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Asanebo
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Asanebo
9.1
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Former Michelin-starred institution delivering bold fusion-forward rolls and hot dishes alongside impeccable omakase. Founded by Matsuhisa alumni in 1991, this upscale strip mall destination layers Peruvian influences with California creativity in daring specialty rolls and cooked preparations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna, Seared Toro, SSS (Salmon Sashimi Special)
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Michelin pedigree meeting California-Peruvian fusion in creative specialty rolls
Who should go: Serious sushi enthusiasts with healthy budgets
When to visit: Dinner Tuesday through Sunday, reserve ahead
What to order: Crispy rice tuna, seared toro, omakase additions
Insider tip: Omakase hot dishes rival the sushi; watch pricing carefully
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind strip mall, 20+ spaces. Rarely full except Saturday nights. Street parking available on Ventura Blvd.
Dress code: Upscale casual to business casual - collared shirts common, jeans acceptable if dark/clean, no athletic wear
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - intimate conversations flow easily, sushi bar livelier than tables
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - walk-ins quoted 90+ minutes Friday/Saturday after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch - dinner only Tuesday-Sunday from 5:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - creative vegetable rolls, grilled asparagus, miso-glazed eggplant. Chef accommodates omakase requests.
Vegan options: Limited but possible - specify when booking. Avocado-cucumber rolls, vegetable tempura (confirm oil), edamame.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce contains gluten, cross-contact likely in kitchen. Sashimi safest option, notify server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for 3rd+ dates where you're investing in the relationship. Too pricey ($150-200/person) and formal for getting-to-know-you dates. Dim lighting and intimate seating create romance, but high tab pressure can distract from connection.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult. Try arriving at 5:30pm opening Tuesday-Thursday for counter seats. Weekends book 2-3 weeks out. They occasionally hold 2-3 bar spots for walk-ins but expect 60-90 minute waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended under age 12. Quiet upscale environment, limited kids' options, $15-35 per item pricing makes picky eaters expensive. No high chairs. Teens who appreciate sushi will love it.
How much should I budget per person? $120-180 for rolls and appetizers, $200-300 for omakase. Premium items (toro, uni) add $20-40 each. Sake/wine $12-25/glass. Tax and tip bring final 25% higher.
Is the omakase worth it vs ordering rolls? Depends on your palate. Omakase showcases technique and seasonal fish ($150-250), but signature rolls (crispy rice tuna, seared toro) are the unique draw. First-timers: order rolls. Returning? Try omakase to see traditional skills.
Best For
Better for: Bold fusion-forward rolls with Peruvian heat and texture play. Cooked 'hot dishes' that compete with the raw fish. Consistent quality over 30+ years. Less scene-y than newer West Hollywood spots - focus stays on food not Instagram.
Skip if: You want traditional Edomae sushi purist experience (try Shunji or Mori). Budget under $100/person. Looking for trendy crowd energy. Need quick weeknight dinner without planning ahead. Prefer modern minimalist design over 90s-era dated interiors.
Asanebo
8.8
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Michelin-recognized sushi institution operating for over two decades with Chef Tetsuya Nakao at the helm. The spare, elegant space features Hello Kitty décor alongside serious omakase offerings and an extensive five-page menu showcasing daily market specials.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seared Toro with Fresh Seaweed Sauce, Scallop Citrus Yuzu, Halibut Sashimi with White Truffle
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: Michelin-rated Valley sushi pioneer with 20+ year reputation for impeccable nigiri
Who should go: Discerning diners willing to invest in exceptional quality
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for best service, watch daily prices
What to order: Daily specials, omakase, mirugai (geoduck), toro sashimi
Insider tip: Stick to daily specials and omakase rather than navigating the overwhelming five-page menu
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant, street parking available but limited during peak hours
Dress code: Business casual to dressy - this is a special occasion venue, avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Quiet and intimate - perfect for conversation, sushi counter has chef interaction
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - walk-ins rarely accommodated Friday-Saturday
Weekday lunch: Typically available with 1-2 day advance booking
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - cucumber rolls, vegetable tempura, inari, but sushi-focused menu doesn't shine here
Vegan options: Very limited - cucumber rolls and edamame essentially, not recommended as primary destination
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available, most sashimi works, communicate needs as kitchen accommodates carefully
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice if you want to impress with a serious investment ($150-250pp). The intimate atmosphere and omakase experience create natural conversation flow, but skip if your date isn't adventurous with raw fish.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible Tuesday-Thursday evenings at the sushi bar if you arrive right at opening (5:30pm), but don't count on it. Weekends are fully booked. Always call ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children - quiet atmosphere, sophisticated cuisine, and premium pricing make this adults-only territory. Teens who appreciate sushi could work for special occasions.
