![Albacore (mmmm =] )](http://s3-media1.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/FYR1H5H_ypkZFuNEIgZp3Q/ms.jpg)
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Sushi Nozawa
Category: Restaurants Sushi Bars Sushi Bars [Edit]
11288 Ventura BlvdSte C
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 508-7017
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
295 reviews for Sushi Nozawa
Review Highlights
"The baby tuna sashimi was excellent."
(in 17 reviews)
"The crown jewel, in my opinion, is the crab hand roll."
(in 19 reviews)
"the omakase is pricey but worth it."
(in 82 reviews)
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295 reviews in English
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Review from Chris B.
Colfax, CA
2/7/2012
Whenever I go to a sushi restaurant and one of the items I'm served is the best of that item that I've ever tasted, I consider it a perfect sushi outing. The first time I dined at Nozawa's, EVERYTHING I was served was the best I've ever eaten. It was an incredible sensual delight, I'll never forget it. I thought I might be able to equal the experience in Japan. Didn't happen.
Kazunomi Nozawa is the Hero Sushi Master of the World. He has been making the world's best sushi at his present location for 26 years. He has now said that he will retire on February 29, 2012. He will close the restaurant.
The world was better for having Sushi Nozawa it it. Enjoy your retirement Nozawa Sensei. -
Review from Tony S.
Los Angeles, CA
2/7/2012
Sushi Nazi? this guy is more like a sushi douche. I ended up there after my friend told me that the experience would change my life and make me into a real man. This place is very small with a cheap looking interior, something you would find in Chinatown. The old chef that I assume was the owner prepared my sushi, when I got the food I took a second to look at it just to see what I was working with and I see the old guy looking at me with disgust making me feel uncomfortable. He made me feel like he just gave me some gold and questioning it was unacceptable, I got a wierd and creepy feeling from that old douche. The sushi was decent but had seasoning on it which was odd and the sushi was warm! The employees kept looking at me as if they were waiting for me to finish up and leave. The very modest price of 120 dollars finished up my experience.
I read the reviews before posting and I must say that I am freaking shocked by all the five stars I saw, has this society gone ape? that tells me that many people have no respect for themselves. This old Japanese guy thinks that all his customers are Chinese and this is Nanking cause he is screwing everyone. Steer clear and look elsewhere for sushi. -
Review from Christopher L.
Los Angeles, CA
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Only one month left.
Believe the hype.
This is THE BEST sushi in LA, if not the US. I've had sushi all over, alas not in Japan, but some of the best was in Iceland and Hawaii. I have never tasted and seen such beautiful looking fish.
The flavors and preparation are top notch. Chef Nozawa has been doing this a long long time, so has he and everyone say, TRUST ME. Don't even think about looking at a menu. Just tell them to bring it on.
You will not be disappointed. It is the best. Last time I had the best piece of Albacore ever. In my life. Period.
The crab hand roll. Super Duper Fantastic.
Same with the Mackerel, Halibut, and if you even like Yellow tail just a little, His will blow your socks off. My mouth is watering just thinking about the fish. I want to go right now.
And you should too. If I was ever to say you have to go here, this is it. Go, Go NOW.
And I haven't even told you about the Tuna.
Or the perfectly cooked warm sushi rice that is, well, perfect. -
Review from Leslie C.
1/29/2012
It's a shame this place is closing at the end of February right when I found a decent place in Studio City. Nozawa is a no-frills sushi bar-- seating for 15 people, minimal service, no music, and no real ambiance. My friend and I didn't even get complimentary oranges at the end :( However, the sushi was absolutely delicious! -- not too surprising since the place had a wait for a Thursday night. I ordered the red snapper, salmon, halibut, yellow tail, albacore and fresh water eel sushi--about 14 pieces. The spicy tuna and eel cucumber handrolls were a bit sloppy but tasty. I also got a bottle of sake and two miso soups. The bill was a bit pricey-- $85 for two people-- so that's probably an inhibitor for repeat patrons since there are many sushi alternatives in the area. I'll definitely have to try SugarFish after my Nozawa experience.
-
Review from janine g.
Los Angeles, CA
12/9/2011
I've eaten sushi all over Los Angeles and I have to say that this spot is the gem of Sushi! Don't be scared by the hole-in-the-wall nestled between two other Japaneses inspired restaurants. Nazawa does omakase right! My boyfriend and I have been coming here for over two years (in fact we joke that he had me at "sushi nozawa", as he took me on our second date here.) The walls read "Trust Me" and that just what you have to do. Fabulous fresh fish on very warm sushi rice.
However it might be done, the texture of Nozawa's fish is out of this world. The toro and albacore literally melt in the mouth. Our favorite item to this day is the crab handroll...we will go just for that! With that being said, everything that Nozawa touches is delicious and we both are very sad to hear that he is retiring next year. The service is always fast and the staff always friendly. Go try it if you haven't yet!
