Sushi Sasabune

(310) 820-3596

12400 Wilshire Blvd ,Ste 150 (South Carmelina Avenue)
Los Angeles, CA 90025 34.0418 -118.470289

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Neighborhoods: West Los Angeles, West LA

TRUSTMESUSHI.COM

Hours:

Mon-Fri 12pm-2pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm

Saturday 5:30pm-9:30pm

Price:

$$$

Last updated 8.22.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Local Favorite, Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, Notable Chef, People Watching, Business Dining, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Private Parties, Prix Fixe Menu

Cuisine:

Japanese, Asian, Sushi

Notable Chef:

Nobi Kushuhara

What People Are Saying About Sushi Sasabune

Featured Review

Martha Burr

Contributor

The Scene – Nestled into a Wilshire office building, the minimalist dining room here is spacious and airy, though somewhat noisy. Tall windows and white walls are accented with blond wood and cherry-lacquered tables; a slinky wraparound sushi bar encircles a half-dozen lively sushi chefs. Business crowds come for lunch, while after-work groups and younger upscale Brentwood locals stop in for dinner. – – The Food – Like his famous sushi master Kazunori Nozawa chef-owner Nobi Kushuhara offers a streamlined menu of only sushi and sashimi--no hot dishes or fancy rolls.…

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
The chef insists that the warm rice sushi won't travel--even a block--and forbids that even a single roll be ordered for take-out.
Look Good:
If you want to sit at the sushi bar, you must order omakase. Note that the staff will accommodate specific requests and dietary restrictions.
What to Drink:
There are a handful of red and white wines offered, and a more select premium sake list. They also offer soju, plum wine and a special Hitachino Belgian white ale from Japan.
ambiance
87.5% positive
  1. What you give up in decor you get back in amazing fish.
  2. don't let the decor scare you -- this place has incredible sushi.
  3. The Hump at the Santa Monica airport has far better ambience, and the rice is warm like Echigo on Santa Monica Blvd, but Sasabune is right up there in the top 3 for sure.
  4. The atmosphere at the restaurant is not what you call a very romantic/ nicely decorated.
  5. The atmosphere is nice but doesn't have an authentic japanese feel.
  6. have been dining at Sushi Sasabune for over 3 year's and preffered the old (hidden house on the corner) location on Sawtelle to the new (office building) location which is un impressive and poorly decorated, but that doesn't stop people from keeping the
  7. That said is $80 for a great sushi lunch in a no ambience joint r.
  8. have no choice but to order the tasting menu (approx $50/person) and you must be comfortable with raw fish although some of it is cooked.
  9. So the ambiance is not that of Nobu's, who needs it with food this good!
  10. The atmosphere could definitely use work but it's stil the best sushi I've had in LA, especially the salmon.
  11. although the ambience is not the best.
  12. Really NO ambience, but a great place if you are a serious sushi connoisseur with some good company to keep you entertained.
  13. Service and decor leaves something to be desired, but this is definitely the place for fresh, superb, melt-in-your-mouth fish.
  14. Service is a bit rough around the edges, but do not go there expecting great service or ambiance, you should go for the freshest sushi in town.
  15. This place is definitely not a romantic dating place.
  16. For the quality of the fish, I have never had anything that matches this, but for a nice cozy sushi dinner, one that will still provides great food, at half the price, and with a personal touch to match, there are other places in Santa Monica that do that
dessert
25.0% positive
  1. Other than that, food was pretty good, but the mochi ice cream was not authentic.
  2. If you go expecting spider rolls, edamame, cold rice and green tea ice cream, then forget it.
drinks
80.0% positive
  1. If you go expecting spider rolls, edamame, cold rice and green tea ice cream, then forget it.
  2. I've been to Tokyo, tried out so many sushi restaurants in America and Japan, and Sushi Sasabune is the best, bar none.
  3. If you sit at the sushi bar, it's chef's choice, but you won't be dissapointed, and the omikase style of service leaves you free to concentrate on good conversation with your partner.
