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Best Sushi Restaurants in Sawtelle Japantown (90025)

7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

$$$$ West Los Angeles
A Brentwood-area cornerstone where the omakase is the point—trust the chefs, pace yourself, and expect pristine, traditional nigiri with subtle seasoning. The room is understated, but the fish program and technique keep locals and sushi diehards coming back for decades.
Must-Try Dishes: Chef’s omakase nigiri, Bluefin toro duo, Live scallop with citrus-soy
What makes it special: Old-school Edomae-style omakase with top-tier seasonal fish.
$ Sawtelle Japantown
A Sawtelle institution that feels low-key until the first bite—clean rice, bright cuts, and a deep roster of daily specials. It’s the kind of place where regulars sit at the bar, point at the fish, and let the chef take it from there.
Must-Try Dishes: Assorted nigiri special, Seared albacore with ponzu, Daily sashimi plate
What makes it special: High-skill sushi bar in a casual Sawtelle setting.
$$$ West Los Angeles
A small, reservation-friendly counter where the chef’s choice nigiri and chirashi skew toward delicate seasoning and seasonal imports. It’s quieter and more focused than Sawtelle’s bustle, ideal for fish-forward dining.
Must-Try Dishes: Chef’s omakase nigiri, Chirashi deluxe, Roll-it-yourself hand roll set
What makes it special: Intimate omakase-leaning spot with excellent chirashi.
$$ Westwood
A modern Sawtelle counter with polished nigiri, a thoughtful omakase option, and a lively dining room. The fish is clean and well-portioned, with a menu that balances tradition and crowd-pleasing touches.
Must-Try Dishes: Seasonal omakase, Nodoguro nigiri (when available), Truffle halibut
What makes it special: Contemporary Sawtelle sushi with strong omakase value.

Worthy Picks

$$ Westwood Adjacent
A long-running Westside Japanese spot with a welcoming, family-style feel and a steady sushi program. Expect classic rolls, dependable sashimi, and comfort-leaning cooked dishes that make it a neighborhood standby.
Must-Try Dishes: Sashimi combo, Salmon belly nigiri, Tempura & sushi dinner set
What makes it special: Generations-deep neighborhood Japanese restaurant with reliable sushi.
$$ West Los Angeles
A delivery-pioneer on the Westside with a broad menu of rolls, nigiri, and poke-leaning bowls. It’s not a hushed omakase temple—think dependable, fast, and fresher than most takeout-first sushi.
Must-Try Dishes: Assorted nigiri set, Spicy tuna crispy rice, Salmon avocado roll
What makes it special: Longtime Westside sushi shop known for reliable delivery.
7.5
$ West LA
A straightforward neighborhood sushi counter geared for quick orders and solid basics. Expect clean, no-frills rolls, good weekday specials, and a dependable stop when you want sushi without a splurge.
Must-Try Dishes: Sushi special (chef’s choice), Spicy tuna bomb, Salmon skin salad roll
What makes it special: Reliable low-cost sushi with strong everyday specials.