K-ZO Japanese Restaurant
(310) 202-8890
9240 Culver Blvd
Culver City,
CA
90232
34.0255
-118.3932
Neighborhoods: Palms, West LA
What People Are Saying About K-ZO Japanese Restaurant
The Owner
K-ZO Japanese Restaurant
Owner
Chef Keizo Ishiba
Classically trained in both Japanese and French cuisine, Keizo Ishiba, has been honing his skills for over twenty-five years. From his training in Osaka to his acclaimed work in Kyoto, Hawaii, and Los Angeles, Keizo's creativity and innovation bring a fresh interpretation to classical cooking styles.
His award-winning sushi is at the heart of his technique; but his repertoire extends into a full range of small plate selections, allowing him to create a unique and varied dining experience.
Restaurant K-ZO is Keizo's premier venture as chef-owner and presents a true expression of his culinary vision. His knowledge of European cuisine fused with his traditional Japanese roots exalts passion straight from the kitchen to the table.
The Editor
Martha Burr
Citysearch
The Scene
Stylish minimalism converges with industrial chic as polished concrete, plate glass, white walls, grey banquettes and exposed pipes offset gunmetal beads and flickering votives. The gleaming sushi bar mesmerizes an upscale Culver City crowd, culinary pilgrims and handsome young professionals.
The Food
Chef/owner Keizo Ishiba (formerly of Sushu Roku) revitalizes the soul of Japanese tradition with accents of French technique and an almost preternatural sense for the market's top fish in his perfect sushi and inventive small plates. Ishiba shops daily for premium toro, kanpachi, or fresh sardines that make up beautiful seasonal specials. Icy fresh Kumamoto oysters are topped with silken sweet uni, osetra caviar and gold flakes, creating a symphony of flavors in a single transcendent bite. Rich braised abalone is bathed in light foie gras sauce and truffle oil atop broth-infused daikon. Steamed monkfish liver's bold taste is counterbalanced with citrusy ponzu, while eringi mushrooms sauteed in yuzu evoke the essence of autumn woods meeting winter.
User Reviews
JdFievet
June 29, 2009
I needed my fix of sushi today, and my favorite sushi joint (kiriko on Sawtelle and Olympic) is closed on mondays. So, I thought I's give K-Zo a try, since it's the closest sushi place to my work. I wasn't expecting much more than a "quick lunch"-quality sushi, and I have to admit that I'm kind of a snob when it comes to raw fish. Well, I have to admit that I was positively surprisedat K-Zo. I sat at the bar, where I asked the chef what was his recommendations were for today, and from that point on, he sensed that he couldn't get away with the basic rolls and salmon, so he took me on a mini oma-kase trip, feeding me with a very wide range of his best fish cuts... Some of them which I had never tried before, like sardine or that special kind of yellowtail which I can't remember the name. He also offered to give me one piece of each (where sushi usually comes in pairs), so I could taste as much as possible. My lunch went up to 55$ with sake and tip, which I must admit is a lot for just lunch, but it was a bargain for the quality, quantity (around 10 pcs, including Toro), and variety of the fish I ate, especially when you consider how pricy very good sushi can be. NB, you could get away with a much lower check and still get your fill if you stick to the mainstream fare, which also looks very high quality. I will definitely go back. Soon.... maybe tomorrow. I'm hooked.
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liveyourlifein09
January 20, 2009
I Love this place! I go to K-ZO for my japanese food and GYENARI for my Korean BBQ Food.
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ocbratt
January 19, 2009
I live in south OC and drive up almost every weekend just to see Keizo and eat the best sushi ever! My boyfriend's sis is one of their favorite customers and eats there 3-4 times a week. Advice: Let Keizo pick what you eat. We never order for ourselves and always love what he provides. The price is high, but definitely worth even the drive! No sushi even compares.
read full reviewThe Details on K-ZO Japanese Restaurant
Where to Sit:
Weekend reservations are essential, though the front bar accepts walk-ins. A semi-private booth behind long bead curtains holds six.
What to Drink:
One of L.A.'s top sake lists offers premium labels like Kanchiku and Kano Tsuro. There's also a variety of wines, Japanese beer, Moet champagne, and specialty Japanese sho chu.
Look Good:
Prix-fixe dinners include appetizers, sashimi, sushi, steak or fish and dessert. Adventurous sushi lovers can opt for the chef's choice menu--calling ahead is recommended.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Outdoor Dining, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Business Dining, Date Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Prix Fixe Menu
Cuisine:
Message from K-ZO Japanese Restaurant
- Amazing Sushi and Sashimi
- Euro-asian Tapas & Wines
- Wide selections of Sakes
Chef Keizo Ishiba
Classically trained in both Japanese and French cuisine, Keizo Ishiba, has been honing his skills for over twenty-five years. From his training in Osaka to his acclaimed work in Kyoto, Hawaii, and Los Angeles, Keizo's creativity and innovation bring a fresh interpretation to classical cooking styles.
His award-winning sushi is at the heart of his technique; but his repertoire extends into a full range of small plate selections, allowing him to create a unique and varied dining experience.
Restaurant K-ZO is Keizo's premier venture as chef-owner and presents a true expression of his culinary vision. His knowledge of European cuisine fused with his traditional Japanese roots exalts passion straight from the kitchen to the table.
