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Sushi Sasabune
Categories: Restaurants Sushi Bars Restaurants Japanese Sushi Bars, Japanese [Edit]
12400 Wilshire BlvdSte 150
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 820-3596
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 12 pm - 2 pm
Mon-Sat 5:30 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
625 reviews for Sushi Sasabune
Review Highlights
"Go for the omakase, you can stop whenever you want."
(in 322 reviews)
"I absolutely love their blue crab hand roll."
(in 26 reviews)
"They use WARM rice and every bite is delicious."
(in 43 reviews)
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625 reviews in English
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Review from Maria S.
Orange County, CA
1/25/2012
This place is the reason I have craved sushi for the past 15 years. When I was a poor student, I saved up and came here. When I moved far away, I came here when I visited. Now that I'm back in SoCal, I'm a regular again, even though I live an hour away.... That's how good this place is!
After all these years, my perfect meal here is the American-style omakase, plus an order of uni (creamy, buttery, best ever!) The first and last dishes are always delish (albacore sashimi in ponzu and blue crab hand roll, and occasionally toro hand roll.) The items in-between are a mixture of cooked and raw, some that you dip in soy and others already full of flavor. Huge bonus if toro's in season (winter) because it melts in your mouth. Amazing! If you're getting full, you can skip to the last dish or continue the meal without rice.
Not cheap, but well worth the money for me! -
Review from Matt L.
Santa Monica, CA
1/30/2012
Perhaps the finest sushi in Los Angeles. The fish is unbelievable. Yes, you pay for the quality, but for an occasional treat it is so worth it. I've done the Omakase menu and its a treat. This place will set ya back roughly $100-$150 a head, but you get what you pay for.
I'd give it 5 stars if the decor was a bit better. Don't let that stop you from great sushi. -
Review from Nicole J.
1/22/2012
OMG -- Omakase MMMM Goooood. My boss took me here on my first day of work as a welcome lunch. I wasn't sure what to expect since it's located on the ground floor of an unassuming corporate building.
But wow, I was impressed. Fresh, fresh fish, expertly prepared and delicious.
If you want to do omakase (chef selects what you eat), you have two choices: the "American" or the "Japanese".
I opted for the tamer American version which would include all my favorites (albacore, salmon, maguro, etc). I'm not such a fan of urchin etc. which would be on the Japanese version.
Anyway, each course was better than the next and towards the end I was so stuffed I couldn't eat anymore.
It's definitely on the pricey side, but in this case you get what you pay for. -
Review from Cammy C.
2/2/2012
BEST. SASHIMI. EVER. There's not much I can say about this place that hasn't already been said. The bites are small and the place is pricey, but the sashimi and nigiri is SO so fresh that I could swear they are catching the fish in their own backyard! The homemade sauces add just the right touch to an already flavorful slab of fish. The cut is thick and the meat is still chilled, which goes perfectly with the warm sushi rice. The combination of the three seem to just melt in your mouth...and with each bite I could feel myself falling more and more in love with my sushi chef. (Who by the way, was actually Japanese! So you know the food is really authentic!) This was only my first visit to Sushi Sasabune, but certainly won't be my last!! Afterall, "The quickest way to a girl's heart is through her stomach!" And I was in love at first bite!!
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Review from Lucy Y.
Los Angeles, CA
Sasabune, do you remember me telling you that you're the best ever? Well - oh my, Omakase! You still are!
*Baby Tuna sashimi w/sweet sauce & green onions
Yellowtail sashimi w/ponzu & green onions
Bluefin sushi single piece w/sweet sauce
*Toro sushi single piece, naked, eaten w/soy sauce
Halibut sushi single piece - green onion & a dab of something spicy
Red Snapper sushi single piece - green onion
Baked Mussel w/ponzu & a caramelized mayo sauce
Raw Oyster w/ponzu, green onion & that spicy dab
*Ono sushi single piece w/green onion & very light soy sauce
Scallop sushi single piece w/a dab of yuzu black pepper paste
Salmon sushi single piece w/a translucent piece of seaweed & sesame seeds
Yellowtail sushi single piece
Butterfish sushi single piece, hot, w/a small piece of nori, topped w/sweet sauce & sesame seeds
Albacore sushi single piece, with green onion & ponzu
Kanpachi sushi single piece, with green onion & ponzu
Crab Roll
Toro Roll
(*=My faves)
All the fish was the buttery-est in texture, each piece's components were served at the perfect temperature, and the tiny dabs of condiments were the perfect accents. Servers were warm and efficient, keeping a steady stream of small dishes coming to our table. And the busser who removed all of our empty plates and never let our waters drop below a half a glass would have wowed even Ciara G - who has the highest standards of service ever!
