Food + Drink Guide to LA New to LA

Best Sushi in LA by Neighborhood

Just like some prefer their coffee sweet and iced, versus black and scorching, you can expect 40 different answers for the best sushi spots in LA. With a multitude of diverse neighborhoods, the favorites list can go on forever! Lucky for you, we set out on a sushi scavenging hunt, and put together a list including 15 LA neighborhoods. From upscale Edomae-style dining to affordable mom-and-pop classics, these delicious gems capture LA’s rich eclectic culture the best.

1. Hiko Sushi⼁Sawtelle⼁$$$$

Address: 11275 National Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Parking: Free lot on-site

If we’re being honest, it’s hard to go wrong at any sushi spot in Sawtelle. But tucked away between a Chase and an H&R Block is an old-school hidden gem: Hiko Sushi. This is your quiet hole-in-the-wall with few tables and a simple menu of nigiri and small hand rolls. They offer two ways to dine. You have counter seating which is an Omakase-only experience, where you’re served a minimum of 5 orders of the chef’s choosing. The second option is sitting at a table which allows you to order directly from their menu. Note that this choice does require a minimum of 4 orders per person. While they lean into a more traditional way of serving, they are more than happy to accommodate diet preferences such as nut allergies, less rice, and more. Get their Nigiri Set!

2. Katsuya⼁Brentwood⼁$$$$

Address: 11777 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Parking: $10 valet & street 

5-star melt-in-your-mouth sashimi and Wagyu lives at Katsuya in Brentwood. Open from the evening until 11, this upscale restaurant and bar is perfect for an upbeat girls’ night out or a fancy dinner date. Comparable to Nobu Malibu, their sushi and Wagyu beef is one of the softest and freshest we have tasted, whether it’s fried, seared, or raw as sashimi. Since they’re quite popular, it’s best to make reservations weeks in advance. You need to try their Ootoro Nigiri and Miso Glazed Black Cod.

3. Kumi Ko⼁Compton⼁$$

Address: 1300 S Long Beach Blvd, Compton, CA 90221

Parking: Free lot on-site

At first glance, you see some gated old shack covered in faded Japanese murals and surrounded by broken pavement. But hey, what seems like a dud may be a diamond in the rough. Kumi Ko is a family-owned gem in the hustle and bustle of Compton, Los Angeles. Each dish comes in generous amounts, and their raw sushi is Nobu fresh. Stop by for a casual lunch, or like most regulars, order for takeout. On top of being reasonably priced, you can easily find a parking spot anywhere on their wide lot. For an LA Girl pick, order their Kumiko Roll.

4. Queen Taco & Sushi⼁Lynwood⼁$

Address: 10407 Atlantic Ave, South Gate, CA 90280

Parking: Free lot on-site

Queen Taco & Sushi is a Sinaloa-inspired sushi favorite, but with a unique Culiacan twist. They’re mainly a Mexican spot offering tacos, tortas, burritos and more, but their sushi fusion menu is just as extensive. You can drive up and order, then park and chill. Choose from breaded shrimp and beef rolls or their popular Culiacan Roll made with Serrano Chile. Their Salvaje Roll is a must!

5. Hello Fish Sushi & Izakaya⼁K-Town⼁$$$

Address: 414 S Western Ave B, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Parking: $4 valet

Unlike many overrated trendy spots, Hello Fish is much more than its Instagrammable pink interior. This K-Town joint has all-you-can-eat sushi until 2 AM, and that includes unlimited appetizers, chef specials, and desserts! Lunch admission is $44.50 per person, while dinner admission starts at $49.50. Expect Pinterest-worthy chic decor for every holiday and occasion, especially Valentine’s Day. Don’t forget to order the Lemon Salmon!

6. Sushi Gen⼁Little Tokyo⼁$$$$

Address: 422 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Parking: Paid lots, best to take the metro train

Do not come here expecting the Americanized, overly sweet, spicy mayo-drenched, extra-large sushi rolls. Enjoy a traditional Edomae experience common in Tokyo, which uses only Japanese culinary techniques for supreme freshness and flavor. Because they no longer accept reservations, we suggest asking for a seat at the bar, which may be more readily available. For ultimate fresh quality and fairly thick cuts of sashimi, their 4-dollar sign rank is well worth it, especially their popular order of the Premium Sushi Deluxe!

7. Yamashiro⼁Hollywood⼁$$$

Address: 1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Parking: $12 valet

This is the perfect spot for a date night or a birthday dinner celebration. Located steps away from Hollywood Hills Hotel, Yamashiro is mostly known for its city mountain views, elaborate Japanese landscape, and its LA history. There is indoor and outdoor seating amid zen gardens and koi ponds. We are obsessed with the Chef Val Roll that our waiter recommended. Unless you’re up for a pre-dinner hike, opt for their $12 valet parking. 

