What an incredible experience we had at Scratch Kitchen and Bar in Encino! My wife and I stumbled upon this hidden culinary gem on a weeknight, and little did we know that it would turn our 1-year anniversary into an unforgettable celebration. Initially, we had planned a cozy night in, intending to cook dinner together. However, as the idea of dishes and clean-up loomed, we decided to indulge ourselves and head out for a culinary adventure. With our devices in hand, we embarked on a Yelp research journey, debating between a steakhouse, a French restaurant, or something that encapsulated Modern American cuisine. That's when we discovered Scratch Kitchen and Bar - a name that immediately piqued our interest. With reservations secured through their user-friendly website, we quickly changed into our evening attire and set off. Upon arrival (after a playful bit of searching - like a grown-up scavenger hunt), we were greeted warmly by the staff and seated at the counter. They provided us with a brief overview of their unique concept and left us to ponder our choices. Opting for the Chef's tasting menu, we decided on the middle option. To elevate our dining experience, we brought along a cherished bottle of wine. Scratch had a corkage fee of around $25, which we found reasonable considering the occasion and the chance to enjoy our own selection alongside their culinary creations. The tasting journey began, and each course was a symphony of flavors, textures, and artistic presentations. From the moment the first dish graced our palates, we knew we were in for a treat. The carefully curated selection showcased the chef's mastery in marrying different ingredients to create harmonious compositions. Each bite was a delightful surprise, and we found ourselves savoring every moment and flavor. The staff's knowledge and passion for the menu were evident, as they provided insights into the dishes and engaged us in delightful conversations. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, allowing us to focus on the experience and the company of one another. Our decision to trust Scratch Kitchen and Bar for our anniversary celebration was rewarded tenfold. From the attentive staff to the exquisite Chef's tasting menu, every aspect of our evening was a testament to their dedication to culinary excellence. Scratch Kitchen and Bar is a true treasure in Encino, offering an enchanting dining experience that exceeded our expectations. The combination of innovative cuisine, warm ambiance, and attentive service makes this restaurant a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable culinary journey. We wholeheartedly award Scratch Kitchen and Bar a well-deserved 5-star rating and will undoubtedly return to savor their creations once more.
Sara D.
Top notch Amazing food service ambience private experience highly recommended A+ review
Dave Parker
As soon as Pasta Bar received its Michelin star, Scratch stopped allowing anyone to make a reservation for a single person, and this was the last straw in a reduction of things a very regular customer could expect from the various restaurants in the Scratch complex.
Pedro H.
The best sushi experience I've ever had and incredible service. The chefs are amazing and offer insight on all the fish and the ways the sushi is prepared. The intimate setting makes it perfect for dates or a special occasion. Every single piece of sushi is perfectly crafted and delicious. The rice lager they offered was great. It might be pricey but it's definitely worth it.
Shannon B.
So Good! I can't wait to go back! Friendly staff. The food is excellent. Great for a fun date or if you are a foodie this is a very special place!
Spring G.
I have to rave about sushi by scratch here !!! Literally speakeasy vibes !! It is phenomenal sushi be prepared to spend money and get what you pay for !! I've never had better sushi !! Everything is fresh and pleasing to the palate ! Get your reservation in advance and look forward to having the best 17 course meal ever .. wow just blown away will definitely be back !!
Jennifer O.
To preface this, I did not pay for this meal since it was for my birthday so I cannot tell you specifically about price point but I'm sure it's like $$$$. Also, this was my first multiple course meal. First of all, the place is mysterious, you go to the door and it's so inconspicuous but then there's a small sign that says to ring the bell and someone will be with you. Everyone is friendly and very knowledgeable about the food/drinks they are serving. There were 21 courses which sounds like a lot but each course was amazing. They were small bites of deliciousness.
