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Matsumoto
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Matsumoto
8.9
Chef Naruki Matsumoto sources fish directly from Tokyo's Toyosu Market for this essential omakase experience. The 15-piece nigiri-focused tasting showcases pristine seasonal fish with exacting Edomae technique, from buttery nodoguro to delicate Japanese sardine. Operating since 2016 in the space formerly known as Hirozen, this strip mall gem delivers high-end sushi without the usual pretension.
Must-Try Dishes:
15-Piece Omakase, Seared Nodoguro, Spanish Mackerel Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Daily fish flown from Tokyo's Toyosu Market with 20+ years chef expertise
Who should go: Sushi purists seeking authentic Edomae technique without fine dining fuss
When to visit: Weekday lunch for walk-in availability, dinner requires reservations
What to order: Trust the 15-piece omakase - striped amberjack, seared perch, and seasonal catches
Insider tip: Walk-ins usually available at lunch; skip the cooked items and stick to nigiri
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free strip mall parking lot - easy spots even during dinner rush
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - strip mall vibe means jeans totally fine
Noise level: Quiet - intimate counter seating makes conversation easy
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - books 2-3 weeks out
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Minimal - this is a nigiri-focused omakase, maybe 1-2 vegetable pieces
Vegan options: Not recommended - raw fish is the entire point here
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice - tamari available, rice seasoning may need adjustment
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate counter seating creates natural conversation, world-class fish impresses without stuffy atmosphere, and strip mall location keeps it unpretentious. Just book ahead.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch is your best bet for walk-ins. Dinner requires reservations, especially weekends - book 2-3 weeks out. It's counter seating only, no traditional tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - this is a quiet, focused omakase experience at the sushi counter. No kids menu, and the pacing/raw fish focus won't work for most children under 12.
How does this compare to other LA omakase spots? You get Tokyo fish quality at mid-tier omakase prices. More accessible than Sushi Ginza Onodera or Morihiro, better fish sourcing than most $150 spots. The strip mall location means zero pretension.
Do I need to tip on top of the omakase price? Yes - standard 18-20% is expected. Unlike some high-end spots, gratuity isn't included in the omakase price.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Edomae technique and Tokyo-sourced fish without the luxury restaurant markup or attitude - you're paying for world-class product and skill, not ambiance or location prestige
Skip if: You want cooked Japanese dishes or variety beyond nigiri, need a lively atmosphere for a group celebration, or can't appreciate the premium for daily Tokyo fish flights over local sourcing
Matsumoto
8.8
Chef Naruki Matsumoto's omakase-focused sushi bar delivers meticulously sourced fish flown from Tokyo's Toyosu Market with remarkable precision. The 15-piece omakase showcases seasonal selections like seared nodoguro, Spanish mackerel, and Japanese sardine with minimal intervention, allowing exceptional fish quality to speak for itself.
Must-Try Dishes:
15-Piece Nigiri Omakase, Seared Nodoguro, Kamatoro (Fatty Collar)
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Premium fish direct from Tokyo served in one of LA's most essential omakase experiences
Who should go: Sushi enthusiasts seeking high-end quality without extreme pricing
When to visit: Weekday lunch for easier walk-in availability
What to order: Omakase only - trust the chef's daily selection
Insider tip: Walk-ins usually available except peak weekend dinner hours
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - metered spots on 6th/7th Street, easier to find after 8pm. Public lot on Western Ave ($8 flat rate)
Dress code: Business casual recommended - collared shirts ideal, nice jeans acceptable but avoid athleisure
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for conversation at the 8-seat counter
Weekend wait: Reservations essential - walk-ins rare, 90+ min wait typical
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not recommended - omakase format is fish-focused with no vegetarian menu
Vegan options: Not available - traditional sushi bar with no plant-based options
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice - tamari available, most nigiri naturally GF but communicate allergies when booking
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice if your date appreciates quality sushi - the intimate counter seating creates natural conversation, and the omakase format removes menu decision anxiety. Just confirm they eat raw fish first.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch is your best bet for walk-ins - arrive before 12:30pm. Dinner walk-ins are possible Tuesday-Thursday but expect limited availability. Weekend dinner requires advance reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - the quiet, focused counter environment and $150+ omakase format suits adults and mature teens (14+) who appreciate high-end sushi.
Best For
Better for: Exceptional fish quality at a more accessible price point than Sushi Ginza Onodera or Hayato - you're getting Toyosu Market fish without the $300+ price tag. Best for serious sushi lovers who want premium ingredients in an intimate setting.
Skip if: You want menu flexibility (it's omakase only), need vegetarian options, prefer cooked items, or want a lively social atmosphere. For casual sushi cravings, Sushi Note or KazuNori better suit the vibe.