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Category: Sushi Bars [Edit]
Neighborhood: Canoga Park
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I was going through my reviews and was absolutely shocked that I did not give Go's Mart 5 stars. (Maybe it was to throw others off??) Anyhow, I went there again a few weeks ago with Rockit O. and it did not disappoint.
Go-san is amazing. Every piece we had was better than the next. Lightly salted or light ponzu or just plain wasabi. It was...awesome. The most amazing piece we had was this toro piece made from meat that is scraped off the skin. This is not something you will find in most sushi places and Go-sans reason is, "It's because no one knows how to do it." Simple answer and yet it's the truth.
Absolutely perfect. The price is still high but worth every penny.
Go's Mart topped my list of places to try and I was not disappointed. I am a huge huge fan but why… Read more »
1. It's smells like the deck of a sport fishing boat
2. The foot rail at the sushi bar is a water pipe
3. It's called Go's Mart
4. It's in a plaza w/ Miami Tan
5. It's in Kangol Park
6. There is a huge cabinet filled with VHS tapes
7. It's somehow crowded
8. $200 per person . . . LMFAO! . . . um, no thanks . . . how can you sit there and eat with that stench? . . . you do know you're being victimized right?
I wanted to give Go-san five stars. But I found it hard to navigate my mouse through all the truffle oil and gold flakes to find all those stars. Does his Hollywood-working, suburb-living clientele demand all that superficial glitz? Perhaps his lack of formal training in Japan has allowed him to branch out of the pedantic expectations surrounding the traditionalism of sushi. It's possible he just likes truffle oil a lot. Whatever the reasoning is, it's disappointing.
Go-san's high quality fish is consistently covered in truffle oil, sea salt, gold flakes, black caviar, and yuzu zest. Why such a great variety of quality fish is uniformly blanketed by such unnecessary dressings is confusing.
I am also disappointed it wasn't easy to see what he was exactly doing through the smoked glass of his bar. I always appreciate the ability to inspect the knife work of sushi chefs. I got a few disconcerting notions of some abrasive sawing motions that normally key me on to a lack of formal training. It's hard to say exactly what the end impact of said knife skills had since the truffle oil gave everything a shiny, smooth sheen which took away from the organic beauty of the fish and any precision in the cut.
Of note, one order here is only one nigiri piece. This seems to annoy me for reasons I'm not exactly sure. I apparently expect that two pieces should always be the assumption, even as unintuitive as that is. Why do some places seem to vary this? Is it a price thing here? Is Go-san worried the expensive prices might deter orders and perhaps relaxing this requirement garners more appreciation from his guests? If the fish is good, it is worth two pieces. Stop making me ask twice for that which I already asked for.
The environment itself is very relaxed and simple. His assistants are very responsive, efficient, and polite. I went on a Saturday for lunch and there were a few regulars there chatting it up. It was a Very friendly environment all around.
While cost has never concerned me with sushi, I can't help but worry that Go-san's excessive usage of high-end dressings must clearly have an impact on the bottom line. Since those dressings don't seem to add anything for me I fear the price reflects unnecessary costs.
I started out with this review to give Go-san four stars. As I finished writing it up, I realized I couldn't give him more than three. His sushi just isn't my thing. It may be yours and it may be many others, but not mine. I would go back if the circumstances lend themselves towards doing so, but I won't be making another effort to divert my path to go past him any time soon.
So after one year of being an addicted regular at Go's I must agree with Dan V. that this is the best Sushi Bar in America!!!
I visit Go's every single week, sometimes twice a week. I have never had anything in all this time that wasn't 10 times better than anywhere else.
I have been to every sushi bar within 100 miles of here, and in many other states across the country as well. I may not have written reviews for all of them, but I have tried them all, and nothing comes close to Go's mart. The only place that I enjoy as much as Go's is Sushi Koo in San Francisco, but Koo does take Second Place to Go, sorry Kiyoshi.
So what makes Go's so good? Great fish and great rice. It's not all the truffle oil and delicate condiments, or the gold flakes, although all of those things are nice, it comes down to great fish and great rice.
I challenge anyone to try Go's simple yellow tail nigiri with nothing on it and tell me they can find a better piece of sushi anywhere in America. Go San's wife hand picks the fish every day and she only brings home the top of the top shelf.
