50 Best Sushi Bars near Universal City

“Excellent service. Great food!“

“5 stars for the delicious and high quality sushi. plus i have a gluten allergy and the chef/ server was super considerate and knew exactly what needed to be modified. my favorites were the bluefin tuna nigiri and the yellowtail hand roll (with soy paper), and i don’t typically like yellowtail.

however, i did not realize there was a 16% service fee included in the bill. it says so on the menu so that’s my oversight but at kazu nori, for example, the server tells you not to tip because of the service fee. so on the little screen i tipped 20% on top of the 16% service fee and tax. it’s my bad for not paying closer attention but they don’t verbally tell you either.“

“My first time sitting at a sushi bar and I absolutely loved it! The atmosphere was great, and watching the chefs prepare everything right in front of you made the experience even more fun. I got to try all kinds of sushi, from fatty tuna and yellowtail to raw shrimp, and everything was fresh and delicious. The server was funny and that made the experience even better. 🍣😊“

“Good Japanese foods , many varieties of dishes . The fish grilled sea bass is cooked just perfectly fine . The salad is kinda american Japanese fusion but still good . The carbonara noodle - I don’t really care (It doesn’t really fit with the rest of the dishes) - overall is a great place to enjoy Japanese foods“

“That sounds like a fantastic dining experience“

“I’ve been coming to Kenbey every week for the past couple months and it genuinely hasn’t missed once. The fish is the freshest I’ve had in the States since eating sushi in Japan, and I don’t say that casually.

I always get the tuna and salmon specials because I truly can’t resist — the seared toro and the salmon with the yuzu truffle are the best bites of sushi I’ve ever had. Every single time.

For my birthday I did the Omakase solo and sat at the bar, and watching the chef work was a work of art. Their classic miso soup was already my favorite, and then the crab miso came with the Omakase and I genuinely don’t know how I’m ever not going to order that now. The ice cream finished it off perfectly — denser than what you’re used to, almost mochi-like. The chef talked me into it and I’m so glad he did.

The staff is warm and attentive in a way that actually feels natural, not performative.

Kenbey is such an underrated hidden gem and I don’t know why more people aren’t talking about it. It’s my new neighborhood spot.“

“I highly recommend Sushis Takeda. I absolutely loved the experience: the service from the waitstaff was excellent—always attentive and very friendly—which made the whole visit even more enjoyable.

What stood out most was the *omakase* format, where the chef prepares a perfect selection —and honestly, it does not disappoint. I was served by the team of Jairo, Sami, and Demi, and everything we tasted was delicious. Every single dish had incredible flavor, and the quality was evident.

Plus, I really enjoyed the sake 🍶; it complemented the entire experience perfectly.

It is definitely a place I would return to without a second thought. 👌🍣“

“I’m so gobsmacked at how amazing this food is that I’m writing a review while I’m still here.
We had 5 nigiri sushi rolls, the crispy spicy tuna appetizer, and the wagyu sliders. It was the most incredible meal I’ve ever had. You must come here - the server we had (Umida) was insanely amazing and super helpful - she really elevated the experience and made sure we didn’t order too much food!“

“Came in for a conference and had lunch at Momi Sushi after checking into our hotel. We tried the sashimi sampler, miso soup, fish of the day nigiri and the tamago nigiri. Everything was incredibly fresh, accented with light complimentary flavors. I loved the dine-in ice bowls for the sashimi. Well worth it. If we have time before we have to go home, we will definitely be back.“

“We had the Ume Omakase menu and didn't even know sushi could be so good. Such a wonderful experience for our anniversary. Atmosphere is cozy and friendly.

Boyfriend's review: How do I give 100/5 stars?!? This was honestly a life changing sushi experience“

“First thing first, the sushi is really fresh. We got the toro, salmon belly, and the yellowtail belly. Saba is a little fishy. The rice is a bit mushy but good enough.

The cooked food is not as great. The agedashi tofu has too much breading and taste average. Kaiju tar tar is okayyy.