Do note...it is fairly expensive so be prepared for about $60-70 per person. Enjoy ya'll! -
Review from PATSY L.
Los Angeles, CA
1/12/2012
The worst sushi restaurant I have ever been to, bar none! Unfriendly chefs, zero ambience, glaring lights, sushi that looked like it was prepared by a 6 year old that fell apart and had no appeal or creativity. The presentation was disgusting. Everything we ate was mushy. There was a line of people waiting to get in and we could not get out fast enough. Do not waste your time or money on this place. Mediocre is euphemistic!
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Review from Linda T.
Los Angeles, CA
11/25/2011
Having heard nothing about this Studio City gem until I came here, I was surprised by the 50's style diner decor (really just red pleather dining chair, plain white tables and sparse wall hangings that read "Trust Me") and asked myself, "does the boss of omakase really reside here?"
Indeed he does. This is a no-frills, no crazy mayo-infused, cream cheese stuffed abomination rolls kind of place. Just good, fresh fish on very warm sushi rice. The night's omakase included:
- Tuna sashimi
- Toro
- Albacore
- Yellowtail
- Toro Handroll
- Crab Handroll
Plain or doused in vinegar, the texture of the fish here was out of this world. The toro and albacore literally melted in my mouth. The service was extremely fast and the portions were generous! We were stuffed to the gills after about 45 minutes with master Nozawa. The bill came out to be roughly $70 per person with some tea and sake thrown in. Come for dinner to beat the crowds! -
Review from Jonathan R.
Los Angeles, CA
11/22/2011
I've spent several weeks backpacking through Japan and somehow the best sushi I've ever had is in studio city.
Also, turn off your fucking cell phones. -
Review from Janet T.
Newbury Park, CA
10/23/2011
Definitely an emperor's new clothes thing.
I mean, I like warm sushi rice but a lot of places do that. I don't want to say the sushi is bad, it's not.
I ordered mostly Sashimi which usually yields results.
My ankimo sashimi showed up like a pile of unmentionables. It was sloppy soup, not the fine rich divine cuts that I expect on Ventura Blvd. Ordered yellowtail belly and got a kanpachi (baby yellowtail) which is fine.
His wasabi is not all that, no wasabi root like at the Sushi Spot.
I think people feel they are supposed to like this place. So the chef is drunk and rude? So what? -
Review from Bunky R.
Los Angeles, CA
9/18/2011
"Sushi Nazi"? Seriously? Nozawa-san is a master sushi chef, and he appears to be @least 70yrs old. I'd be willing to bet that he only partially resembles a "nazi" when some ignorant a**hole asks him for a goddamn 'godzilla roll'.. or makes equally inappropriate and un-welcome requests to change his brilliant coursing of the meal...My primary regret was not getting to see him toss some barbarian douche out of his restaurant for doing just that. Maybe next time. And yes, there will be a next time.
If you happen to be a barbarian douche and require instructions..
Just quietly and politely accept what he gives you. He knows better than you. Much much better. You are a just a douche. He is a master.
Respect him or stick with "geisha house" or one of the other "hip" poseur spots in hollywood.
If anything, the "attitude" @Nozawa is shaped by an old-school sushi master encountering hollywood douche-holes, and growing frustrated in dealing with them politely. I hear he also drinks heavily. Understandable for a 70yr-old japanese man who likely came of age during an era in which japanese considered all non-japanese as primitive barbarians. Then.., perhaps to his surprise.. the more open he was about his dislikes, the more his "legend" grew...So why be nice?
It should be noted that the sushi preparation @Nozawa is something not often seen outside of japan (and almost as rare in japan itself). Nozawa uses rice that is warmer and more loosely pressed than what most people are used to (*sushi should generally be eaten by hand, not with chopsticks*). A tad more vinegar as well. The intent here is less about aesthetic beauty and more about 'enhancing' the flavor of the fish. This is neither the "correct" way, nor the "incorrect" way to make sushi, as many yelpers have alternately stated. There's a word for it, but i have no recollection what it is. Maybe you can google it. In Japan, sushi chefs learn numerous variations during their 4-5yrs of training prior to becoming a licensed apprentice...and as in many other areas of cuisine, there are different 'schools' of thought on what is 'best'.
IMPORTANT: If top-shelf TORO is what you associate with 'amazing' sushi (as i personally tend to do), Nozawa falls short of the top ultra-high-volume places that can afford to buy the very best whole-fish tuna @auction (where they go for $20k and up these days and are mostly bought-up by brokers based in tokyo and then sold to toyko's finest sushi houses). In the US, I know that Matsuhisa buys whole tunas... giving the fattiest choice belly cuts to his namesake restaurants..and the secondary cuts to Nobu.