$70/person, and worth every penny.
Sasabune, you will forever remain in my memory as the best ever.Listed in: How To Impress Me?, Sushi, baby, I love you : ), Ankimo! : P
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/6/2011 ROTD 3/14/2011
Curse you, Sasabune! You've ruined my sushi life. You've spoiled me for all others. Was that your… Read more »
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Review from Katie S.
Updated - 1/5/2012
This is the most tragic review I have written to date. But I have to tell the world about the time that I got kicked out of Sasabune. Clearly I was a fan, HUGE FAN. Like every bonus or bad fortune, I didn't turn to the bottle, I went straight for omakase. I loved it when it was on Sawtelle. I loved it (well, albeit, not as much) on Wilshire.
So, recently I went to the 'bune when I was visiting my parents in LA. Of course, I would go there because it is my most favorite place in the world. Correction: was.
So, I bet you are wondering why we got kicked out. Did I get wasted and hump a slab of raw fish? Likely, but no. We got kicked out because my mother sent back a seemingly off piece of fish. No one should be eating fish that tastes off, and she actually didn't do it in an offensive way. Just merely stating "It tastes a little off".
Enters, head sushi chef, and he says, "I don't want your business. I only have the best fish". What?! NO SOUP FOR YOU. So we, I mean like everyone in the whole place, looked a little shocked and he encouraged the waitresses to escort us out. So, we scurried out of there to Sugarfish.
While I still miss the freshness and the toughness of Sasabune, sorry Sushi Nazi, I won't be returning.
In the words of the 'bune, Trust Me, don't send the food back, just risk the potential for life-threatening food poisoning.Listed in: Hell to the No!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/12/2008
One of the best sushi places in LA ... hands down! Each course in their omasake menu is a mouthful… Read more »
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Review from Trevor M.
Houston, TX
1/17/2012
An excellent omikase and pretty easily the best sushi I've had outside of Japan. My favorites (uni, ikura, toro, sake) were great. More impressive were the strengths of the often-weak links - the hotate was tender, not at all rubbery; and the bonito was rich and not at all fishy. Decent atmosphere sitting at the bar.
The only downside was the $300 price tag for the omikase for two, a bottle of sake, and a couple of extra pieces a la carte. But even at that price it felt like a decent value - I've done much worse for not that much less. -
Review from Danny R.
Valencia, CA
12/20/2011
I am a bit confused with how their crab roll should taste like. It tasted kinda odd. This is the first time i tried their crab roll. I don't think im gonna order it again. We went there last night and today I didn't get sick..so I know its not a spoiled dish.
Everything else was delicious and top notch as usual. Salmon, butterfish, eel nigiri was delicious. Salmon skin roll and blue crab roll was exceptional. Cold sake was nice and smooth.
Service is excellent as usuall. We didn't go for the omakase this time..I'm on a budget this week...LOL -
Review from Sonia T.
12/15/2011
Woohoo in deed! I love a place that posts a huge sign that says "no spicy tuna, no California roll, no kidding." Hilarious.
We came here with a group of 4 on an early Friday night and the place was empty, we were seated right away.
We actually ordered off the menu and everything was delicious! I love the warm rice thing. It wasnt cheap, only slightly less than the Trust Me I normally get at SugarFish, but at least this place is walking distance from my house.
Definitely a fan! -
Review from Kanye East Z.