The service however took forever, and they never come to check up on us. Servers reach over to get dishes for other tables. Maybe they are short staffed but they should still handle us probably.“

“Sawa is easily a top-10 restaurant in my opinion. The chef deserves a star. The entire experience went beyond my expectations, truly outstanding. I had so much fun dining there; the environment is friendly, and every bite was delicious. The host was spectacular, especially for suggesting we split the sake pairing, for someone who doesn’t drink much, it was more than enough. I’m already looking forward to coming back.“

“The food was amazing!! Great experience.“

“Phenomenal experience and the staff was excellent.“

“It was Absolutely delicious!“

“Uchi is pretty decent. The vibe is cool trendy. Service was polite but felt bit rushed and not as personable.
Food-wise, nothing was terrible, but not mind blowing either. A couple of dishes were tasty, a couple were bland, the sushi rice is left to be desired.
Prices felt a bit high for an experience that screams ‘it’s fine. Not in huge rush to be back.“

“Must get sushi, but don’t forget the corn tempura and momotaro tomato (seasonal). Awesome sake selection too.“

“Best Sushi in LA by far !“

“Amazing food and service, chef Hilo made my experience feel like I was truly understanding each bite I took into my food. Amazing atmosphere“

“seats 10 for a personalized tour of sushi for the purist. exceptional style and quality of fish. superbly presented by a Michelin star chef on front of you. book far in advance“

“Gorgeous restaurant! Aesthetically very beautiful and the food delivered!! We got the oxtail bao, crispy rice, Leona sushi roll, the fusion baked sushi roll with carbonara sauce, and cocktails! This place is the must in the valley! The outdoor patio is also stunning!! we will definitely be back“

“This place is the BEST. The chef is outstanding and prepares everything with caring and expertise. The food it top notch and not too expensive. It's relaxing and homey and fun. The couple who own it are friendly and sometimes everyone in the restaurant talks with everyone else. People eat here over and over because it feels relaxing and yet the food is top notch. The chef is an expert. I can't recommend it more highly.“

“This place is the Go-To spot for sushi.. always fresh and delicious 😋“

“great food. Good service. decent prices“

“Wonderful experience with Chef Take! Truly a unique experience in the historical method and style chef prepares his experience.“

“Exceptional food! Hamachi collar, red snapper soup! And sushi. Authentic; which is why it was so good!“

“They have the best rolls! Very reasonable price. We eat here & to go very often“

“My go to sushi spot for a couple years now. I absolutely love the vibes, the food, and the prices. DoorDash runs deals for delivery from here all the time too if you’re looking for a chill night in. The staff is all friendly and the place itself feels welcoming. Truly a hidden gem for the locals. Gonna include some favs of people I’ve taken here: ultimate salmon roll, crispy rice spicy tuna (they don’t add mayo which I love), yellowtail kama, veggie gyoza“

“Great setting and great Sushi two thumbs up 👍🏽“

“A great little spot. Excellent food, attentive staff, and an easy to like ambiance. Walk-in like Han Solo and you'll get a front row seat at the bar where the chefs hone their craft. For everyone else, reservations are probably best. It's also a great place to take a date as a lot of the dishes are meant to be shared. Try the Yuzu Ceviche and you won't be disappointed.“

“Delicious and freshly prepared food 🥘“

“I love the owner Wendy .The food is amazing s a Mx drinks are organic ;)“

“Really Outstanding Sushi!!!“

“I took 4 of my closest friends here this past weekend. We sat from 12:30-3 and had a blast. The food is incredibly fresh and tasty and the customer service was crazy good! Very warm, welcoming, hospitable, and funny! One server played a few tasteful jokes on our table. Just a really great experience. We would have stayed but they break at 3. 10/10!“

“The food is sooooo good!!! It’s my comfort food now but the service is awful…We were the only customers in the restaurant at that time. When I asked for two pairs of chopsticks at the counter, the staff member appeared to ignore me completely. I had to repeat my request twice before she reluctantly looked up and threw the chopsticks at me. The service was disappointing and unnecessarily rude.“

“The atmosphere was fantastic, and the food was delicious. However, the service was disappointing. Our server was condescending and repeatedly interrupted our moment by crossing between us without a word. When I asked about drinks, she was short and even gave inaccurate descriptions. This is my second visit, and both times with the same server have left a sour taste. I hope the service improves because the food deserves better! This is my second visit, and both times with the same brunette server, whose attitude left a sour taste.“

