Takao

Go here or go to Japan BEST in LA

by quangtam2159 at Citysearch

Exceptional sashimi and sushi with many unusual seasonal items. Heavenly lace-like tempura, great cooked dishes, and an amazing sake list. Charming, friendly, helpful and professional people dedicated to ensuring you a special time. There is no hype, no flashing lights, no blaring music and no attitude, no screaming, - just relaxed, understated decor and very authentic, delicious, and creative cuisine. One place you should try the omakase as it will be exceptional and great value. I have spent a lot of time in Japan and this is the real deal! My favorite for an exceptional meal where it is all about the food and the people!

Best Japanese food in LA

by TimM at Citysearch

I have traveled to Japan extensively and have been a fan of Japanese cuisine for over 40 years. This is quite simply my favorite restaurant in Los Angeles. The food is made from exquisite ingredients, prepared with great love and expertise. I could eat the Chef's Omakase nearly every night of the week -- if I could afford it.

• Pros: quality; service; authenticity
• Cons: not specialized in California-style sushi rolls

Amazing sashimi, deceptively upscale, helpful and friendly staff!

by patchinko at Citysearch

I'll preface by saying I've lived in Tokyo and consider myself very knowledgeable about sushi/sashimi/etc.

My father and I visited Takao early last week on a whim as he was passing through LA on a trip. I'm afraid we dressed too informally for the restaurant because from seeing the humble exterior and simple interior, I had no inkling that it was as classy as it turned out to be. Before even opening the menu, I realized this place was the real deal by the fact that everyone from the server (who I later found out calls himself "Rocky") to the chefs are actually Japanese. Opening the menu and seeing what seemed to be very high prices confirmed it: We were underdressed.

This didn't phase our server, who was very polite and helpful. I ordered the yellowtail dish, the toro spring rolls, and the aoika, which they had run out of two days prior. Rocky was very apologetic and we resorted to the tako (octopus) with lemon/cilantro sauce.

To be honest, I was momentarily afraid I had brought my father to a typical overpriced, pretentious LA restaurant. No sooner did I see the gorgeous platings of these sashimi did I find out how wrong I was. This restaurant has it all--the care taken to ensure a pleasing, artistic looking dish was only outdone by how delicious the sashimi was. The tako was shockingly fresh, and the tangy sauce really accented the distinct octopus texture. It was all amazing. I would rate these simple dishes even above the omakase from Sushi Roku, and that's saying a lot.

Our server asked if we wouldn't like to try a very traditional style hamachi nigiri, which of course we did. That was probably the most delicious sushi I've ever had, including some great sushi-eating experiences in Japan.

A couple of suggestions: Do not go to Takao expecting run-of-the-mill sushi or rolls. They have them, yes, but that's clearly not what they specialize in, and you'll be doing yourself a disservice. It's pricy, but worth it!

• Pros: Great sashimi, great service, a gem in the heart of Brentwood.
• Cons: Parking in Brentwood: Try a sidestreet and walk!

Best REAL sushi in town (a roll is not real sushi!)

by ladydis at Citysearch

I had to laugh reading the review below- anyone who thinks a California Roll is sushi should not be doing a review on a real sushi restaurant!! For those who like raw fish and appreciate a sushi chef's ability to pair fresh raw fish and sauces in a masterful way that will delight your taste buds, this is the place to go! I think it's the best sushi place in LA. It's expensive but worth it. However, if you are looking for rolls this is not the place to go. It's only for the hardcore sushi and sashimi fans!

• Pros: Creative Sashimi dishes
• Cons: Expensive

WORST Selection/Atmosphere!!

by collinwright at Citysearch

I can't believe a sushi bar that looks like it could be a McDonalds from the inside gets this high of a rating on this website. If you're looking to satisfy your hunger, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! This place has only 7 rolls to select from (and i mean basic)..a california roll for $9.50?? Who does that? I've had better sushi from the supermarket! Don't waste your money on overpriced food/drinks and detestable service. Anyone who rants or raves about this place has a lot to learn about quality sushi!

0/10 rating (not even worthy of a number).

• Pros: *crickets*
• Cons: Expensive, lack of selection, horrible service, boring atmosphere