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Shunji Japanese Cuisine
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Shunji Japanese Cuisine
9.3
Chef Shunji Nakao delivers one of LA's most refined omakase experiences at this Michelin-recognized counter, where seasonal fish sourced from Japan meets impeccable technique. The intimate 12-seat space (split between two chefs) showcases aged tuna, barely-seared blackthroat seaperch, and Santa Barbara uni with rice that melts seamlessly with each bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Aged Tuna Nigiri, Blackthroat Seaperch, Toro Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9.4
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: Michelin-starred omakase from a Matsuhisa original chef with two-decade mastery
Who should go: Special occasion diners seeking LA's finest sushi
When to visit: Reserve 2 weeks ahead, dinner only Tuesday-Saturday
What to order: Trust the $295 omakase — it's the only option
Insider tip: Book Chef Miki's counter at $250 if Shunji's $280 seats are full
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, very limited. Arrive 15 minutes early to find a spot on Olympic or nearby residential streets. Consider rideshare for stress-free arrival
Dress code: Business casual to dressy — this is a Michelin experience. Avoid shorts and flip-flops; collared shirts and nice denim work fine
Noise level: Intimate and quiet — perfect for conversation. The 12-seat counter setup means you'll hear every word across the table
Weekend wait: Reservation-only, book 2-3 weeks ahead. No walk-ins accepted
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch — dinner service only Tuesday-Saturday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not recommended — omakase is entirely fish-focused with no vegetarian substitutions
Vegan options: No — the fixed menu is seafood-only with no plant-based options
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice — they can substitute tamari for soy sauce, but rice and fish are naturally GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for 3rd+ dates or established relationships, but risky for first dates. The $295pp omakase and intimate counter seating create pressure. Save this for when you know they appreciate high-end sushi and won't stress about the price tag.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No. This is strictly reservation-only with 2-3 week lead times required. They don't hold walk-in seats. If fully booked, try Chef Miki's counter at the same location ($250pp) or call for cancellation list.
Is it kid-friendly? Not appropriate for children under 12. The quiet omakase format, 90-minute duration, and $295 price point make this adults-only territory. No kids menu or accommodations available.
How long does dinner take? Plan for 90-120 minutes. The omakase unfolds at the chef's pace with 18-20 courses. This isn't a quick meal — block your evening and don't schedule anything after.
Do I tip on top of $295? Yes — standard 18-20% gratuity is expected and not included. Budget $350-360 per person after tax and tip.
Can I request specific fish or skip items? Limited flexibility. You can mention allergies in advance, but this is chef's choice omakase. The experience is about trusting Shunji's 20+ years of expertise with seasonal selections.
Best For
Better for: Choose Shunji over Morihiro, Sushi Zo, or Kiriko when you want the highest-caliber Edomae technique in LA with Michelin pedigree. The aged fish program and rice mastery here outclass most competitors. Best for serious sushi enthusiasts who can taste the difference between good and exceptional.
Skip if: Skip if you prefer creative rolls, large portion sizes, or casual atmosphere. Also bypass if you're on a budget (Sushi Tsujita delivers 90% of the quality at half the price), want flexibility in ordering (Q Sushi offers a la carte), or need dinner before 6pm (they don't open until evening). Not ideal if you're sushi-curious rather than sushi-obsessed.
Shunji Japanese Cuisine
9.3
Michelin-starred omakase experience from LA sushi veteran Chef Shunji Nakao, showcasing seasonal fish sourced primarily from Japan. The intimate 12-seat minimalist space features two counters with blonde wood, where each nigiri reflects decades of edomae expertise.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked King Mackerel, Nodoguro (Blackthroat Seaperch), Iwashi (Scored Sardine)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 9.3
Consistency: 9.4
Food Quality: 9.7
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Michelin-starred omakase with 90% of fish flown directly from Japan
Who should go: Serious sushi enthusiasts ready for refined omakase ($295)
When to visit: Reservations required weeks ahead through Tock
What to order: Trust the omakase - it's the only option
Insider tip: Request the smaller counter run directly by Chef Shunji
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - metered spots on Main St, free after 6pm but competitive. Arrive 10 min early or use lot at 2850 Main ($8 flat)
Dress code: Upscale casual to business casual - no shorts or flip-flops. Most diners wear button-downs or nice blouses
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - whisper-level conversations at counter, perfect for focused dining experience
Weekend wait: Reservation-only via Tock - book 3-4 weeks ahead for Fri/Sat
Weekday lunch: Dinner-only restaurant - no lunch service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not recommended - omakase is entirely seafood-focused with no substitutions
Vegan options: Not accommodated - traditional edomae sushi format
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice - tamari available, but cross-contact likely in small kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for 3rd+ dates when you know your partner appreciates fine dining. Too intimate and expensive for a first meeting - the counter seating means 2.5 hours of focused interaction with no escape route
Can I get a table without a reservation? No walk-ins accepted. Reservations open 4 weeks out on Tock and fill within hours. Check for cancellations 2-3 days before your desired date
Is it kid-friendly? Not appropriate for children under 16 - quiet omakase counter format requires 2.5 hours of seated attention. No separate menu or high chairs available
How long does dinner take? Full omakase runs 2-2.5 hours with 18-20 pieces. Plan for the entire evening - this isn't a quick meal
Can I request specific fish or skip items? Minor preferences noted (no uni, etc.) but Chef Shunji curates the progression. Trust the omakase - substitutions disrupt the flow he's designed
Best For
Better for: Traditional edomae technique and Japan-sourced fish quality. Chef Shunji's 40+ years of experience show in precise rice temperature and aging process. More intimate than Sushi Note, more authentic than trendy spots
Skip if: You want creative fusion rolls, need flexibility in pacing, or aren't ready for $350+ per person with wine pairing. Go to Azay or Nozawa Bar for slightly less formal Michelin sushi, or KazuNori for quality at 1/10th the price