10 Best Sushi Bars in Whittier

“so far everything I've tried has been delicious!“

“Azabu Sushi – Whittier, CA
★ ★ ★ ★ ½ (I docked half a star purely out of spite because I can’t afford to eat here every day)

I walked into Azabu expecting the usual Whittier sushi experience: decent fish, questionable rice, and a lingering fear that the “spicy tuna” might just be yesterday’s salmon wearing hot sauce as war paint. Instead I was immediately hit with a vibe that says, “Yes, we know we’re in a strip mall next to a boba place, but we’re about to ruin you for grocery-store California rolls forever.”

Let’s start with the Salmon Carpaccio (the flat pizza-looking thing in the photo). Imagine if salmon had a glow-up, went to Coachella, and came back wearing citrus ponzu as body glitter and microgreens as a flower crown. It’s so pretty I almost felt bad eating it. Almost. Then I inhaled the entire plate in 45 seconds like a savage who’d never seen raw fish before. Zero regrets. The texture is silkier than my ex’s lies.

Next up: the Shrimp Gyoza in that dark, mysterious broth. These dumplings show up swimming in what I can only describe as “umami bathwater.” One bite and I involuntarily whispered “oh daddy” — which was awkward because I was on a date with my actual father. The wrappers have that perfect pan-seared crisp before collapsing into the sauce like they owe it money. I’d bathe in that broth if it weren’t socially unacceptable (and if the staff weren’t watching me like I’m one impulse away from grabbing a straw).

Portions are annoyingly civilized — translation: you’ll want to order three of everything and then lie about being full so you look refined. Pro tip: don’t. Just commit to the food coma. Your jeans will forgive you eventually.

Service is ninja-level attentive without being obnoxious. Our server knew the menu like he personally caught the fish at 4 a.m. while doing CrossFit. When I asked what was good he just smirked and said “everything,” which should’ve been arrogant but was 100% correct. Rude.

Ambiance? It’s dark, moody, and sexy in a way that makes you want to use chopsticks seductively even though you still hold them like a toddler with crayons.

Only complaint: the bill. It arrives looking innocent, then you realize you just paid Beverly Hills prices in a city where the biggest landmark is a 24-hour donut shop. Worth it? Absolutely. Will I be eating cup noodles for the next week? Also yes.

Verdict: Azabu is the sushi spot Whittier doesn’t deserve but desperately needed. If you’re still going to the conveyor-belt place down the street after eating here, I’m afraid we can no longer be friends. 9.5/10 — would sell a minor organ to come back tomorrow.“

“thee best Japanese food in Whittier hands down. my family loves visiting Dakara weekly. so many favorites like crispy rice with spicy tuna, avocado fries and sweet shrimp. love this family owned restaurant.“

“*First timer*

Delicious! A friend brought me here,since im still fairly new to the area. Its tiny not big, its cozy. It feels like your in a different place,which is cool. Our waiter was great,service was awesome too. We got there just before 5 o'clock. It was full,but we still go seated quickly. The ramen soup bowls are what we both had. It was super yummy! Also had potstickers, California roll..everything was good. We split the bill. Overall really good experience.“

“This is one of the best and only place we like to go. They are very friendly and best fresh sushi all around. it really feels like a small family enviroment“

“Great food and service…#13“

“We love Joy. My family have been regulars for many many years. Food is awesome. Service is great, servers friendly. Only bummer, when we, as a family, went to celebrate my birthday on Saturday, we presented a gift certificate my husband & I were gifted from my Kids. It was issued at the end of 2019, expired at the end of 2020. Because of Covid we did not venture out until late last year. They did not not honor it. A little bit of a disappointment, but not going to keep us from frequenting our fav local sushi restaurant.“

“When I’m in Whittier visiting my sister I always swing by for a bowl of Pho and spring rolls“

“Great ramen, spinach noodle options!“

“It’s a great(safe) inexpensive sushi place. Usually the words safe, inexpensive and sushi are never in the same sentence. However, Blu Fin is definitely the exception.“