Sushi in Los Angeles is a journey, not just a meal. The city’s sushi landscape stretches from polished omakase counters to low-key spots tucked into strip malls. Each neighborhood has its own local legend, and the variety alone is enough to spoil you for anywhere else. One evening, I ducked into a tiny, aging corner shop in Little Tokyo, lured by the busy crowd and a handwritten sign promising “fresh bluefin.” The chef—quiet but focused—served the fattiest, melt-in-your-mouth nigiri I’d tasted all year. Two bites in, and LA’s obsession with sushi started making perfect sense.
Finding the best sushi in Los Angeles is like searching for gold but with tastier rewards. From legendary institutions that demand reservations weeks ahead to laid-back newcomers shaking things up, the city is packed with options. Each restaurant on this list stands out for its dedication to the craft, sourcing, and pure love of sushi. Whether you’re a traditionalist or a hand roll devotee, you’ll find something that fits your taste and leaves you thinking about your next meal before you’ve even finished the last bite.
Where to find the best sushi in Los Angeles, CA
Here are some of the top spots to find the best sushi in Los Angeles, CA:
- Sushi Gen
- Katsuya
- SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
- n/naka
- Yamashiro Hollywood
- Sushi Katsu-ya
- Katsuya
- Takami Sushi and Robata
- Kazunori The Original Hand Roll Bar
- Asanebo
1. Sushi Gen
Sushi Gen sits in the heart of Little Tokyo and draws crowds for good reason. This place has a reputation for ultra-fresh fish and generous portions at prices that are rare for downtown LA. My first time here, I found myself squeezed between regulars eager for their usual—and it’s easy to see why they keep coming back.
The sashimi deluxe plate is what people talk about long after their meal ends. An artful mix of sliced fish arrives, each piece impossibly delicate. If you’re after classic nigiri, try the sweet ebi and buttery yellowtail. These choices showcase the kitchen’s commitment to clean flavors and precise technique.
Sushi Gen’s style is unfussy but polished. The dining room buzzes with energy, especially at lunch hour, and the chefs work at a fast, focused pace. It’s the spot that captures what LA sushi does best: freshness, simplicity, and consistency.
2. Katsuya
Katsuya merges modern flair with classic technique right on Hollywood Boulevard. This spot is as stylish as it is tasty, with sleek décor and a menu that highlights creativity without losing sight of tradition. The buzz of the room makes for an energetic meal, perfect if you like your sushi with a side of people-watching.
For me, the highlight has always been their signature crispy rice topped with spicy tuna. The texture play—crunchy rice and smooth, cool topping—shows how Katsuya balances innovation with high-quality ingredients. Their bright yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño is another must-try, packing flavor in every bite.
If you love a little drama with your dinner, the chefs here know how to deliver. Katsuya’s menu proves that LA sushi can be both playful and meticulously crafted.
3. SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa is famous for its simple approach and uncompromising standards. The focus here is on purity—just expertly cut fish, warm rice, and the kind of consistency that keeps locals coming back. My first visit felt like an introduction to how sushi should taste, stripped of distraction.
The “Trust Me” set menu is what defines SUGARFISH. It removes decision fatigue and lets you taste the chef’s best picks, usually including standout albacore and lush toro, each melt-in-your-mouth bite a masterclass in restraint.
Even the humble hand roll hits differently here. The seaweed comes crisp, the rice stays tender, and the fish is always impeccably fresh. If you want the heart of LA sushi—pure, unadorned, and reliable—SUGARFISH is your spot.
4. n/naka
n/naka is where Japanese tradition meets California’s creative edge. Chef Niki Nakayama takes the art of kaiseki and spins it into a multi-course adventure, each plate thoughtful and beautifully balanced. The experience starts calm and understated, but the anticipation builds with every intricate course.
One meal here introduced me to sashimi so fresh it almost glowed, and broths delicately scented with local herbs. The signature abalone “spaghetti” showcases Chef Nakayama’s ingenuity—tender seafood topped with pickled roe for a burst of ocean flavor and truffle for a dash of luxury.
While kaiseki is the headline, every sushi bite is a highlight. Expect each course to tell a story, combining Japanese precision with California’s bounty. n/naka is not just dinner, it’s a memory.
5. Yamashiro Hollywood
Yamashiro Hollywood pairs classic sushi with a view that’s pure Hollywood drama. Sitting in this historic “mountain palace,” you get the sense that every meal comes with its own bit of star power. The scenery—curved rooftops, lush gardens, and sweeping city lights—almost steals the show, but the sushi is what brings me back.
The house nigiri platter is the move here. Each slice of fish is fresh and thoughtfully cut, served atop well-seasoned rice that holds together just right. The vegetable rolls also surprise, full of vivid color and flavor, perfect for lighter appetites.