Nicole Geht
The dinner, and the stuff were amazing. The issue that I have with this place is that when you get there, they offer you 3 choices of drink pairings, and not even tell you the price differences, nor that even an extra cost to the $145 / pp that they already charge. At the end of the meal, we receive the bill of $620!!! When really, we accepted to get a bill of $290 + 20% service charge that they apply. We didn’t receive a check, just were told that this is the total. We paid with a cc and did it even receive a receipt. I emailed to their customer service to understand why the bill was so expensive. And in the conversation, it was clearly stated that they are sorry for not being transparent with the prices. If you guys not clear about the pricing, you at least could take this off our bill. Because if we knew that these are the prices, we might go just with cup of wine or so. Very disappointed about the up sale on spot, with NOT even saying about any extra charges. And even more disappointed about the customer service afterwards.. not sure if I want to come back again, to not be charged for $620 for a dinner of 2..
Elizabeth Ellis
The sushi was probably some of the best I ever had (and I am a big sushi person). The experience was wonderful as well. Very intimate, personal, and great! Wish I had taken pictures of the experience. Everyone was nice and made the experience that much more enjoyable.
Yasmeen S.
This was a very different omakase experience for me. They elevated their dishes in ways that I've never tried at other sushi restaurants, which made the experience much more fun and surprising. Once you check in for your reservation, you get to sit down at their bar/lounge area and they offer house sake. It was a nice sake with whiskey and lime in it. I had to get myself 2 shots because it was that good. After everyone is checked in and chilling at the lounge room, they take everyone through their kitchen and into a small room where the sushi bar is located. The sushi bar room has a warm and cozy ambiance. There are 3 sushi chefs and 1 bartender in the room. As for the customers there were about 10 people in the room. The sushi chef in the middle presents each dish to the customers in detail as to what fish and what ingredients are also added to them. Usually when I go to other omakase restaurants, the chef will drop the nigiri on your plate and just say what fish it is without really telling you how it is prepared. This difference in presentation between this sushi bar and ones I've been to before made me appreciate the experience more because it felt professional. There 16 courses of nigiri and 1 course of dessert. Many of the courses given were very different and new to me based on how the fish were prepared. - Tessin: My #1 favorite course from the omakase. The fish was bluefin tuna but from the tail of the fish. They basically chop it up into a negitoro style and wrap it in a fried nori. Inside is the tessin with puffy, fried rice pieces. On top of the nori are green onions and ikura. I think what made this dish my favorite of the night was not only the amazing bluefin tuna, but the texture of everything together. The bite was extremely satisfying and the crunchiness and softness together was fantastic. Flavors mixed so well together! We get that smokiness from the nori, ocean taste from the ikura and the bluefin tuna was obviously amazing as it always is. - Otoro: Who doesn't love otoro? We always need that fatty, buttery piece of fish during any omakase. What they did to the otoro was that they added sugar on it. It was a surprise for my taste buds because usually when I eat otoro, it's just the fish by itself since it has a great natural flavor itself already. I didn't dislike the otoro course, but I didn't like it either. Yes, it was a different take on the fish, but in my opinion I think otoro is better off without any additions on it. The sugar took away from the buttery taste. - Amaebi: This course disappointed me the most. First of all, the amaebi was not live. It was already dead so it did not have any freshness or sweetness to it. Even the texture was bad. Usually when you have live/fresh amaebi, the meat is thick, plump, and very bouncy. It's also supposed to be very sweet but the amaebi here was extremely bland. They didn't even fry the heads for you, and threw it out instead. They used the innards of the head as a sauce to put on the meat and also added matcha powder. - Albacore: One of the things I try to avoid since it never impresses me is albacore. Although, they changed my mind about albacore here at Sushi by Scratch. The albacore is wrapped in a nori that was dipped in sake, then dry aged for a few days. This technique they used on a fish that is typically not a favorite to most people was something that made me very excited for. It was a delicious piece of fish! - Snow Crab: Not great at all. I expected a lot from the snow crab, but it was dry and had no sweetness from the meat. - A5 Wagyu: I've had A5 before but from my past experiences they haven't tasted like how people say they do. When I had A5 wagyu here at Sushi by Scratch, it blew my mind! It literally MELTED in my mouth and tasted like butter. The slab of meat was a glorious adventure for my taste buds. Now I know what proper A5 wagyu is supposed to taste and feel like. - Bone Marrow: I was very shocked on how the marrow tasted like. Usually bone marrow is obviously really fatty and oily,
Had the pleasure of going here during a recent trip to LA...it was seriously one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. The ambience is incredible, the chefs are friendly and interactive, and it is an intimate and unforgettable experience. I am someone who does not usually like non-traditional Japanese restaurants (ex. Fusion or Americanized Japanese cuisine), especially when it comes to omakase. However, this place truly brings a new and exciting element to omakase while paying homage and respect to a traditional experience. The cocktail served before being brought back to the speakeasy-like omakase bar was delicious. It was a Japanese "mule" served in a sake cup made from ginger, yuzu, Japanese whiskey, and sake. Once you are seated at your placecard, you are walked through various courses (I think 16) thoroughly, and it is like watching art being created right before your eyes. Each dish is more exciting than the next and is a complete explosion of Flavor. There was not one piece of nigiri that I did not like--I was literally sad when it was over and have not stopped thinking about it ever since. I also opted in on the sake pairings which were just phenomenal and unique. If you are lucky enough to score a reservation here, it is a MUST-go.