Fair Warning: answering your phone or trying to take gay pictures of Nozawa-san's sushi will land you in the back room...where he keeps the zyclon-B and the "special oven". Trust me.
Warm Regards,
-g -
Review from Skylo S.
Los Angeles, CA
9/15/2011
I here they call him the sushi Nazi. Rumors are true. 1. The sushi is very very fresh. 2. Sushi Nazi will kick you out if you order California roll at his bar. 3. he will chop your ass into kamubuko if you disrespect his food.
Be polite and you get treated right. peace! -
Review from Ian U.
Los Angeles, CA
10/13/2011
This has been my standard for sushi for the past 16 years. There is no comparison, this is the BEST sushi on the planet and i will fight anybody who says any different. Ignore the other reviews that give it any less than a 5 star rating, they have no idea what constitutes good sushi. (Feel free to read the other reviews that give it 5 stars)
First off, turn your cellphones off, he's not known as the sushi nazi for nothing. And besides, you'll be too busy crying about how good the sushi is to check your phone. You'll also be crying because you'll be kicking yourself for not trying it sooner. (no really, you will get hurt literally trying to kick yourself)
Secondly, sit at the bar. Anything else will be a waste. And please dont talk, you'll just make it take longer for the slices of heaven on a plate that they serve to arrive in front of you. Also, dont bother ordering, the bar is omakase only. (that means you shut up while they serve you, chef's choice)
I dont eat the sushi here, i place it on my tongue and try to savor the taste for as long as i can before it dissolves. The black cod, the toro, the salt water eel, the yellowtail, the scallops. mmmmmm.....
When they have served you everything they deem to be good, you are now allowed to indulge in whatever pieces of sushi you crave from the epicurean delight you have just savored. Please, no california rolls, no philly rolls, no spicy tuna rolls. If you order any of these, the master will feel free to judge you as a sushi novice and turn his disapproving eye upon you.
Your meal is now done. Pay and leave so that others may sup at the banquet table of paradise. Please dont waste time talking, that is what outside is for. Now shoo. -
Review from S W.
West Hollywood, CA
10/21/2011
One of my favorite sushi spots in the Valley.
Superior quality/super fresh fish :) only wish they would open on the weekends (and longer hours... instead of closing at 10pm every night) and more parking spots.....
Be sure to turn off your cell phone and don't ask too many questions. You wouldn't want to get in trouble here (I know someone who got kicked out.... super hot gorgeous pilate instructor/professional dancer - that didn't help tho).
You are allowed to order... just ask for a table and a menu (if you sit at the bar, you must get his "trust me" menu).
Remember - 4 min order per person and you can only order 2 of your favorite fish per person :) -
Review from David W.
North Hollywood, CA
10/20/2011
I've eaten at probably over a hundred sushi places and this is one of the best. If the ambiance was better I'd have given it five stars. The sushi is just really fresh and delicious. I particularly like sitting at the bar and letting the chef pick for me. It's a great way to try new things you haven't had previously and also to know that he's picking the freshest fish for you.
The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that the ambiance isn't great as it's in a small place in a minimal. -
Review from A. Francis C.
Van Nuys, CA
7/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sushi Nozawa's vibe is unlike any other in LA.
The first time you go to Nozawa's, you may find the decor clean, bare, and a little cold. But for those that return, you'll notice several nuances. Especially, how the restaurant reflects Nozawa himself - efficient, quiet, and reserved.
At times, the service is too efficient. Leaving some to feel rushed when plates come quickly. Don't fret. From the few times I've eaten there, He's never reprimanded me for savoring my meal. Though truthfully, I have never been on Nozawa's bad side.
Regardless, you'll find yourself full before you know it.
To deal with the quiet, I'd suggest for you to be comfortable in your own skin. Learn to enjoy the calm. Again some will find the lack of buzzers, assorted ringers, and overall digital interruptions disconcerting. Appreciate that there's no need to yell to talk to someone in front of you.
Nozawa is not pushing sushi boundaries. There's no Japanese-whatever fusion or innovative sushi here. Nozawa produces simple, fresh, and delicious sushi. Be aware that he uses warm sushi rice. This increases the fishes' fragrance but at the cost of rice adhesion. So for those without nimble chopstick skills don't be afraid to use your hands.
I find Nozawa's price comparable to most high-end sushi spots. Though some believe that Nozawa offers less value. Since there's no waiter standing by your table to serve you a carefully paced nine-course meal served under dimmed lights. Others find great nostalgic value of the days before cell phones. I agree with the latter. Quiet, adult moments are far and few between in LA.
