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Omakase By Osen
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Omakase By Osen
8.2
Chef Damon Cho's omakase-focused sibling restaurant delivers theatrical multi-course experiences with caviar-topped toro, truffle-enhanced sashimi, and baked king crab hand rolls. The intimate counter seats and table options showcase seasonal Japanese fish with modern flourishes designed for maximum visual impact.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso Crab Salmon, Caviar Toro Appetizer, Baked King Crab Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Focuses exclusively on sushi with decadent caviar and truffle presentations unavailable at sister restaurant
Who should go: Omakase fans wanting neighborhood intimacy without downtown formality
When to visit: Tuesday-Thursday evenings for quieter, more photogenic experience
What to order: Skip full omakase; order à la carte nigiri plus signature cold plates
Insider tip: Table seating offers better lighting for photos than the darker sushi bar counter
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive after 6pm. Plan 10-15 min to find a spot within 2 blocks. Ride-share recommended for date nights.
Dress code: Elevated casual to dressy - dark jeans acceptable but most guests wear cocktail attire. Avoid athleisure.
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for conversation. Counter seats hear chef interactions, tables more private.
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - walk-ins rarely accommodated Friday-Saturday
Weekday lunch: Dinner-only service, no lunch available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not recommended - sushi-focused menu with minimal vegetable options. 1-2 vegetable rolls available.
Vegan options: Not suitable - no dedicated vegan offerings beyond edamame
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce substitutes available but cross-contamination likely in omakase format. Call ahead.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent if you want to impress and your date appreciates omakase - the theatrical presentation creates natural conversation moments. Skip if they're picky eaters or uncomfortable with $150+ per person spend.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very unlikely on weekends. Weeknight walk-ins possible Tuesday-Wednesday before 7pm, but call ahead. Tables book out 2-3 weeks for prime slots.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for children under 12 - intimate setting, long meal duration (90+ min), and raw fish focus. No kids menu. Consider sister restaurant Osen for families.
How long does dinner take? Full omakase runs 90-120 minutes. À la carte ordering allows 60-75 min experience if you're time-constrained.
Is it worth the price? If you prioritize Instagram-worthy presentation and luxury ingredients (caviar, truffle, A5 wagyu), yes. If you want traditional omakase technique and value, Sushi Note or Morihiro offer better quality-to-price ratios.
Best For
Better for: Choose Omakase by Osen for: theatrical presentation perfect for special occasions, luxury add-ons (caviar/truffle) not found at traditional spots, neighborhood intimacy without Little Tokyo crowds, and most photogenic sushi presentations in Silver Lake.
Skip if: Skip if you want: traditional Edomae technique (go to Sushi Note), better fish quality at similar price (Morihiro TJ), more creative flavor profiles (KazuNori), or casual sushi (Osen next door has same chef, half the price).
Omakase By Osen
8.1
Chef Damon Cho's sushi-focused concept offers both an upscale omakase experience at the bar and accessible à la carte options. The monkfish liver and seasonal nigiri showcase Japanese technique, while the atmosphere remains intimate and neighborhood-friendly despite elevated pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Monkfish Liver, Daily Nigiri Selection, Miso Crab Salmon
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Dual format offers both omakase theater and casual nigiri ordering
Who should go: Couples seeking upscale sushi without full omakase commitment
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for best seating, skip weekend rushes
What to order: À la carte nigiri under $10, wagyu beef appetizer, classic handrolls
Insider tip: Skip the pricey omakase and build your own selection from the extensive menu
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive after 6pm, arrive 15min early or rideshare recommended
Dress code: Elevated casual - dark jeans and button-down works, avoid athleisure
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly - soft music, minimal kitchen noise
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - walk-ins unlikely Friday/Saturday
Weekday lunch: Dinner-only service, closed for lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - tamago, avocado roll, vegetable tempura available
Vegan options: Very limited - cucumber roll and edamame only realistic options
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice - tamari available, avoid tempura items
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate seating at 12-seat bar creates natural conversation flow, upscale but not intimidating, and à la carte ordering removes omakase price pressure. Opt for bar seats over tables for the chef interaction element.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends, possible Tuesday-Thursday if you arrive right at 5:30pm opening. Bar seats are first-come weeknights only. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend prime time.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended under age 12 - intimate bar-focused setting with limited table seating, no kids menu, and quiet atmosphere better suited for adult dining. Consider for mature teens interested in sushi.
