guests are treated to a spectacle where many courses begin with attractively arranged ingredients that are then finished before their eyes, accompanied by detailed explanations from Chef Go4. The menu features innovative dishes such as chilled, charred eggplant with ginger and dashi as a sakizuke (appetizer), local corn and sea scallop kakiage, lightly smoked bonito, and a luscious miso-glazed black cod folded into rice to conclude the meal4. Hayato's commitment to excellence and attention to detail have solidified its reputation as one of the best omakase experiences in Los Angeles.
13 sources
4. n/naka: Los Angeles’ Two-Michelin-Starred Modern Kaiseki Masterpiece
travellingfoodie.net
n/naka, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Los Angeles, offers a unique modern kaiseki experience crafted by Chef Niki Nakayama. The 13-course tasting menu ($310) seamlessly blends traditional Japanese kaiseki with California's seasonal ingredients, presenting dishes at the peak of their perfection13. Chef Nakayama's signature dish, abalone spaghetti with summer truffles and cod roe, exemplifies her innovative approach to kaiseki4. The restaurant's minimalist yet inviting atmosphere, coupled with knowledgeable staff, creates a warm and graceful dining experience45. Reservations are notoriously difficult to secure, with slots released monthly in 3-day increments1. n/naka's commitment to culinary excellence and Chef Nakayama's personal touch, greeting diners at the end of their meal, have solidified its reputation as one of Los Angeles' most prestigious dining destinations3.
5 sources
5. Sushi Ginza Onodera: West Hollywood’s Premier Two-Michelin-Starred Sushi Destination
guide.michelin.com
Sushi Ginza Onodera, the only two-Michelin-starred sushi restaurant in Los Angeles, offers an exquisite Edomae-style traditional sushi experience in West Hollywood. The restaurant's omakase setting provides a unique dining experience, with each course tailored to individual diners, ensuring no two meals are identical.1 Featuring fish imported from Tokyo's Toyosu Fish Market and rice from Niigata prefecture, Sushi Ginza Onodera maintains authenticity in its ingredients.3 The Michelin Guide praises the restaurant's array of courses, which include delights such as braised octopus with yuzu kosho, chawanmushi topped with caviar and uni, and high-quality nigiri featuring pen shell clam, cherry blossom salmon, and Hokkaido uni. While the experience comes with a hefty price tag, the restaurant's strictly enforced no-tipping policy helps offset the cost.2
13 sources
6. Chef Hiro's Q Sushi: Downtown LA's Destination for Artisan Edo-Style Omakase
opentable.com
Q Sushi, located in Downtown Los Angeles, offers an exceptional omakase experience that showcases Chef Hiro's interpretation of artisan Edo-style sushi. The restaurant's meticulous approach to sushi preparation is evident in every aspect, from the carefully curated fish selection to the precisely balanced rice. Chef Hiro employs various techniques, including aging (nekaseru), curing, and temperature adjustment, to enhance the flavor profiles of each fish1. The omakase menu, priced at $300 per person, features seasonal offerings and the day's highest quality selections, presented in a progression of tsumami (small appetizers), sashimi, and nigiri courses2. Q Sushi's intimate setting, with only 10 seats at the sushi bar, creates a focused dining experience reminiscent of high-end sushi establishments in Tokyo5. While the price point reflects its premium status, Q Sushi is considered a worthy destination for sushi enthusiasts seeking an authentic and refined omakase experience in Los Angeles.
5 sources
7. Sushi Note: Sherman Oaks' Michelin-Starred Destination for Sushi and Wine Lovers
dailynews.com
Sushi Note, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Sherman Oaks, offers an exceptional omakase experience that combines high-quality sushi with an impressive wine selection. Chef Kiminobu Saito showcases his craftsmanship through seasonal plates available in half-note or full-note omakase menus, with prices starting at $80 per person2. The restaurant's attention to detail is evident in every piece of nigiri and sashimi, which are cut to order2. Standout dishes include meaty and sweet scallop with truffle salt and citrus, perfectly aged king salmon from New Zealand, and Japanese halibut fin with a brush of soy2. Sushi Note's unique feature is its curated wine list of over ninety selections, designed to elevate the sushi dining experience4. The restaurant's chic ambiance, excellent service, and more moderate pricing make it a popular choice for special occasions and date nights in Los Angeles15.
13 sources
8. Sushi Takeda: Discover Exceptional Omakase in Little Tokyo’s Weller Court
yelp.com
Sushi Takeda, nestled on the third floor of Weller Court in Little Tokyo, offers an exceptional omakase experience that rivals some of Los Angeles' most renowned sushi establishments. Chef Hideyuki Takeda, formerly of Sushi Tsujita, showcases his expertise through a carefully curated menu featuring high-quality nigiri and signature dishes. The restaurant's $140 nigiri-only omakase and $280 kaiseki-inclusive experience have garnered praise for their quality and value12. Standout items include the iwashi maki, a sardine roll wrapped in pickled daikon and filled with ginger and shiso, as well as expertly prepared cuts of bluefin tuna, sea bream, and otoro24. Sushi Takeda's commitment to quality ingredients, coupled with Chef Takeda's skillful preparation, has earned it recognition from both critics and diners, making it a worthy addition to Los Angeles' competitive omakase scene34.
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Closing Thoughts on the Best Omakase in LA
Los Angeles' omakase scene offers an unparalleled array of experiences, from traditional Edomae-style sushi to innovative fusion creations. Restaurants like Sushi Sonagi, Hama Sushi, and Sushi House showcase the city's diverse offerings, each presenting their own unique take on omakase. Chefs across LA are pushing boundaries with techniques like dry-aging fish, which enhances flavor profiles and textures, while still honoring the importance of fresh fish5. The impeccable nigiri served at these establishments often features an expansive selection of fish, including various cuts of tuna from lean akami to fatty otoro1. Some chefs experiment with different kinds of rice, including crispy rice preparations, to complement their fish selections. Whether you prefer a huge selection of traditional nigiri or an innovative tasting menu, LA's omakase restaurants cater to all preferences, solidifying the city's reputation as a world-class destination for sushi enthusiasts24.
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Related
Which sushi restaurant in LA offers the best dry-aged fish experience
How does Sushi Kaneyoshi's omakase compare to other high-end sushi spots in LA
What unique ingredients does Brothers Sushi incorporate into their omakase
How does the freshness of the fish impact the omakase experience at Sushi House
What are the standout dishes at Hama Sushi's omakase
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