garrett bolton
What a great experience! Each roll was hand crafted with a little bit of love and flare that you just won't experience (possibly) anywhere else. I'd recommend this to anyone that wants an experience. Pricing ends up being about 200/person. The 17 courses are just enough to hit the spot without leaving you uncomfortably full. Chef Carlos and team knocked it out of the park!
Inna I.
Scratch is a truly delicious culinary experience for all your senses: every serving(=bite size) has a story, served on a carefully selected crockery, looks+tastes+smells heavenly. This very intimate restaurant is perfect for a special day/date. I've been at Scratch few times before pandemic and can't wait for you guys to open again!
Patricia L.
Food does not get any better...love dining here. The sushi is fresh, always prepared differently from the last time. Staff is super friendly they take the time to talk with the guests explaining each course. ***People you cannot modify it is a sushi bar***
Nicky T.
Delicious Amazing Unique I'd definitely check this out for a special night out I think this group now has several Michelin stars under their belt!
What an incredible experience we had at Scratch Kitchen and Bar in Encino! My wife and I stumbled upon this hidden culinary gem on a weeknight, and little did we know that it would turn our 1-year anniversary into an unforgettable celebration. Initially, we had planned a cozy night in, intending to cook dinner together. However, as the idea of dishes and clean-up loomed, we decided to indulge ourselves and head out for a culinary adventure. With our devices in hand, we embarked on a Yelp research journey, debating between a steakhouse, a French restaurant, or something that encapsulated Modern American cuisine. That's when we discovered Scratch Kitchen and Bar - a name that immediately piqued our interest. With reservations secured through their user-friendly website, we quickly changed into our evening attire and set off. Upon arrival (after a playful bit of searching - like a grown-up scavenger hunt), we were greeted warmly by the staff and seated at the counter. They provided us with a brief overview of their unique concept and left us to ponder our choices. Opting for the Chef's tasting menu, we decided on the middle option. To elevate our dining experience, we brought along a cherished bottle of wine. Scratch had a corkage fee of around $25, which we found reasonable considering the occasion and the chance to enjoy our own selection alongside their culinary creations. The tasting journey began, and each course was a symphony of flavors, textures, and artistic presentations. From the moment the first dish graced our palates, we knew we were in for a treat. The carefully curated selection showcased the chef's mastery in marrying different ingredients to create harmonious compositions. Each bite was a delightful surprise, and we found ourselves savoring every moment and flavor. The staff's knowledge and passion for the menu were evident, as they provided insights into the dishes and engaged us in delightful conversations. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, allowing us to focus on the experience and the company of one another. Our decision to trust Scratch Kitchen and Bar for our anniversary celebration was rewarded tenfold. From the attentive staff to the exquisite Chef's tasting menu, every aspect of our evening was a testament to their dedication to culinary excellence. Scratch Kitchen and Bar is a true treasure in Encino, offering an enchanting dining experience that exceeded our expectations. The combination of innovative cuisine, warm ambiance, and attentive service makes this restaurant a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable culinary journey. We wholeheartedly award Scratch Kitchen and Bar a well-deserved 5-star rating and will undoubtedly return to savor their creations once more.