  4. To summarize, its basically an amazing restaurant for a raw bar.
  5. For the best dining experience, make a reservation and sit at the bar.
food quality
87.08000183105469% positive
  1. No doubt the best quality sushi in Los Angeles, if not the world!
  2. The best sushi ever!
  3. Just great sushi.
  4. couldn't figure it out, but usually when a sushi restaurant serves salmon with sesame seeds (which are very strong in flavor and from what I've seen, are used to mask bad fish), its bad sign.
  5. While the setting and the service leaves something to be desired, the food is absolutely fantastic every time.
  6. they didn't mention the salmon roe cuz it's actually so good no words can do it justice & they would have had to eat their words.
  7. The rice is warm, the seaweed wrap is toasty, the crab fresh!
  8. The atmosphere could definitely use work but it's stil the best sushi I've had in LA, especially the salmon.
  9. The sushi is so fresh, it melts in your mouth.
  10. Sauces are delicious in a way, but the taste is too strong, makes it very difficult to taste the fish.
  11. The sushi is fresh and the servers tell you how it should be eaten.
  12. The atmosphere is nice but doesn't have an authentic japanese feel.
  13. this is the best fish I have ever eaten - ever.
  14. The entire "Trust Me" selections were delicious.
  15. The chef only serves the best and freshest fish every single day.
  16. The rice is served warm "Edo style
  17. Ok the sushi is great.
  18. The crab roll was also an excellent ending.
  19. Also, at $65 per person, an incredible value for the amount of food and the quality of the fish.
  20. Warm rice, perfectly cut & prepared fish.
  21. even fish that you might not normally eat tastes wonderful at sasabune.
  22. This is the best sushi restaurant in LA.
  23. Sasabune has the best fish in Los Angeles, hands down.
  24. The chef does not buy fresh fish and store them in his freezer for the weekend.
  25. this is truly the way raw fish should be prepared, we have eaten at the best restaurants in the world, and never ever ever have we found a place like this!
  26. What you give up in decor you get back in amazing fish.
  27. The albacore sashimi appetizer is amazing, and way better than another sushi restaurant a few blocks away that tries to copy it.
  28. His fish doesn't seem as fresh as other sushi restaurants, and the rice is mediocre.
  29. This is my favorite sushi restaurant hands down.
  30. The sushi was superb, excellent quality fish and flavorings, although I have been to other omakases which were a bit more daring without Americanizing the fish.
  31. everything was perfect: the food was superb and the waitress who served us was so incredibly sweet, we went to and came back from our car to give her even more tip.
  32. The best quality fish in Los Angeles.
  33. The fish is average, but the rice is too warm.
  34. Since the rice is warm, it has a tendency to break up a little bit.
  35. This place has the quality of food that rivals Matsuhisa and Nozawa but at a much more reasonable price.
  36. had dinner here last night, and although it's a rather big restaurant the sushi quality didn't suffer in any way.
  37. will not recommend the omasake because it is just sushi after sushi, and they charge based on what you had.
  38. But none the less, if you enjoy great Traditional style (No fufu rolls or California Fusions) sushi, then look no further than Sushi Sasabune.
  39. Fresh, tasty sushi with warm rice that melts in your mouth.
  40. Eat the awesome sushi and be happy with it!
  41. always order a la cart so I can be sure I am getting the sushi I like.
  42. The sushi was really good.
  43. Good sushi but good value?
  44. Although the setting isnt exactly fancy and there is no sign out front, if yuo can find it you are in for a great meal.
  45. The best sushi in town, hands down.
  46. one of the best sushi restaurants in LA
  47. Our chef was very personable and made delicious selections, but first he checked to see if there was anything we couldn't eat, or if there was anything we really enjoyed.
  48. The sushi here is just of a different class--the freshness, the texture, the flavors--everything is perfect.
  49. That said is $80 for a great sushi lunch in a no ambience joint r.
  50. The soft warm rice also complements the delicate texture of the fish.
  51. The food: raw is a turn on, the fresh picks make it the best pick, and the fishmelts in your mouth!
