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Asakuma - CLOSED
Categories: Restaurants Sushi Bars Restaurants Japanese Sushi Bars, Japanese [Edit]
11701 Wilshire BlvdSte 15
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 826-0013
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
TAIKO's Japanese Character means "Big Happiness." Our mission is to provide our Patrons with fresh healthy Japanese Cuisine with Vibrant Taste in a… read more »
105 reviews for Asakuma
Review Highlights
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"...selection is the black cod, chawamushi and spicy tuna salad." In 9 reviews -
"Great sushi, miso soup and nice and plump edemame." In 10 reviews -
"So was the Heart Attack roll which has a nice kick to it." In 3 reviews
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105 reviews in English
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Review from Tran T.
7/22/2010 4 photos
Great vegetarian sushi! Not that I ordered straight off the menu though, no.
I asked the waitress to ask the chef to make me something creative for a vegetarian to eat. None of that boring cucumber roll or vegetable roll stuff that I can get anywhere. Told her that I like things like yam tempura, avocado, even cream cheese is okay. I told her that the roll needs to have some fat in it and some flavor... just don't use fish or meat, which I can't eat.
Out came out this beaaaautiful roll with avocado draped on top, yam tempura inside with cream cheese and asparagus. Also came with a champagne glass filled with seaweed salad and sprouts and veggie tempura off the top. My roll tasted freshly made, with the crunchiness of the yam tempura and buttery avocado rich in flavor. Yes, finally a vegetarian friendly roll where the sushi chef was not afraid of going beyond tradition and delivered me a beautiful roll that was capable of enticing my taste buds and filling my tummy.
Of course, presentation was fabulous and I'm sure this could've been because he knew I was taking photos for him to be featured as a catering business. Ha! But in any case, at least you know the potential is there.
My friends also ordered new things like micro sushi. What's micro sushi, you ask? Well it's not on the menu... it's something my catering-business friend asked from the sushi chef personally. And out came these teeny tiny mini micro sushi rolls (I uploaded a picture). They're probably great for kids cuz the rolls are so cute, who can resist?
Anyway... I was a happy camper with my custom ordered sushi roll.
There's valet parking, which still costs money after validation. So i just found parking in the neighborhood north of Wilshire (careful of street cleaning days Thursday and Friday from 9am-noon). -
Review from Jenni H.
Santa Monica, CA
3/9/2010
Yelp, a 4 star average after 95 reviews, HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? I'll stop typing in all caps, but seriously, how?
This restaurant is located in the same strip mall as VIP Seafood Harbor, one place I would never eat at again due to a traumatic dim sum experience but based on the Yelp reviews Asakuma had potential.
So, the mission: find a Japanese restaurant that serves various fresh raw fish as well as deliciously cooked or grilled meat, a place that wasn't Tengu, Takao, Orris, Musha, or K-Zo. (All of which are now places I'd recommend over Asakuma.)
I've been here once for dinner and once to pick up sushi for lunch. The first part of this review is for the dining room area, not the sushi bar. On a Sunday night the hostess said we could seat ourselves and motioned towards the dining room. The place was a good 60% full.
The service was routine, nothing memorable, she took our order, brought out food and we had to flag her down at times, it was like being at a Dennys. The apathetic service seemed to project and permeate through the food. Speaking of food, we ordered:
- Beef teriyaki, in fact cooked medium it was ...beef, cut, with a teriyaki sauce, nothing horrible but nothing out of the minimum
- Crunch roll, tasted like it was fried then left out for 15 minutes before it got to the table. The batter had turned into this congealed texture of chewiness, rather than crunchy. Hara sushi, thats right, 50% off sushi during happy hour - Hara, has a better crunch roll.
- Yellowtail with jalapeno: heavy, choppy cuts of fish, but pretty good overall
- Uni nigiri: the unexpected twist, it was fresh, with a subtle briny taste and creamy texture and the only saving grace of the meal.
The decor looks like it hasn't been updated since the early to mid 90's, from the bright colored sticks, placed along a short wall that act as a divider, to the chairs, tables to the clay plates on the walls with martinis painted on them. This isn't really a spot to take a date or for girls night out. Dinner in total was about $60 with one order of tea, not including tip. Bad call on my part, je suis desole Simon... En Sushi or K Zo, next time ;)
I did like the uni and yellowtail and I thought that it would be fair to judge this place after trying more of their sushi. So a few days later I picked up an order of their 10 piece nigiri for lunch, after spending about $15, the sushi was meh, some pieces were inedible. My coworker got a chicken teriyaki that was over a bed of potatoes and green beans but the dish didn't have any type of sauce. When my coworker called them about the dish, he was told that they have a new chef and that's how the dish is suppose to be.
After reading the Yelp reviews, I can't rationalize how one dish alone can make this restaurant 4-star worthy, yes I'm talking to you, black cod. Especially in West LA, where there are plenty of other, better Japanese places. Overall, I wouldn't go back ...for lunch or dinner. -
Review from Amy C.