8. Kombu⼁Silverlake⼁$$

Address: 3719 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Parking: Free nearby lot & street 

Kombu is your classic Gen Z LA sushi joint. This trendy mom-and-pop can be found in their original home of Silverlake and at their newly opened location in Arts District of Downtown LA. On top of their wide selection of vegan and gluten-free rolls, they also carry a pet menu serving brown rice paired with either salmon or chicken. Happy hour is offered daily from 3 to 6 PM. Compared to many other spicy-tuna-crispy-rice combos, the Spicy Crispy Rice Cakes at Kombu are elite! Their minimalist Japanese-inspired interior and their rustic patio decked with string lights make for the perfect Instagram moment.

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9. i8sushii⼁Van Nuys⼁$

Address: 15136 Stagg St, Van Nuys, CA 91405

Parking: Free lot on-site

Who knew sushi served in a pizza box would taste so toe-curlingly good? Located in both Silverlake and Van Nuys, i.8sushii is a takeout powerhouse of Japanese cuisine with a tropical Filipino twist. Their affordable pizza box sushi has dubbed them Instagram famous. Choose from their selection of standard-sized pizza boxes for family-style combos, or pick your own smaller personal box for those days you don’t feel like sharing. One roll we recommend adding is the delicious Brûlée Roll.

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10. Katana⼁West Hollywood⼁$$$

Address: 8439 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Parking: Paid structure & valet

For our true sushi enthusiasts, Katana’s extensive Japanese menu hits all the right spots. From sashimi topped with wasabi soy truffle oil to 40-day dry aged New York steak cooked over Japanese Binchotan charcoals for extra smokiness, the variety is endless. Catch views of Sunset Blvd as you sip on a Ginger Lychee Mojito with your besties. We recommend getting a candle-lit table outside so you can vibe along with their live DJ. 

11. Sakae Sushi⼁Gardena⼁$

Address: 1601 W Redondo Beach Blvd #112, Gardena, CA 90247

Parking: Street & mall outdoor parking lot across the street

Family-owned and operated since 1962, Sushi Sakae is a pick-up-and-go, cash-only neighborhood classic. Here you’ll find grand aunties, Gen-Zers, millennials, and parents with their kids standing in line, usually for their affordable and iconic sushi box. We recommend choosing the popular mixed box of 7-36 rolls, or pay per piece. It’s best to call ahead for pick-up to dodge the long wait.

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12. Mrs. Fish⼁Downtown LA⼁$$

Address: 448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Parking: $10 valet & $9 nearby lot 

If you’re looking to impress some out-of-towners or a special date, make your reservations at Mrs. Fish. Located in the historic Pershing Square Building in Downtown LA, Mrs. Fish is a contemporary Japanese restaurant and bar centering on an overall sensory experience. Make sure to try an order of their Golden Yuzu Roll. In addition to a vast sushi menu including rare Japanese Whiskey and premium Sake, they’re known for their handpicked collection of modern Japanese art straight from Tokyo galleries. With a bright colored, eclectic interior and sushi-inspired furniture, you’ll find yourself in a Japanese Alice in Wonderland fairytale. It doesn’t stop there. Tuesday visits are ideal for live music! And did we mention they have a 5,500 gallon aquarium? 

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13. Chiba⼁North Hollywood⼁$$

Address: 7515 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91605

Parking: Small free parking lot on-site

Chiba in Noho is the poster child for a hole-in-the-wall sushi joint with lightning-fast service. You won’t find the usual, gooey thick blanket of eel sauce and spicy mayo to make up for the bland roll hiding right under. Their salmon is buttery enough to melt in your mouth. Their handrolls are thick with large helpings of fish and not just rice. Our top favorite is the Rufus Roll! While Chiba is perfect for a weekday craving or a casual family dinner, reservations are still recommended since it has become a popular neighborhood classic. 

14. Takeshy Town Sushi⼁Venice⼁$

Address: 10113 Venice Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90034

Parking: Street 

Three words: Sinaloa-style sushi. Sinaloa is a state in NorthWestern Mexico. Based on Venice Blvd, about 20 minutes from the beach, Takeshy Town is a food truck known for its American, Japanese, and Sinaloa-inspired cuisine. They’re open from lunch until 11:30 PM, and everything is under $20. While they offer tacos, Asada fries, burgers, and even Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, people line up for fusion novelties like Tampico mix (crab salad) Asada rolls coated with Hot Cheeto dust and chipotle sauce. And just when you think it couldn’t get more LA than that, they also offer a vegan menu.

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15. En Sushi⼁Santa Monica⼁$$

Address: 11651 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Parking: Street, residential, inexpensive nearby lot

En Sushi puts other restaurants’ happy hours to shame! Enjoy fresh or baked sushi rolls for as little as $9 everyday from 4 to 7 PM or Thursdays and Sundays from 9:30 PM ’til closing. Their Yellowtail Sashimi has been our fav go-to! With its dim and cozy ambiance, En Sushi is best for boozy, light-hearted dinners with friends or co-workers. Pick a secluded booth or a high seat at their full bar for endless cocktails.

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If you’re hungry for more, check out the 10 best taco spots in LA and our top picks for outdoor dining restaurants!

Anna is a freelance culture writer and video editor. When she's not playing her favorite blues tunes on the piano, you could find her driving down PCH or enjoying fruit bowls while the sun goes down.