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Teru Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Teru Sushi
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Family Friendly Favorites
Established in 1979 at the beginning of LA's sushi craze, this Valley institution combines fine Japanese cuisine with a lively ambiance featuring a Japanese garden with koi pond. The first in the Valley to offer upscale sushi in a warm atmosphere, it maintains consistent quality across nearly five decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sexy Roll, Volcano Roll, Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Studio City's original upscale sushi destination since 1979 with tranquil garden setting
Who should go: Business lunches and celebrations requiring reliable quality
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for the full garden experience
What to order: Traditional sushi lunch, seaweed salad, tempura roll
Insider tip: Reserve the garden patio seating for 30+ guests available
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot on-site with valet available during peak hours, street parking on Ventura Blvd nearby
Dress code: Business casual to dressy casual - collared shirts work, suits common at lunch
Noise level: Moderate inside, quieter on garden patio - conversation-friendly throughout
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, peak rush 12:30-1:30pm but seats turn quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive vegetable rolls, tempura vegetables, tofu teriyaki, inari
Vegan options: Limited - vegetable rolls without mayo, edamame, miso soup (ask for no bonito)
Gluten-free options: Yes - sashimi, most nigiri, tamari available for soy sauce substitute
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want upscale but not intimidating - garden setting creates romantic atmosphere while established reputation removes risk of disaster. Better for second date if you want more intimate/quieter setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch yes, weekday dinner likely 15-20 min wait at bar. Weekend dinner reservation strongly recommended - 45+ year reputation means loyal Valley clientele fills tables fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - tempura and teriyaki appeal to cautious eaters, garden koi pond entertains kids, high chairs available. Best before 7pm when business crowd thins out. Popular for family celebrations.
How does this compare to Katsuya down the street? Teru Sushi is more traditional and established (45 years vs 20), better for business meetings and reliability. Katsuya skews younger, trendier with creative rolls and scene. Choose Teru for classic quality, Katsuya for energy.
Is the garden seating worth requesting? Absolutely - the koi pond and Japanese garden transform this from standard sushi to memorable experience. Request it when booking, especially for celebrations or larger groups (30+ can reserve entire patio).
Best For
Better for: Reliable business meals where reputation matters, multi-generational celebrations, clients who want upscale without pretension. 45-year track record means zero risk of off nights. Garden setting unique in Valley sushi scene.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge omakase (go Sushi Note in Sherman Oaks), absolute cheapest sushi (try Midori), late-night scene (Katsuya stays livelier past 10pm), or don't value ambiance (paying premium for garden experience).
Teru Sushi
8.1
Studio City institution established in 1979 during LA's sushi craze, now spanning 45 years with a traditional Japanese garden featuring koi ponds and covered outdoor seating. Known for massive specialty rolls like the OMG Roll and Fresh 'n Easy alongside solid nigiri, the wood-paneled interior and authentic Japanese touches create a warm, lively atmosphere that's stood the test of time.
Must-Try Dishes:
OMG Roll, Fresh 'n Easy Roll, Spicy Albacore Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: 45-year Studio City institution with authentic koi pond garden and Valley's sushi history
Who should go: Groups and couples seeking reliable quality in traditional Japanese setting
When to visit: Outdoor patio dining perfect spring through fall, weekends book quickly
What to order: OMG Roll, Fresh 'n Easy roll, garlic edamame, sea bream nigiri
Insider tip: Request patio seating by the koi pond for most romantic atmosphere
Teru Sushi
7.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Birthday & Celebration Central
Happy Hour Hotspots
Valley sushi pioneer since 1979 with traditional Japanese garden featuring koi pond and outdoor seating. This foundational Sushi Row establishment serves gigantic specialty rolls and classic preparations to multigenerational families and studio workers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lemon Roll, All In Roll, Teru Roll (Specialty)
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: 45-year Studio City institution that launched Valley's sushi craze in 1979
Who should go: Families and groups wanting reliable rolls in welcoming atmosphere
When to visit: Happy hour 3-6pm, outdoor garden evenings ideal setting
What to order: Specialty rolls (25+ varieties), garlic edamame with ponzu
Insider tip: Request the covered outdoor garden area with koi pond for memorable setting
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant off Ventura Blvd, fills quickly during dinner rush. Street parking on side streets usually available within 1 block
Dress code: Casual to business casual - jeans and sneakers common, no pressure to dress up
Noise level: Moderate indoors, quieter in garden - conversation flows easily at most tables
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday 6-8pm, garden tables book fastest
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated within 5-10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive vegetable rolls, tempura options, avocado/cucumber combinations throughout menu
Vegan options: Limited but doable - cucumber rolls, vegetable tempura (ask for vegan tempura batter), avocado hand rolls, edamame
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications - tamari available for soy sauce, avoid tempura and imitation crab, most sashimi and nigiri safe
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially the garden seating - romantic koi pond setting with covered outdoor tables creates intimate atmosphere without being overly formal. Moderate prices take pressure off, and familiar menu options keep it safe if your date isn't adventurous with food
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinners (before 6pm) usually no problem. Weekend dinners expect 30-45 minute wait or arrive right at 5pm opening. Garden seating books up fastest - reserve ahead if that's your priority
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - multigenerational families are the core clientele. Kids love watching koi fish in garden, menu has familiar rolls (California, tempura shrimp) plus teriyaki and udon, high chairs available. Better for ages 4+ who can sit through meal
How does the happy hour work? Daily 3-6pm with discounted specialty rolls and appetizers - typically 20-30% off select items. Bar seating and some tables participate. Best value window for trying their signature oversized rolls without full dinner pricing
Is the fish quality good for a neighborhood spot? Solid but not spectacular - fresh enough for reliable weeknight sushi, but not the pristine cuts you'd get at high-end omakase. Focus is volume, variety, and consistency over premium sourcing. Perfectly fine for casual sushi cravings
Best For
Better for: Families and groups wanting hassle-free traditional sushi experience with unique garden ambiance. Best for celebrations, reliable neighborhood option, or when you want variety (25+ specialty rolls) over cutting-edge technique. Outdoor dining in warmer months beats most Valley competitors
Skip if: You want omakase-level fish quality, modern fusion innovation, or authentic Tokyo-style preparations. If you're a serious sushi purist seeking pristine cuts and traditional technique, head to higher-end Ventura Blvd options. Also skip if you need quick in-and-out - service is leisurely, paced for family dining