Updated - 3/18/2009
If you come here, the one thing to get is the miso cod. Why? Cause that dish is da bomb diggity.
Soft, flaky, slightly sweet with a buttery consistency, this fish will turn you into a believer. Of what you ask? I'm not sure, but you will thank me.
http://static.px.yelp....
We also got the spider roll which was a-ok. But, nothing memorable. I just remember huge chunks of spider crab. Personally, I like my sushi in smaller, bite size pieces.
http://static.px.yelp....
Just get the miso cod! It's really the stand out item.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/30/2008
We were craving sushi today and being a Sunday afternoon, it was hard to find a sushi place open for… Read more »
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Review from Jim K.
Long Beach, CA
3/12/2008
I came here for lunch with one L.A.'s most popular Elite Yelpers, Kaz S. She's as attractive as she is knowledgeable about Japanese food, so I knew it was going to be a good dining experience. She didn't steer us wrong picking Asakuma when it comes to good food.
She highly recommended the black cod and I have to say it was outstanding. I also got the Albacore salad and it too was fantastic. The ambiance of Asakuma is very nice, dimly lit and nicely decorated. Service was good and we never felt intruded upon. I would highly recommend eating here with the only down side being the parking lot. You have to use valet parking, which isn't bad since it's only $2 if you get it validated.Listed in: Getting my Nippon.
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Review from Nancy Y.
Los Angeles, CA
1/25/2008 6 photos
Nice local restaurant, located in a mini mall on with valet parking lot. Famous for the marinated black cod, $18.50. Quite good, served with the marinade that you usually find with eel. Very moist and cooked just right. The broccoli veggies and noodle thing, the cod was served with is pretty non-descript though, see pics. They did everything pretty good, except those sides. Better to order the black cod as an appetizer and try out other dishes. Also had the yellow tail sashimi which was sliced not too thick and not too thin. The menu states 6 pieces, but we had about 10 pieces, served with parsley and green jalapeno garnish, $14.
The crispy skin catfish is served whole, and deep fried, complete with the head and tail, $18.50. Surprisingly big, about a foot and a half long. The catfish is served with the sashimi salad. The fried tofu was okay, not really my thing. Chicken yakitori pretty good. The ahi tuna salad, $7 for the small, pretty good, though I would order it as sashimi and not in a salad, I didn't finish the greens. My favorites were the black cod, crispy skin catfish, and the yellow tail sashimi. Everything is seasoned lightly, I dipped all the fish and meat in the ponza sauce along with some soy and wasabi. Green tea, mochi with various ice cream flavor, about 8 desserts listed with fresh fruit as well.
The menus are comprehensive, with a specials menu, a sushi list, the dessert menu, and another one, which are in addition to the regular menu. Spacious, the restaurant is bigger than what you see from the front, it has three separate dining areas with a separate bar area. The decor is minimum, you can tell as soon as you walk in that this place has been around for a long time, since 1985. Looks like the way to go is the early bird special dinner from 5-7pm. Low key, though the servers are fairly young, this place hums with efficiency and no pretentiousness. Valet is a couple of bucks. Four stars for the menu variety, service, non-pretentious atmosphere and food.Listed in: Japanese Reviews
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Review from Christine P.
Los Angeles, CA
10/11/2007
Woo-hoo it's my 200th review! (and that kinda rhymes!)
And . . .
Rollence P. and I are celebrating our 3-year anniversary today!
For our anniversary lunch (alas, we can't have dinner tonight), we showed up at Asakuma without a reservation and with completely empty stomachs. Luckily, it wasn't so busy that there was a wait for a table. Here's what we ordered:
Appetizer
Hamachi Usuzukuri - Five stars for the thinly sliced, melt-in-your-mouth fish with the extremely tasty ponzu sauce. It was so good that I wanted to cry while I was eating it, and that wasn't because of the thin slices of jalapeno pepper atop each piece of fish. Delicious!
Boyfriend's Entree:
Asakuma Combo - He opted for the chasoba noodles with dipping sauce and a bowl of chicken teriyaki over rice. They were good, but no match for what I ordered, ha ha ha!
My Entree:
Glazed Marinated Black Cod - After seeing quite a few people sing praises about the cod, I decided to give it a try, and I'm so, SO glad that I did. First of all, I was presented with an extremely generous portion of fish. It was so tender, and the flavor is just indescribable. Maybe there's crack in the glaze? If so, then I must be a crack whore because I just couldn't get enough of the stuff! I inhaled the whole thing, except for three smallish bites for Rollence P. (since I love him, I thought I could spare a *leetle* bit of my meal).
Come here and order the cod!Listed in: For Out-of-Towners in My…, West Side Eats
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Review from Wanugee N.
Pleasant Hill, CA
10/18/2007
Listen to everyone else that reviews Asakuma! You come here for the Black Cod...everyone does. My good sansei/sensei friend brought me here for lunch and suggested the same thing, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. It isn't found just anywhere or everywhere, so why come here for sushi? Black Cod you Nimrod!
As the age old Japanese expression goes, "The nail that is sticking up gets hammered down!"
