la.foodblogging

The other night, I relived my newfound appreciation for the city when I had a most fabulous, eye-rolling in the back of my head sushi dinner.

When my dinner companion mentioned he’d be in town and wanted to have dinner, I knew that I would take him to one of my most favorite sushi restaurants: Sushi Sasabune.

Having experienced Chef Nobi Kusuhara’s set omakase sushi menu once before, I knew we would be in for a real treat! I called ahead to make reservations to sit at the small u-shaped bar. After calling 2x to move our reservation back because of a delayed flight and LA traffic, we were graciously accommodated and seated at the end of the bar where we had a great view to absorb the well oiled machine that is Sushi Sasabune.

We arrived a little past 8 - prime time for sushi and sake - and the place was packed on a Tuesday evening! The restaurant itself sits almost hidden on the corner of Sawtelle and Nebraska. As you walk or drive by, you may see a neon sign that conspicuously reads “Sushi.” You would never know that you’d find a real gem inside just by the looks of the restaurant’s exterior.

We started with a plate of albacore sashimi with diced green onions in a light, citrus based soy sauce. Then had a series of sushi…fresh salmon with a slice of light seaweed kelp and sesame seeds, sweet cooked butterfish in a nigiri roll, melt in your mouth yellowtail…and ended the night with a warm blue crab hand roll that left your palate satisfied. The only sushi that didn’t wow my mouth was the scallop. I think I was looking for more taste or pizzazz with that one. Instead, it melted with a rather bland flavor, even after I had it with a bit of wasabi and soy sauce.

Not your trendy foo foo sushi restaurant, the walls hang signs that read Kusuhara’s manifesto: “Trust me” and “Absolutely no spicy tuna rolls, california rolls.” I love it. Simple, raw, and unadulterated. Absolutely one of the best. For anyone who loves sushi - Sushi Sasabune is a must! Omakase and sake for two with a 20% tip came out to about $130. Not an everyday meal out, but definitely a worthwhile treat!

Sushi Sasabune in West LA
Street: 11300 Nebraska St. (corner of Sawtelle) (they moved)
12400 Wilshire Blvd Suite 150 Brentwood, CA 90025
T: 310.268.8380
Hrs: Mon-Fri 12pm-2pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm; Closed Sat-Sun
Street Parking only

By Kristy (see more of her posts). A native of the city, kristy loves to discover new sites, new eateries, new things to do in her online journal of finding the best of la.