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Sushi Tomoki
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sushi Tomoki
8.7
Chef Tomoki Hombe's 2023 opening quickly became a celebrity favorite, delivering Valley-style omakase with expertly seasoned nigiri and familiar specialty rolls. The intimate blonde-wood space tucked beside jazz club The Baked Potato offers exceptional bang-for-buck with entry omakase starting at $80.
Must-Try Dishes:
Albacore Fried Onion Roll, Seared Salmon Roll with Truffle, Nodoguro
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Former Sushi Enya chef delivering celebrity-favorite rolls with exceptional value
Who should go: Valley locals and celebrity-spotters seeking quality omakase
When to visit: Weeknight dinners easier than packed weekends, reserve ahead
What to order: Entry omakase ($80), albacore belly, spicy tuna crispy rice
Insider tip: Opened 2023 by ex-Sushi Enya chef; Miley Cyrus regular
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Cahuenga or side streets; shared lot behind building with The Baked Potato (limited spaces). Arrive 10 min early weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual to date-night dressy - celebrities often in designer casual, locals in nice jeans and blouses/button-downs
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - low background music, quiet enough for important conversations at the 8-seat counter
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - walk-ins rarely accommodated Friday-Sunday after 6pm
Weekday lunch: Dinner-only operation (no lunch service)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - omakase is seafood-focused, but chef can prepare vegetable nigiri and cucumber/avocado rolls with advance notice
Vegan options: Very limited - call ahead; chef can accommodate with vegetable nigiri and select rolls, but omakase experience diminished
Gluten-free options: Tamari available upon request; most nigiri works but specialty roll sauces contain soy - alert server when booking
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate counter seating creates natural conversation, impressive without being stuffy, and $80 entry omakase won't break the bank. Book the counter for the full chef interaction experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends - space only seats ~20 total and celebrity following fills spots fast. Weeknights offer better walk-in odds, but call ahead. Omakase requires pre-booking regardless.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - intimate setting with counter focus and higher price point suits date nights and adult celebrations. Teens who appreciate sushi will enjoy it.
How does the $80 omakase compare to pricier options? Exceptional value - you're getting chef training from Sushi Enya at nearly half the price of comparable Westside omakase. Portions are satisfying and quality rivals $150+ experiences.
What's the celebrity situation really like? Miley Cyrus is a known regular, but vibe stays low-key - no paparazzi scene, just quality-focused diners. You might spot someone, but it's not a scene-y atmosphere.
Best For
Better for: Best value omakase in the Valley - Chef Hombe's pedigree delivers Westside quality at accessible price points. Choose this over pricier Ventura Blvd options when you want expertly seasoned nigiri without the markup, or when you prefer intimate counter service over larger sushi restaurants.
Skip if: You need a large group accommodation (limited seating), want creative fusion over traditional technique, prefer casual walk-in flexibility, or need extensive cooked options beyond sushi. For big celebrations, choose larger Valley spots with private rooms.
Sushi Tomoki
8.7
Chef Tomoki Hombe's eponymous restaurant launched in 2023 after years at Sushi Enya, quickly becoming a celebrity favorite. The casual-yet-refined spot delivers premium omakase experiences and signature rolls with exceptional fish quality drawing regulars like Miley Cyrus.
Must-Try Dishes:
Albacore Belly, Black Cod Gindara with Miso, The Special (Scallop with Truffle and Uni)
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Celebrity chef's intimate omakase experience with creative signatures and impeccable fish sourcing
Who should go: Sushi lovers seeking premium quality in lively atmosphere
When to visit: Early weeknight reservations avoid lines, opens 5:30pm
What to order: Take Omakase ($150), albacore belly, truffle halibut
Insider tip: Request counter seats to watch Chef Tomoki's artistry and get personalized recommendations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, moderately difficult after 6pm. Arrive 10 minutes early or use nearby public lot on Ventura Blvd ($8-10)
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - jeans acceptable but most diners lean upscale. Avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation-friendly at counter, louder at peak times near bar area
Weekend wait: Reservations essential - walk-ins rarely seated. Expect 60-90 min wait without booking
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch - dinner service only starting 5:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - maybe 2-3 vegetable rolls or sides. Not ideal for vegetarian-focused dining
Vegan options: Not recommended - minimal options beyond cucumber roll and edamame
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice - tamari available, chef can modify omakase but experience may be limited
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - counter seats create natural conversation flow, upscale but not stuffy atmosphere, and impressive without being intimidating. Budget $200-250 for two with drinks
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very unlikely on weekends. Try arriving right at 5:30pm opening on weeknights for bar seating only - counter seats always require reservation
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children - no kids menu, intimate setting better suited for ages 12+. Trendy vibe and price point skew adult-focused
How does the omakase compare to other options? The $150 Take Omakase is the signature experience and best value - à la carte quickly approaches same price with less variety. Only skip omakase if you have specific fish preferences
Is it actually worth the celebrity hype? Yes - the fish quality justifies the buzz independent of celebrity sightings. Chef Tomoki's sourcing and technique deliver premium experience, though you're also paying for trendy location and scene
Best For
Better for: Premium fish quality in lively, see-and-be-seen atmosphere. Choose over competitors when you want exceptional omakase without ultra-formal kaiseki setting, or when energy and ambiance matter as much as technique
Skip if: You want traditional quiet omakase experience, need vegetarian-friendly options, dining with kids under 12, or prefer value-focused sushi over scene. Also skip if you can't book advance reservations - walk-in experience frustrating