(Translation: He/she/grasshoppa who doesn't order the black cod will be disappointed and later get hammered drowning the sorrows of their mistake and misfortune because the pebble has been snatched from their hand when the wolf howls and the turtle crosses the path!)Listed in: Wanugee! Japanese, Wanugee! LA Westside
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Review from Szeying t.
Claremont, CA
8/26/2007
Two words. Black Cod. Enough said. Order it. Eat it. Happy tummy.
Don't come here for sushi. It's not that it's bad but the black cod is the reason for eating here. Sushi nirvana can be had elsewhere. Black cod nirvana is available here.
Parking is a pain here but you can valet even though the restaurant is located in the weirdest, most nondescript strip mall ever. Get the ticket validated and it's only $2.50 which isn't too bad. -
Review from Rockit O.
Thousand Oaks, CA
10/18/2009
Sometimes luck can creep up behind you and slap you in the face.
I had never heard of Asakuma, I walked in just because I was in the parking lot already and I had an hour to kill before an appointment.
There was a neon board behind the bar, written by hand that offered fish from the Tsukiji market from Japan. All Japanese imported fish comes from here but I thought it was clever to market it this way.
With the exception of Mori-Sans nigiri preparation having a little too much rice, the fish, cut, and flavor were spot on!
I ordered only from the Tsukiji board which included...Kampachi, Madai, Mirugai, Aji, O-Toro, and Uni. Actually the Uni was from San Diego, so firm that it was presented Nigiri style.
Mori-San diplomatically served the blue haired couple next to me as they debated over crunchy Caterpillar roll or the Rainbow roll, while carrying on a conversation with me about actually going to the Tsukiji market. He wanted to be sure that when I go to Japan to please come and see him first so that he could point me in the right direction.
I was surprised and delighted with Asakuma! -
Review from dawson s.
Los Angeles, CA
8/1/2006
Even with a recent change of hands, Asakuma is still one of the best places in LA to find great sushi without costing an arm and a leg. Everything is consistently fresh and delish, there's a full bar and easy, inexpensive valet parking (which belies it's upstairs mini-mall location).
Though there is a full service restaurant and dining room, if you're up for sushi, this is one place you'll definitely have a better experience sitting at the sushi bar. The specials menu is a great start, but be sure to ask one of their seasoned chefs for the day's recommendations and go from there.
If you like sake, they have a nice selection and the presentation is great - in large test tubes. If you're in the mood for something on the light side, or dropping in for lunch, try the Seared Ahi Salad. The Seared Bluefin Sushi is one of my personal faves along with their Amaebi (sweet shrimp). Make sure you request the heads fried - despite their alien appearance, they're beyond good and you'll earn a little respect for munching down antennae with a beer and some gusto. As for basics, they make a mean Spicy Tuna and the house special, grilled Black Cod is not to be missed.
Tip: They have a special delivery only location on Robertson, east of Wilshire, that's just as good. You can even order online at http://www.asakuma.comListed in: The West Side, Japanese Food, Sushi
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Review from Cool J.
South San Francisco, CA
8/9/2008
Came here on a quiet Sunday night around closing time. The restaurant was pretty dead at this time, with us being one of two/three parties in the place at the time. The decor was of higher quality than of other japanese eateries that I've been too. Maybe cause I eat at shitty low quality locations?
Prices are probably inline with what you would pay at a decent sushi spot. My friend's sister said that it's LA prices so I assume LA pays more for food? Who knows....
I ordered a Bento Box while some of my buddies ordered some sushi rolls. My friends didn't say much about the rolls so I guess it wasn't good or bad. My Bento box was great. The sashimi was super fresh and the portions were awesome. I actually couldn't finish the food. I just quit eating after a while since I was so stuffed.
I thought the service was excellent. Never did I have to ask for water as there was always someone there filling my cup. That's good cause I love to drink something while I eat. They were also very friendly here.
Negatives of this place is that you got to valet your car if you want to park in the lot. Valet at a damn mini strip mall? WTF? Hell no, we just parked on the street!!
Overall a good experience here. Food was good but not knock it out of the park good. Service was great though..... -
Review from Denis S.
5/21/2009
Came here for lunch. Sat at the sushi bar. Right away we were given warm towels, water, and some complimentary edamame. Great start!
I ordered the spicy tuna roll and the spicy scallop roll, because they were both affordable (about $6 each) and I wasn't that hungry. Their specialty rolls looked pretty good, but were much more expensive...
The rolls came out in decent time, not too spicy, not too big, not too anything. They were good, but nothing to write home about.
Sorry for the boring review...Listed in: That time I lived in Brentwood
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Review from Caroline C.
Arcadia, CA
10/17/2009
I was looking for a good place to eat at for lunch, and I saw this place w/ 4 stars on Yelp. After eating here, I have to think..."WTF were you Yelpers thinking?" This was the worst Japanese food I think I've ever had. And to top it off, you have to pay for parking. $2.50 w/ validation.
