0 Followers
Sushi Enya Sawtelle
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Sushi Enya Sawtelle
8.0
A modern Sawtelle counter with polished nigiri, a thoughtful omakase option, and a lively dining room. The fish is clean and well-portioned, with a menu that balances tradition and crowd-pleasing touches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal omakase, Nodoguro nigiri (when available), Truffle halibut
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Contemporary Sawtelle sushi with strong omakase value.
Who should go: Groups wanting quality sushi in a buzzy room.
When to visit: Weekends for the full vibe.
What to order: Omakase, nodoguro, truffle halibut.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar to catch off-menu seasonal nigiri.
Sushi Enya Sawtelle
8.5
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Luxury Dining Elite
Sushi Enya Sawtelle draws sushi purists with high-quality fish flown in daily, skilled chefs, and a refined setting for business meals or special occasions. Owned by Kimiyasu Enya, the restaurant’s signature hand rolls, chu-toro nigiri, and AC Milan cut roll are menu highlights, and service is consistently praised.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chu-Toro Nigiri, Enya Signature Hand Roll, AC Milan Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Legacy Japanese chef with upscale, creative sushi.
Who should go: Sushi aficionado, professionals, special occasion diners.
When to visit: Dinner or happy hour for best fish options.
What to order: Chu-Toro Nigiri, Hand Roll, Garlic Edamame.
Insider tip: Arrive early for walk-in or book ahead to avoid long waits.
Sushi Enya Sawtelle
8.5
Sushi Enya brings refined omakase experiences and creative rolls to West LA, celebrated for its fresh seafood flown in daily and elegant presentation. Sushi lovers return for the signature blue crab hand roll and the chef’s choice platters, making it a consistently popular date-night destination with intimate seating and attentive service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue Crab Hand Roll, Chef’s Omakase Platter, Salmon Belly Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Omakase offerings and meticulously sourced fish set it apart.
Who should go: Sushi aficionados and special occasion diners
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekend evenings
What to order: Omakase, blue crab hand roll, salmon belly
Insider tip: Reserve bar seating for an up-close omakase experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the main option but can be challenging after 6pm, especially on weekends—no valet or lot available.
Dress code: Smart casual is recommended; jeans are fine if paired with something dressy.
Noise level: Moderate—easy to hold a conversation without raising your voice, even during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30-50 minute wait without a reservation; reservations highly advised.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable rolls and sides, plus customizable options.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2-3 vegan-friendly rolls and salads available.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free soy sauce and several sashimi and roll choices; inform staff for best options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate but not stuffy, with attentive staff and presentation that sparks conversation, making it ideal for impressing someone special.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or at opening, but highly unlikely during weekend dinners; bar seats are sometimes available for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for adults and older teens—no kids’ menu, limited high chair availability, and the upscale vibe suits special outings more than family dinners.
Best For
Better for: Refined omakase and signature rolls in a romantic, upscale-yet-accessible setting; excels at special occasion experiences without the intimidating price tag.
Skip if: If you need spacious group seating, casual family-friendly atmosphere, or a wide selection of cooked entrees—look elsewhere.