Top notch Amazing food service ambience private experience highly recommended A+ review
As soon as Pasta Bar received its Michelin star, Scratch stopped allowing anyone to make a reservation for a single person, and this was the last straw in a reduction of things a very regular customer could expect from the various restaurants in the Scratch complex.
The best sushi experience I've ever had and incredible service. The chefs are amazing and offer insight on all the fish and the ways the sushi is prepared. The intimate setting makes it perfect for dates or a special occasion. Every single piece of sushi is perfectly crafted and delicious. The rice lager they offered was great. It might be pricey but it's definitely worth it.
So Good! I can't wait to go back! Friendly staff. The food is excellent. Great for a fun date or if you are a foodie this is a very special place!
I have to rave about sushi by scratch here !!! Literally speakeasy vibes !! It is phenomenal sushi be prepared to spend money and get what you pay for !! I've never had better sushi !! Everything is fresh and pleasing to the palate ! Get your reservation in advance and look forward to having the best 17 course meal ever .. wow just blown away will definitely be back !!
To preface this, I did not pay for this meal since it was for my birthday so I cannot tell you specifically about price point but I'm sure it's like $$$$. Also, this was my first multiple course meal. First of all, the place is mysterious, you go to the door and it's so inconspicuous but then there's a small sign that says to ring the bell and someone will be with you. Everyone is friendly and very knowledgeable about the food/drinks they are serving. There were 21 courses which sounds like a lot but each course was amazing. They were small bites of deliciousness.
The dinner, and the stuff were amazing. The issue that I have with this place is that when you get there, they offer you 3 choices of drink pairings, and not even tell you the price differences, nor that even an extra cost to the $145 / pp that they already charge. At the end of the meal, we receive the bill of $620!!! When really, we accepted to get a bill of $290 + 20% service charge that they apply. We didn’t receive a check, just were told that this is the total. We paid with a cc and did it even receive a receipt. I emailed to their customer service to understand why the bill was so expensive. And in the conversation, it was clearly stated that they are sorry for not being transparent with the prices. If you guys not clear about the pricing, you at least could take this off our bill. Because if we knew that these are the prices, we might go just with cup of wine or so. Very disappointed about the up sale on spot, with NOT even saying about any extra charges. And even more disappointed about the customer service afterwards.. not sure if I want to come back again, to not be charged for $620 for a dinner of 2..
The sushi was probably some of the best I ever had (and I am a big sushi person). The experience was wonderful as well. Very intimate, personal, and great! Wish I had taken pictures of the experience. Everyone was nice and made the experience that much more enjoyable.