I ordered the Asakuma combo, where you get to choose 2 choices out of the 4 main categories. I chose the udon soup and black cod don. It came with a seaweed cucumber salad and miso soup as appetizers. The seaweed cucumber salad was pretty bad. It didn't taste tangy like it should. The cucumber was a bit bitter. The miso soup was good. Then the udon soup came, and man...I can make better udon soup from the soup packages at 99 Ranch. The noodles itself were alright, but the soup taste was way off. It tasted like water w/ a bit of soy sauce. Ugh. After that, I was hoping that the black cod don would make up for the horrible udon. Unfortunately, it didn't. It came with a crapload of ginger and this pickled vegetable. The black cod was ehh alright. After a while, I got sick of eating it. Overall, just a bad eating experience.
My friends didn't really like what they ordered also. My friend got the Asakuma combo as well, but with the hand rolls and black cod don. She said the hand rolls were the worst she has ever tasted, and this is coming from someone who loves sushi and has tasted some of the best sushi in the area. According to her, one of the fish in the rolls tasted like it was rolled in flour. Our other friend got the chirashi rice. He said the tuna was good and was the first thing he tasted, but then he tried the other sashimi, and they all had the same texture and processed food sort of taste. Let's just say...I'm not coming back here again. It wasn't worth the $20 I spent. -
Review from Paul N.
Los Angeles, CA
4/24/2008
I'm sorry to say that this was probably the worst sushi I've had in L.A. in a very long time. The Yelp score of 4 stars completely threw me off. With so many great sushi restaurants in L.A. (Mori, Echigo, Takao, K-Zo), I see no reason to come here.
I ordered the black cod, the hamachi kama, spanish mackerel, japanese mackerel, blue fin, kanpachi, scallops, yellowtail, and sweet shrimp. A friend ordered the Las Vegas Roll and the Shrimp Tempura roll.
While the glazed black cod that everyone seems to rave about was good, this is a simple, reliable dish you can find at plenty of Japanese restaurants. Hell, even my mom used to make this. This simply isnt enough of a reason to give a restaurant 3-4 stars.
As for the sushi, the fish was NOT fresh. In fact, the blue fin and the yellowtail were dried out, even crunchy around the edges. The spanish mackerel was the only one worth eating the second piece. The rice was also dry and flavorless, which sucks when they give you a ham-fist-sized portion of rice with each nigiri.
God, as I write this review, the rage that I felt in the pit of my stomach while biting into the Blue Fin Tuna last night (and afterwards when I got home) is welling up inside me all over again. Incidentally, I experienced a similar level of rage when I saw a sign at Farm Boy advertising sushi and yogurt as a combo. -
Review from Tony S.
6/20/2008
Hot looks, brains AND fresh breath. You ever get that nice surprise when you meet a hot new girl, or when the CELTICS KICK ASS? That's the same sentiment I got when coming to Asakuma.
You figure with all the gazillion sushi places in LA, that it would be hard to find a new one that distinguishes itself like this place did. I decided to go off traditional, and instead order the specialized rolls and one of the entrees.
The Miso Cod is a MUST order, as is the Aloha Roll (had this amazing sesame sauce) and Banzai Special (a baked roll that was phenom). There was also the lobster roll, which was this fantastic smorgasborg of lobster and shrimp poured over a sliced sushi roll. I really was pleasantly surprised.
I didn't enjoy the Watermelon roll (deepfried roll with spicy tuna inside) which was overcooked and rubbery. But other than that, I loved it. Service was fast and courteous, and the value seemed very fair ($80 for 2 people, 5 large rolls + the cod entree, no booze).
I'll have to come back to see if it is worth of 5 stars. Tons of entrees and rolls I have yet to try. -
Review from Nadine N.
2/25/2007
My Japanese American family comes here for every family get together. We used to go to Sakura all the time, but it's so crowded and noisy. Asakuma, on the other hand, is quiet and always seems to have plenty of seating.
As others have said IT'S ALL ABOUT THE COD! The last time I ate here I had the cod don buri, but I am going to stick with the blackened cod fillet from now on. The sushi is good too, but it'll fill you up and you want to save room for all the cod you can eat! Seriously, you will never look at cod the same way again.Listed in: Where Do You Want to Eat?…
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Review from Amy W.
Los Angeles, CA
8/6/2010
I ordered a rainbow roll for delivery and found a staple in my salmon. I called Asakuma back and told them about it. Their response: "what do you want me to do about it?"
Never ordered from them again. -
Review from Dennis I.
Monterey Park, CA
1/3/2009
I have to say I do like the black cod and sashimi salad quite a bit. The parking is not free and it's always a pain. The sushi bar is pretty good with nice slabs of fish on sushi rice. It's not super quality, but some people are into quantity over quality.
I do remember the one time I asked about an american style cut roll and the sushi chef was insulted. He really was a jerk and made me feel bad about an american non-japanese roll. Like their sushi salad is a real traditional Japanese dish. Didn't want to make a scene so I just ignored his continuous banter. So, I never again sat at their sushi bar and got used to having my food in the dining room which is actually more relaxing. That's how I got to try the sushi salad and black cod which I enjoyed far more than their sushi.