  52. recommend the chef's special to taste the majority of fish they offer especially since they only serve what's best for the day
  53. This is in itself is an indication that Sasabune is a good sushi place.
  54. Fresh fish never tasted so Good.
  55. However, reservations are recommended and the sushi is i.
  56. This place is one of a few that approaches sushi as a creative and expressionistic opportunity rather than merely as a craft of making tasty food.
  57. If you go expecting spider rolls, edamame, cold rice and green tea ice cream, then forget it.
  58. The Hump at the Santa Monica airport has far better ambience, and the rice is warm like Echigo on Santa Monica Blvd, but Sasabune is right up there in the top 3 for sure.
  59. So the ambiance is not that of Nobu's, who needs it with food this good!
  60. The freshest of fish, the rarest cuts, and, the perfect accompanying sauces.
  61. The fish is all super fresh.
  62. Some of the best sushi that I've ever had.
  63. yellowtail here is only the belly portion of the fish which guarantees good texture and flavor
  64. best sushi ever
  65. the blue crab handroll was amazing, as was the salmon skin handroll (which i NEVER order anywhere) which seemed like it was marinated in a delicious sauce.
  66. For the quality of the fish, I have never had anything that matches this, but for a nice cozy sushi dinner, one that will still provides great food, at half the price, and with a personal touch to match, there are other places in Santa Monica that do that
  67. Or you might discover why he serves the dishes in the order he does for the chef special, or just how special their thin and crispy nori is, or that the wasabi here is hand grated fresh every morning.
  68. The new place doesn't give the warm, hole-in-the-wall feel of its predecessor, but its heavenly food hasn't changed.
  69. The sushi was mediorcre, and the service was horrible.
  70. I've been to Tokyo, tried out so many sushi restaurants in America and Japan, and Sushi Sasabune is the best, bar none.
  71. fabulous sushi!
  72. The fish is fresh and the authentic sauces are delicous.
  73. Sushi Sasabune is the best sushi restaurant ever!
  74. best sushi in LA
  75. This doesn't look like a great sushi place, but it surprised me.
  76. No frills - just really great quality sushi.
  77. The fish and the warm rice simply melts in the mouth.
  78. There was a lot of interesting sushi/raw seafood that you can't get at a typical sushi place.
  79. Really good sushi is hard to find, esp.
  80. If the fish tastes at ALL fishy, or looks bad, why bother trying their more expensive counterparts?
  81. The sushi is so amazing, my then boyfriend got down on one knee and proposed to me.
  82. thought the fish was NOT GOOD, they forced the omokase on me and several of the pieces of fish were unedible.
  83. My favorite was the monk fish liver, chilled toro, spanish makeral.
  84. think that the fish is amazing.
  85. The fish is flipping around on your plate -- the chef definitely has an eye for a good looking fish.
  86. If your palette is yearning for fresh, authentic sushi, Sushi Sasabune is the place to go.
  87. The crab roll was amazing.
  88. If you sit at the sushi bar, it's chef's choice, but you won't be dissapointed, and the omikase style of service leaves you free to concentrate on good conversation with your partner.
  89. Service is a bit rough around the edges, but do not go there expecting great service or ambiance, you should go for the freshest sushi in town.
  90. My wife lived in Japan for 6 1/2 years, and she says that it is the best sushi she has had outside of Japan (and possibly even better than the sushi she had in Japan).
  91. Service and decor leaves something to be desired, but this is definitely the place for fresh, superb, melt-in-your-mouth fish.
  92. The sushi here rivals some of the best places in Tokyo.
  93. Order the omakase (chef's choice) and you'll get some of the freshest fish ever.
  94. this place is seriously the best sushi i've ever eaten.
  95. 50/person. Anyway, besides that, the food was good but I'm not sure I'll come back b/c of the value.
  96. There is no tempura or teriyaki (no California rolls) -- just the best Omakase ("Chef's Special") style sushi/sashimi around.
  97. This place serves up the best sushi anywhere.
  98. Really NO ambience, but a great place if you are a serious sushi connoisseur with some good company to keep you entertained.