Go San has the widest variety of fish and you will try things here on any given day that you have never heard of before. Do you like TORO? Ask your favorite sushi chef for Kawagishi Toro. (Ha Ha) He will look at you like you are crazy. Then come and ask Go for his Kawagishi, be careful you might faint from the best tasting Toro you have ever had in your life. The crazy thing is that, anything that you order will knock your socks off.
Yes it is expensive, but so is a BMW or a Mercedes. If you want a Hundai, go to Brothers sushi.
Go San is a master sushi chef and he will never serve you something that tastes "OFF" if you know what I mean, anything that is "OFF" will be in the trash way before it ever has a chance to hit your plate.
As far as the ambiance of the restaurant...it's like going to Go's home for a meal. You sit down at his kitchen table and he and his family treat you like one of their own.
So, in conclusion...I love you Go's Mart!
Go's Mart is truly a special place. It is the kind of place I would have never considered even… Read more »
My only problem with this place is an existential one... Is it really appropriate to eat the finest sushi ever here in the San Fernando valley? I mean, I've had sushi at old places left over from the Edo period in Tokyo. I've had sushi in Otaru, Hokkaido. These are places I expect to get the finest sushi around.
But here I am in a quiet part of the San Fernando Valley that hasn't seen anything fantastic in at least 20 years. How did this happen? How can this possibly be?!
And they have Ebisu beer. My wife and I will be back for more.
Side note, you may have to wait. And it may be a LONG wait. But it is worth it.
I gave it 5 stars based on FOOD on PLATE alone. Atmosphere is 1 star. The entire experience is out of this world. It makes me laugh and cry at the same time. The Master Chef GO is brilliant as is his dishes. Nothing else about GO Mart comes close.
On a grand scale, I declare this place #5 Japanese (Sushi) restaurant in Southern CALI (I am not Japanese or a Purist in my art form when it comes to food ) I believe in total package (Sight, Smell, Touch, Taste, and how they are all put together.)
Urasawa, Sushi Zo, Mori Sushi, Matsuhisa, GO's Mart, then Sushi Sushi
Wa (Hollywood) Bimi (W. LA) and Yoshida (San Marino) are honorable mentions.
The food creation / quality / salt / oils that he uses. These are top-notch. I don't know if I should call him a mad-man or a genius. I do not want to ruin the experience for people by telling you everything but you MUST experience it. To have the full experience of his imagination, you have to order the Omikazi or Chef's tasting menu.
There are many criterias you must follow before entering this Mart.
1. It is a movie rental (expect people renting and returning movies as you eat)
2. Next to Papa Johns
3. No sign, Just a large SUSHI board
4. Very limited seats
5. No Reservations
6. Only open from 6:30 to 10 not sure what days
7. 1 Chef (if he doesn't work, they are closed)
8. If you complain, you are kicked out!
9. If you talk when not spoken too, you are kicked out!
10. I got pretty drunk when I was there, didn't feel like Go was happy about that (But he didn't kick me out)
11. A guy brought a girl on a date... She better appreciate it
12. The neighbors dog doesn't stop Barking (If no barking then be happy)
13. $350 / Person to have the full experience is IMPORTANT but not required
14. Your stomach will be so happy for days after eating Go's that it will start singing ( This is normal)
Jim Jones and David Koresh had happy cult members too but that didn't mean what they were doing was great for the rest of us. My husband lived in Japan for a few years and I respect his sushi IQ. We just didn't feel it was at all worth the wait, and the price to put up with such a dumpy atmosphere (it didn't even seem sort of clean) and a sushi chef who seems to model himself after Seinfeld's "Soup Nazi". Dining out should be an experience that provides a full range of pleasant elements. There is no way anyone could give this oddball place five stars without completely undermining the integrity of this web site. Shame on anyone for considering five stars. Get a grip.
So I am another one to give Go San five fat red stars. I did not think I would...but after taking my bf there to experience his omikase last night...it is fair to say that his establishment deserves it.
What makes this experience so unique? So special?
Where else can you have the food of the gods (i.e. fresh white truffles) in torn jeans, and not feel odd or guilty about it? Nowhere I know of.