Los Angeles, CA
12/17/2011
Wow. Best value for this level of sushi. Slightly below the level of Sushi Zo, but for $100 a person, that's pretty damn good. I know $100 sounds like a lot, but if you've ever spent $250 a person at Zo, you'll know that this is a bargain. I was still amazed with every sushi dish. The sushi chefs were way friendlier than Zo, and overall, it was less nazi-ish. Still, no california rolls or the poser sushi. Just the good stuff. It's like a party in your mouth, and only the elite fish are invited... the afterparty is in yo' belly!
Tip: get here as soon as they open (we came at Saturday 5:30PM), and you'll get a great seat at the sushi bar and they'll pay special attention to you before the crowd comes in.
Parking meter had to be filled once an hour (hour was the max).Listed in: Sushi
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Review from Tom B.
Northridge, CA
12/17/2011
Get the sake that suites your meal....... Happy New Year sake, in japanese its called something like furikekake and it is wonderful.
Trust your sushi bar chef to make your belly full, taste buds clap, and wallet be a little lighter by the nights end.
Be careful the sake creeps up on you.... s l o w l y
But..... enjoy! Park on wilshire after 8pm, don't be early.
Parking also with valet (just a tip is all it will cost with validated parking ticket)
Enjoy
Oh yea, closed sundays.... made that mistake a couple of times. -
Review from Bob T.
West Hills, CA
12/26/2011
OK - it is the Holy Grail for sushi purists. No question about it - but as wonderful as the sushi is, why can't I get a spicy tuna roll?
My first experience with Sasabune was pretty amusing - read about that and my overall look at the LA sushi scene at http://www.winefoodjav...
Trust Me - this place is great but not the undisputed champ...as I point out at http://www.winefoodjav... -
Review from Casey C.
Hermosa Beach, CA
12/19/2011
absolute best sushi i've ever had IN. MY. LIFE.
what is there to say that hasn't already been said about sasabune?? I always do the omakase- it's really the only way to eat at this restaurant. I cannot even describe how amazingly tasty and fresh everything is that the chef brings to you. They don't serve Cali rolls or spicy tuna rolls so it's not for those teetering on the brink of "liking sushi"- it's the real deal.
It's a no-frills restaurant for sure- but if you want the absolute best and freshest sushi in all of LA, Sasabune is the place to go. -
Review from Marko M.
11/3/2011 12 photos
Today, my sister and I had a bonding day. We decided to go to lunch at Sasabune. We're both sushi snobs and knew exactly what we'd get coming here. What a treat! 4.5 stars for Sasabune!
When we walked in the restaurant, we saw that it was either a set menu ($18) - few pices of nigiri sushi and a salmon / maguro donburi, or you could have the omakase meal. We quickly opted for the omakase meal, thinking that we'd get a reduced-quantity for lunch (when compared to dinner). No - we were mistaken. We got the full almost 20 course tasting "trust me" menu from Sushi Man. It was well worth the $250+ (including sake, hot tea, and tip) that the both of us paid for our sushi lunch!
We started our meal ordering a large bottle of Sake. My sister and I poured the sushi man a cup of sake and we all yelled KAMPAI! Down the hatch! He complained a bit that it was lunch time, but we kinda encouraged him to join us in drinks. He did! Away we went.....
First two appetizers were mini sashimi plates. First one was Hamachi (yellow tail tuna) with a unagi sauce (freshly made daily). Beautiful cuts of fish and thick and tasty unagi sauce drizzeled all over. Grade: A-
The second appetizer was an ahi tuna sashimi drizzled with ponzu sauce. Nice dish, but typical. Not one of my favorites. Grade: B.