I'll end this review with an awkward warning. Please know that if you fall for warm-rice sushi. It may forever ruin other sushi restaurants for you. -
Review from Lou E.
Burbank, CA
7/5/2011
What do you do when sushi keeps coming to your table and it doesn't stop? No arguing. No wasabi. Sushi raw and sushi fresh! I order for you!
Things got quiet and serious. Eat sushi and enjoy! No soy sauce for you and no fucking wasabi! It's not loud in there and there is no music. You forget you're in a strip mall in the valley and reality starts to slip away and all there is is sushi.
They could have come by a few times but they came by at least eight times! Lots of sushi and lots of work for them. It was sushi hell in a way. It kept coming and you didn't know what or when it was coming but it came just about when you finished the last juicy, tasty morsel of sushi in front of you. So wet and slippery. Mmm, slips down your throat so good. OK.. sorry about that. That was odd. I'm totally straight by the way. Anyway.. to clarify the service is excellent and the staff is sweet! It's sushi twilight zone without the scary ending though. Luckily I ordered water with a lemon slice and not saké. I would have regretted the saké considering the amount of sushi ingested.
Celebrity sighting at Sushi Nozawa. Jason Biggs. For some reason as he was leaving the restaurant I saw him and we locked eyes for two beats. Then I gave him the head nod. He gave me the eyebrow nod. Like yeah, do I know you? I have no idea why I gave him the head nod. It was involuntary I swear. I planned on just walking right past him but my subconscious said, "You know him so don't be rude."
The omakase experience was great. If you're a masochistic sushi sensei I suggest you try Sushi Nozawa. Mercy is for the weak. The sushi deserves no mercy. -
Review from Steven G.
6/3/2011
Without any apologies, if you think this is great sushi, then you have never even had good sushi.
The shame is the quality of the fish is excellent and fresh - it's everything else that let's it down but mainly, as far as quality of food is concerned, it's the rice and the over-seasoning.
Sushi should be, at it's best, great quality fish on slightly warm high quality vinegared sushi rice. Some fish like saba need to come with vinegar and sometimes the chef will add ponzu. This guy, produces the worst rice ever, poor quality, crumbly (I've never had so many pieces just fall apart) and massively over vingared so that you couldn't taste the fish. On top of that, he added seasoning to practically every piece, ruining it. It was very very poor and insulting to the fish, as well as the customers.
Furthermore, we'd barely taken the last piece off the plastic serving plates when they were snatching them away and putting the next pieces in front of us, leaving no time in between, usually when eating a meal of this price I'd expect to sit at the bar for 60-90 mins. Presentation - a huge part of Japanese cuisine was missing completely.
I was shocked by the cost. I've regularly paid $120-per person for sushi but at $180 (incl. 4 beers) at this quality, service and ambiance, I feel ripped off.
Real sushi fans, eat here at your peril - and those raving about it, go and try some real sushi and compare to this guy killing it. -
Review from Eric Y.
8/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wouldn't give this place a 5, but a 4 is sure good enough to categorize the "Nazi" term of Sushi "Nazi" Nozawa that people in LA call it.
Non-stop eating, no menu, and all sushi...
The chef doesn't like the menu system, in fact, he has a huge sign saying "Trust Me". I seriously put my life to him and trusted what he served.
There were a lot of different variety of rolls and sushi available. The only problem was, I did not have time to take pictures of anything nor did I get to learn each and every fish. They serve a bit too quickly compared to other Japanese places. Another thing is, their rice is uniquely different. You either like it or you don't. But I loved it. It wasn't like all the other places where the rice is slammed hard together and stuck together like cement. It was more like soft individual pieces of bouncy textured rice.
I'd come back again. -
Review from Tony L.
Alhambra, CA
12/2/2011
I got a kick out of the negative reviews on this board, some of them were downright criminal behaviors. If you think the sushi at Nozawa was not great (not just good), you simply don't know sushi. I had sushi at three continents and from Ginza Sushi-ko to Hide Sushi (WLA), Nozawa got all of them beat in both quality and prices. Dollar for dollar, pound for pound, there's no better sushi than Sushi Nozawa in the greater L. A. area. The sad news: Nozawa is retiring in Feb. 2012. OMG, what am I going to do without Nozawa?!!!!!
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Review from Ethan S.
7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
It can be said this place is minimalist. Only a few tables and a small bar. One waiter. Two chefs. Rice and fish. That's basically all that's here at the "Sushi Nazi" aka Nozawa's restaurant.
You must request a menu, and I do not recommend it. The tasting menu is always "Trust Me" and that's what you should do. Let Chef bring you the food and you tell him when to stop.
Every dish followed the same formula, the only thing I'd like changed, sashimi on top of rice and some fish handroll. The first dish was actually a tuna sashimi salad with green onion and such, which was excellent.
