03/03/09

Used to be good, but downright nasty now...

by JBJS

We used to love this place, but it has gone downhill. Tonight we had a hair in our food, a rubberband (no kidding) in our radish, and the fish smelled downright nasty. Not to mention, I'm not sure who you have to sleep with over there for them to get your order right. Also, they are rude when you call to report a problem. Do what you will, but we are done with this place.

12/10/08

date spot

by jayla837

This is a great low key date spot but the sushi isn't the best in LA. I like their spicy tuna rolls...but its a nice romantic spot.

10/10/08

Great local Japanese, don't miss the happy hour menu!

by CG3

I don't know why this place has gotten such a bad rap. Most of the negative reviews are old, so maybe they've gotten their act together now.

We'd been meaning to check this place out for ages and were pleasantly surprised when we did. Nice vibe, good music (DJ Shadow-esque), friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, good food. We came in with our two little kids and the staff was very accommodating and friendly. The kids loved the music and art work. A live guitar duo showed up later that just thrilled the kids.

To my surprise, our fussy pre-schooler ate everything on his plate, exclaiming how delicious it was and our younger daughter couldn't stuff her face fast enough. Those of more adult palate were also very pleasantly surprised. The sushi was fresh. But the other "tavern style" offerings on the menu were the most exciting. The Mango Albacore salad was particularly delicious. We had no problem with speed of service, but with two kids, I'm used to taking the initiative when ordering.

We were also really happy to find a Japanese restaurant that serves traditional fare other than just sushi. We used to trek out to Little Tokyo or Itacho on Beverly for this style of food. But since we've had kids, we just don't make it out that far too often, so we're really happy to add this local spot to our list of regulars. And if you make it in before 7:00 they have a $4 happy hour menu not to be missed!

• Pros: Ambiance, local, diverse menu, happy hour
• Cons: The outside dining section is on busy Sunset

05/07/08

Chilean Sea Bass to die for!!

by mookeemoo

You need to come here for the Baked Chilean Sea Bass and the Salmon Fusion Roll. It's best pair with Kurosawa Sake which was reccommended by the waiter.

• Pros: Food, Service, Ambience
• Cons: Owner

02/22/08

slow and bad....it starts from the top

by Bryboydivo

I have had a few dinners at Koda over the past year. All of which were ok. What stood out was the slow service of the staff. I can over look that. My last visit was horrible and sealed the deal that I will never eat there again. The dining room was very hot and had a strong fish smell. After waiting for a few minutes to be seated we than waited another 10 minutes before a member of the staff came to our table. 20 more minutes go by and nothing.....we decided to leave and on our way out I asked to see a manager at which point I was directed to the owner. He was rude and did not attempt to help the situation in any way. Fishy smell from a fishy owner.....thank but no thanks Koda

• Pros: location to home
• Cons: service, management, ambience

11/22/07

For good Sushi and service go any where else

by ab101

Was looking for a nice local low key place to relax with a friend and have some really good sushi.

Could have done better with some take out california rolls and a bottle of saki from any grocery store and taking it home.

Service and quality mediocre.

• Cons: parking, service, quality of food

10/01/07

Slow service, disappointing food

by bren808

Well, I live around the corner and Koda was on my regular rotation, but I won't be going back. When they first opened they were good - nice staff, very tasty food - but it's gone downhill after they got a "C" grade from the county (which the owner hid behind the standing menu - look for the "A"). It's too bad, because I used to eat here 2-3 times a week.

The service is beyond slow - if you get the guy waiter, head to the counter; he's particularly terrible. Of the 20 or so times I've been, one waitperson has been good but the rest are indifferent, disinterested, forgetful, rude, or a combination of all of the above. The last time I was there - which really is the last time - my friend asked the waitress a question about the tea and was given an inaccurate answer and lots of attitude. My food took over 40 minutes (a party that came in after me got their food - also rolls - much sooner than I did) and wasn't very good when it arrived, which was disappointing as it was a dish I'd had before (the spicy tuna).

I'd really think about eating somewhere else on the block - there's Tantra, El Conquistador and Good (which isn't, really, but that's another review) all in the same block.

• Pros: Ambience is lovely; attractive and welcoming vibe
• Cons: Waitstaff are really disinterested

06/23/07

Ick.

by purrsnickity17

I have tried so hard to eat here and like it, but I've decided that I can't. I'm not a huge fan of sushi, but every so often I'll get a craving for it and want to go somewhere. I would love to stay closer to home and go to Koda, but I've given up. I've been 3 times, and each time, I was disappointed. To say that the wait staff is aloof is being kind, but I've come to expect similar service from parts of Silver Lake. However, I will deal with a little lack of hospitality if the food is good. But, it isn't. The fish has always been dry, flavorless, and slightly scary to me. Once, while sitting at the bar, when my friend ordered uni, the chef looked in the box at the uni, looked at us, shook his head, and threw it away. He then went back to finishing an order for some other table without asking if we wanted anything else, apologizing, or anything. I tried the Visalia roll (I grew up close to the city of Visalia and found it cute that they even knew where it was) and although it was a veggie roll, it too was kinda scary in an unfresh way. Plus, the sake list was underwhelming and I ended up not really eating or drinking anything. I know there's that whole saying about being my fault if I get tricked a second time, so I should be ashamed that I got it the third time. Oh well. I will not be going back to this place ever again, which is such a shame. I'll stick to Mia if I'm on a budget and Nobu if I'm feeling frisky.

• Pros: Good location, acceptable "we sell sushi" decor.
• Cons: Nothing seems fresh or appealing, which is scary when eating sushi

01/07/07

Trendy Failure

by pdvailla

Look, just drive downtown or up the street to Saito's. I was looking forward to the easy walk with my girlfriend, a neighborhood joint, cozy looking from the street. Starting with the only positive: the vegetable tempura was crisp, light, and cooked in fresh oil. Otherwise the food was mediocre at best. Sushi, boring and not so fresh, bland pickled ginger, edamame tasted like it was bought frozen at Trader Joe's, and some other items glazed in what they call "eel sauce" (hoison straight from the jar?). Service was a little clumsy .. one attempted plate removal underneath moving chopsticks, otherwise generally rushy in an uncomfortable, overly polite kind-of-way. And finally, the worst: Two guys jamming out on guitars. Same chords, over and over and over, a solo, repeat, the other guy's turn to solo, help me god, repeat, "what was that honey?" This was followed by a hippie-slop cover of Jimmy Hendrix. With Sushi rolls titled "Sunset Junction," along with local "live" music, this place is trying so hard, dearest Silverlake. What ever happened to good food, plain and simple? Not worth the fifty bucks.

• Pros: Lighting
• Cons: Food, Service, Pho-Cool environment

12/21/06

Sushi, Music, People, HOT!!!

by kikirella

Finally, a hip, good, sushi bar. I usually have to go to the Westside or to Little Tokyo to find something decent. A side from tradition entees, they offer innovative items like the Jarkata roll which aMAZING!!! The live music was jazz'in, staff is great, a place worth checking out.