The first pair of sushi was the Maguro and Toro sushi. The maguro was nicely colored deep red and tasted fresh. Grade: B+. The toro was OUTSTANDING! I told the sushi chef that it was delicious and he told me that he has the middle cut between the tsuji (stringly stuff). That melted in your mouth! Grade: A+
The second pair was the Tai and Hamachi. The tai was nice and fresh, and it covered a little piece of shiso leaf (like a Japanese basil) and rice. Sprinkled with sea salt. Grade: A-. The hamachi was nice and fatty with a clean taste of fish. Delish. Grade: B+
Next came the sake (salmon) sushi - fresh and fatty piece of salmon sprinkled with white sesame. Clean. Grade: B+
Next came the Fresh Oyster and Baked Mussel. The oysters were from Washington and they were very sweet. Served with a ponzu sauce. Grade: A-. The baked mussels were served with a cream sauce. Expected. Grade: B+
The amaebi (sweet shrimp) and New Zeland Tai came next. The amaebi was nice and firm flesh, and was sweet and fresh. They served the shell of the shrimp and it's attached eggs with ponzu sauce. Unique and fun to eat. Grade: A-. The New Zeland tai (snapper) was very firm and clean tasting. Served with sea salt. Grade: A-.
The highlight of our meal was the pairing of the Ikura (salmon eggs) and Uni (sea urchin). The ikura was dunked in some kind of hondashi broth (mackerel soup base) and it took away the typical bite of the ikura. Grade: B+. The uni was actually so fresh, it was yellow (compared to the orange color seen in most restaurants). It's the best uni you can get outside of Japan! Grade: A+
Spanish mackerel and mirugai (giant clam) was the next pairing of sushi. The mackerel is typically very fishy tasting, but this one was FRESH! This is perhaps my least-favorite fish, but today it won my heart! Nice and clean! Grade: A-. The mirugai was so fresh, the meat was cripsy and rubbery. It had the clean taste of the ocean! Grade: A-.
One of the last dishes was the crab hand roll. It was crab meat mixed with mayo, put into a hand-roll. Nice and filling, not overwhelming, and delicious! Grade: B+
We finished our meal with an additional order of Mirugai (giant clam), Uni (sea urchin) and Awabi Sashimi (fresh abalone sashimi) [Not included in the omakase meal set]. The awabi was expected to be rubbery tough, but it was nice and tender. Clean taste like the ocean. Memories of Japan and Hawaii with each bite. Grade: A+.
Everything at Sasabune was delicious. The staff people worked very hard to make it a great experience. Great people-watching. I gave it a 4.5 stars instead of a 5 stars, because it was very traditional Japanese sushi. I was hoping for an element of suprise. I'll get it next time! -
Review from JENNIFER N.
Redondo Beach, CA
My guests took me to have sushi although they don't really eat too much of a raw stuff, but they wanted me to try Sasabune.
Since I heard lots of "things" about this restaurant, I came in with high expectations.
Although it's an "upscale" sushi restaurant I didn't feel that way walking in to the restaurant. The ambiance and the decor of this place is very plain and simple.
On every table there is a sign saying they don't have rolls, "no California rolls, no spicy tuna roll, no terriyaki.. SERIOUSLY!" .. lol, I thought.
We tried the
Salmon, yellowtail, unagi, tuna, scallop, and Kampachi. Very Fresh sashimi. @ Sasabune, they have no need for the fancy stuff, just plain fresh high quality fish!
I guess when you're rating yourself as a high end restaurant, you don't need all the show offs, like decor and ambiance, Just fresh and quality food.... TRUST ME! :-pListed in: The UNDressed Fish aka Raw…
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Review from Nelson Y.
1/9/2012
Best sushi I've ever had in my life. Again and again. Love the omakase, love the service, but wish the ambiance was a bit nicer. Nobi-san is so friendly and treats everyone with so much grace and respect. Whenever I'm back in LA, I have to come back for lunch.
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Review from Dave F.
San Francisco, CA
12/6/2011
Yummy, yummy, yummy, I've got food in my tummy and I feel like loving you.
Ok, maybe not that good, but the Omakase (chef's choice) sushi is delicious, as long as you're open to trying new and tasty things. This works REALLY well if your tastes are in line with the Chef's - ie a savory palate vs a "fresh" palate.
Bonus points for having a sign on entry that says "NO CALIFORNIA ROLL OR TEMPURA. Yes, really."
Reduced points because it was HELLA expensive.
Oh, and have dessert. the 3-flavor mochi is delicious! -
Review from Sherry V.