  99. We were coming in to LA to visit family (from Bay Area) and asked where we could get great sushi.
  100. Or you might find out why he serves his rice both in a fluffy and warm ball rather than as a cold and firm ball one usually finds elsewhere.
  101. However, in terms of tastiness, I wasn't a huge fan of the Japanese chef's special as the raw squid, shrimp, salmon eggs, and sea urchin, are definitely acquired tastes.
  102. I've never had such amazing sushi in my life.
  103. DON'T listen to the morons below that are complaining about warm rice or wasabi.
  104. Their sushi-rice is slightly warm, which many people like.
  105. love the sauces the sushi comes with.
  106. Hands down the best sushi in LA.
  107. cannot guarantee you will like Sasabune (but you probably will), but real fans of sushi will notice Nobis rare mastery.
  108. This place is horrible if you really like sushi.
  109. This allows you to taste the flavor of the rice instead of being served cold rice.
  110. This place has the best fish in LA. period.
  111. Although it seems like there is more con than pro, but I still keep going to Sushi Sasabune whenever I feel like having some good sushi.
  112. My god i love their sushi.
  113. Other than that, food was pretty good, but the mochi ice cream was not authentic.
  114. All the sushi and sashimi were great; from the albocore, toro, yellowtail, halibut, eel, tuna, salmon, giant clam, monk fish liver, oyster, salmon egg, uni, to egg custer
  115. BTW, if fish wholesalers are only open M-F, how do other Sushi restaurants offer fresh fish on Saturday / Sunday?
  116. Having been to a number of bad sushi restaurants, we wanted to make sure the place was quality before spending that kind of cash.
  117. They even tell you not to put soy sauce on a lot of the nigiri, as the flavor of the fish was just amazing by itself.
  118. Other sushi restaurant owners follow Nobi around the fish market, trying to figure out how he is able to select out the best fish.
  119. His fish is immaculate and his secret sauces are divine.
  120. Except at the end, we order extra toro and sweet egg, the toro isn't as good as the previous one we had; and the egg is so cold that it tastes like it just get out of freezer.
  121. Even today, after countless visits and after trying the top sushi places in NY (Yasuda, Sushi of Gari and Nobu), nothing compares to the amazing fish at Sasabune.
  122. It really depends on where you want to drive for good food.
  123. First time I went, I was forewarned: No rolls, no cold rice, no ordering for yourself.
  124. The sushi here is amazing and the service is good too!
  125. Continues to be the best sushi I have ever had.
  126. though, truthfully the food is so good, i probably wouldnt have cared or even noticed if the service had been lousy.
  127. First of all, I am not a big fan of the warm rice, I still like it the traditional way.
  128. While the price is a bit expensive, I can't help it as the sushi at Sasabune is amazingly good.
  129. finally tried it with a small group tonight and I have to say, this is one of the best sushi restaurants I've ever been to.
  130. Good food
  131. Sasabune has, by far, the best sushi in LA.
  132. It was the best sushi experience I've ever had.
  133. This is BEST sushi I have ever had in my life!
  134. am not a huge sushi connoisseur but I liked the quality of the fish, taste, and the warm rice was a nice addition.
  135. On slower week nights, you should be able to order off the sushi menu at a table.
  136. The rice is intentionally warm and sticky, with cool fish - a superb combination which must be eaten shortly after it's served to ensure the fish doesn't start to warm.
  137. My husband & I are in constant search of the best sushi in LA, & this so far is at the top.
  138. 50/person. . I've only been once but will be back again to this no-frills sushi house that has a non-descript facade but plenty of fresh fish.
  139. One of the best sushi places in LA!
  140. One of the best sushi in Los Angeles
  141. The sea urchin was especially delicious and fresh, best I have had hands down.
  142. However, it is always crowded - which prove a point that the food is absolutely delicious.
  143. the fish is soo fresh and yummy.
  144. I've never written a review but when i read the review by jinx2life i felt compelled to stand up for arguably the best sushi joint in LA. to address his review directly - salmon sushi comes with a layer of kelp + sesame seeds to enhance the experience rat