Not degrading them for having one stupid sushi guy. I can only give them a 3 star as their food is only good and far from great. But you have to consider how really aggravating the parking can be. Read through my fellow yelpsters as it's real issue.Listed in: Japanese Restaurants
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Review from Garick C.
Culver City, CA
12/27/2009
Yes, I will agree that taste-wise, the black cod boat special is delicious and worth the price. Including beef skewers, tempura/sashimi, and ice cream makes this a decent meal at a fair rate.
However, I don't understand how it can take 2hours for us to finish a meal on the pre-set special menu. These are supposed to be your specialty items that are being featured, correct?
As well, although our waitress was initially very friendly and engaged us with some light banter; the "service" was lacking. Apparently the "boat" items come with a selection of either tempura or sashimi. Upon asking what would come with the sashimi or tempura; I was given a frown and then an explanation that sashimi is raw pieces of fish and tempura was lightly breaded/fried shrimp and vegetables.
No.. I know what the terms mean; I was asking what kind of fish come with the sashimi and what kind of vegetables/how many pieces come with the tempura.
So ok, the sashimi selection is supposed to be a standard tuna and salmon. I would've preferred yellowtail, but hey; that's fine. Half an hour later, all that's come out so far is just the miso soup and there were only 3 other tables that were occupied at 7pm on a Saturday night. Our waitress then comes out to tell me that unfortunately; it's going to be whitefish instead of salmon tonight and asks if that's ok. I said no; actually; I'll take the tempura instead.
She then gives me this NASTY look and clucks a tsk tsk that sorry, they already prepared the whitefish sashimi. Seriously, do you consider this good customer service? Why even bother to ask me if you've already falsely told me something else and then not willing to make the change?
If you're Caucasian and you like your ass kissed; then this might be the place for you. I'd like to refrain from giving too many negative reviews; but seriously, I wouldn't come here again when there are so many better selections in the area. -
Review from Yi Z.
7/1/2009
My coworker and I stopped in for lunch today and we left very satisfied. She ordered the lunch special with a sashimi salad (rather large & lots of sashimi) and the 3 hand roll combination. The lunch special was $13.75 and it was a great deal. Other lunch special choices include spicy tuna rolls, California rolls and udon. I ordered the sukiyaki ($14.00) and it was great! The beef was well-seasoned and the udon in the soup broth was tasty.
Asakuma could get pricey for dinner or for sushi but the lunch prices are reasonable for the quality/quantity you get. Asakuma is only a block from my office so I'll be back!Listed in: Japanese Restuarants
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Review from Bobby C.
Santa Monica, CA
9/8/2008
Sushi delivered? Is that possible? Two rules of sushi... Never go to a place that has half priced anything raw and be weary of delivery sushi.
Asakuma has changed my mind about DELIVERY...
I have had delivery from here three times. Everytime it is so fresh and tasty. It is a bit pricey for delivery but worth it if you are having a movie night.
My major review will be based on the lunch I just had at the sit down restaurant. Asakuma has two establishments, one for delivery and one for sit down. I had an interview here at lunch and the staff was amazingly attentive and helpful. He was polite and curtious. I ordered the Sushi plate which came with 5 different types of fish. I was handed soy sauce and a ponzu sauce that went with the white fish.
As usual I found the fish to be very fresh and tasty. I usually can't eat large cuts from cheap sushi places since they are chewy and taste like fish. These cuts were huge and very edible. They actually melt in your mouth. I was very impressed and happy. My interviewee was also very impressed with the quality of the fish and service.
You can order online if you live within the delivery area.
Bobby CockrillListed in: My Local Sushi
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Review from Michael S.
Westlake Village, CA
3/13/2010
S T O P !!! New ownership...new chef! I would have given it only one star but the place had a few redeeming qualities. But, THE things you go to Asakuma for are now gone. I won't go back.
I've been going to Asakuma LITERALLY for 20 years. I drive 55 miles for their Soft Shell Crab on Tempura Parsley, and their Black Cod. My wife and I went there today for lunch...New menu: uh-oh... New hostess...Uh Uh Oh... New server... uh uh uh oh!!!
The softshell crab ($11.00) was not good. Tempura batter used to be shatteringly crisp: now it's damp and soft...and WORSE YET, they are serving it on plain lettuce leaves!!!! OMG. (the tempura parsley is gone forever!)...even the ponzu sauce was pedestrian. (I complained, they comp'd the crab...but, even at 'free' it wasn't worth it!)
Ok...on to lunch. They have lunch specials now ($12.00) "choose any two items from the list" So, I chose "black cod, and black cod" (cuz that's why I go there, right...and also why at least 90% of the customers go there, too) I'm told I can't do that. I have to choose two DIFFERENT items. Stupid me, I asked "why?" I only want the cod. "Cannot do" Ok, so cod and sushi. To their credit, the cod was still good, BUT it was so small it was gone in three bites! (sushi good, too, but I wasn't in the mood for sushi)
Funny enough...though tragic from a restaurateur's perspective...I overheard another "regular" try to get "just black cod" for lunch." They charged him for a full meal, but only gave him the small 1/2 serving of black cod...nothing else! I woulda been screaming, but he was with friends whom he had brought with him because it is....or rather used to be...his favorite restaurant that he was sharing with them. Wow, what a mistake today was! I know he won't be back either.
