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Asuka
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Asuka
8.6
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Asuka is an intimate Westwood sushi bar known for meticulous fish cutting, traditional techniques, and a calm, polished dining room. It leans more toward nigiri and specialty rolls than novelty items, making it a favorite for diners who want a slower, more composed sushi experience than the nearby student haunts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase sushi, Toro nigiri, Baked crab hand roll
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Refined, chef-driven sushi in a serene room that feels built for proper dinners.
Who should go: Sushi fans seeking a relaxed, upscale Westwood dinner
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or unhurried weekend evenings with friends
What to order: Omakase sushi, toro nigiri, baked crab hand roll
Insider tip: Ask to sit at the sushi counter for more interaction with the chef and off-menu suggestions.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Westwood Blvd and adjacent side streets; can be tight during UCLA peak hours. A few paid lots within a 2–3 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly polished—button-downs, blouses, and clean layers.
Noise level: Low to moderate. Calm enough for date-night conversations without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes if you walk in; reservations highly recommended for prime time.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are almost always seated promptly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie rolls, cucumber/avocado options, and a handful of cooked appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited — a few basic vegetable rolls are available but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — many nigiri and sashimi items are naturally gluten-free; ask for gluten-free soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The intimate room, calm energy, and polished presentation make it an ideal first-date setting if you want something elevated without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Early evenings and late dinners may allow walk-ins, but prime hours fill fast. Counter seating is the best bet for last-minute availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids or teens who enjoy sushi. The room is quiet and tailored more toward adults, so families with very young children may feel out of place.
Best For
Better for: Refined nigiri cuts, calm ambiance, and a more composed dining experience than the fast-casual student spots nearby.
Skip if: You want bargain-priced rolls, loud group energy, or a long menu of creative fusion items — nearby student-oriented sushi bars may fit those needs better.
Asuka
8.8
Asuka is a long-running Westwood kaiseki and sushi counter where chef Kenkichi Yamamoto serves seasonal omakase and meticulous nigiri in an intimate room. Diners treat it as a special-occasion destination for pristine sashimi, composed kaiseki courses, and quietly attentive service a short walk from UCLA.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kaiseki prix fixe tasting, Chef’s choice sashimi combo, Toro and seasonal nigiri omakase
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Intimate kaiseki counter pairing pristine fish with seasonal multi-course menus.
Who should go: Serious sushi fans and special-occasion diners.
When to visit: Weeknight or early weekend seatings for a calmer pace.
What to order: Kaiseki prix fixe, omakase sashimi, seasonal nigiri flights.
Insider tip: Reserve counter seats and call ahead if you want the full kaiseki experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Westwood Blvd can be tight during peak dinner hours; nearby public garages on Glendon and Broxton typically have open spaces after 6pm.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual—button-downs, dresses, and polished outfits fit the room; avoid overly casual athleisure.
Noise level: Low to moderate; the intimate counter and small dining room allow easy conversation even during peak hours.
Weekend wait: With reservations, you’re seated promptly; without them, walk-ins are rarely accommodated due to the small room.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is lighter and typically has no wait if open, though kaiseki reservations are still recommended.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—kaiseki menus may include vegetable-forward courses, but the focus is on seafood.
Vegan options: Not recommended—menus rely heavily on fish, dashi, and seafood-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice; the chef can adjust soy sauce and some sauces for gluten sensitivities.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its intimate counter, quiet room, and high-end omakase experience create a focused, elevated atmosphere ideal for a refined first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely—the dining room is small and omakase requires prep; call ahead, but expect that most seatings are booked in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—there’s no children’s menu, limited seating, and the kaiseki format is best suited to adults or older teens accustomed to long tasting menus.
Best For
Better for: Exceptional for intimate, chef-driven omakase with seasonal kaiseki courses and a serene, traditional experience.
Skip if: Skip if you want quick à la carte sushi, large-group dining, or more flexible menus with broad dietary accommodations.
