Hiko Sushi
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone: (310) 473-7688
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Sawtelle Boulevard
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 12pm-1:45pm, 6pm-9:30pm
Editorial Review for Hiko Sushi – by Tara de Lis
The Scene
Incorporating standard elements of many traditional Japanese hole-in-the-wall sushi joints--assorted Eastern trinkets, leafy plants and track lighting above the bar--more personality is injected via modish art and an old postcard shrine. A mix of Palms dwellers and off-work studio types are greeted by pleasant hostesses, who dutifully recite the restaurant's many restrictions, especially for newbie foodies with omakase intentions. Waitstaff service is pleasantly paced, but counter-seated customers may strain to understand the mumbled descriptions of chef-presented dishes.
The Food
The chef's early morning fish market sojourns are reflected in a modest, traditional menu that is noticeably absent of cooked dishes and cut rolls. A signature starter is sliced tuna in ponzu, pleasant but filling. Nigiri is presented with small pouches of warm rice, best eaten by hand. Standouts include buttery-soft toro; maguro with an earthy essence of ground sesame; and albacore with garlic and ginger, with taste sensations developing in waves of appreciation.
Hits: The fresh fish is delicious, and understated in its simple elegance. With due diligence to the rules and adequate praise, you can strive to earn the respect of the chef.
Misses: Some of the rules make sense, but others like the "no allergies" caveat are unfortunate. Two pieces of nigiri per order means less stomach space for experimenting.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoIt's omakase-only at the sushi bar, and you must be willing to eat everything, including all rice. Anyone with allergies is told to sit at a table instead. There's no California rolls or cooked dishes. Everyone at the sushi bar must order at least six dishes; four at the tables.
Look GoodDo not place or accept calls on your cell phone, and make sure it's turned off. They have been know to kick people out who violate this policy. Make sure everyone in your party is present before requesting a table.
ParkingEnter the lot off Sawtelle for free parking behind the restaurant.
User Reviews for Hiko Sushi
07/22/2008 Posted by willplaytennisforfood
Tonight was our first visit to Hiko and it was excellent all around. Having read the reviews about the rules of the restaurant, and the risk of being booted for noncompliance with the rules, we entered the restaurant with some trepidation. But our fears, which seem ridiculous in retrospect, only served to heighten the experience. Some of the rules make sense, as in, no cellphone use is allowed. Although I am a constant user of the phone and email features of my blackberry, I actually found the meal a welcome respite, with my phone turned off for the duration. Another unexpected byproduct of the "no phone" policy, as well as the fear of violating the rules, was the instant camaraderie that was created with the couples on both sides of us at the sushi bar (my wife struck a lovely bond with the diner to her right, who herself was an avid fan and reviewer of the restaurant). We love sushi and have eaten at numerous sushi restaurants in the Los Angeles area. Hiko did not disappoint. Every single course was delicious, particularly the sea bass. I have not written a food review before and don't have the elegant vocabulary to describe each dish, but I will simply say that we enjoyed the simple and clean presentations, and the high-quality freshness of the fish, and look forward to returning soon. I will say, though, that the sushi was quite expensive, even compared with other top-quality sushi bars at, for example, Sushi Roku and K-Zo, both of which are outstanding (I have always thought Sasabune is highly overrated, btw).
07/21/2008 Posted by hungrybet
Despite all the bad experiences listed on Hiko's review, It is still by far the BEST SUSHI EVER! The first dish they bring out is a baby tuna with sesame on it. it is phenomenal! Also, their blue crab roll.. omg.. it is to DIE FOR! And their TORO!!!!... I would actually pay $30 for one bite of that toro because it is that good. It's like an "o" in your mouth. Sasabune and Katsuya (Studio City) are still in my top 3 but Hiko by far rocks. A friend of mine took his friend there after we tried to just because it was THAT great and had horrible service. Everything was great until he started taking pictures of the food. The chef was very offended and kept telling him he had no common sense and made him delete it. Yes, it should have been a compliment but regardless of the bad 2nd experience my friend had, he's so sad he can't ever go back to experience such great sushi ever again. I live right next to Hiko, and am going to go again tomorrow. Can't wait! If you want AWESOME, mouth watering sushi, you have to go there and try it. 4 orders min is NOTHING! THat's like having an appetizer! Sasabune gives you about 10 orders in your Omakase. You can't go there and complain that the best sushi in Los Angeles is too expensive! It's so worth it. Plus it's just courtesy to turn off your cell phone. Talking during dinner is rude anwyay. If you can't follow the rules, then don't eat there. Sasabune's rule is.. "it's my way or the highway". So.. not much difference there. Service is okay, it's not HORRIBLE or bad or the greatest, but who cares! If you can't follow their rules, then don't go. If you don't go, you're missing out. =) I LOVE HIKO!!!
Pros: PERFECT FOOD! Can't go wrong.
Cons: Small but never had to wait. Not for big groups
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