12/27/2011
I was taken here for a birthday meal. I had omakase for the first time ever, and boy was my. mind. blown. away. I tried things I never imagined I would be able to eat. The sushi chef was personable/fun and made my dining experience all the more worth it. I think my standards for sushi raised significantly because of this place. Didn't know they moved to another location, but at least now I know where to find REAL GOOD SUSHI when I'm craving it!
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Review from Alex C.
10/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
OM(G)AKASE!
Yes, trust the chefs at Sasabune. Your stomach will be richly rewarded for the experience. The omakase is the only way I eat here. I always plant myself at the bar.
The best toro in town (which is only served during the winter months when toro is in season).
The meal is at least 10-12 dishes deep. I always make it a point to count but I always make the Andrew Zimmern "food orgasm" face when I start eating and completely lose track of time and space. The meal ends with their infamous crab hand roll. There are no words.
Omakase comes either in American or Japanese style. If you're into Uni, Octopus, seafood stuff then order the Japanese. I usually get the American which is straight up fish (sushi style).
Expect to pay around $75-80 per head for omakase depending on what's served. You can always order more after the omakase meal at an additional cost. At most, I would get an additional order of toro. Add in beer, sake and your total will usually hit $100-120 with tax and tip.
You have to experience the omakase here once. Trust me!Listed in: My 5-star Favorites, Sushi in LA
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Review from Lynda L.
Los Angeles, CA
11/4/2011
Ok, the only reason why I am giving it a 3 stars because I am not a "REAL" sushi lover. I only eat like shrimp tempura and CA rolls. So when we were invited to the dinner, my honey was thrilled! He loves sushi, he rates it a 4.
Even though I tried everything, I have yet to learn to acquire the taste of good quality fish. However, the people in my party LOVED it, they claim it was the best quality ever. I really enjoyed the butter fish but that was pretty much it. Apparently, it's insulting to eat certain dishes with soy sauce if they informed you not to do so "no soy sauce please".
We receive about 10-12 dishes, each dishes had 2-4 pieces. For me and my honey, our bill came out to over $200. We had good company so that night was fun. However, I do not believe I will return to this place until I learn how to enjoy REAL sushi.
Definately recommend to those sushi lovers. Prepare to pay about $100 per person. Free parking though. -
Review from David W.
El Monte, CA
11/3/2011 5 Check-ins Here
This restaurant is quite a drive for me HOWEVER I don't mind the drive at all. This place is so worth it. I am a sushi lover and the fact that I don't have to worry about what fish are fresh or how to eat it creates a wonderful experience where I can just enjoy the food. Nobi and A are awesome. Always tentative and always nice. We always try to do the traditional Omakase so that we can enjoy the catches of the day. However, recently after LA restaurant week, they've introduced their MONDAY NIGHT SPECIAL as 25%, we find ourselves driving out there almost weekly to indulge ourselves. EVERYONE MUST TRY!!!!
The chiefs are very intimate and friendly. You can't go wrong here!!
Trust me! -
Review from Andrea P.
11/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love sushi so when my roommate recommended Sasabune, I was super excited. I love authentic Japanese food and I was so excited when I read all the good reviews.
For my first time here, I came with a Japanese friend to help authenticate the restaurant. Needless to say, this is a LEGIT sushi place. The minute the waitress handed us the warm, moist towelette, my friend knew it was going to be a good meal :)
It definitely lived up to my expectations. I went for the Fall Monday Night Special (twice :P) which includes: miso soup, sunomono seaweed salad, sashimi (9-10 pieces I think), nigiri (5 pieces) and a blue crab hand roll - all for $30/person. The fish was deliciously fresh, the fish melted in my mouth! I looove the warm sushi rice they use, it definitely stands out from all the other sushi restaurants.
Ambiance is business casual, you can dress up or down. I think it's a cute spot for a dinner date :) Lots of table seating and spots at the sushi bar. Service was great - waiters/waitresses were pretty attentive and friendly.
Definitely a place for people who appreciate real, quality sushi. Saw a few celebs here too so that was kind of cool too! I can't wait to come back one day to try the lunch special or omakase. 4.5 stars for Sasabune! - 0.5 star for no happy hour and the $$$$ because it makes me sad that I can't come all the time haha :( -
Review from susan s.