Asuka
8.6
Asuka is a longstanding Westwood Japanese restaurant where kaiseki-style menus and omakase sushi spotlight pristine fish and seasonal ingredients. The intimate room and attentive pacing make it a go-to for special-occasion dinners and serious sushi fans willing to splurge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kaiseki Prix Fixe Menu, Omakase Sushi Course, Bluefin Toro Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Omakase-focused kaiseki restaurant with meticulous seasonal Japanese execution.
Who should go: Serious sushi lovers planning splurge-worthy Westwood date nights.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for calmer counter seats and chef attention.
What to order: Kaiseki prix fixe, omakase sushi, seasonal sashimi selections.
Insider tip: Reserve counter seats and ask about seasonal off-menu nigiri.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Westwood Blvd and nearby side streets; spots tighten after 6pm. Limited public garages within a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; button-downs, dresses, and clean denim are fine. Many guests dress up slightly for omakase.
Noise level: Low to moderate; the intimate room keeps conversation easy, especially at the counter.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may face 45–75 minutes or may be turned away during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; service is steady but not crowded.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but viable; vegetable tempura, salads, and select non-fish starters.
Vegan options: Very limited; most dishes incorporate fish, dashi, or egg. Best to call ahead for accommodation.
Gluten-free options: Moderate support; many sashimi and nigiri options are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and marinades may require substitution upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its quiet atmosphere, attentive pacing, and special-occasion feel create an intimate setting ideal for a thoughtful first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weeknights, but weekends and prime hours are tough; counter seats may open up sooner than tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the ambiance skews adult, and the menu is geared toward omakase and kaiseki rather than child-friendly options. Suitable only for older children accustomed to fine dining.
Best For
Better for: High-end omakase, seasonal kaiseki touches, and a calm, intimate room that outperforms trendier spots when you want chef-driven precision.
Skip if: You prefer loud, energetic sushi bars, bargain pricing, or expansive menus; Asuka is focused, refined, and priced for special occasions.
Asuka
8.5
Asuka is a longstanding Westwood sushi bar, established in 1974, where omakase and kaiseki-style menus spotlight pristine blue-fin tuna, uni, and seasonal fish. The intimate, low-key room draws serious sushi fans who prioritize craftsmanship over scene. Prices are high, but the fish quality and chef attention make it a go-to for special-occasion sushi in 90024.
Must-Try Dishes:
Asuka Sushi Omakase, Blue Fin Toro sashimi, Asuka Special Sushi set
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Omakase-focused Westwood sushi bar with kaiseki touches and pristine fish.
Who should go: Sushi fans seeking intimate omakase near Westwood and UCLA.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for calmer counter seats and attentive pacing.
What to order: Asuka Sushi Omakase, Blue Fin Toro sashimi, Asuka Special Sushi.
Insider tip: Reserve counter seats and ask about seasonal off-menu sashimi selections.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Westwood Blvd and adjacent side streets; availability tight after 6pm. Public structures on Broxton Ave usually have spots, with 2 hours free before validation fees apply.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning elevated. Nice denim is fine, but most guests opt for button-downs or chic tops for the omakase counter.
Noise level: Low to moderate. The room stays quiet enough for clear conversation, especially at the counter.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended. Without one, waits of 30–50 minutes are common for small parties.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; dinner-focused service. Early weekday dinners (5–6pm) typically seat quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited. A few vegetable rolls and appetizers, but the experience is designed around fish-focused courses.
Vegan options: Very limited. Only basic vegetable rolls and salads; no dedicated vegan substitutions in omakase.
Gluten-free options: Moderate. Many sashimi items are naturally gluten-free; request gluten-free soy sauce and avoid marinated items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The intimate counter and attentive pacing make it ideal for a thoughtful, conversation-friendly first date—especially if both people appreciate high-quality sushi.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weekday evenings if you arrive early, but weekends and peak dinner hours almost always require reservations for the counter or booths.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children; the quiet, omakase-focused setting skews adult. Teens familiar with sushi will be comfortable, but there are no special kids’ options.
Best For
Better for: High-end omakase and pristine blue-fin cuts delivered with classic craftsmanship in a quieter setting than trend-driven sushi bars.
Skip if: You want budget-friendly sushi, fusion-style rolls, loud energy, or quick in-and-out dining without committing to a premium omakase experience.