My wife liked her Teryaki chicken...didn't like the soft, greasy, mushy tempura. Miso soup good. Salad came on the plate...just greens, nothing special, hardly dressed.
SO...if you don't mind bad soft shell crab, a three-bite hint of black cod, and soggy tempura, keep coming back.
For me, I'm done with the place. Oh, and...the kitchen was HORRIBLY slow!! 1 hour 45 minutes to get out of there and we were two of only eight diners!
Thinking about it, I may go back to a ONE-STAR rating... yucho!
Ok...revision: I thought about it and I'm still annoyed enough to change it from two stars to one star....mostly, "how dare someone purposely spoil a really great restaurant?" -
Review from Mocha L.
West Los Angeles, CA
1/26/2008
This restaurant has been kinda my favorite in my neighborhoods.
'went there with aunt once again today, still PRETTY GOOD!!
we really did miss the marinated cod. that's my must have everytime i go there. Then today we tried white wine steamed green mussels and seafood dynamite, ooooooo!! both were so yummy!! The seafood dynamite has scallops, giant clams, shrimp? cod fish, crab meat and other seafood in it, topped with mayonnaise. eat them with hot green tea, that helps to digest them seafood.
It wasn't busy for lunch today, only 2 tables when we went in. but more customers came in later, the waiter was really nice. =)
It's good to go there once in a while. so i won't let myself get tired of these food too soon. =) -
Review from Charles N.
West Los Angeles, CA
10/30/2008
A nice local place for entrees and sushi, if a bit pricey.The staff seem to be helpful with suggestions. The cod is very good. The atmosphere is a bit better than other places.
I do like U-Zen better :D for the price etc. -
Review from David S.
7/3/2007
Live close to this place, love the sushi delivery of the same name, was hoping this would be good....
Pros:
Nice Decor
Cons:
Sushi is good, but somehow average depending on what you order, and pricey
Service is S to the L to the O the Dub-dub-dubya, yo (basically, slower than it took me to say "slow")
Location sucks
I'd rather just order Asakuma Sushi Delivery and get the same stuff in the comfort of my own home. -
Review from Scott B.
Austin, TX
8/17/2006
One of the best Japanese restaurants in the West side. The sushi is top notch, both in terms of quality of fish and presentation. I agree with dawson's suggestion to get sushi at the bar; the tables aren't the best way to enjoy the sushi experience.
The cooked meals are also quite good. Of particular note is the black cod in a miso/soy sauce which I keep failing to duplicate at home. One time I was there in a group of four and we ALL got the black cod because it's so good.
This and some other places nearby on Wilshire are good spots for celebrity spotting, if you're into that. -
Review from Louis N.
Gardena, CA
1/3/2008
My two visit's worth of experience:
Yeahh~~'s,
Pretty good black cod. I'd prefer fewer flavors pasted on to it so I can taste the cod's already flavorful meat, but this is their signature taste so cool by me.
Not crowded and noisy (lunch times, I have not been there for dinner), tables are pretty well spaced apart.
Friendly manager who smiles a lot, especially if you just spent a ton recently for a celebration (no I didn't pay, he didn't talk to me but I like it that way).
Didn't get in an accident looking for the place.
Nahh~~'s,
Parking, what parking space? Actually, what 'space'?
Door dingphobia's nightmare (I'm a recovering dingphobia, now happy and content as long as I never see another door ding again).
Average to slightly above average foods for the price.
Sushi? I've only had sashimi with the combo meal so don't know.
Overall a 3.5. -
Review from Han Nah K.
CA
8/21/2009
Three stars because although the fish was fresh, we waited over 25 minutes for some of our sushi & sashimi order. So, unless you're serving us fresh fish straight from a live tank, it should never take that long. C'mon~ there is no cooking involved and it's not like Sasabune where they serve the sushi with warm rice!
Obviously, either one of the four chefs forgot to make our order or our waitress forgot to give the order to the sushi chefs....either way it was a FAIL in our books as we were hungry. -
Review from Vinh N.
San Leandro, CA
1/24/2010
I don't know what it is with the service, but maybe if I aged about 40 more years I'm sure I'd actually get some.
I've come in a handful of times with different groups of friends each time, but every experience is exactly the same. They seat us in some obscure part of the restaurant and then completely ignore us. We always have to flag down the waiters because they seem to forget us the moment we're seated. Hell, I could've walked on out without paying and I doubt they'd notice. If only I were badass enough to stick it to the man :(
While the sushi is fresh and some of their main entrees are delicious (black cod!), the bad service just has me peeved. I don't see myself coming back or recommending Asakuma to others. There are plenty of other places to get good sushi in LA without compromising good service. I don't know if it's because we're college students, but they always seem to cater to the older caucasian crowds first and foremost and then we're an afterthought. It's too bad because I give damn good tip! -
Review from Linda F.