How much should I budget? $150-200 per person for omakase experience with sake/wine, $100-120 if ordering à la carte carefully. Daily specials add up quickly - ask prices before ordering.
Do I need to sit at the sushi bar? Highly recommended for omakase - direct interaction with Chef Nakao elevates the experience. Tables work fine for à la carte ordering but you miss the theater.
Best For
Better for: Traditional Edomae technique and 20-year consistency - this is where serious sushi enthusiasts go for expertly aged fish and old-school craftsmanship. The Valley's most respected sushi counter for authenticity over Instagram aesthetics.
Skip if: You want modern fusion rolls, casual ambiance, or budget-friendly sushi. For creative modern Japanese, try Katsuya. For better value with quality, Kazu Nori delivers. This is premium traditional territory only.
Asanebo
8.6
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Since 1991, this Michelin-recognized institution serves impeccable traditional sushi under Chef Tetsuya Nakao, a Matsuhisa alum. The five-page menu features rare seasonal fish like sea pike and Japanese wild sea bass, with omakase showcasing meticulous knife work and pristine ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seared Toro with Seaweed Sauce, Scallop Citrus Yuzu, Mirugai Geoduck
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: Three-decade Michelin legacy with rare seasonal fish selections
Who should go: Serious sushi connoisseurs willing to invest in excellence
When to visit: Reservations required; watch pricing on daily specials
What to order: Daily specials, seared toro, scallop citrus yuzu
Insider tip: Valet parking only in small shared lot with Lala's
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet only in small shared lot with Lala's Argentine Grill - arrive early or expect brief wait for valet
Dress code: Business casual to dressy - this is a special occasion spot where most guests dress up
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - intimate sushi bar allows conversation, larger tables slightly livelier
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - walk-ins rarely accommodated on Fri/Sat
Weekday lunch: Reservation strongly recommended - limited seating fills quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - vegetable tempura, cucumber rolls, maybe 3-4 options but this is a fish-focused experience
Vegan options: Very limited - best to call ahead; traditional sushi restaurant with minimal plant-based focus
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications - tamari available, avoid tempura, communicate clearly with server
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you're both serious foodies and comfortable with $150-200+ per person. The intimate sushi bar creates natural conversation flow, but the investment level makes it better suited for 2nd-3rd date or when you really want to impress.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Extremely difficult. With 30+ years of loyal clientele and Michelin recognition, walk-ins are rarely seated. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for weekends, 3-5 days for weekdays. Sushi bar seats occasionally open up for solo diners on weeknights.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children. The quiet, refined atmosphere and premium pricing ($50-80+ per person minimum) make this better suited for teens and adults who appreciate traditional sushi. No kids menu available.
How much should I budget? $150-250 per person with drinks and tip. Daily specials can push higher - ask prices before ordering. Omakase runs $120-180 depending on market availability. This is a splurge destination, not a casual sushi night.
What's the difference between ordering omakase vs. à la carte? Omakase showcases Chef Nakao's peak artistry with seasonal selections and meticulous preparation - best for first-timers. À la carte gives you control over pacing and budget, but requires sushi knowledge to navigate the extensive five-page menu effectively.
Best For
Better for: Traditional Edomae technique, rare seasonal fish (Japanese wild sea bass, sea pike), intimate chef interaction at sushi bar, and three-decade consistency under one chef. Choose Asanebo when craftsmanship and authenticity matter more than trendy presentations.
Skip if: You want creative fusion rolls, casual atmosphere, budget-friendly prices under $100/person, or loud social dining. Also skip if you prefer cooked entrees - this is a raw fish showcase. For more accessible luxury sushi, try Sugarfish or KazuNori instead.