Nozawa really lets the fish shine and doesn't do too much to it. He serves it over hot rice... he never uses room temperature rice for anything.
Some (or most, probably) would say the decor is, well, minimalist. Maybe other adjectives like boring, staid, or vapid. However, it only reenforces his commitment to his fish. Nothing flashy or glamorous, even when it's not on the plate, will overpower the fish. The only things covering the restaurant's white walls "Trust Me" signs and posters of a cellphone with a red slash through it.
The price is steep (5 courses no drink came out to about $170) but I didn't feel cheated. Fish like that is expensive and there are not many places in LA that do sushi like Nozawa.Listed in: Good Restaurants
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Review from Thea S.
North Hollywood, CA
11/8/2011
It's getting three stars for overall performance. If it was based on sushi alone it would receive FIVE stars, but dining out isn't just about the food sadly. The service was pushy and not that great. Obviously everyone knows that this place is militant about the food. Understandably so. But to charge extra for ginger? Please... give it a rest. And when the waiter tells you to pay your bill because people are waiting, it's not ok. Just in case you're wondering, don't linger and try to have a conversation with the person sitting across from you. God forbid.
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Review from Rod C.
San Francisco, CA
8/6/2011 1 photo
This has been one if my favorite sushi restaurants in LA for a very long time ... Could it be nearly 20 years? The trust me format has ruined me. No more Stanford Rolls or Godzilla BS rolls. Just the real deal sushi for me.
This place isn't cheap, but well worth it. If you're one of those people who think you should have the right to eat sushi the way you want it, make it yourself at home. This isn't BK where you can have it your way. You have the sushi the way Master Nozawa says you will will have it and you're going to enjoy it, damn it! -
Review from Sid P.
Los Angeles, CA
4/25/2011
I hate having to go to the Valley - but when I do I always try to work in a visit here for the Blue Crab Hand Rolls and Albacore Sashimi.
Nobody does this better.
The other sushi is fine - normally omakase - but these two single dishes are what I come here for and what I remember most when I leave.
Simple - solid - well done and to the point - much like this review. -
Review from Warren F.
Los Angeles, CA
12/26/2011
I'm just going through yelp and giving 5 stars to my top 10 favorite restaurants. This is one of them.
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Review from Roy V.
Los Angeles, CA
3/28/2011
Ok. If you love sushi, and ONLY if you love sushi, you need to go here. This is, hands down, the best sushi there is in LA. I have been all of "the best" places in LA, and although there is a comparison, and there is debate, in my mind, when I take someone who "loves sushi" to sushi, I go here. There's no ambience, there's no music, in fact, there's no cellphones, no talking, no choosing your own fish (unless you don't want the full experience).
It's the best. Nozawa-san is a master, and he's only open weekdays, and it's worth the drive over the hill.
It's a special meal. The first time I went there, I ate a piece, stood up and said, "this is the best sushi I have ever had!"
Nozawa-san said, "I know. Please sit down."
I did. -
Review from Melodie L.
San Diego, CA
10/20/2011
So good! This is what sushi should taste like. Fish is really fresh and I'm thankful for the "Trust Me" menu since I usually ask for recommendations from the waiters/waitresses anyway. Everything I had was good and I probably had around 5-7 different things.
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Review from Jason S.
Los Angeles, CA
2/17/2011
So I went to Sushi Nozawa for the 3rd time in a month. I went in with prior knowledge of "The Rules" so I was primed. I Love great sushi so I wanted to experience the legend of Sushi Nozawa.
The first two times I sat at the "No Choice, Trust Me" sushi bar. The sushi was very good but I got frustrated with having to sit through about $80 of sushi before I got some sea scallops or sea urchin. "Trust Me" The pace was also a little like an eating contest. You also don't really need Toro sushi and a Toro handroll almost back to back, seemed a little exploitive.
The second time I sat at the "No Choice, Trust Me" bar, eating contest pace, blah blah blah. The 3rd time I sat at a table. Sea Urchin and Toro were crossed off the sushi list I was given. I noticed that there was Sea Urchin in the case in front of Mr. Nozawa and when I asked for an order I was told that you cannot get Sea Urchin or Toro sitting at a table, only "No Choice, Trust Me". That just sucks.
The "Man" doesn't speak to you or even really make eye contact with you. You are handed your legendary sushi by a non-japanese assistant in his mid twenties with a blank stare on his face.
If you look around the place it is clean but Mr. Nozawa either has the aesthetic of an 9 year old with Down's Syndrome or he just doesn't care about environment or food presentation at all. Which is it? That razor sharp, pure, enlightened Japanese sensibility is absent there.
Bottom line 1. very good quality fish 2. not at all inventive or artfully presented 3. control freak rules and anti social attitude.