How long does dinner take? À la carte ordering: 60-75 minutes for leisurely pacing. Full omakase: 90-120 minutes. Plan accordingly for post-dinner plans.
Is the omakase worth the premium? Not necessarily - the à la carte menu gives you similar quality fish at better value. Omakase adds theatrical presentation and rare seasonal items, but most diners get more satisfaction building their own selection under $80/person.
Best For
Better for: Accessible luxury sushi without $200+ omakase commitment, neighborhood vibe vs tourist scene, creative à la carte ordering vs rigid tasting menu. Choose this over Sushi Note for flexibility, over Sugarfish for quality upgrade.
Skip if: You want traditional high-end omakase theater (go to Sushi Zo), need large group seating (tables limited), want casual quick sushi (hit Sugarfish instead), or require extensive vegetarian options.
Omakase By Osen
8.7
Chef Damon Cho brings 18 years of experience from Nobu and Four Seasons to this intimate omakase counter showcasing Japan-sourced fish with house-made soy and vinegar. The rotating seasonal menus (Kannazuki and Satsuki) deliver precise sushi craftsmanship in a charming, romantic setting that opened in 2022.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Omakase Menu, Premium Nigiri Selection, Specialty Hand Rolls
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Premium omakase experience with Japan-sourced fish and house-made sauces
Who should go: Sushi enthusiasts seeking refined omakase under $100
When to visit: Dinner reservations required, book via OpenTable
What to order: Chef's choice omakase menu, premium nigiri, hand rolls
Insider tip: Reservations book quickly; sister location to Izakaya Osen nearby
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - metered until 8pm, free after. Residential permit zone, so arrive early or use nearby paid lot on Sunset ($8-15). Rideshare recommended for evening.
Dress code: Upscale casual to business casual - nice jeans with button-down works, but most guests lean dressier for the omakase experience. Skip athleisure.
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for conversation at the 8-seat counter. You'll hear every detail from Chef Cho about each course.
Weekend wait: Reservations essential - walk-ins extremely rare. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for Friday/Saturday prime slots.
Weekday lunch: Dinner-only operation (no lunch service)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not recommended - omakase format is fish-focused with limited vegetable courses. Sister restaurant Izakaya Osen has better vegetarian options.
Vegan options: No - traditional omakase relies on fish, dashi, and egg preparations. Not suitable for vegan diets.
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice - chef can substitute tamari for soy sauce and adjust certain preparations. Call ahead when booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent if you both love sushi and want intimate conversation. The counter seating puts you side-by-side watching the chef work, which eases pressure. However, at $90-100pp it's a confident move - save it for second/third date if you're unsure about compatibility.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Extremely unlikely - 8-seat counter books solid most nights. Your best bet: check OpenTable day-of for cancellations around 4-5pm, or call directly. Counter-only format means no overflow seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - intimate counter setting and $100pp commitment make it better suited for teens who appreciate sushi. No high chairs or kids menu. Consider Izakaya Osen next door for family-friendly Japanese dining.
How long does the omakase take? Plan 90-120 minutes for the full experience. Chef Cho paces courses thoughtfully and explains each fish's origin. Don't book this if you're rushing to a show.
What if I don't like raw fish? Wrong venue - omakase means 'chef's choice' and focuses on premium nigiri and sashimi. If you need cooked options, try Izakaya Osen next door instead.
Best For
Better for: Best omakase value under $100 in Silver Lake - you're getting Japan-sourced fish and Nobu-trained technique without Downtown/Beverly Hills pricing. More intimate than Sushi Note (20+ seats), more accessible price than Q Sushi ($150+). Perfect for serious sushi lovers who want counter interaction without scene-y crowds.
Skip if: You want flexibility in ordering (omakase is chef-driven), need cooked entrees or vegetarian focus, or prefer lively group dining atmosphere. Also skip if you're budget-conscious for date night - at $90-100pp before drinks, there are more affordable romantic options in the area. Choose Q Sushi or Sushi Note if you want even more premium fish quality and don't mind higher prices.
Omakase By Osen
8.4
Intimate omakase counter from the Izakaya Osen team serves expertly crafted nigiri and seasonal courses using fish flown in from Japan. The multi-course format balances premium ingredients with approachable pricing for Silver Lake, though presentation focuses on substance over ceremony.