Dining at Yamashiro feels like a slice of history with your meal. It’s the place where iconic views and skilled sushi meet for a distinctly LA experience.
6. Sushi Katsu-ya
Sushi Katsu-ya is often buzzing with diners who know their way around good sushi. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused, a place where the sushi does all the talking. My first meal here was a classic LA story—packed tables, happy regulars, and chefs working with graceful speed.
The standout has to be Katsu-ya’s baked crab hand roll. It’s warm, rich, and perfectly balanced in each bite—a signature dish that sums up the restaurant’s playful yet refined approach. The seared albacore with crispy onions is another local favorite, bringing a smoky edge to fresh fish.
At Sushi Katsu-ya, you get inventive specials next to purist-approved classics. It’s the kind of spot where trying something new is always rewarded, but the favorites never disappoint.
7. Katsuya
Katsuya at L.A. Live is where design and flavor meet in the hands of chef Katsuya Uechi. The modern, dramatic setting by Philippe Starck creates a big-city buzz before the first bite even arrives. I remember the anticipation as signature plates were set down, each one photogenic and packed with vivid flavor.
The sushi here is built for sharing. The crispy rice with spicy tuna is a must—fiery, bright, and paired with that signature crunch. Yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño is another top pick, balancing heat with silky texture.
You’ll notice an American twist in the playful rolls, but classic nigiri and sashimi get the chef’s focused attention too. Katsuya makes every meal feel like an occasion, turning staples into something that feels completely new.
8. Takami Sushi and Robata
Takami Sushi and Robata brings sky-high dining to downtown LA. Rooftop tables stretch above the city lights, creating a backdrop that elevates every bite. The ambiance alone makes it a go-to for a special night or when you want sushi with a view.
What sets Takami apart is its balance of fresh sushi and inventive robata dishes. The chef’s selection sushi platter always impresses, showcasing pristine fish and precise technique. On my last visit, every nigiri was a highlight, with delicate cuts and warm, perfectly vinegared rice.
Try the house specialty rolls for a fusion twist, or stick with classic yellowtail and salmon for a taste of what Takami does best. It’s sushi made memorable by great ingredients and a view you won’t forget.
9. Kazunori The Original Hand Roll Bar
Kazunori The Original Hand Roll Bar has perfected the art of the hand roll. This spot is all about speed, freshness, and that unbeatable crunch when seaweed meets warm rice. Sit at the bar and you’ll get hand rolls placed in front of you, one by one, at their absolute best—no sogginess in sight.
My go-to is the yellowtail scallion hand roll. The fish is fresh and cool, while the rice is fluffy and warm, wrapped in nori that actually crackles. The menu keeps it streamlined, so you can focus on the essentials without distraction.
If quick, focused sushi is your style, Kazunori delivers. It’s LA’s ultimate spot for hand rolls that keep you coming back with their clean flavors and perfect timing.
10. Asanebo
Asanebo blends tradition with personality, making it a quiet mainstay in LA’s deep sushi scene. The atmosphere feels low-key yet welcoming, with quirky touches like pottery and playful décor that set a relaxed vibe right away. My visits here have always started with a friendly greeting and a glance at the day’s specials, which never disappoint.
Omakase is where Asanebo shines, offering a curated journey across seasonal seafood and innovative preparations. I still remember a bite of sweet shrimp nigiri so tender, the flavor lingered long after.
The signature maki rolls and daily sashimi specials reveal both technical skill and a knack for finding top-quality fish. For unfussy, high-caliber sushi in a comfortable setting, Asanebo is hard to beat.
More Things to Try in Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Los Angeles sushi unique?
LA sushi stands out for its fresh ingredients, California-inspired creativity, and diverse dining—from old-school bars to modern hot spots. Many chefs balance Japanese tradition with local flair, offering rolls and dishes found nowhere else.
Where can I find the best sushi on a budget in Los Angeles?
Plenty of neighborhood spots serve quality sushi without the high price tag. Sushi Gen, Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, and Kazunori Hand Roll Bar are known for value without compromising freshness.
Is vegetarian or vegan sushi easy to find in LA?
Absolutely. Most sushi restaurants in Los Angeles offer creative vegetarian and vegan options, using seasonal vegetables, tofu, and even plant-based sushi rolls for a full experience.
Should I make a reservation at popular LA sushi spots?
For most well-known places, especially omakase or Michelin-rated restaurants, reservations are a smart move. Walk-ins work at casual or fast-service locations, but expect a wait during peak hours.
What sushi dishes should I try in Los Angeles?
Classics like nigiri and sashimi are always reliable. Many LA spots stand out for creative hand rolls, signature maki, and seasonal specials, so ask your chef or server for top picks at each place.