Score- 1 positive, 2 negatives
For $100-130 per person 2 out of 3 would be nice.
If you want as good or better sushi with no attitude sit at one of the 3 chairs at the Sushi bar at SUSHI TIME located at Crescent Heights and Beverly. If you want exquisite sushi that is inventive and artfully presented with no attitude in a nice environment go to WASA SUSHI 1346 Bison Ave. Newport Beach, CA 92660 They have some of the best sushi I have ever had in my humble opinion. -
Review from Henry M.
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA
12/22/2011
The chef here is known as a "sushi-nazi," but it's worth it to trust him. They don't like it when you drown their dishes in soy sauce as most sushi fans (including myself) are prone to do. Just enjoy what they send you, the flavors here are fantastic!
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Review from Lili C.
Los Angeles, CA
5/24/2011
Finally made it to Sushi Nozawa - my birthday dinner. We had the Omakase and everything was simple, fresh and delicious until some point in the evening - perhaps 10 plates later - when the chef's assistant stopped handing over the food and asked us "Do you want anything else?"
We said "Yes, two more, please".
The next plate was a repeat of a plate that we already had - a lobster roll with a mayonnaise-y sauce that was so rich and heavy compared to all the fresh sushi that came before it, that I suddenly felt nauseous.
Was this a not-so-subtle hint that it was time for us to leave?
We were suddenly stuffed full so we decided to stop and ask for the check.
On the way home I felt like I was going to throw up. It was that final plate that did it. Until then, everything had been perfect.
Now I want to try Sugarfish. -
Review from Danna A.
Encino, CA
12/15/2010
DERICIOUS!!!
Yes, what they say IS true, it really does melt in your mouth. Honestly the absolute best sushi I've yet to have, ever. The sushi is fresh and picked by Nozawa himself, the rice is warm and the seaweed is grade A quality.
Nozawa san is one intimidating man! I've heard several stories about people getting kicked out for inappropriate requests/ breaking of Nozawa rules, so the last thing I wanted was the humiliation of getting kicked out, mid bite, for incorrectly dipping my sushi into my soy sauce. Luckily, my dad is a regular enough patron who knew what he was doing. Nozawa san does not like cell phones--there's literally a sign at the entrance that says "no cell phones"--crackberry users, beware!
If you sit at the bar, Nozawa san serves you himself, Omakase style--a traditional Japanese way of sushi where the chef requires your trust in his taste to serve you his choice of sushi. If you sit at a table, you can make your own choices and order what you please--however, the menu is very simple and traditional as well--so no spicy tuna rolls, rainbow rolls or any other American fabricated kinds of sushi. Simplicity really is beauty in this case. And if sashimi is not for you, seriously go elsewhere because I guarantee you will a] probably not enjoy it and b] might even get the boot.
The sushi, the experience, all of it is worth every single penny! -
Review from Dianne K.
4/23/2011
Damn. It took me awhile to warm up to Sushi Nozawa because I've been such an avid fan of Sushi King. While I stayed loyal to Sushi King during my dining experience, a few days later... that creeping craving for Sushi Nozawa hit me. It took me a few days to realize it, but yes... Sushi Nozawa is amazing.
There's a reason celebrities choose to go here. There's a reason he's called the Sushi Nazi. Don't expect to get great friendly service. Not the place. That definitely threw me off, and it's still my number one complaint... BUT I can't deny that the sushi is AWESOME. The omakase doesn't seem to change THAT much, but that's okay... as long as it's GOOD. That Blue Crab Hand Roll will always keep me coming back.
He's got a bajillion signs that say "Trust Me." It makes me want to rebel, but he's pretty intimidating, and I do not want to be banned from this sushi paradise. It's a small and cozy restaurant. It can get pricey, but if you stop after the crab roll, it's typically ~$50 per person.
Just talking about it... I want a Blue Crab Roll NOW. -
Review from Hugh N.
Houston, TX
9/22/2011
The sushi here is really fresh, melting-in-mouth fresh. The old sushi chef was alright. He fed me all these rolls when I sat at the counter. I denied his offer of uni by mistake but he didnt dare kicking me out. I hope for some tamago for some sweet pieces. The bill ended up $100.00 . The most I've paid for sushi but my belly was happy.
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Review from Toshiro D.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 10/23/2010
TRUST ME...read and pay attention to my review...
1. SUSHI NAZI: To begin with, calling anyone a "Nazi", as a joke, or an insult, unless they are truly associated with that sickening political philosophy is disgusting and goes well beyond slander/libel in my opinion. So that being said, I dismiss these "Sushi Nazi" comments, which are really plays off of that famous "Soup Nazi" Seinfeld episode, and just don't apply here to Sushi NOZAWA.
