Best Date Night Sushi Restaurants in Downtown LA (90012)
7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Essential Picks
#1
Morihiro
9.1
Chef Morihiro Onodera’s intimate counter delivers a kaiseki-leaning omakase that builds toward pristine, delicately seasoned nigiri. The room is calm and minimalist, letting the progression of seasonal bites and expertly balanced rice-fish ratio do the talking. Reservations are essential for a slow, special-occasion night.
Must-Try Dishes:
seasonal hand rolls, chef’s omakase with a la carte rolls, salmon skin salad roll-style bite
What makes it special: Michelin-star omakase craft with rare à la carte roll options.
Notable Picks
#2
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
What makes it special: High-volume classic sushi done right for decades.
#3
Sushi Takeda
8.6
A serene Weller Court counter where Chef Hide Takeda focuses on nigiri-forward omakase with subtle aging and knife work. The room is quiet and minimalist, letting the fish carry the night. Compared to flashier spots, it’s all about restraint and polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nigiri-only omakase, Iwashi roll with pickled daikon, Dry-aged chu-toro
What makes it special: Quiet, precision sushi omakase with a purist bent.
#4
Hama Sushi
8.3
Old-school sushi bar energy with a tight focus on raw fish and hand rolls. The cuts are clean, the rice is lightly seasoned, and regulars swear by the hand roll program. It’s cramped and no-frills, but the fish quality keeps it packed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna hand roll, Albacore toro nigiri, Santa Barbara uni
What makes it special: Classic bar sushi with standout hand rolls.
#5
Tenno Sushi
8.3
A lively Little Tokyo spot mixing traditional nigiri with crowd-pleasing rolls and a late-ish dinner flow. The fish is reliably fresh, and the menu leans a bit modern with creative toppings and baked rolls. A strong pick for a fun, energetic date that won’t break the bank.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle unagi tempura roll, Spicy yellowtail jalapeño, Assorted nigiri dinner set
What makes it special: High-volume local favorite balancing nigiri quality with playful rolls.
#6
Ootoro Sushi
8.1
Decades of experience culminate in edible art at this upscale omakase counter where each piece arrives as a photogenic masterpiece. The Instagram-savvy presentation includes dramatic torch work and colorful garnishes that make every course social media ready.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef's Omakase, Toro Tartare, Charcoal-Grilled Fish Collar
What makes it special: Theatrical presentation designed for social media
Worthy Picks
#7
Sushi Gala
7.6
A casual plaza option that’s easy to pop into for rolls, hand rolls, and bento-style sushi plates. The fish is straightforward and the setting is bright and bustling, making it better for an early, low-key date or a quick pre-movie bite. Go simple and fresh here rather than overly sauced specialty rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s special roll, Yellowtail jalapeño sashimi, Salmon hand roll
What makes it special: Modern rolls and specials in a low-key plaza setting.