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Sushi Masuyoshi
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sushi Masuyoshi
9.1
Chef Hozumi Masuyoshi transforms his five-seat counter into an intimate dinner party experience, serving an 18-course omakase that showcases dry-aged fish, charcoal-kissed preparations, and impeccable technique. The solo-chef operation delivers exceptional value at $165 with dishes like silk-textured salmon that dissolves on contact and sweet-glazed unagi roasted over binchotan charcoal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry-Aged Sashimi Box, Charcoal-Seared Bonito, Shrimp Head Miso Soup
Scores:
Value: 9.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: One-chef omakase experience in an intimate five-seat setting with exceptional fish aging techniques
Who should go: Adventurous couples and serious sushi enthusiasts seeking intimate dining
When to visit: Dinner only, reservation-only, 5pm or 7:30pm seatings
What to order: 18-course omakase (only option), includes tempura, aged fish, handrolls
Insider tip: Book the entire counter for 4-6 guests for a private omakase experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on Clarkdale Ave - moderately difficult, arrive 10 min early. Closest paid lot is 2 blocks at Culver Hotel ($8 flat)
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual - most guests dress up for the occasion, avoid shorts and sneakers
Noise level: Whisper-quiet intimate setting - perfect for conversation, chef narrates each course
Weekend wait: Reservation-only, no walk-ins accepted - book 2-3 weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch - dinner service only
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not recommended - omakase is fish-focused with limited vegetable courses
Vegan options: Not accommodated - raw fish and seafood is the entire concept
Gluten-free options: Yes - notify at booking, chef can modify soy sauces and tempura batter
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Exceptional for 2nd-3rd dates when you want to impress, but may be too intimate for first meetings - you're sitting elbow-to-elbow at a 5-seat counter with nowhere to hide if conversation lulls
Can I get a table without a reservation? No - strict reservation-only policy with only 10 seats per night (two seatings of 5). Book via Resy 2-3 weeks in advance, same-day availability is virtually impossible
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for children under 12 - the 2+ hour omakase requires sitting still, appreciating raw fish, and respecting the intimate atmosphere. No high chairs or kids menu available
How long does dinner take? Plan for 2 to 2.5 hours - Chef Masuyoshi paces the 18 courses deliberately, explaining each preparation. Don't book tight post-dinner plans
Do I need to tip on top of the $165? Yes - gratuity not included. Standard 18-20% applies ($30-33), though many guests tip higher for solo-chef experiences. No service charge added
Can I take photos? Yes but be respectful - quick phone photos are fine, but avoid flash and standing up. This isn't an Instagram-first crowd
Best For
Better for: Intimate counter-style experience with direct chef interaction, exceptional value for omakase quality ($165 vs $300+ at comparable spots), dry-aged fish techniques, booking entire counter for small private groups
Skip if: You want traditional table seating with more personal space, need menu flexibility or à la carte options, dining with kids, tight on time (under 2 hours), uncomfortable with raw fish or unfamiliar preparations
Sushi Masuyoshi
8.9
Intimate five-seat omakase counter run solo by Chef Hozumi Masuyoshi delivering 18-plus courses of aged sashimi and pristine nigiri. The one-man operation creates a personal dinner-party atmosphere with charcoal-seared fish and fresh tempura. At $165, it represents exceptional value among LA's top-tier omakase experiences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Aged Sashimi Box, Binchotan-Seared Unagi, Chawanmushi with Uni
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Single chef creates intimate personalized omakase at remarkable value
Who should go: Omakase aficionados seeking authentic intimate Japanese experience
When to visit: 5pm or 7:30pm seatings, reservations essential via Tock
What to order: 18-course omakase is the only option available
Insider tip: Book entire five-seat counter for private group experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on residential Clarkdale streets - typically available but arrive 10 mins early. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual required - collared shirts recommended, no shorts or athletic wear
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for conversation at counter seating
Weekend wait: Reservation-only via Tock - no walk-ins accepted
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch - dinner service only
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not suitable - omakase focuses exclusively on seafood and fish
Vegan options: Not available - no vegan modifications possible
Gluten-free options: Notify chef when booking - can accommodate with tamari and modified preparations
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice if your date appreciates omakase. The intimate five-seat counter creates natural conversation with the chef as buffer, and the $165 price shows thoughtfulness without being ostentatious. Skip if they're unfamiliar with raw fish.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Impossible - this is reservation-only via Tock with just five seats total. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends, 1-2 weeks for weekdays. Chef Masuyoshi runs solo so no flexibility.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for children under 12. The 2+ hour quiet omakase format requires patience and appreciation for raw fish. No children's menu or accommodations available.
How does this compare to other LA omakase? Exceptional value at $165 versus $250-400 at comparable spots like Sushi Nozawa or Morihiro. Trade-off: more intimate but less elaborate presentations. You're paying for aged fish quality and personal attention, not theatrics.
What if I don't like raw fish? Wrong restaurant - this is 18 courses of primarily raw and lightly seared fish. No alternative menu exists. If you need cooked options, try Katsuya or Nobu instead.
Best For
Better for: Intimate personal connection with chef, exceptional value for quality level, authentic Japanese dinner-party atmosphere, aged fish specialists. Best for omakase purists who prioritize interaction and fish quality over elaborate presentation.
Skip if: You want elaborate plating and showmanship (try Sushi Note), need flexible menu options, dining with more than 4 people total, want trendy scene atmosphere, uncomfortable at intimate counter seating, or seeking Instagram-worthy presentations over traditional technique.