2. Now to the crux of the matter.
It says "TRUST ME" all over his walls. And so I did...
I find it almost humorous (although my joke cost me around 220 dollars), that so many people think that this restaurant is in any way "authentic" outside of the biggest Sushi scam job ever put over on the "celeb/social climber" mentality that associates Rodeo-Drive like etiquette (abuse really) with class, taste and quality. I mean, this place makes SUSHI GEN look like a good value. TRUST ME.
Hey - this man and his staff are RUDE. Wake up people. This is not a joke and this is certainly not bloody Japanese. And when I say RUDE, I don't mean even in some sort of legit abrupt "MR. MIYAGI", "train the soul", "wax on wax off" way. Mind you, I don't actually believe that Nozawa-San is a rude man by nature. Actually, he has hit the nail on the head with manipulating all of you who know nothing of sushi, Japan or Japanese etiquette to sit through an abusive, restrictive, terribly uncomfortable dining experience in the hope of appeasing or perhaps getting a glimpse of approval from a culinary fascist (not a nazi though).
Honestly, this restaurant is not about "fish" being served right. No. This is about feeding into the pretentious idea that the "best of the best" will treat you the worst. Not so. You are paying NOZAWA your MONEY. He is here to serve YOU. Not the other way around. In Japan, and in good Japanese restaurants, you will be treated as an honored guest whose patronage is respected and desired. And while Nozawa-San is certainly an eccentric, a character and probably not all that bad a of a guy, he is the worst host, restaurateur and sushi chef that I have or ever will encounter. The fact that the sushi is sometimes good, more often than not just ok (very fresh though) is even more disturbing - almost like an abusive relationship with a spouse who is good at just one thing (while everything else is a nightmare).
No pacing, no "thank you", no positive energy except for the amused smile on Nozawa-San's lips pertaining to how these foolish Americans are so eager for punishment and abuse just to "fit-in" or to "be in the know".
While some of my yelp reviews take experiences with a "grain of salt", I really have to say that I felt robbed/scammed after paying 200 bucks for a PURPOSELY mediocre and completely insulting (although good fish) dining experience.
Actually, F the fish. Really. The fish was good although the warm rice fell apart whether you used hands or chopsticks. But Japan and the Japanese culinary experience is about ALL of your SENSES being heightened. That includes your mind, your heart, your body, your eyes - your whole being. The only thing heightened here is amusement at how twisted anyone would be to throw their money away on such a cold, rude, abrasive, prison-like experience. TRUST ME.
And for the record, my date and I shut up, played by the rules, even Itadakimasu(d) and gochisosama deshita(d) Nozawa-San. I bowed when I received a new plate and while my date didn't know to take them with two hands, I did. But the assistant sushi chef didn't seem to get that either.
The whole meal lasted about 20-30 minutes for an OMAKASE which would have lasted abourt 2-3 hours at Mako or Ike Sushi - far superior choices in LA. TRUST ME.
If you think that I am lacking in knowledge about Japan and missed the mark, think again. Oh I've read the 4 pages of reviews. I know many of you think that you have some sort of special relationship with this man. But you don't other than who he probably has the most contempt for (in order of importance). And yes, that is right word that I feel from Nozawa-San - CONTEMPT. He has it for everyone around him and I certainly have it for him.
But EVEN if I had never been to a Japanese or Sushi restaurant in my life, I would walk away with the same experience and very same opinion. I consider it 100% immoral and lacking in complete class/etiquette from a human perspective to treat people like dogs - even if they demand it! A great teacher, Sushi-Sensei, TAISHO and otherwise, makes you a better person for knowing them and experiencing their art/knowledge. Sushi Nozawa aims for the opposite of this goal and for that, Nozawa-San should be ashamed.
If there is a God, Nozawa-San will be punished by having to eat all his meals at his own restaurant, under his own watchful eyes - for eternity.
And on all of this...TRUST ME.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/1/2009
TRUST ME...read and pay attention to my review...
1. SUSHI NAZI: To begin with, calling anyone a… Read more »
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Review from Megan S.
6/8/2011 ROTD 10/21/2011
I'm convinced Nozawa made a deal with Poseidon. I would imagine it went something like this:
"Give me your best and your brightest fish and I will serve it to people in such a way that they are serenely silenced into a respect for the wonders of the oceans."
"Well I don't know, I have some reserva-"
"Trust me."
