Kiyokawa Japanese Restaurant

Citysearch Editorial Review

by Charlie Amter at Citysearch

This overlooked small restaurant on a nondescript stretch of Robertson arrived back on the foodie radar thanks to a rave write-up by Los Angeles Weekly food critic, Jonathan Gold, in late 2009. You can believe the hype: Kiyokawa is the real deal with expertly prepared sushi served up with serious attention to detail. If you are looking for authentic, organic, gimmick-free sushi served in a no-frills and decidedly adult setting, this could be your new favorite (or current if you are a longtime fan already) Japanese restaurant in SoCal. Everything from sawagani (live freshwater crabs fried before your eyes) to the most impossibly tender toro is on the menu here. In the capable hands of chef and co-owner Satoshi, omakase is the way to go (if you have a few hours to spare, that is). You won't have a problem getting a seat at the sushi bar or a table on a weeknight here, but you just might have a problem hanging onto your hard-earned paycheck once you get a taste of what Satoshi is serving--try the miso-marinated black cod. The chef’s tasting menu starts at $78 and a sushi-only omakase is available for $48.

06/06/08

BEST QUALITY FOOD - real deal organic

by culinarysnob at Citysearch

This is the best sushi place in town. The food is why we go back. I have a young child so high quality and organic food is very important. Satoshi the owner has the best fingers foods, fried brown rice crackers, fried tofu, the best organic chicken in town. The most artistic organic plate appetizer. I love this place. I would be able to eat there everyday its so healthy and filling. Its clean and the serving dishes are adorable.

if you are looking for top quality, at the best price. there is nothing better.

• Pros: food sushi rice appetizers fresh organic
• Cons: parking

03/11/08

Nice setting, Sushi at a decent price

by slpdocstu at Citysearch

This place is in a nice area of Beverly Hills on Robertson Blvd. We checked this place out because of the location and because they advertise themselves as being natural and organic. The sushi rolls ranged from $6-$20 in price with the average roll being between $7 and $12. You can also order a variety of sushi from the dinner menu for $17 to $24 if you go with their selections. The food was good, the decor was very nice, and overall it was a good experience - just not especially memorable.

• Pros: Location, Organic/Natural

11/08/07

Do you trust native Japanese opinion?

by justiceblue at Citysearch

I am a native Japanese from Tokyo. I am also organizing a Japanese Gourmet Food Club in Los Angeles area. So, I know what is the true Japanese food like and where is the good Japanese restaurant to go in Los Angeles. The owner chef, Satoshi is one of the best Japanese chef in Los Angeles, I think. He desire to introduce authentic Japanese food in US which is mostly healthy vegetables dishes. Sushi is the one of the traditional Japanese food, although nobody eats sushi everyday in Japan. He uses only best quality ingredients such as organic, no MSG. These dishes are great for your body and you can eat everyday. And the best part is they are great taste! I feel like eating at good quality restaurant in Tokyo which I don't feel much often in Los Angeles...Sad but true... If you like to experience true Japanese food and looking for great Japanese restaurant, this is the place to go. And you HAVE TO try OMAKASE in the menu. You won't be disappointed for sure. Trust me.

• Pros: Great Food, Great Ambience and Great Servive. Unusual Japanese dishes.
• Cons: Nothing!

07/18/07

Best sushi in town

by carizmuah at Citysearch

if your looking for a quite and very clean sushi resturant with great service and outstanding food this family run resturant is for you . You are treated with incredile care and fed with food specifically made by your request. Ive never enjoyed sushi more at any other place

06/18/07

Easily the best sushi in LA

by jjvoicesheard at Citysearch

So I recently started a new job in Beverly Hills. I kept driving by this interesting looking sushi place. Finally one day after work I decided it was time to give the place a try. I was greeted right away. Cool jazz music was playing but nothing too loud. The atmosphere is small and cozy yet still stylish and very "in" looking. I figured I'd get the sushi dinner and that'd be a good start. After tasting a simple California roll followed by a piece salmon sushi....my taste buds were in heaven. There was nothing extravagant about the plate I ordered. No crazy sushi roles. To me top sushi is in the fish. I have no idea what was in that fish but for some reason I couldn't stop eating it. I went ahead to order several additional peaces of sushi. Ok....so I spent a little more then I wanted....but well worth the price. This is the best sushi I've had in LA....and I've eaten at all the top rated places. So bring friends, bring a date, or just go by yourself....I promise you won't be disappointed!

• Pros: sushi is incredible
• Cons: small staff, so if it's crowded it make take a little while to get your food....but very worth it

03/27/07

Modern-style sushi, prepared with lots of TLC

by ip1d1p1d at Citysearch

I heard great reviews about Kiyokawa from a friend who eats here every week. When we finally went there, we could tell they would treat us with great care. We were right. Service was superb. Food was also prepared in such great care that we see it on the plate (presentation-wise) and taste it: House Rolls, Toro, Yellowtail Jalapeno and Tempura were awesome. A warning: don't go here when you're in a hurry. Great foods take time to prepare, and they really prepare their food with lots of TLC. So, be prepared to have more than 1 hour dinner here.

• Pros: Personalized service, ambiance
• Cons: Not for a quick bite

03/04/07

Hands down best sushi in L.A.

by trueplaya4real at Citysearch

Try the tuna toatadas. Outstanding!!!

Also, the cold sake with the blue fin is LIGHTS OUT!!!!

Great sushi joint to go with a friend or by yourself.

Everything here is fantastic. Always a great experience.

• Pros: All good!!

03/04/07

Possibly the best sushi in Beverly Hills

by jio1 at Citysearch

I never bother writing reviews about well established restaurants or one's that seem to be running on their own momentum already. Usually because they don't need it, and I also don't want them getting any more crowded and hard to reserve than they already are. So, it's the new gems - the smaller places that are so good I fall in love with them that move me to write about - Kiyokawa is on of those places.

Satoshi, the owner and sushi chef creates little wondrous works of art out of the freshest seafood imaginable. Everything is organic, and you don't really realize what a difference that makes until you experience it. This is particularly noticeable in the many non-sushi items on the menu. In fact, there is quite an extensive selection of "itzakaya" style dishes to choose from.

The dinning room is intimate, warm and inviting - the kind of place that is both casual and still nice enough to bring an important business associate or a romantic date.

• Pros: Easy parking

02/27/07

Freshest Sushi in Town!

by denabk at Citysearch

My friend and I found this gem completely by accident, and now we make a point to eat here at least once a week (otherwise we go through serious withdrawal). Everything on the menu is divine, but the Toro, Albacore and Yellowtail is exceptional. The service can be a tad slow when it gets crowded, but the staff is extremely friendly and gracious and will guarantee a delicious meal. Unlike other sushi restaurants I've tried in Los Angeles, I never leave Kiyokawa hungry or disappointed.

• Pros: The owner is the master chef; he really gets to know what his customers like. Parking is rarely a problem!
• Cons: Slower than usual service when crowded.