  145. Fresh fish and delightful seasonings/sauces at every turn -- but you've gotta trust the chef here and he knows what's best.
  146. It was the BEST sushi, by far, that I have ever eaten!
  147. think Sasabune is the best sushi, but that is mere opinion.
  148. This was a AWFUL lunchtime sushi experience.
  149. really like the warm rice.
  150. The fish is so good that even when unsauced, I eat it as is and practically faint whilst doing so.
  151. think many people are quick to criticize just because his sushi is served differently from traditional ways(warm rice, sauces).
  152. marinated in sake for at least a day, these delicious little eggs pop ever so refreshingly with every bite.
  153. If you get a "beautiful" crowd here its because they know good sushi, not because its a scene.
  154. The rice could be a little dry though for sushi that the fish may fall from the rice, but after you eat the fish, you'll forget about the problem with the rice (which is not much at all).
  155. Chef Nobi chooses the freshest, finest fish himself every morning from the fishing docks and prepares mouth watering delacacies in the "traditional way" (cold fish on warm rice, no california roll, no spicy tuna, arrigato).
  156. The sushi was good but not great.
  157. don't let the decor scare you -- this place has incredible sushi.
  158. Their style of sushi is made with "warm rice" as opposed to room temperature or slighly cooler rice that you get everywhere else.
  159. The hamachi and blue crab is mouthwatering.
  160. You get several dishes that the chef chooses for the day for the flat price of $50.
  161. Our server explained the menu was sushi only, that most people get the Chef's choice, for which you pay minimum $65 per person, but you could also order a la carte.
  162. have no choice but to order the tasting menu (approx $50/person) and you must be comfortable with raw fish although some of it is cooked.
  163. It adds nice flavor, but it can fall right off the sushi.
  164. the warm rice crumbles cuz it's what makes it melt in my mouth & is not overpoweringly sweet & complements the fish besides it's sushi rice after & there's mirin in it
  165. mouthwatering sushi
  166. The warm rice is so good that I can chill in a pillow of it and take a leisurely afternoon nap.
  167. The chef's special menu is amazing and consistently delicious, and it never contains anything 'weird'.
  168. The warm rice is the WAY IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE - go visit Tokyo's best.
  169. We sat down to a very fresh omakase with great quality and variety.
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. When we sat down we were almost forced into ordering the "chef's special" but since he had never been there before, he wanted to order off the menu.
  2. On slower week nights, you should be able to order off the sushi menu at a table.
  3. The entire "Trust Me" selections were delicious.
  4. Our chef was very personable and made delicious selections, but first he checked to see if there was anything we couldn't eat, or if there was anything we really enjoyed.
  5. The wait staff will try to push you to the Omakase (Chef's Special), but after a few tries, I prefer to order off the menu and I am always made to feel bad for doing so as if I am insulting the chef.
  6. Our server explained the menu was sushi only, that most people get the Chef's choice, for which you pay minimum $65 per person, but you could also order a la carte.
  7. We sat down to a very fresh omakase with great quality and variety.
  8. have no choice but to order the tasting menu (approx $50/person) and you must be comfortable with raw fish although some of it is cooked.
  9. The chef's special menu is amazing and consistently delicious, and it never contains anything 'weird'.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. This is in itself is an indication that Sasabune is a good sushi place.
  2. This is my favorite sushi restaurant hands down.
  3. This doesn't look like a great sushi place, but it surprised me.
  4. Sushi Sasabune is by far the best Sushi restaurant in the U.S. I've tried the supposed "best" - Matsuhisa, Nobu, etc. - and Sasabune blows them away.
  5. Sushi Sasabune is the best sushi restaurant ever!
  6. This is the best sushi restaurant in LA.
  7. Really NO ambience, but a great place if you are a serious sushi connoisseur with some good company to keep you entertained.