Must-Try Dishes:
Daily Nigiri Selection, Toro with Caviar, Miso Crab Salmon
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Focused omakase experience with daily fish from Japan at Silver Lake prices
Who should go: Sushi enthusiasts seeking quality without West Side pretension
When to visit: Dinner reservations recommended, Tuesday through Sunday
What to order: Sushi bar omakase, daily nigiri, seasonal hand rolls
Insider tip: Counter seats offer the full omakase experience at better value than tables
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive after 6pm, arrive 15 min early or use rideshare
Dress code: Elevated casual - nice jeans and button-down works, avoid athleisure
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for conversation at the counter
Weekend wait: Reservation required - books 2-3 weeks out for prime slots
Weekday lunch: Dinner only operation
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extremely limited - omakase format is fish-focused
Vegan options: Not recommended - no dedicated vegan options
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice - tamari available, limited modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate counter seating creates natural conversation flow, and the omakase format gives you something to discuss between courses. Budget $150-200 per person with drinks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends - limited counter seating books fast. Try calling day-of for weeknight cancellations, or arrive right at 5:30pm opening for possible walk-in counter space.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - quiet omakase setting and 90-minute format doesn't suit young children. Better for teens who appreciate sushi and can sit through coursed meals.
How does it compare to Sushi Kaneyoshi or Q? More accessible pricing than Kaneyoshi ($150 vs $250+) with comparable fish quality. Less theatrical than Q but more substance-focused. Best value in the Silver Lake sushi tier.
Do I need to sit at the counter? Counter is where the magic happens - you get the full omakase experience and chef interaction. Tables are available but you miss the craftsmanship element that makes this place special.
Best For
Better for: Quality omakase experience without driving to West LA or dropping $300+ per person - excellent fish sourcing at neighborhood pricing with actual chef interaction
Skip if: You want scene-y energy or elaborate presentation - this is focused and intimate. Also skip if you need extensive vegetarian options or prefer cooked Japanese food (head to their Izakaya Osen instead).
Omakase By Osen
8.4
Silver Lake's premier omakase destination specializes in chef-curated multi-course experiences featuring Japan-sourced fish and house-made sauces. Sister location to the established Izakaya Osen, this intimate spot serves both omakase at the sushi bar and a la carte handrolls with luxurious touches like gold leaf and premium uni.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi Bar Omakase, Baked King Crab Handroll, Miso Crab Salmon
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Traditional omakase experience using fish sourced directly from Japan with chef-crafted presentations
Who should go: Date nights, special occasions, omakase enthusiasts
When to visit: Dinner reservations recommended, opens 5pm daily
What to order: Sushi bar omakase, baked king crab handroll, premium nigiri
Insider tip: Focus on simpler a la carte items under $10 for excellent value over splurge dishes
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive in Silver Lake, especially evenings. Plan 10-15 min to find a spot within 2 blocks. Sunset Junction area meters free after 8pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - nice jeans acceptable but most guests dress up for omakase. Avoid gym wear or flip-flops.
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for conversation at sushi bar. Can easily hear across the table.
Weekend wait: Reservations essential - typically booked 1-2 weeks out for prime slots. Walk-ins rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Dinner only - opens at 5pm daily
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - omakase is fish-focused. A la carte has cucumber roll and inari, but not recommended as primary destination.
Vegan options: Not recommended - minimal options beyond edamame and basic vegetable rolls.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce used throughout. Can request tamari but cross-contamination likely in omakase preparation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for 2nd-4th date when you want to impress - intimate sushi bar creates natural conversation. Skip for first dates due to price commitment ($150-200pp) and formal vibe that might add pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult - sushi bar seats limited and usually fully reserved. Call day-of after 3pm to check cancellations, or try walking in right at 5pm opening on weekdays for slim chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - intimate space, long omakase pacing (90+ min), and sophisticated preparation. Teens 14+ who appreciate sushi could enjoy. No kids menu or high chairs available.
How long does omakase take? Plan 90-120 minutes for full omakase experience - chef paces courses deliberately. If you're time-constrained, stick to a la carte handrolls which arrive within 30-40 min.
Do they accommodate food allergies? Notify when booking - chef can work around shellfish or specific fish allergies for omakase. Day-of requests harder to accommodate given pre-portioned prep.
Best For
Better for: Omakase purists who want Japan-sourced fish in intimate Silver Lake setting without driving to West LA. Best value in under-$10 handrolls among LA omakase spots. More approachable than high-end competitors like Sushi Note.
Skip if: You want creative fusion over traditional preparation, need flexibility for walk-ins, dining with vegetarians, or want scene-y atmosphere. For casual neighborhood sushi, Ginza Sushi nearby offers better value. For splurge omakase, Morihiro downtown has higher ceiling.