Los Angeles, CA
10/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sasabune was my ultimate sushi place when it was located on Sawtelle where Bar Hayama is right now. Back in the day there was no sign and very intimate. I knew guys that would dangle Sasabune to get a date with girls, and it certainly worked well for them, ha.
Since it moved to its current location I've gone a few times, and while I don't like its decor, the food is still delicious. I recently had the japanese omakase (about 100 bucks), and I had the yummiest amaebi, scallop, uni, toro, abalone sashimi, just to name a few. You can stop the omakase whenever, but we plowed through to the end, and we were SO full.
I'd say it's slightly better than Hiko or Echigo, but it's also more expensive than either of those places. I guess if a guy offers to take you to Sasabune on a date, you definitely want to take advantage of that! -
Review from Matthew M.
Orange County, CA
9/27/2011
Omakase means chef's choice and you must order this here. It's equivalent of waking up at our place and me making Portuguese sausage and eggs over easy and served over rice. Delicious. Well to me it is.
Anyways...they continually bring out trays of cuts of whatever the chef feels he's confident in making that day or what he thinks is going to be really good. The waitress will also tell you whether you should eat it with soy sauce or not. So it's a very cool way to just sit and enjoy a meal while drinking with friends and chillin.
Sasabune is PHENOMENAL! -
Review from Hirono S.
Burbank, CA
9/23/2011
We all go to sushi restaurants for different things. If you want delicious spicy tuna on crunchy rice, to go Katsuya. If you want non-traditional American-style sushi, go to Yamato or Sushi Dan. But if you want to experience sushi with the highest quality of fish, go to Sasabune, and order the Japanese omakase course. Don't even bother with anything else. And make sure to follow the "soy sauce" and "no soy sauce" rule to experience each piece of sushi at its best.
This place is seriously one of, if not the best, sushi restaurants in Los Angeles ... and easily the best sushi I've ever had. -
Review from G. I.
La Crescenta-Montrose, CA
10/12/2011
The Omakase (Table d'hote or Chef's selection) really ROCKS at Sushi Sasabune. The Zagat Guide was really effusive about the amazing sushi and sashimi served here so I decided to travel an eternity to get to this shrine of delectable Sushi.
Warning: because of the soft formed warm, body temperature Shari (Japanese vinegared cooked rice), do NOT put the rice side of the sushi into the shoyu kozara (small dipping dish of soy sauce) because all of the rice dipped into the shoyu will crumble into your small dipping dish, creating a mushy swamp of "dirty rice'. I guess this would be great if you are from Louisiana, but definitely not good for your Sushi. Dip the Neta (slice of fish, crab, shrimp, etc.) side into the dipping dish or take off the Neta and dip that into the shoyu and place the Neta back onto the Shari (sushi rice).
By the way, the best accompaniment to Sushi is premium Sake (sah-keh). Just as wine pairs well with French or Italian, cold Sake pairs well with Sushi & Japanese Food in general. I chose the Shichiken Junmai Ginjo which went well with the Omakase. It is clean tasting with a slight floral bouquet. The acidity refreshes the palate so that various courses of Sushi can be consumed without the palate being fatigued.
The opening course was a Sashimi dish of thinly sliced Meji Maguro or young tuna. It must have been cut from near the belly since it was Toro grade with fine white marks in the pinkish meat which indicates a high fat content. When I placed the Meji Maguro in my mouth, the slice melted at body temperature, and since it was slightly seared on the outside edges, there was also a chewy texture to contrast with the melting. Looking back after the meal, I feel that this was the piece de resistance for the meal so they saved the best for the beginning.
Ultra freshness and Umami filled flavor of the sushi served is the hallmark here at this restaurant. The Hamachi (yellowfin tuna), Tai (Japanese Snapper), Hirame (halibut), Saba (Spanish mackerel), Katsuo (Bonito), Hawaiian Big Eye tuna, Uni (sea urchin), Ikura (salmon roe) which was marinated in a shoyu-dashi, Shake (salmon) topped with a transparent konbu, Miirugai (geoduck), Aoyagi (orange clam), Anago (sea eel), Kumamoto no Kaki (oyster), baked New Zealand Mussel with mayonnaise kept on coming in small dishes.