Rowland Heights, CA
5/19/2010
Used to come here back in the college days just for their black cod. It was originally recommended to me by my aunt and she was right, their cod was great. It was melt in your mouth delicious, slightly crispy outside, flakey and flavorful on the inside, and perfect with a big bowl of rice. I haven't found black cod at any other Japanese restaurant that can compare (each time I order it at other places hoping for the deliciousness experienced here, but nothing as flavorful). Never really tried anything else on their menu because after I had the cod the first time I went there, it was my must-have every time I went.
I haven't gone back here for like 2 years now (mainly because i dread LA traffic, so I'll just find somewhere closer to eat) and it saddens me to now hear on yelp that the ownership has changed... I haven't been here since the new owners, so I can't say if it is as good as it was in the past. So I can't really rate the stars accurately based on what it is like now. 4 stars for the black cod I used to have here in the past. -
Review from Jenny K.
Studio City, CA
3/27/2008
I'm sorry, but Asakuma just doesn't do it for me. Revisiting this place last Thursday with friends reminded me of exactly why I stopped coming here.
I thought I'd give it another chance as I hadn't been there in a while, but nothing has changed. The famous black cod was served to us burnt, our waitress must've been relatively new because she didn't seem to be experienced with what the sushi bar offered, but most disappointing of all was the quality of the sushi itself. They were NOT GOOD. Please, save yourself the money and head on over to Hide Sushi instead. You get better quality fish for almost half the price. Trust me, if you think Asakuma is good, you'll think Hide is even better.
Of course, for top quality sushi, you need to head on over to Sasabune ..... -
Review from Danny L.
Mountain View, CA
11/5/2006
I could recommend Asakuma based solely on one dish, their marinated black cod. I could order this every time I go there (which I practically do) and never get tired of it. Every time I take a bite, I cannot imagine fish ever tasting any better. If you pair the cod with a spicy tuna sashimi salad (one of their early dinner specials before 7pm), you'll have yourself the perfect meal.
Because I love the cod so much, I don't order the sushi at Asakuma very often, but when I do, I always enjoy it. It's good quality sushi at reasonable prices. I've also tried their sushi takeout locations several times and was never disappointed. -
Review from Jeanne J.
Chicago, IL
4/25/2008
Asakuma has really good sushi and really good entrees.
I came here with friends after having been in India for three months and enjoyed sushi for the first time in way too long.
But it was ALL SO DELICIOUS. I was so stuffed and pleased to have made this my first sushi experience in months.
I really don't think that you can go wrong with anything on the menu, but my favorites are their black cod and black jack roll.
Plus the service is always wonnnnnnnnderful. It may the best part for me. :) -
Review from Connie C.
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
11/22/2009
I come here often because its walking distance from work. Service is always friendly and the I have never had a problem with the food. One thing that bothers me is the smell that most Japanese places have even though I love sushi. Its only right when you walk in and I get used to it but for those first few seconds it can turn me off.
The black cod is so good in its buttery wonderfulness with a slight teriyaki glaze. Sushi is fresh and and melts in your mouth. The rolls are a good size for sharing. The tempura red bean ice cream is sinfully good. (Fried ice cream? Really?) It's a little much but great if you feel like overindulging, it's worth a try.
A little pricy for an everday lunch. (Around $18 per person.) -
Review from Simon L.
10/20/2009
Asakuma should be reviewed as two separate restaurants - sushi vs. cooked foods. Here are my thoughts on both:
Cooked foods - This includes items like their cod bowl (my favorite), spicy tuna salad, seafood salad, hand roll combinations, etc. I love eating their lunch specials and particularly anything combined with the cod bowl. It's about $15 out the door, which seems kind of pricey but given the quantity and quality of food, it is damned cheap. You will be full eating this.
Sushi - Sadly their sushi is not quite as amazing as the cooked foods. I went to taste it today on Rockit O's glowing review and Rockit O has rarely been wrong! It could be that my approach - which was to let the chef make me whatever he wanted - was wrong but I ended up with a mediocre meal. He started me with "big-eye" tuna, which I learned is code-name for regular tuna. That was okay. Then we went onto yellowtail, which was better and it started getting good when I had the bluefin tuna. I also had uni and salmon belly. Those last two were pretty darn good. My meal wasn't too expensive either - about $40.
Maybe if I had stuck to the chalk / marker board, I would have done better with my fish but I tried to give the chef the benefit of the doubt. He sold me some average stuff and so he gets his rating lowered.
I probably won't eat sushi too often again here but will be back for the cod! -
Review from O G.
Los Angeles, CA
12/6/2008
Solid, solid restaurant - what more can you ask for? They have it all.