This was a very different omakase experience for me. They elevated their dishes in ways that I've never tried at other sushi restaurants, which made the experience much more fun and surprising. Once you check in for your reservation, you get to sit down at their bar/lounge area and they offer house sake. It was a nice sake with whiskey and lime in it. I had to get myself 2 shots because it was that good. After everyone is checked in and chilling at the lounge room, they take everyone through their kitchen and into a small room where the sushi bar is located. The sushi bar room has a warm and cozy ambiance. There are 3 sushi chefs and 1 bartender in the room. As for the customers there were about 10 people in the room. The sushi chef in the middle presents each dish to the customers in detail as to what fish and what ingredients are also added to them. Usually when I go to other omakase restaurants, the chef will drop the nigiri on your plate and just say what fish it is without really telling you how it is prepared. This difference in presentation between this sushi bar and ones I've been to before made me appreciate the experience more because it felt professional. There 16 courses of nigiri and 1 course of dessert. Many of the courses given were very different and new to me based on how the fish were prepared. - Tessin: My #1 favorite course from the omakase. The fish was bluefin tuna but from the tail of the fish. They basically chop it up into a negitoro style and wrap it in a fried nori. Inside is the tessin with puffy, fried rice pieces. On top of the nori are green onions and ikura. I think what made this dish my favorite of the night was not only the amazing bluefin tuna, but the texture of everything together. The bite was extremely satisfying and the crunchiness and softness together was fantastic. Flavors mixed so well together! We get that smokiness from the nori, ocean taste from the ikura and the bluefin tuna was obviously amazing as it always is. - Otoro: Who doesn't love otoro? We always need that fatty, buttery piece of fish during any omakase. What they did to the otoro was that they added sugar on it. It was a surprise for my taste buds because usually when I eat otoro, it's just the fish by itself since it has a great natural flavor itself already. I didn't dislike the otoro course, but I didn't like it either. Yes, it was a different take on the fish, but in my opinion I think otoro is better off without any additions on it. The sugar took away from the buttery taste. - Amaebi: This course disappointed me the most. First of all, the amaebi was not live. It was already dead so it did not have any freshness or sweetness to it. Even the texture was bad. Usually when you have live/fresh amaebi, the meat is thick, plump, and very bouncy. It's also supposed to be very sweet but the amaebi here was extremely bland. They didn't even fry the heads for you, and threw it out instead. They used the innards of the head as a sauce to put on the meat and also added matcha powder. - Albacore: One of the things I try to avoid since it never impresses me is albacore. Although, they changed my mind about albacore here at Sushi by Scratch. The albacore is wrapped in a nori that was dipped in sake, then dry aged for a few days. This technique they used on a fish that is typically not a favorite to most people was something that made me very excited for. It was a delicious piece of fish! - Snow Crab: Not great at all. I expected a lot from the snow crab, but it was dry and had no sweetness from the meat. - A5 Wagyu: I've had A5 before but from my past experiences they haven't tasted like how people say they do. When I had A5 wagyu here at Sushi by Scratch, it blew my mind! It literally MELTED in my mouth and tasted like butter. The slab of meat was a glorious adventure for my taste buds. Now I know what proper A5 wagyu is supposed to taste and feel like. - Bone Marrow: I was very shocked on how the marrow tasted like. Usually bone marrow is obviously really fatty and oily,
Restaurantji Recommends
Had the pleasure of going here during a recent trip to LA...it was seriously one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. The ambience is incredible, the chefs are friendly and interactive, and it is an intimate and unforgettable experience. I am someone who does not usually like non-traditional Japanese restaurants (ex. Fusion or Americanized Japanese cuisine), especially when it comes to omakase. However, this place truly brings a new and exciting element to omakase while paying homage and respect to a traditional experience. The cocktail served before being brought back to the speakeasy-like omakase bar was delicious. It was a Japanese "mule" served in a sake cup made from ginger, yuzu, Japanese whiskey, and sake. Once you are seated at your placecard, you are walked through various courses (I think 16) thoroughly, and it is like watching art being created right before your eyes. Each dish is more exciting than the next and is a complete explosion of Flavor. There was not one piece of nigiri that I did not like--I was literally sad when it was over and have not stopped thinking about it ever since. I also opted in on the sake pairings which were just phenomenal and unique. If you are lucky enough to score a reservation here, it is a MUST-go.
What a great experience! Each roll was hand crafted with a little bit of love and flare that you just won't experience (possibly) anywhere else. I'd recommend this to anyone that wants an experience. Pricing ends up being about 200/person. The 17 courses are just enough to hit the spot without leaving you uncomfortably full. Chef Carlos and team knocked it out of the park!
Scratch is a truly delicious culinary experience for all your senses: every serving(=bite size) has a story, served on a carefully selected crockery, looks+tastes+smells heavenly. This very intimate restaurant is perfect for a special day/date. I've been at Scratch few times before pandemic and can't wait for you guys to open again!
Food does not get any better...love dining here. The sushi is fresh, always prepared differently from the last time. Staff is super friendly they take the time to talk with the guests explaining each course. ***People you cannot modify it is a sushi bar***
Delicious Amazing Unique I'd definitely check this out for a special night out I think this group now has several Michelin stars under their belt!