Message from Kiwame
Sushi, sashimi, tempura and other traditional Japanese favorites are joined by new signature dishes such as halibut wrapped with uni, calamari with pasta, Kobe beef in bamboo leaf, and Kobe-style filet with foie gras. Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner nightly.
Editorial by Citysearch
In ShortUpon arrival at this Katsuya-helmed restaurant, you won't be fighting a gaggle of trendsters for a table, nor will you see a space that looks like every square inch has been combed over by a Hollywood designer. With only about 14 tables and a small sushi bar, this humble but upscale restaurant focuses on just one thing--its food, especially the unbelievably fresh sushi. The cold and hot seafood dishes, such as sunomono, halibut wrapped with uni sashimi, rockfish yuan-yaki and sea bass baked on cedar board, are the house specialties. And for the aficionado, the restaurant offers omakase at $70. Just remember to make your reservations fast, as it may be a rare opportunity to be served by Chef Uechi himeself. Because who knows how long this enterprising restaurateur will be manning the sushi bar here?
Key Points
- For Fun
- For Anniversaries
- For Every Occassion
The Inside Scoop
- Parking - Valet is $3 at lunch time, $4.50 during dinner. Afternoon metered parking on Ventura Blvd. is usually doable.
- The Extras - Make your reservations fast, as it may be a rare opportunity to be served by Chef Uechi himeself. Who knows how long this enterprising restaurateur will be manning the sushi bar here?
- Parking - Valet is $3 at lunch time, $4.50 during dinner. Afternoon metered parking on Ventura Boulevard is usually doable.
- Know Before You Go - The restaurant is not open for lunch on weekends.
Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Delicious food, excellent service, great price!
by OnTheTown13
we just had an early dinner at Kiwami (where Tama used to be). they really took care of us. the food was delicious. we started with this sashimi sampler that included those crispy spicy tuna cakes & blue crab roll. so good. had some Spanish mackerel (from Japan) and some Aji. washed it down with some Miso.
we will 100% go back!
Pros: they know their fish!
Cons: too much to try
Posted 06/19/09
For sushi lovers
by LAliving
I didnt think that I could have better sushi than Katsu-Ya & Izaka-Ya. Surprise! Kiwame is a culinary event. From the Japanese style decor and delightful service, to the sake nesting in hot water filled pottery. The baby tuna (yeah, the name is a bit disturbing) is the best piece of fish I have ever tasted. The amazing confetti tempura was light and surprising. You can still have all the Katsuya faves but there is so much new goodness. Next time the privet sushi bar the chef himself works at. Absolutely worth a trip to Studio City.
Pros: Best Sushi I ever had
Cons: none what so ever
Posted 03/25/09
Kiwami will rule "sushi row"!
by MyLastBite
My husband and I recently had dinner at Kiwami, and it's a fantastic new addition to our beloved "sushi row" (on Ventura blvd). We started with Blue Fin Tuna (flown in from Spain) $16, then on to Skip Jack Poke $9, Jalapeno Yellowtail $16, Unagi Shirayaki (first steamed, then baked) $10, Tasmanian Trout in foil $15, Mixed Tempura $16, Spicy Tuna with Baked Crab Roll $12. We loved EVERY BITE! Lots of photos on MyLastBite
Posted 02/02/09