This is the best sushi I've ever had. New York, Miami, LA, Japan, Europe - anywhere I've ever eaten sushi - does not compare. There's little you need to be warned about, except DBAA. (for all of you who watch Breaking Bad, you know what this means) For those that don't - "Don't. Be. An. Asshole." It's omakase style at the bar. You don't get to pick, you don't talk on your cell phone, you speak when spoken to. In fact, you don't even need to worry about bringing a vibrant lunch date, because they won't matter as soon as you put that first dish into your mouth. My lunch date and I exchanged maybe 30-60 WORDS in just under an hour. As the fish waltzed its way from Nozawa to us to our bellies, the only external communication was a smile that would vary in degree as each dish was consumed. When we were asked if we were "okay" - we politely said one more. Thank Poseidon we did. It was Black Cod. I've never had and enjoyed a more complex and beautiful piece of sushi.
Just under $100 for two people. Worth every single penny. My only other advice is to stick with water during the meal and don't eat anything before you go. You don't want to taint your palate before you enjoy those delicious fish. Trust me.Listed in: The Valley *lite
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Review from Dani S.
Rowland Heights, CA
9/20/2010
Total hole-in-the-wall, unassuming place in a tiny strip mall, but the sushi was AMAZING!!!! Authentic, top quality fish, and traditional Japanese cuisine!
Honestly, the albacore here is the BEST I've ever had in this country, 2nd only to one restaurant I visited in Japan. Get the "chef's special" which costs about $50-$70 depending on the day. I got albacore, yellowtail, lobster hand roll, uni, tuna and scallop roll - my favorite. Everything was high quality, not stringy. Rice was warm, soft and just the right amount of sweetness.
NOTE: absolutely NO cellphones! If your cell phone even rings when you are inside the restaurant, they will kick you out! I heard a particular hollywood celebrity came here, answered his phone - sushi chef yelled at him and told him he's never allowed to come back again!!! Dang, cellphone nazi! -
Review from Julie A.
Box Canyon, CA
3/21/2011
If you REALLY know what good sushi is about and willing to pay very good money for the most pure authentic sushi, this is the place for you.
Ask to sit at the counter. Nozawa knows real sushi lovers would never sit away from the sushi chef, so you are more than likely to get the best center cut pieces of fish at the counter, while end pieces are served to the people who choose to sit at the table. I am a real foodie and grew up in Japan. Trust me, he is the real deal, and his sushi is most excellent. Not only the fish, but the rice, nori, & everything else he serves are very high quality.
Ask Nozawa to serve you what's best for the day (aka "trust me"), instead of ordering specific food. He'll most likely start you on fish sushi or sashimi (tuna, bonita, snapper etc), then ask you what else you would like after serving you 4-5 items. At that point, I usually order hand rolls - Toasted salmon skin rolls, baby scallops, crab rolls, and the monkfish liver with sweet miso sauce (tastes like cheese cake to me) are my faves.
This is NOT the place for Americanized sushi such as California roll & spicy tuna, nor a place to enjoy the atmosphere and linger on for hours. If you offend him by expecting his place to be like an Americanized sushi place, you will meet the wrath of Nozawa and be chased out of the restaurant. -
Review from Jonathan B.
Los Angeles, CA
3/31/2011
I got "The Nozawa" special and it came with a nice variety of sushi and hand rolls. Most importantly the fish was fresh!!! I also tried a couple of the specials: oysters which were excellent and lobster roll which I wasn't too crazy about.
Overall, I would definitely go back, one of the better choices in downtown! -
Review from Rhonda B.
Burbank, CA
9/21/2011
What a joke! This arrogant little, unpleasant man does not have any manners or people skills. We were there once and never again. What a crock of phony balony he serves up and no one seem to be able to peep a word for they might get kicked out. What is the hype about his sushi? His sushi is not superior. In fact, plain and uneventful! And the price you pay to experience this bland interior, just not worth it. Stay away!
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Review from kathy p.
Fullerton, CA
6/28/2011
Charge too much. Good is no big deal
Sushi gen much better -
Review from Susan Y.
Sherman Oaks, CA
11/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
I very rarely give 5 stars. This place gets 5 stars, hands down. The freshest fish you will ever get. When the Sushi Nazi tells you to trust him, you MUST listen because he says it for a good reason-- he KNOWS.
The place doesn't have great ambience nor does it have an entire menu of fancy rolls. No, fancy ambience and fancy rolls are just distractions to cover up not so fresh fish. At Sushi Nozawa, you will sit in a simple room with a small sushi bar eating whatever the Chef tells you to eat, and it will be AMAZING. In fact, even the Uni (sea urchin) will be sweet and AMAZING.
And despite what negative images the name "Sushi Nazi" brings up in your mind, you will find the Sushi Nazi to be a friendly and passionate sushi connoisseur who teaches you with his dishes that there are only 5 things that are most important when picking a sushi restaurant: 1. fresh fish, good rice, high quality nori (seaweed), high quality wasabi, and good soy sauce.
A very pleasurable experience. Be prepared to pay up though. The food is amazing and worth every penny!