The finale was a Maki or roll of their signature dish which was the 'Blue Crab in a mayonnaise matrix. If you're into those "innovative" rolls, then you will get what you wanted at the very last. However, you can say "Uncle" at any point and stop the procession of small dishes that will parade your way. I happen to be a trencherman so they yelled "Uncle" and gave me the Blue Crab roll to conclude the Omakase.
The Omakase at Sushi Sasabune is not cheap, but you pay for what you get. The quality and flavor of the Sushi and Sashimi were exquisite and worth the price of admission. Looking at it in a different way, Sasabune is about 1/5 to 1/4 the price of what you would pay at Urasawa in Beverly Hills.
Sushi Sasabune is well worth your effort, and a detour to this Sushi Valhalla is way better than going to Aunt Lavinia's and having overly cooked fried chicken that tastes like wood. -
Review from J H.
Los Angeles, CA
11/15/2011
Tried everything. About 18 different pieces of sushi also shared 3 sashimi appetizers.
The best are: uni, mackerel, kanpachi, tamago, toro, Some of nigiri were better elsewhere such as Kiriko. but the uni and amaebi are better here.
total bill at thend end was around $120 which was not bad for all the fish we ate.
Overall:3.5 -
Review from Jake K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/3/2012
The place has the greatest sushi you can eat. Nobu and other high end sushi places are straight up PUT TO SHAME with Sasabune! Cant stress enough how good this place is and when people tell me how great some random other sushi place is, I just laugh at them because I know they have no clue what they are talking about and have not experienced the best! I am disappointed with all other sushi places after eating 1 piece because I realize it will never live up to Sasabune. I can talk this place up and up and up and up, even with those high expectations you will have going into the meal, I promise you, they still will be surpassed. Enjoy and remember no rolls, this is about the fish! Trust Me!!
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Review from Kev M.
Long Beach, CA
12/13/2011
I have been to sasbune a few times now. Not much for atmosphere but you can count on the food. I order the Japanese Omakase, and its always delicious. The food is lightly seasoned so that the fish comes first. Its not like alot of other places on the west side that covers everything in mayo, eel sauce or siriachi sauce. This is one of the sushi places that you hear about where they dont let you put soy sauce on your food.. So dont ask. In fact when you walk in the place, there is a sign that says, so california rollls, no spicey tuna, no teriyaki or tempura. NO REALLY! So just come, and trust them. You will have a great food expierence. BTW the food is four and half stars. Service is just ok... I had to ask for beer and sake repeatedly. Enjoy
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Review from ST L.
San Gabriel, CA
12/23/2011
Sushi that simply MELTS in your mouth! S-E-R-I-O-U-S-L-Y.
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Review from Yi Z.
9/14/2011
I finally went to the legendary Sasabune this week and the fish did not disappoint. But the decor is seriously lacking; the dining room has no character whatsoever.
I was worried that the meal was going to bust my budget, especially since I was extremely hungry when I arrived. But we ordered so many types of sushi and we were stuffed for less than $60 per person (including tax and tip). The moral of the story is to skip the American omakase and just order what you desire for a cheaper meal. The main problem I found was that the rice was too loose and it was impossible to pick up the sushi without it falling apart.
We had salmon (x2), albacore (x3), red snapper, golden eye snapper, butterfish, tuna, yellowtail, halibut, halibut fin, octopus, eel, scallop,and blue crab roll. My favorites were the golden eye snapper and the blue crab roll. I'm glad I gave it a try and I'm happy that I didn't experience sticker shock but I'm sure I can find better for less elsewhere.Listed in: Japanese Restuarants
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Review from Eric T.
Candler, NC
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
The best sushi I have ever had in my entire life.
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Review from HY H.
Los Angeles, CA
10/7/2011
I patronize sasabune since 2000.
As my good friend from San Diego took an early leave from his work
to introduce me to this place (I couldn't believe i was missing out on best sashimi 10min away from home!)
sasabune has been my all time favorite sashimi place.