  8. this is truly the way raw fish should be prepared, we have eaten at the best restaurants in the world, and never ever ever have we found a place like this!
return potential
83.33000183105469% positive
  1. But if i go back next time, probably will just order a la carte, my favorite ones only.
  2. 50/person. Anyway, besides that, the food was good but I'm not sure I'll come back b/c of the value.
  3. 50/person. . I've only been once but will be back again to this no-frills sushi house that has a non-descript facade but plenty of fresh fish.
service
88.10000419616699% positive
  1. have been dining at Sushi Sasabune for over 3 year's and preffered the old (hidden house on the corner) location on Sawtelle to the new (office building) location which is un impressive and poorly decorated, but that doesn't stop people from keeping the
  2. The sushi is fresh and the servers tell you how it should be eaten.
  3. While the setting and the service leaves something to be desired, the food is absolutely fantastic every time.
  4. though, truthfully the food is so good, i probably wouldnt have cared or even noticed if the service had been lousy.
  5. Our server explained the menu was sushi only, that most people get the Chef's choice, for which you pay minimum $65 per person, but you could also order a la carte.
  6. Service is a bit rough around the edges, but do not go there expecting great service or ambiance, you should go for the freshest sushi in town.
  7. The sushi was mediorcre, and the service was horrible.
  8. The servers were friendly enough.
  9. Their sushi-rice is slightly warm, which many people like.
  10. Warm, friendly service.
  11. think many people are quick to criticize just because his sushi is served differently from traditional ways(warm rice, sauces).
  12. the service was very nice and the staff attentive.
  13. everything was perfect: the food was superb and the waitress who served us was so incredibly sweet, we went to and came back from our car to give her even more tip.
  14. The sushi here is amazing and the service is good too!
  15. Celebrities trickled in, and the staff was friendly to everyone.
  16. The wait staff will try to push you to the Omakase (Chef's Special), but after a few tries, I prefer to order off the menu and I am always made to feel bad for doing so as if I am insulting the chef.
  17. If you sit at the sushi bar, it's chef's choice, but you won't be dissapointed, and the omikase style of service leaves you free to concentrate on good conversation with your partner.
  18. Seating is prompt and the service is polite and attentive.
  19. FRESH Fish, Great chefs, Great service
  20. And the waiters are not friendly.
  21. Overall the chef was friendly and so were the serving staff.
value
42.85999774932861% positive
  1. This place has the quality of food that rivals Matsuhisa and Nozawa but at a much more reasonable price.
  2. Asanebo, Nishimura and Kazu are all fantastic spots but a bit overpriced.
  3. It's a little expensive, but worth EVERY PENNY.
  4. For the quality of the fish, I have never had anything that matches this, but for a nice cozy sushi dinner, one that will still provides great food, at half the price, and with a personal touch to match, there are other places in Santa Monica that do that
  5. The price--not worth the mediocre quality.
  6. It was one of the more expensive lunches we've enjoyed, but I would do it again in a second.
  7. You get several dishes that the chef chooses for the day for the flat price of $50.
  8. 50/person. Anyway, besides that, the food was good but I'm not sure I'll come back b/c of the value.
  9. While the price is a bit expensive, I can't help it as the sushi at Sasabune is amazingly good.
  10. However, in terms of tastiness, I wasn't a huge fan of the Japanese chef's special as the raw squid, shrimp, salmon eggs, and sea urchin, are definitely acquired tastes.
  11. am not a huge sushi connoisseur but I liked the quality of the fish, taste, and the warm rice was a nice addition.
  12. If the fish tastes at ALL fishy, or looks bad, why bother trying their more expensive counterparts?
  13. Also, at $65 per person, an incredible value for the amount of food and the quality of the fish.
  14. Good sushi but good value?
wait time
100.0% positive
  1. think many people are quick to criticize just because his sushi is served differently from traditional ways(warm rice, sauces).
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/07/11

