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Nozawa Bar
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Nozawa Bar
8.9
Michelin-starred intimate omakase counter hidden behind Sugarfish, where Chef Fujita serves 22 courses of adventurous nigiri selected daily from LA fish markets. The ten-seat bar maintains strict timing and traditional preparation, creating a temple-like experience for serious sushi devotees.
Must-Try Dishes:
Japanese Jellyfish, Live Sea Urchin, Blue Crab Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Michelin-starred omakase with fish hand-picked daily from LA markets.
Who should go: Purists seeking traditional Edo-mae style excellence
When to visit: 6pm or 8:30pm seatings, book via Tock
What to order: Twenty-course omakase only, no modifications allowed
Insider tip: Arrive exactly on time - first course served promptly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15 at adjacent lots, street parking nearly impossible after 5pm in Beverly Hills
Dress code: Business casual minimum - no shorts/flip-flops, most diners in button-downs or dresses
Noise level: Library quiet - intimate conversations only at the 10-seat counter
Weekend wait: Reservation-only via Tock, books 30 days out within minutes
Weekday lunch: No lunch service offered
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: No - omakase is entirely seafood-based with no substitutions
Vegan options: No options - traditional sushi experience only
Gluten-free options: Cannot accommodate - soy sauce and preparation methods not adaptable
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if both are serious sushi enthusiasts - the $300+ per person price tag and silent, temple-like atmosphere can be intense for getting to know someone
Can I get a table without a reservation? Absolutely not - 10 seats only, must book exactly 30 days ahead on Tock at 10am PST
Is it kid-friendly? No children under 12 permitted - the reverent atmosphere and raw fish focus make it inappropriate for young diners
Best For
Better for: Authentic Edo-mae technique and daily-sourced fish that surpasses even Nobu or Matsuhisa for traditional preparation
Skip if: You want rolls, cooked options, or ability to customize - try Sugarfish next door for flexibility
Nozawa Bar
9.2
Michelin-starred omakase-only counter hidden inside Sugarfish, where Master Chef Osamu Fujita hand-selects fish daily from LA markets. The intimate 10-seat experience delivers 20 courses of pristine nigiri and sashimi at a carefully orchestrated tempo.
Must-Try Dishes:
Santa Barbara Uni Nigiri, Live Octopus Sashimi, Blue Crab Handroll
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 9.3
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Secret speakeasy-style sushi bar requiring reservations months in advance
Who should go: Serious sushi connoisseurs with deep pockets
When to visit: Book 60+ days ahead for weekend slots
What to order: $225 omakase is the only option, trust the chef
Insider tip: Enter through Sugarfish and head to the back room
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15 at adjacent building, metered street parking nearly impossible after 5pm
Dress code: Business casual minimum - no shorts, nice jeans acceptable but lean dressy
Noise level: Hushed intimate - perfect for conversation at the counter
Weekend wait: No walk-ins - reservation only, book 60-90 days ahead
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: No - omakase is seafood-focused with no substitutions
Vegan options: No - not accommodated in the fixed menu format
Gluten-free options: Yes with advance notice - chef can serve without soy sauce and modify courses
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect if you're both sushi enthusiasts - the intimate counter creates natural conversation and the pacing gives you 2+ hours together. Skip if they're picky eaters.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Absolutely not - this is reservation-only with a 10-seat capacity. Book exactly at midnight 60 days before your desired date.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for children under 12 - the experience requires sitting still for 2 hours and appreciating subtle flavors. No kids menu available.
Best For
Better for: True omakase purists seeking chef interaction and education - more intimate and exclusive than Nobu or Matsuhisa
Skip if: You want variety or sharing plates - try Sushi Park or KazuNori for more flexible high-end sushi experiences
Nozawa Bar
8.6
Hidden within Sugarfish, this Michelin-starred jewel box seats just 10 for Chef Osamu Fujita's innovative omakase. The menu emphasizes local California waters alongside Japanese imports, creating unique preparations like jellyfish with ponzu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jellyfish with Ponzu, Halibut Fin Nigiri, Mountain Yam Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Michelin-starred intimate counter focusing on local seafood.
Who should go: Traditionalists seeking pristine technique and ingredients
When to visit: Weeknight for better chance at reservation
What to order: Full omakase with sake pairing
Insider tip: Enter through Sugarfish and head to the back
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet at Sugarfish $8, metered street parking limited after 6pm
Dress code: Smart casual to business - no shorts, collared shirts preferred
Noise level: Intimate quiet - perfect for conversation at counter
Weekend wait: Reservation required - book 30+ days ahead
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: No - omakase is seafood-focused with no substitutions
Vegan options: No - not accommodated in traditional omakase format
Gluten-free options: Very limited - inform when booking, tamari available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent if both love sushi - intimate setting creates memorable experience but requires 2+ hour commitment
Can I get a table without a reservation? No - 10 seats only, books 30-60 days out. Join waitlist for cancellations day-of
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended - intimate adult atmosphere, no kids menu, 2+ hour seating
Best For
Better for: Purist sushi experience with chef interaction vs larger omakase venues
Skip if: Want variety beyond sushi, dietary restrictions, or groups larger than 4