Stone-carved sushi bar with backlit onyx counter creates a warm, intimate atmosphere. Chefs prepare food in front of diners, adding to the engaging experience. Early 2000s hip hop music plays, blending modern vibes with Japanese-inspired design.
Freshness stands out with sashimi that melts like butter. Sea bream sashimi ranks as world class, paired with excellent hand rolls and sushi.
Freshness stands out with the salmon in the Chirashi Bowl. It offers a balanced mix of flavors and includes flavor-packed small dishes alongside.
"The sushi here is excellent, with thoughtful touches."
"The sashimi here is so fresh, it melts in your mouth."
"The Chirashi bowl is perfectly balanced and full of flavor."
Good to know
Reservations are a must to dine at Mutsu.
Seating is limited, so arrive early.
Almost half of the menu was unavailable when I was seated.
Sushi restaurant offers traditional Japanese seating with floor chairs and private tatami rooms that require removing shoes, creating a cozy and authentic atmosphere. The space feels inviting and personalized, with sections including sushi bar and washitsu rooms. Energy varies from relaxing to lively, accommodating solo diners and groups alike.
Freshness stands out with a special tuna sashimi that tastes clean and vibrant. Seasonal selections offer a beautiful variety that highlights the fish's natural flavors.
Presentation stands out with the signature sushi set and chirashi box both full of flavor. The Chirashi don pairs well with white wine and offers a satisfying variety of fresh ingredients.
Good to know
Reservations are not required, and the wait time is minimal even during busy hours.
Parking can be inconvenient, so plan accordingly.
The restaurant serves both sushi and pasta, which is unusual for a Japanese restaurant.
Japanese restaurant offers super fresh sushi with high-quality fish and heavenly sauce in a warm and inviting but often loud and packed setting. Small seating capacity leads to long lines and waiting, with some opting to sit at the bar. The vibe feels like an authentic neighborhood spot without pretension.
High quality sashimi features bountiful portions and an extensive sushi menu. Albacore sashimi melts in the mouth and pairs well with a bowl of sushi rice.
Generous portions of high-quality fish sit over perfectly seasoned rice in the Chirashi Bowl. It offers good value with a 16-piece sushi option also available.
Good to know
Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially if you arrive after 6pm.
Street parking is available, but finding a spot can be challenging.
Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long lines.
Sleek design and minimalistic branding create an upscale and inviting atmosphere with perfect lighting and beautiful wall art. Spacious interior suits families, large parties, or intimate dinners with a calm, non-flashy vibe. Sake cocktails and exceptional hand rolls stand out alongside fusion dishes and quality grill options.
Handrolls feature crispy nori and perfectly seasoned rice with sashimi that melts in your mouth. Bluefin Burrata and Truffle Sashimi come beautifully prepared and packed with flavor.
Generous portions and refined presentation define the chirashi bowls here. The premium version features toro, bluefin tuna, scallops, and uni, making it an impressive and satisfying choice.
Good to know
Happy hour runs daily from 5:00-6:30pm with special menu items.
Parking is free for two hours with validation from the restaurant.
Validated parking is available on E 3rd St and Aliso parking.
Modern interior creates a zen atmosphere with dim lighting and an intimate feel. Bar dining area invites guests for an Omakase experience. Space feels spacious and clean, supporting a sophisticated vibe.
BlueFin Ahi and Hamachi Sashimi come very fresh here. Otoro sushi stands out and makes sashimi great again with its rich flavor.
Hearty bowls come with plenty of fish and large cuts in the premium version. Quality stays great across regular and premium options, making the premium worth the extra cost.
Good to know
Parking is difficult on weekends; nearby garages may charge around $30.
Expect to pay around $100 for two people, depending on the order.
Lunch specials offer great prices for a variety of dishes.
Small market with cozy atmosphere and warm vibe feels like a Japanese convenience store. Offers fresh, affordable sushi and sashimi with generous portions. Includes limited seating inside and outdoors for quick dining.
Sashimi here is extremely fresh and cut to order, offering high quality fish at affordable prices. Options include nigiri, rolls, and takeout bowls, all consistently tasty and well priced.
Fresh sushi and sashimi come together in the chirashi bowl. It offers a variety of fish, though the amount of fish is less than expected for the price.
Good to know
Most sushi is priced under $10, making it affordable.
There is a free shared parking garage with limited spaces available.
They require 24-hour advance notice to order sushi platters.
Tiny space with small tables and friendly service creates a casual, cozy vibe. Mostly a takeout spot with minimal seating and a clean, homely atmosphere. Music adds to the relaxed energy without overwhelming the quiet pace.
Chirashi Don features very fresh sashimi served in thick portions. Sashimi bowls stand out more than bulgogi bowls here.
Sashimi in the Chirashi Don comes in thick portions and stays very fresh. The bowl features a mix of different flavored sashimi, making it a solid choice alongside the Tataki Don.
Good to know
The Bop is primarily a takeout spot, but there are a few tables available for eating in.
The food is reasonably priced with large portion sizes.
Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller orders.
Traditional Japanese sushi restaurant with dark interior and Japanese decorations creates a warm, lively atmosphere. The space feels authentic and cultural, often busy with a distinct energy. Sushi quality varies but often praised for freshness and affordability.
Freshness stands out with thick cut sashimi and a variety of options like salmon, chirashi bowl, and sashimi boat. The mixed sashimi sets offer generous portions suitable for one or two people.
Super chirashi offers a variety of seafood with a good mix of sashimi. Regular chirashi bowls come in solid portions, sometimes hard to finish.
Good to know
The parking lot is behind the building with a rear entrance.
There was plenty of parking available, and it was free.
The restaurant was pretty full when I arrived and started to form a wait line after 7 pm.
Small, unassuming sushi restaurant offers a calm and cozy atmosphere with fresh sushi and reasonable prices. The space feels traditional and friendly, attracting those seeking authentic Japanese sushi close to Little Tokyo.
Fresh sashimi appears in generous portions, like in the chirashi with rice and vegetables. The lunch special offers scallop and massago sashimi at a set price.
Generous portions of fresh sashimi, rice, and vegetables make up the chirashi bowl. It pairs well with craft beers and costs around $32.
Good to know
Parking is convenient with validation available from nearby mall.
Prices are reasonable for sushi, with lunch totals around $100.
The menu does not include Gyoza, so plan accordingly.