For some reason when I first came here several years, brought by BaoBee (the friend I can credit with my renewed understanding and increased sophistication with Japanese and Chinese cooking, let alone, discovery of many new restaurants) , who raved about it, I was not enthusiastic; I thought the sushi average, the main courses uninspired, the setting - Westside formal / stodgy, the food, overpriced. So I stopped coming, and when it was suggested, I always opted for another place. A few months ago, for a "what the heck" reason, I decided to return with BaoBee, as I could think of nothing else on the spur of the moment. And darn if I didn't have a change of heart.
That sushi was suddenly a very good and fresh cut, the miso black cod was excellent, moist with a little charring on the skin and just the right sweetness, and better yet, the prices that 5 years ago seemed higher than most are now suddenly, miraculously, competitive, nay, reasonable. And the ambience, that once seemed so business banal, was now almost old skool sophisticated. What merriment time does wreak! According to BaoBee, it's me that got funny, or rather, stopped being silly, and saw the light. This place hasn't changed, I have.
Today I came for lunch and mercy me, those evening prices were 25% cheaper, with essentially the same menu. On a Saturday, no less. A good sized piece of that delicious black cod on a plate filled with cold veggies and plenty of salad, accompanied by a huge spicy tuna salad, along with a bowl of rice and miso, is only $15. Say What?? And they have a whole selection of lunch specials for that price or even less, yakitori, udon, tempura - you get the picture. And on a weekend too, no less! FInally, when I got the bill, I noticed they threw in the hot green tea for free. Now that used to happen a lot in LA back in the day, but nowadays you see the $2.50 charge more often than not.
This place is a serious contender for top quality Westside Japanese food. And by the looks of the room full of people, everybody but me got that, a long time ago. Looking around I saw several tables of Japanese families, dressed up in semi formal attire, chatting, eating, watching the kids. Even a couple of business meetings.
Nice, I thought, old skool is where I want to be.
4.5 stars -
Review from Peter L.
Daly City, CA
8/9/2008
Ate here one night with a couple of friends at 9:30pm and they close at 10:00pm. Nonetheless, the staffs were welcoming of us and provided great service. Very clean, brightly lit, and spacious seatings. I ordered a seafood pot and shared a sushi roll (Heart-attack Roll). The sushi menu was not a large as I expected, I wanted a simple Cali roll but they didn't have any. Also would like to mention that each roll runs $8+ each.
The seafood pot was huge, it could easily feed 2 and the Heart-attack roll was good but didn't live up to its name, I am still here to yelp! Two of my other friends ordered bento boxes and the portions were huge and delicious from what I heard. Sushi was fresh. I'm disappointed that I didn't try the black cod, the yelpers rave about here.
Overall, I give this place 4 starts for the freshness, portions, quality, and service. -
Review from rachel b.
Los Angeles, CA
5/5/2009
Ok, first, i wish i had another set of hands..... So i could give this place 4 THUMBS DOWN!
My gentleman caller and I strolled into this place since it's close to where he lives and we were craving sushi. We discussed later about how we both immediately had a bad feeling about the place.
First of all, Sushi restaurants should NOT smell like a bait shop, regardless of the fact that fish is served there. Second, I'm pretty sure we were given imitation crab in our California rolls. Very mediocre.
We ended up ordering a crab and tuna salad. Neither of us could choke down more than 2 bites. My boyfriend asked for the check since we had both lost our appetites and even though we had barely touched our meals we were given the full bill. He asked for the manager who agreed to take off the salads. The sushi chef started yapping in Japanese at the manager making a huge fuss. I'm 99% sure (I would be 100% sure but I don't speak Japanese) swearing and opposing the comp was the theme of his rants. In my opinion it is one thing to be served poor quality food, but it is another for management to not be apologetic and have his/her staff throw a fit about comping a meal (that was inedible and barely touched) right in front of the guests!
Long story short, bad bad experience. Please save yourself the trouble and a possible tummy ache. i have a much better recommendation for you in brentwood. It's called Hamasuku and is Delicious! http://www.hamasakula.... -
Review from Helen C.
1/24/2007
Given its location in an unassuming shopping center, you might not think to stop at Asakuma. But as other reviewers noted, the food is very tasty. That said, I think I'm being fairly generous giving the place four stars given its proximity to Sawtelle and the pricey fare. Still, can't give a place that doesn't use a cheap mayonnaise base for rolls less that four stars, especially when the spicy tuna is oh-so-yum.
Be prepared, however, for S L O W service. Servers seem intent on keeping their patrons seated for as long as tolerably possible. Just an FYI. -
Review from Cherie H.
5/24/2009
3.5 stars
Came here for dinner when Sasabune and Hiko sushi were both closed. The fish was fresh and our waiter was sweet. My only complaint is that the rice could be better. It's a little cold, grainy and dense. But as I said, the fish itself is good and fresh and tasty and they have some inventive Nigiri and rolls.
We had Yellowtail and Albacore with mustard sauce and tuna with Wasabi sauce which were good. The seared blue fin and the seared salmon were delicious. So was the Heart Attack roll which has a nice kick to it. Stay away from the deep fried roll - frying it makes the rice even more dense, and it's hard to eat.
I'd consider these guys for delivery or even lunch, and if the rice improves, I would go back for dinner.