“I had lunch there twice this week. The food is excellent. The fish is very fresh, specials are unique and delicious. Baked green lip mussels were amazing, baked black cod hand roll in soy paper was terrific. When I’m back in town I will be there again. My office is around. The corner.“

“Very delicious 😻 very beautiful presentation“

“This was our third time dining at Eigikutei and we were just as pleased this time as we were with our maiden experience. We were favored with our personal favorite of the sushi kaiseki Yawaragi (10-piece sushi). All the separate elements of the course melded perfectly for our palette. The service was attentive and on que with our pacing of eating. And the ambience was quiet serenity. We highly recommend dining at Eigikutei for any fine dining connoisseur!“

“One of the best sushi I’ve had in Southern California, small place not fancy at all but it is a recommended experience must try.“

“Just different sushi combos. The garlic edamame were fair, but everything else was delicious“

“It’s not just a sushi restaurant.
Her entertainment is truly a form of Japanese art.

Enjoying sushi that melts so delicately, surrounded by the smiles of women, was an experience I had never had before.

Thank you! I’m already looking forward to the next time ♡“

“Sachi has changed hands a few times now, we were frequenters of the OG. What we appreciate is the level of quality of the sushi remains. Wagyu perfectly lightly seared, toro melt in your mouth, and that great Hokkaido uni like butter. We tacked on the amaebi after knowing we're in good hands. Loving the late night hours as we're night owls and happy to see them do a special menu for Pride. Be back soon!“

“Finally tried this hand roll spot and it did not disappoint. Came during peak hours and waited a bit, but totally worth it. We ordered the 2person combo and everything was super fresh. The rice was perfectly seasoned and slightly warm, the nori was crisp, and the uni hand roll was outstanding — easily one of the best I’ve had. The soy marinated shrimp was also a standout. Small but stylish space, great quality overall. Would definitely come back!“

“AAAAAAAAAAAAA++++++++++ Plus First time and will definitely come back“

“best japanese rich fllavors unique taste simple fresh and delish“

“My dinner at Kanpai Sushi in Santa Monica was nothing short of extraordinary. Chef Yoshi is a true master sushi chef. While he may not be new to the craft, his skill, precision, and deep understanding of traditional sushi brought me back to a time when sushi was simply done right.

In fact, Chef Yoshi could probably serve me a shoelace, and it would be the best thing I’ve ever eaten.

Everything was exceptionally fresh. The wasabi had a vibrant freshness that elevated every bite, and the ginger practically melted in my mouth. I sampled as much toro as I could possibly eat, along with an incredible selection of fish that showcased Chef Yoshi’s mastery and attention to detail.

The Kumamoto oysters were so delicious they made me want to kiss my fingers and thank the heavens. The uni was phenomenal and remains one of my favorite bites of the evening. However, the biggest surprise was the seared salmon belly. It was my first time trying salmon prepared that way, and it absolutely blew my mind.

Instead of ending the meal with dessert, I finished with a hand roll that combined fresh tuna and crispy shrimp tempura, topped with eel sauce. The contrast of cool, fresh tuna and warm, crunchy shrimp tempura created an unforgettable bite and was a complete game changer.

I’ve been eating sushi since I was 18 years old, and now well into my 50s, I can confidently say this is the best sushi restaurant I have ever experienced. Beyond the incredible food, the staff was attentive, professional, and genuinely respectful throughout the entire evening.

I have officially found my favorite sushi spot.

Thank you, Chef Yoshi. I’ll be back very soon.

— Linda“

“If I could give this place 10 stars, I would. The chef - Tony is his name, I believe - is one of those rare dedicated and obsessed perfectionists who make every meal an occasion. Koreatown is a neighborhood with no shortage of great restaurants; this simple establishment is one of the best.“

“paid $200+/per for 10 corse
The quality and portion is fair for LA

However the kinds of fish they offer and presentation is not unique enough to limit ability of selecting menu
disappointment of getting fully cooked Seabass sushi and cooked well done beef sushi 🙄“

“Came here for my birthday and had a lovely time. I’m not usually a fan of mackerel but I actually enjoyed all of their mackerel ones- esp the Spanish mackerel so that was surprising. There were a lot of workers/servers and had a bit of a stoic atmosphere.“