Where else can you feel comfortable, social, and jovial while chatting it up with the stranger next to you as your freaking out internally over how good the little innocent looking plate of sushi tastes that sits in front of you?
The place is simple...featuring only about six kinds of sake...with the most expensive (and luckily one of my favorites) being $15 per bottle. Family run...casual, yet tasteful decor (c'mon people it is not really THAT bad), and as real and casual as you can get.
Glamorous Hollywood types are out of place here. You will look funny and cast an obnoxious cold vibe that nobody wants there. Go to Urasawa instead. This place is totally glam free....all about the food and Go San's creativity only. Pure and simple. Foodies should go only.
Dishes enjoyed: chinese broccoli appetizer, tilefish sashimi, ankimo, maguro/toro juxtaposition, amazing orgasm dish (see below), abalone/sweet shrimp w/ white truffle shavings, shrimp head, uni with white truffles, sweet crab roll, oysters--too much vinegar; my only complaint, seared toro, seared Kobe beef sushi, shirako, and fruit dessert.
Costs: We two like to go all out. We had about 13 dishes (not including the shrimp head), totaling to $481 including tax, three bottles of sake, and a $50 tip. Pricey, yes...but half the price of Urasawa, more down to earth, with no reservations required. Doing the math, $481-booze-tip-tax/13/2people= $13.69 per course. Not a bad average at all considering freshly shaved white truffles were involved.
Minor complaints: some courses were too salty, and others I would have liked to had been more subtle...but nothing of great detriment. He does like his big easy-to-love flavors, and uses a lot of white truffle oil...bit it does work well. Great fresh stuff, no doubt about it.
Favorite dish: two large fresh scallops each adorned with good quality caviar (osetra like) and a bit of uni. In the middle was a pile of fresh peeled sweet shrimp topped with fresh white truffle shavings. If I were to design a sushi dish that would make me want to squirt all over the place...it would pretty much have been that. It was hard containing myself.
Note: pretty much all the reviews online are dead on. While Go San is creative, he does not change the menu much it seems. What you read online prepares you well for what his omikase experience is like.
Go San himself seemed smart, witty and very creative. His playful personality adds to the fine food experience throughout.
My bf describes it as "incredible".
I'd go back. In fact, I plan to take a friend there for his birthday in April...
--Anthony
I've refrained from posting a review to prevent more people from knowing about this place. But I don't go nearly as often now, so I'm not feeling as selfish about keeping this place to myself.
When I first heard of Go's Mart, it sounded like an urban myth. Picture a nondescript hole-in-the-wall joint in a nondescript strip mall in a nondescript town. Then imagine an omakase that rivaled Urasawa's - the most glorious of oceanic life forms adorned with gold flakes, truffle oil, and caviar.
This is Go's Mart.
But don't take my word for it. Google Go's Mart and you'll see what I mean. Just be prepared to drive all the way to fricking Canoga Park and shell out anywhere from $150 to $250 for possibly the best sushi meal of your life.
One of the best sushi for the $$$$ (expensive)
You pay for what you get for sure!
If you want couple of california rolls, or tempura dinner
don't bother, save your money and go somewhere else.
A true hidden gem in a strip mall. Not much on decor, but I have never ate decor.
Great sushi and fantastic service.
Not your typical Sushi bar, gold flakes on Toro, truffle oil add unique flavor to the fish.
Spicy rock shrimp and Tempura rolls are a must have.
Blue crab roll is amazing.
Once you GO to Go's you will be back.
Maybe I caught Go on an off night, but he wasn't too friendly to us. pretty much everything came out with truffle oil and those gold flakes. it was good at first, but i got sick of it quickly.. i wasn't really impressed especially for a dinner that costs about $300+ for a party of 2.. i really wanted to like this place because i was born and raised in chatsworth.. im a fan of omakase joints and would love to have one close to my home.. valley pride you know! but sadly i can't give it a good review
i know im probably going to get bashed on for saying this, but i actually like sasabune and zo over go.. maybe i got to give it another try, but honestly, i dont feel like forkin over another 2-3 hundo for a sub-par sushi experience..
As other reviewers have mentioned, the decor and location of Go's Mart leave something to be desired. But you don't come here for the decor. You come here for the omakase, and ideally when you can get some one-to-one time with Go-san himself.
