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Toku Unagi & Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Toku Unagi & Sushi
8.5
Specializing in premium unagi imported weekly from Japan, this refined restaurant offers a unique focus rarely found in LA. The elegant setting and specialized cuisine create memorable business dining experiences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium Unagi Box, Unagi Ohitsu, Chef's Sushi Selection
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Only restaurant specializing in premium Japanese unagi imported weekly
Who should go: Adventurous diners and those seeking unique culinary experiences
When to visit: Thursday lunch for unagi-only special menu
What to order: Unagi box, ohitsu, traditional preparation
Insider tip: Thursday lunch offers 10% off unagi dishes
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available $15, limited street parking - arrive early or use ride share
Dress code: Business casual preferred - collared shirts and dress pants ideal, jeans acceptable if dark and well-fitted
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - perfect for business conversations and intimate dining
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, book ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, but reservations ensure counter seating for unagi preparation viewing
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - vegetable tempura, miso soup, and rice dishes available
Vegan options: Very limited - 1-2 options including vegetable rolls without mayo-based sauces
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice - tamari available, but cross-contamination risk in kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for second or third dates - the specialized menu creates conversation but might be too niche for getting-to-know-you dinners
Can I get a table without a reservation? Counter seating usually available for walk-ins, but table reservations strongly recommended especially for business lunches
Is it kid-friendly? Best for ages 12+ who appreciate refined dining - no kids menu, but simple teriyaki options available
Best For
Better for: Authentic unagi experience and business entertaining - only LA restaurant with this specialization and weekly imports from Japan
Skip if: You want variety/extensive sushi selection, vegetarian-friendly options, or casual family dining atmosphere
Toku Unagi & Sushi
8.3
LA's only authentic Japanese unagi specialty restaurant imports premium eel weekly from Japan, prepared with century-old traditional methods and Toku's special sauce. The intimate second-floor setting offers multiple ways to enjoy unagi alongside expertly crafted sushi from experienced chefs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ohitsu Hitsumabushi, A5 Wagyu Tempura, Chirashi Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: LA's only authentic unagi specialist with century-old family recipes
Who should go: Adventurous diners seeking authentic Japanese specialties
When to visit: Dinner reservations recommended for intimate experience
What to order: Ohitsu Ta-Ke, unagi three ways, sake pairings
Insider tip: Ask server for proper hitsumabushi eating sequence
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging in WeHo - arrive 15 min early or use nearby paid lots ($8-15)
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - nice jeans ok but lean upscale for date night
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for conversation without raising voices
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, book ahead strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, but limited lunch hours Wed-Fri only
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - mainly sushi rolls and sides, unagi is the star here
Vegan options: Very limited - ask about tamago and vegetable rolls, not the ideal choice
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications - request gluten-free soy sauce, avoid tempura
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate upstairs setting creates natural conversation flow, unique enough to impress, sharing unagi courses breaks ice naturally
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday dinner maybe at bar seating, weekends nearly impossible - small space fills fast, definitely book ahead
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids - sophisticated atmosphere, adventurous food, no kids menu, better for teens who appreciate sushi
Best For
Better for: Only authentic unagi experience in LA, intimate date atmosphere, truly unique speciality you can't get elsewhere, traditional preparation methods
Skip if: Don't eat fish/eel, want casual quick bite, need lots of vegetarian options, dining with young children, or want familiar American-Japanese fusion
Toku Unagi & Sushi
8.4
LA's only Japanese unagi specialty restaurant imports premium eel weekly from Japan, prepared with century-old cooking methods and special sauce. Beyond exceptional unagi dishes, the experienced chef creates unique sushi rolls unavailable elsewhere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Unajyu Ta-Ke, Premium Unagi Bowl, Thursday Lunch Special
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: LA's first and only authentic unagi specialist importing weekly from Japan
Who should go: Eel enthusiasts and adventurous Japanese food lovers
When to visit: Thursday lunch for 10% off unagi specials
What to order: Unajyu, ohitsu, specialty unagi rolls
Insider tip: Thursday lunch is unagi-only with special pricing
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot with 8 spots, valet $15 dinner only, metered street parking until 8pm
Dress code: Smart casual, business lunch crowd sets the tone, no athletic wear
Noise level: Moderate - intimate conversations possible, livelier during business lunch
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min peak hours (12:30-1:30pm), immediate otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - veggie sushi rolls, agedashi tofu, few appetizers
Vegan options: Very limited - cucumber/avocado rolls, edamame, seaweed salad
Gluten-free options: Yes with modifications - sashimi, most nigiri, request gluten-free soy sauce
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if they're adventurous eaters - intimate atmosphere, unique experience, but skip if they're squeamish about eel
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch usually yes, dinner risky - try bar seating or call 30 min ahead for waitlist
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere, better for teens who like sushi
Best For
Better for: Authentic unagi experience you can't get anywhere else in LA, superior eel quality to any sushi bar
Skip if: You want variety over specialization, large group dining, or quick casual meal under $40/person