0 Followers
Sushi Gen
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Sushi Gen
8.8
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Trendy Table Hotspots
A Little Tokyo institution that still delivers with robust sashimi cuts and an expansive nigiri lineup. The famous lunch sashimi special is a local rite of passage, and the bar menu rewards repeat visits. Expect lines, but also reliable fish quality at scale.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sashimi lunch special, Bluefin toro nigiri, Uni shoots
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-volume classic sushi done right for decades.
Who should go: Anyone wanting a true Little Tokyo staple.
When to visit: Weekday lunch before the line peaks.
What to order: Sashimi special, toro nigiri, seasonal uni.
Insider tip: Go straight to the sushi bar if possible.
Sushi Gen
8.2
A longtime Little Tokyo sushi anchor where pristine fish and classic preparation outshine the plain setting. Lunch sashimi sets are the move, while nightly specials reward regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sashimi Deluxe Lunch, Chirashi Bowl, Toro Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Old-school sushi craft with reliably top-tier fish.
Who should go: Sashimi fans and purists.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for the best value.
What to order: Sashimi lunch, chirashi, toro nigiri.
Insider tip: Check the handwritten daily board before ordering.
Sushi Gen
8.5
Little Tokyo’s enduring sushi institution with an always-busy dining room and a fish-first approach. The sashimi specials and tight nigiri program keep locals lining up for consistently fresh cuts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sashimi Deluxe Special, Toro Nigiri, Uni & Ikura Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A decades-strong sushi house famous for sashimi sets.
Who should go: Sushi purists and lunch regulars.
When to visit: Arrive before opening to shorten the wait.
What to order: Sashimi special, toro, seasonal nigiri.
Insider tip: Dining room gets the sashimi specials—bar doesn’t.
Sushi Gen
8.6
Beloved since around 1980, Sushi Gen is the quality-meets-value anchor of Little Tokyo. Rolls are straightforward but exceptionally well-executed, with bright fish flavor and tight rice work. The crowd is a signal: this place earns its lines with consistency more than flash.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gen special roll, negihama roll, salmon avocado roll
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: High-caliber sushi rolls at prices that still feel local.
Who should go: Anyone craving serious sushi without omakase costs.
When to visit: Arrive before opening for the shortest wait.
What to order: Gen special roll, negihama roll, salmon avocado roll.
Insider tip: The lunch specials are the stealth best deal in the neighborhood.
Sushi Gen
8.2
A Little Tokyo institution known for pristine fish and fast-moving lunch specials. Gluten-free diners do best sticking to sashimi and nigiri while requesting tamari instead of soy sauce.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sashimi deluxe (GF), Chirashi bowl (GF), Uni tasting (GF)
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Top-tier fish in a no-frills Little Tokyo classic.
Who should go: Sushi purists and lunch hunters.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for best value.
What to order: Sashimi deluxe, chirashi, nigiri with tamari.
Insider tip: Skip soy-marinated items unless confirmed GF.
Sushi Gen
8.4
A Little Tokyo staple where pristine sashimi and generous lunch sets make the splurge feel justified. The vibe is straightforward and family-appropriate, especially at lunch when the room is brighter and more relaxed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sashimi Deluxe Lunch, Premium Sushi Set, Uni & Ikura Bowl (seasonal)
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Ultra-fresh fish and famously strong lunch combos.
Who should go: Families wanting quality sushi without fuss.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for best value and calmer tone.
What to order: Sashimi deluxe, premium sushi set, seasonal uni.
Insider tip: Arrive before noon to get on the lunch list early.
Sushi Gen
8.6
A Little Tokyo institution known for consistently fresh fish and classic, no-frills execution that locals line up for. The energy is lively and unmistakably old-school, making it a fun, buzzy date that feels like part of the neighborhood’s fabric. Go for sashimi-forward plates and straightforward nigiri done right.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sashimi moriawase, Toro nigiri, Chirashi bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Decades-strong Little Tokyo staple with a reputation built on fish quality.
Who should go: Sushi purists who love neighborhood institutions
When to visit: Off-peak dinner to dodge the longest waits
What to order: Sashimi moriawase, toro nigiri, chirashi
Insider tip: Put your name in early and stroll the plaza while you wait.