When I went, there was only one other party there besides ours, so we went to town on the specials menu. Note that the specials menu changes daily, based on what fresh fish they've picked up that morning. While Go's Mart stocks the usual assortment of fish (yellowtail, salmon, tuna, etc), I'd recommend trying something more exotic, such as the John Dory, the Buri, the Ankimo (topped with gold flakes no less), the ootoro/toro (also topped with gold), or whatever else is on the specials menu that day. You really can't go wrong, whether it is sashimi, nigiri, or maki.
Normally, I'm not a fan of uni (I've tried it several times, but could never get used to it), but having it at Go's Mart was a completely different experience for me. The uni is topped with truffle shavings, and is extremely fresh. Go's Mart is the only sushi place I've ever been to that I will have uni.
Even something as simple as say a salmon nigiri or a tuna sashimi is taken to a whole other level at Go's Mart; Go adds truffle oil, sea salts, or other garnishes to enhance the flavor of the fish. I must say, the salmon nigiri I had at Go's Mart is unlike any other salmon nigiri I've ever had before. Likewise with the tuna sashimi I had. I was tempted (and actually did, I'll admit), to lick off the truffle oil and sea salt that was left over on the plate even. It is that good.
I really recommend taking your time to enjoy the food: the appearance, the smell, the taste, the texture. It should take you at least 1-2 minutes between each bite. Pictures do not do the dishes justice.
Go will also tell you, when he hands you each dish, whether or not you'll need soy sauce (he'll say "soy" or "no soy"). Most of the time, you won't need it (so don't even bother pouring yourself some ahead of time), and you wouldn't want to add it (because it'll detract from the flavor of the dish even).
We also opted for a soft shell crab roll, since we wanted to try a roll; the soft shell crab was extremely fresh (fried only after we ordered it), and on par with our expectations.
I've lived in the SFV for 5 years and hadn't heard about Go's Mart until after I moved away a few months ago. Now whenever I plan to head back to the valley, I will definitely be making a trip to Go's Mart.
Service is great; the staff is very friendly and attentive, and Go ensures that your experience is nothing short of exceptional.
It is a given that Go's Mart is more expensive than your normal sushi fare; however, lunch was $150 for 2 people (just tea and sake for drinks, but including tax and tip), which was actually lower than what I was budgeting for. Expect to spend around $100-150 per person for a modest meal; upwards of $200-300 if you really go all out. To be honest, I believe that the prices are actually quite reasonable, unless you get something exotic like the kobe beef sashimi (availability seems to vary from season to season), which is upwards of $25 per serving.
Prices for specials aren't generally listed, so order with caution, but they will vary from $5-15 per serving.
We also had a few rounds of Nigori sake, which was very light and refreshing; perfect as a dessert beverage or as a complement to your meal. I also recommend the fruit with condensed milk for dessert. It is around $6-7 for a single (small) portion, but the fruit is very fresh and was a great way to end the meal.
Again, I recommend coming in on a day where it is unlikely to be busy (e.g. a lunch time on a weekday, or dinner on a weekday), to get the best service from Go himself and the rest of the staff. The sushi bar is pretty much the place you _have_ to sit; there are tables, but that defeats the whole purpose of going to Go's. Note that there is no dress code or anything (look at any picture of the interior and you'll see why). I would recommend coming with at most one other person (e.g. group of 2), with a maximum of 4 people. Since Go himself is the main sushi chef, orders can sometimes take a while, especially when it is very busy.
One of the things that makes Go's Mart great is that it is somewhat obscure; Go seems genuinely interested in providing an unforgettable experience for each and every one of his customers, and it would not be possible if Go's Mart became mainstream.
Oh, and don't bother looking for a sign anywhere that says "Go's Mart". It says "SUSHI". Vague, isn't it?
I have a very, very spoiled palate thanks to this man. Love him to death. Going on 20 years of eating from him. I understand his critics, but that's just not been my experience. 5 stars.