Best Sushi in Town

by markmoran70

The best place I ate in. sit at the sushi bar

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/17/11

Best Salmon Sushi

by SupraTT

They have the best salmon sushi I have ever tried. It is even better than the sushi I had in Tokyo. The place is never packed so reservations are not needed unless you want to sit at the sushi bar (requires you order the set menu).

I have tried their lunch, but in my opinion ordering off the menu is better.

2 Star Rating: Below Average

09/24/10

Welcome ! Sit down, eat fast, pay and leave please... :(

by JdFievet

My wife and I recently started to try out other sushi places than our regular one (Kiriko, that is) and try to find a place we like as much. Tonight we were hesitating between suzhi Zo and Sasabune. Both had good reviews as far as the food, but wedecided to give the latter one a try, mostly because of the huge amount of bad reviews toward the unfriendly service and rudeness at Zo.

We were aware of the "no california rolls, tempura, or teriyaki" policy, and we didn't mind so much. Actually, we kind of agree with that. Good sushi deserves respect, and it's kind of stupid for us to mix a good cut of fish with avocado, cream cheese, mayo, and what not. We like the real thing.

The sushi bar is omakase only, which we didn't mind, as it's our favorite way to discover a japanese restaurant. When we arrived and sat down, it was only a matter of seconds before we had our first plate. We didn't even have time to order drinks, and had to work hard in order to get the waitress's attention so that we could ask her for the sake list.

We soon felt like we were in a factory, more than a restaurant. Some kind of upscale fast "quality" food, which we didn't like so much. All the fish is already pre-cut, which for me is a big no-no. the sushi guys behind the bar just work in an assembly line, one guy molding the rice ball and sometimes (but not always) assembling the sushi, some other guy topping it with sauce or scallions and whatnot, another one tending to the "grilled" cuts. They were all very nice, but in a constant rush, and it felt like they couldn't really practice their art in good conditions. As SOON as we were done with a serving of sushi, the not-so-smily waitress would get the empty plates off the table, and we would be handed a new serving within the next 20 seconds. We couldn't even take the time to enjoy the after taste of each bite. Towards the end of the meal, we had to ask the sushi man for a break, just for the sake of being able to make conversation.I would have somehow understood if the restaurant was packed, but it was not.

Now, for the sushi itself : Don't get me wrong, every fish we tasted was of exceptionnal quality. Very fresh, melt in the mouth, all that you can expect for the price. BUT !!! I had not one (which could be almost forgivable), but TWO BITS OF BONE in my fish. Hey, that's what you get when you cut all the fish in advance ! I also got a bit of hard and crunchy stuff in my uni - probably a piece of shell ?

when we told the sushi man that we were full, we soon got handed the check, without even being asked if we wanted to look at the desserts menu (which looked really good, from what we saw at other tables).

We had about 10 piece each (can't remember exactly) and 3 big glasses of very decent sake, all for under $100 per person w/o tip.

To sum it all up, I think Sasabune has the good fish, but should REALLY work on taking care of their clients.

A simple smile and nice attitude from the waitresses would be a good start, as well as making their patrons feel more welcomed and not so much "sit down, eat fast, here's your check now get out".

I'm not the type of rude and obnoxious patron who's going to give a terrible review to a restaurant because he had to wait more than 5 minutes for a water refill, I'm usually quite tolerant and forgiving. But I must say that I had a mediocre experience at Sasabune.

2 Star Rating: Below Average

08/16/09

Soooooooooooo overated, had no good experience

by niceandcute

Went there with my boyfriend on a Friday night. I made reservation ahead. But still got a bad spot. Maybe it's just they are too popular so they are running out of nice spots. Each customer must order at least 4 items. Food is good, but it's not beyond my expectation. IAnd each came in a tiny portion, only 2pcs for each order. And there's nothing other than sushi on the menu which means my boyfriend and I have spend more than $50 on sushi and still feel starving. And the waiters are not friendly.

  • Pros: food is ok
  • Cons: overated, bad service, expensive
4 Star Rating: Recommended

03/25/09

Good food

by vivaciousdivah

Little Tokyo has the bomb sushi for realz...a great spot. Club Sushi is the best in Hollywood. It really depends on where you want to drive for good food.

The Details on Sushi Sasabune

Place Categories:

  • best quality sushi
  • fresh fish
  • warm rice
  • good food
  • great service
  • best sushi place
  • best sushi restaurant
  • very fresh american omakase
  • delicious secret sauces
  • best sushi sasabune
  • cold rice
  • good sushi experience
  • order special menu
  • perfect everything
  • nice lunch spot
  • great chef
  • flat price
  • nice flavor
  • nice cozy sushi dinner
  • amazing extra toro
  • not incredible sushi
  • creative opportunity
  • not big fan
  • yummy soo
  • incredible value

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