As fresh as it gets when it comes to sashimi.
When it comes to Sushi&Sashimi i like it simple&classic.
Though you get to taste house specialties with omakase,
if you are not into saucy fish creations like me,
(ponzu, t- sauce drizzled or grilled/baked stuff)
i say order a simple sashimi plates.
you can never go wrong with their
Uni, Albacore, Toro, Salmon,Mirugai. -
Review from Eat W.
Hackensack, NJ
12/21/2011
Everything was fantastic - great fish and a straightforward Sushi restaurant without mayo sauces. You get what you pay for and this place is worth every penny.
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Review from Alisa A.
Santa Monica, CA
9/13/2011
Food: Came here for the first time with the bf. We ordered the Japanese Omakase. The fish here is devine and one of the most fresh that I have ever tasted, especially with all the "trendy" sushi places that pop up in the westside. Oh sushi and sashimi, you were so yummy at Sasabune! The best part is we had a little bit of Sake to clear the taste buds and get them ready for the next yummy piece of fish. mmm
Prices: A little on the steep side but we wanted to celebrate the bf's promotion! Woohoo. So if you have something to celebrate, do it here. I would not suggest eating here if you don't spend the $$$$ to taste all the yummy stuff. You can go to one of the trendy spots for a quick simple meal.
Ambiance & Service: Lively crowd during the weekends, but fun! Love the sushi chefs. They know their stuff and they can serve up a meal! -
Review from Long T.
Los Angeles, CA
9/17/2011
Japanese Omakase, a sushi lovers dream
Ok, excellent sushi, well-prepared, delicious, and the rice seem to have crack in it!...REALLY, REALLY GOOD!
The way the food is served is whatever the chef decides that day (very cool) and your dining experience comes with 8 - 10 small dishes of sushi, sashimi, hand rolls, cooked clams and oysters,etc... just divine!
Why only 4 stars? Well the price for LUNCH came out to be $150 (without tip!) for 2 people!!! So you guys bringing your dates to this restaurant better not pull the "I left my wallet at home/car".
Well worth the experience, and I'd love to go back again! -
Review from duchess X.
Los Angeles, CA
9/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sasabune is a sashimi paradise..We had the Japanese omakase and specifically told our waiter no cooked food, so all the selection we've had was
Snapper
Salmon
Fish roe
Mackerel
Uni
Yellowtail
Oyster sundae
etc....
I literally felt light-headed and electricity running thru my pores after the meal, guess their dishes were extremely fresh off the boat and was highly nutrient it got me on the right spot..and it was a remarkable experience!! -
Review from Melissa W.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2011 5 photos
This place is awesome! Love the warm vinegary rice combined with the quality fish. The hamachi here melts in your mouth!
This place follows Chef Nozawa's ways of preparing sushi and his house rules. They will tell you what to add soy sauce to and what to eat as is. This is not a place for spicy tuna or California rolls so don't even ask or risk being kicked out.
At about 10 PM, all the chefs and waiters eat at a big table like a family. I wish I was part of that family. =(
The biggest secret about this place is that they have coupons on http://restaurant.com. A win for my grad student wallet! Now that I'm in SF, I miss this place terribly. Chef Nozawa, please train someone in SF!Listed in: SoCal sushi
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Review from Anselm Y.
Stanton, CA
12/13/2011
Food wasn't too bad. Fairly tasty. The service was actually really good. Not really cheap but not extremely expensive as long you don't order from the MP list. Location is a bit far out towards the westside and its hard to see the sign if your coming from the east and not the west. :)
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Review from Dan P.
8/16/2011
I came here for lunch and ordered the omakase. There are multiple types of omakase. I got the Japanese omakase.
Overall, it was good. This is a nice big place so I've never had any trouble getting a table during lunch time.
There was a good variety of sushi including some specials that are not typically found at other places.
The only thing I didn't really like about it is that I'm used to smaller sushi places with only a few tables and space at the bar. This place is so big that the sushi just seems a little less personal.
But the quality is good.Listed in: Best Sushi in LA!!!