It's no surprise after eating (and learning) from Go for the past 18 years, Go's Mart is still my #1… Read more »
A first visit last night and the experience was fantastic! As expected, the decor was non-existent and the lighting stark but the sushi was sublime and completely exceeded expectations. Go was funny and friendly and welcomed our noisy foursome. He uses sea salt, truffle oil and gold flakes liberally which add unique flavors to the fish. We ate omakase, so let him decide what to spoil us with. The white-fish was amazing, and the uni really stood like nothing before. The most incredible uni I've ever tasted; he only selects the very best. We also had warm crab-rolls and great Kobe rolls. While the bill ran about $130 per person, we'll be back soon.
Heavenly! we had so many different kind and kept reordering, everything was out of this world!
Definitely not a decor for a romantic date, but who cares! one of the Valley's best kept secret.
One of my favorite sushi places ever. I've only been here a few times since I've been away at college for the past few years, but I always make a visit when I come home. My favorites are the albacore special roll and the spicy scallop roll. I don't know what it is about this place, but the sushi is just really good.
It's kind of a hole in the wall place. It's kind of sketchy, but who cares since the sushi is that good.
I've also had the salmon sashimi and the tuna sushi. Both excellent. Umm the abalone sushi was amazing. I've had the spider roll and blue crab hand roll too.
I don't know. Everything was just great. Just ask Go-san for recommendations. You can't go wrong. This is one of my favorite sushi places ever!
Legit!!!!!!!!!!!
My co-workers skooled me 7-8yrs ago on this phenomenon. Cheers... Gracias.....
Small convenience store sized location.
Next to Domino's.
Get there early..
He has weird hours so stick to Thurs-Sat. after 4-5pm
Regular tables. unless it's changed.... I remember a table with some chairs... 2 sets and a sushi bar which serves 3-4.
Who cares how much it cost especially when Go gives you what you should have. GOOD FISH....SUSHI.... SHELLFISH.....ETC... I apologize for not giving you a menu...but like Go....there really isn't one... ok...maybe except for the tiny one behind him that has Ganja... Belly... etc.. but seriously... what makes this place great is Go will give you an array of different delights. Again...get ready to fork out some dough. I've been there a few times and ordered.... TUNA ALL NITE LONG... nothing else..... just TUNA...... and beer.
GREAT PLACE FOR FOOD BUT NOT FOR THAT ROMANTIC DINNER UNLESS YOUR LADY/MAN WANTS SOME DRINK ALONG WITH EXCELLENT SUSHI NEXT TO A REFRIGERATOR.
oh yeah... you'll be starving for a burger, pizza, something...afterwards. The portions are small but serve purpose well.
As has been stated many times, the shoddy decor hides a brillant sushi restaurant.
I came here after a food binge including Cyrus and French Laundry and I was looking for a nice light dinner to round out the weekend.
My friends and I came at 5:30 since we wanted to get home at a reasonable time. Naturally we did the omakase with standout courses like sweet shrimp and king crab with uni; flounder sashimi; live scallop and uni; abalone; and shirako. Each and every dish was delicious. This place also has traditional luxuries like toro and Kobe beef. One warning: Go-san tends to add truffle oil to a lot of his dishes.
Some items on the menu reflect Go-san's quirky humor like the Holy Cow or the oddly (aptly?) named Stupid Roll because as Go-san says "I'm Stupid!"
This is definitely a restaurant that caters to a regular audience, aside from us, Go-san knew at least one member of all the other dining parties by name. It is almost as if he wants to keep the place secret to keep the riff-raff out. Sadly it is a touch far from Orange County or my friends and I would like to add ourselves to his exclusive list.
The final total came to $225 a head.
Full Review with pictures at http://www.tangmeister...
Go's Mart has the best sashimi ever! it's my #1 sashimi place!
Go San is an expert at pairing the sashimi with hints of truffle oil, sea salt, gold flakes, caviar, aged soy sauce, or lime/lemon zest - it's always a bite of heaven in your mouth!
the fish, shellfish, and other ingredients used are so fresh because Go San's wife goes to the seafood market every morning..sometimes at 2 AM!!!
