| About: | You might learn to ignore the dictator-like chef, mad rush and unimpressive decor as soon as you take the first bite of the exquisite sushi available here. Follow the rules of chef and owner Kazunori Nozawa, and you won't regret a single bite. If you get a much-desired place at the bar, he will serve you his specialties! Sashimi, crab roll, sweet shrimp, eel and cucumber roll and more; there's plenty to try at this popular sushi bar if you're adventurous and can afford it. |
| Hours: | Lunch & Dinner Mon.-Fri. |
| Categories: | All Bars, Pubs, & Clubs, Seafood Restaurants, Sushi Restaurants, Japanese Restaurants, Southeast Asian Restaurants, Restaurants |
| Parking: | Street, Lot |
| Payment: | MasterCard, Visa |
| Amenities: | Award Winning, Business Lunches, Singles, Sushi Bar |
| Cuisine: | Asian, Japanese, Seafood, Sushi, Sushi Bar |
| Feature: | Healthy Options |
| Reservations Policy: | Suggested |
| Smoking: | No Smoking |
| Dress Code: | Casual |
| Price: | $10 - $35 |
I outright refused to try sashimi for years. Not sure why but having the rice felt like a buffer between me and raw fish. I heard that Nozawa was rated the best sushi in LA by Zagat one year so I decided to give it a try. The baby tuna sashimi was to die for. The crab hand roll, extraordinary. Mr. Nozawa is intimidating looking but after sitting at his bar several times, I actually got to see him crack a smile every now and then. I sure wouldn't wanna piss this guy off though. He apparently visits 5 fish markets every single morning to purchase his fish for the day. If there is something that is a little off he will outright refuse to serve it. He takes so much pride in his work and it shows. Be prepared to fork down some money. This place isn't cheap but the food is spectacular. Don't expect any fancy "americanized" rolls either. This is pure sushi, simple in its presentation and of the best quality I've ever had.
This sushi is great! Mr. Nozawa has been providing the freshest sushi creations for decades.
If you are looking for spicy tuna rolls and california rolls this is not the spot for you!
Get wild, sit at the bar and trust. You won't regret it.
PS. No cell phones allowed!
Whoever calls Nozawa's sushi average should not ever write a review on a restaurant. This is the best sushi you will find on the West coast, and, believe me, I looked... Not a single place on Ventura or Sunset can even compare! In regard to the chef's attitude: he only gives it to those who disrespect him and his restaurant.