sushi spots that won't break the bank

I’m not going to lie. Some of my best sushi experiences have been $150+ omakase meals at stellar places like Sushi Park and Bar Nozawa, but there’s just something to say about finding that really great sushi spot where both you and your wallet can leave happy.

kura

west hollywood

The fact that I only discovered Kura less than two years ago actually pains me. Chef Daniel Son and his family have been killing the sushi game since 2001, flying in their fresh fish EVERY.SINGLE.DAY from Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. Located in a strip mall off Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, Kura offers an omakase with a price that blows everyone else out of the water. Make sure to request a seat at the sushi bar in front of Chef Daniel. You’ll be in awe watching him make some of my favorite pieces, like the Truff-Tate, which involves hotate (scallop) topped with blow-torched brown butter, caviar and shaved truffle. INSANE.

sushi yuzu

toluca lake

A staple in the tiny neighborhood of Toluca Lake, Yuzu has some of my favorite sushi in all of LA. The sushi is fresh and consistent, and they excel at both traditional sushi as well as their well-thought-out rolls. The omakase (really good!) can get a tad pricy, but ordering some pieces of nigiri and rolls (Yuzu Roll is my fave!) always does the trick, and you won’t be surprised when the bill lands at the table. If you’re feeling like heading in during the day, Yuzu seriously excels at their lunch combos, too.

murakami

west hollywood

The name of the game here is chirashi, and with tons of different combinations offered during lunchtime, you’re bound to find a sushi bowl with your name on it. They even have a make-your-own bowl sitch. The regular sushi menu is on point, too, so cruise over for an awesome easy weeknight dinner.

HIDE

sawtelle/west la

An unassuming spot on Sawtelle, Hide is doing old-school sushi the right way. There’s probably going to be a wait, but the melt-in-your-mouth salmon will make it worth it. Heads up that it’s cash only!

kazunori and sugarfish

multiple locations

While I do prefer Kazunori over Sugarfish (seriously can’t beat six hand rolls for $24), I just felt bad not including Sugarfish, mainly because there was a period of time where I had takeout from there almost twice a week. Some people say Sugarfish is their favorite sushi spot, and while I definitely wouldn’t say that, they’re absolutely the most reliable (and that adorable packaging doesn’t hurt, either).

kura revolving sushi bar

sawtelle/west la

Not to be confused with the Kura in West Hollywood, Kura Revolving Sushi Bar has locations on Sawtelle and in DTLA. While the wait here is always pretty atrocious, there’s nothing more fun than watching the sushi go by, especially when the plates are $2.75 each. This is by no means the best sushi, but for the price, I think the quality is great and everything is always super consistent. After finishing each plate, stick it into the dispenser at the table, and it will count how many plates you’ve had. I leave with a full-blown food baby every time, shocked at how inexpensive my plates and plates of sushi were.

nagao

brentwood

Nagao is just one of those spots I’m going to mention all the time because I just love it here so much. It’s the ideal once-a-week dinner spot, mostly because I just can’t stay away from the Lemon Roll or the fact that they make my favorite Scallop with Mayo.