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Kihon
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Kihon
8.6
Naples Island sushi restaurant focusing on traditional Japanese fundamentals with pristine fish quality. Modern izakaya style with tapas plates makes it suitable for business meetings despite dinner-only hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Albacore, Miso Black Cod, Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Chef-quality fish with Japanese authenticity rare in Long Beach
Who should go: Executives willing to book 5pm early dinners for business
When to visit: Tuesday-Saturday 5pm opening for early business dinners
What to order: Omakase special, garlic albacore, miso black cod
Insider tip: Sit at sushi bar with chef Peter for personalized recommendations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Naples Island - arrive early as spots fill quickly. Public lot at Alamitos Bay Marina 2 blocks away. Valet not available.
Dress code: Business casual to dressy - most diners in button-downs or blouses. Jeans acceptable if paired with blazer for business meetings.
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for business conversation. Small 40-seat space with good acoustics.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday-Saturday. Reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Dinner only - opens 5pm Tuesday-Saturday. No lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - 3-4 vegetable appetizers and veggie rolls. Not ideal for vegetarian-focused meal.
Vegan options: Very limited - edamame, cucumber salad, possibly 1-2 veggie rolls. Call ahead to confirm options.
Gluten-free options: Moderate options - sashimi and many fish dishes work. Soy sauce alternatives available. Inform server of needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for first dates - intimate setting, impressive fish quality shows thoughtfulness, and quiet atmosphere enables real conversation. Book 6:30pm for romantic window-seat timing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early (5-5:30pm) on weekdays, but risky on weekends. Only 40 seats and locals know this spot. Reservations recommended for any important meal.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children - intimate adult atmosphere, no kids menu, and sophisticated preparations. Fine for mature teens (16+) who appreciate quality sushi.
Is this good for business dinners? Yes, despite dinner-only hours. Book 5pm or 5:30pm for early business meetings. Quiet space and upscale izakaya format work well for executive conversations. Modern but professional atmosphere.
How does it compare to Sushi of Naples nearby? More traditional and chef-driven than Sushi of Naples. Better fish quality and authenticity, though Sushi of Naples has fuller bar program and larger space for groups.
Best For
Better for: Traditional Japanese authenticity, pristine fish quality, and intimate business conversations. Chef Peter's omakase rivals LA options. Best sushi on Naples Island for purists.
Skip if: You need lunch hours, want full bar/cocktail scene, have large groups (6+), or prefer Americanized fusion rolls. Also skip for vegetarians or families with young kids.
Kihon
8.4
Tucked in a Naples strip mall, this intimate sushi bar focuses on traditional Japanese fundamentals with chef-driven specials and premium cuts. The long sushi bar showcases chef Erwin Angeles' selection of fresh seafood, while the earth-toned single-room dining space creates comfortable intimacy. Garlic albacore with truffle oil and buttery sashimi demonstrate the restaurant's commitment to high-quality fish prepared with minimal interference.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Albacore, Hamachi Kama, Black Cod
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Traditional Japanese technique with premium fish and minimal sauce interference, focusing on pure seafood quality
Who should go: Sushi purists and date-night couples seeking authentic preparation
When to visit: Dinner only, call for reservations after 5pm
What to order: Garlic albacore, chef's omakase selection, hamachi kama (arrives early)
Insider tip: Sit at the sushi bar and ask for Peter or Francisco for personalized recommendations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Strip mall lot with ample free parking - easy access, no stress
Dress code: Smart casual works best - dark jeans and button-down is the sweet spot
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for meaningful conversation at your table
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, book ahead for prime slots
Weekday lunch: Dinner only - closed for lunch service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - vegetable rolls and miso soup, but fish is the focus here
Vegan options: Very limited - mostly rice and vegetable sides, not ideal for vegan diners
Gluten-free options: Possible with tamari substitution and sashimi-focused ordering, communicate with chef
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate sushi bar setting creates natural conversation flow, and the quality shows you put thought into the pick without being over-the-top fancy
Can I get a table without a reservation? Risky on weekends - the intimate size means limited seating. Weeknights after 7pm you might squeeze in, but calling ahead is strongly recommended
Is it kid-friendly? Not the best fit - quiet, adult-focused atmosphere and no kids menu. Save this for date night and take the family to more casual sushi spots
How much should I budget per person? $60-90 per person with drinks - omakase pricing runs higher, appetizers and specialty rolls add up quickly
Do they have cooked options for sushi beginners? Yes - tempura, teriyaki, and cooked rolls available, but the real magic here is the raw fish if you're willing to explore
Best For
Better for: Traditional technique and premium fish quality over trendy fusion rolls - choose Kihon when you want authentic Japanese preparation and intimate sushi bar experience with chef interaction
Skip if: You want creative fusion rolls, large group dining, or lively energetic atmosphere - this is a quiet, purist-focused spot best for couples and small parties