the freshness is so apparent in the flavor of the fish one usually doesn't even need to use wasabi - but for those wasabi lovers out there, they will gladly grate it fresh for you
most of the time, Go San will also let you know whether the sashimi needs to be paired with soy sauce - 90% of the time, soy sauce will not be needed
to really experience the sensation of unique and fresh sashimi, i recommend ordering items from the whiteboard menu hung up on the wall. Go San updates it daily with the types of seafood available
my all time favorites are (just a list of recommendations to get one started) :
toro, toro collar, or kawagishi toro (blue fin fatty fatty tuna)
snow crab (so fresh and sweet! incredible)
sweet japanese shrimp
lobster tail
baby tai (a white fish)
shirako (fish gonads - it may sound gross, but it's soo good! it's not raw..but cooked)
holy cow (japanese kobe beef - lightly seared)
freshwater unagi (freshwater eel)
saltwater unagi (saltwater eel)
one can easily eat about $100 worth of sashimi per person - but it's well worth it! Go's is my all time favorite sashimi place.
like the other reviews have said..highly, highly, highly recommended!
Nozawa move over this place has you beat by a mile.
Go San serves the most delicious fresh fish I've ever had. He goes to the fish market every morning, and only serves the tastiest fish. He adds such amazing flavors, like truffle oil and French Sea Salts. In my wildest dreams I could never want more from a meal. From the outside you would never expect the delight that is hidden inside.
I even took a part time job in Woodland Hills so I could be closer to this heaven. Go San is the master of sarcasm and creative food. Mak sure to try the Kampachi, and Shishito!!!
I have to admit I was really skeptical about going to this place. I walked in past a shelf full of Japanese DVD's and a couple of refridgerators stocked with green tea and quail eggs. It didn't even look like a sushi place, so I just asked for a takeout menu and left. But then I decided to listen to all you Yelpers and actually sat my butt down at the bar and ordered.
I've been here a couple of times now, and I'm just amazed at how great this place is. My "favorites" so far are the albacore special roll (spicy crab inside and albacore avocado outside, sprinkled with garlic flakes) and the scallop sushi, which is topped with gold flakes, caviar, and truffle oil. Amazing! I've taken my dad and my friend here and both were pleasantly surprised by how good it is. My dad and I agreed that this place had the best Spanish Mackarel we had ever tried. Not an easy feat, considering we've tried Spanish Mackarel at dozens of places.
The pros: The fish is extremely fresh and very, very good. Another great thing about this place, as others mentioned, is the unique oils, sea salts, and spices used on the fish. I can only describe it as a sushi lover's dream. It's so unique and interesting. The rice is a tiny bit sweeter than most places, which balances well with the oils and the salts and the fish itself. The portions are good, and the service is good too.
The cons: It's a little more expensive than most places and the environment isn't the best. That's seriously all I can think of. Everything else was perfect.
I really enjoyed this place, even though the environment wasn't amazing. Worth a try if you appreciate amazing sushi.
The sushi is always amazing at this place. I started going there when it was called Megu's and Megu was the owner. Anyhow, Go (the current owner) took it over maybe 15 years ago (wow - I am really dating myself here) and the food is as good as ever. All the fish is fresh and the rolls are delicious. My favorite is the BBQ yellow-tail roll. They also have a yummy spider roll and great green muscles. Don't judge the outside of this hole in the wall - I know, normally I wouldn't eat sushi from a hole in the wall either, but trust me - you won't be sorry. A few warnings...they do get crowded at lunch, they're closed on Wednesday & Go can be very moody and rude at times...just ignore him and Go to GO's!
Unbelievable sushi. Horrible atmosphere -- really bright lights and just a small sushi bar. Get omakase, prepare for sushi bliss, and open your wallet. Don't let the valley location and pathetic decor fool you. Expensive but totally worth it. There's a reason everyone has given this restaurant 5 stars -- it's that good.
This is an awesome sushi place. However, it's not your traditional sushi. Everything has salt, truffle oil, and other tastes added to it.
The decor is very sketchy, but the variety of fish is awesome. Everything is super fresh, and they essentially only have one sushi chef--Go. This means that you will get quality every time, but it also means it will be slow when they are busy.
Go has excellent presentation, and every piece of sushi is nicely paired with different flavors and textures.
This is not cheap. Dinner for 2 cost us around $150, no drinks.
Neighborhood: Chatsworth
Category: Sushi Bars
Neighborhood: Chatsworth
Category: Japanese
Neighborhood: Encino
Category: Sushi Bars
Calabasas, CA
Category: Sushi Bars
Neighborhood: Canoga Park
Category: Sushi Bars
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