Yoshi's Sushi

My boyfriend and I have been frequenting Yoshi Sushi regularly for more than two years. We love it! We often order their specialties; blue fin tuna, lobster rolls, and their amazing live scallop, which is prepared as a two-part meal. Half of it is raw and delicate, and the other part is cooked with mushrooms, special sauce with spices. We love their miso sea bass, which is a warm tender dish, and very comforting. There is always a scurry over it when it arrives to the table, no matter how many orders we place! My uni with quail egg is always fresh and the perfect temperature. (Something that has often been inconsistent, in my 25 years of ordering it in other sushi bars.) Two of my favorites are the salmon pate which is a sashimi diced dish topped with jalapenos, and the tuna poki, which is cubed tuna tossed with fresh seaweed in a sesame seasoning. We also like the goyza pork dumplings with the teriyaki dipping sauce.

As you can see we primarily order sushi?s or sashimi?s, but have many friends that we have taken there that are not really fish eaters. I cannot speak for the dishes they order, but I can say that EVERY ONE of our friends, who have tried it, loves Yoshi?s.

We have a hard time going anywhere else now because it is so consistent, and fresh and that is always so when you go to other sushi bars!"

Pros: Great food and really friendly, helpful service.

Posted 02/11/09

Yoshi has been one of our favorite sushi spots since reading the reviews on Citysearch last year. The ambience feels inappropriately cheap compared to some of the menu prices, but the sushi makes up for what the decor lacks. Katsu-ya in Studio City being our all-time favorite LA sushi, we needed to find a place on the other side of the hill that had some similar specialty dishes. Yoshi offers a heartier version of the crispy rice with spicy tuna, excellent and inventive rolls (we love the sushi bomb and the spicy California ball), as well as fresh nigiri. I don't even like cucumbers, but the cucumber dish served when you sit is delicious! Yoshi has great drink specials like 2 for 1 beers and free sake bomb night (free sake when you order a beer) that keep us coming back on weekends. The friendly staff and delivery are an added bonus! Plan to spend a minimum of $20 a person if ordering specials.

Pros: Drink specials, delicious specialty dishes, friendly staff, usually no wait

Cons: Limited street parking, service can sometimes be slow

Posted 01/13/08

Attractive environment and pleasant atmosphere. Open and bustling bar; friendly and attentive staff. However, food quality is lacking. 5-10 minutes after ordering, I was told my halibut would have to be cut from a different section of the fish because they were running out, but that there wouldn't be too much of a difference; I accepted--a mistake. Halibut was gummy and popped in my mouth as I bit down; it tasted like it had been sitting out for entirely too long. It may have been cut against the grain; perhaps that contributed to the gumminess. Yes, I was warned and I accepted, but I was expecting slightly different flavor or hue; not what seemed to me to be bad fish.
My other orders were all decent; temperature issues and unimpressive flavors, but a good menu selection.
Prices are decent, yes, but better sushi is available in town for just as much of a deal, if not more. In short: I came, I ate, and I don't see myself ever returning. 3 stars for average.

Pros: Atmosphere, Staff

Cons: Food

Posted 10/09/07

Although I'd read good reviews, the food still exceeded my expectations. Most sushi at this price is of much lesser quality. All this fish was fresh and flavorful, not fishy or tough. I also ordered the spicy tuna on crispy rice cake which was a gamble because I'm extremely picky about spicy tuna, but there's was delightful. Not too spicy, or mayo-y, and it still tasted like fresh tuna. Plus they had scallions mixed in which I'm partial to. Service was somewhat slow but I was in good company and had no complaints. As an added bonus they had $1 sake (I'm not sure whether this is everyday or just Tuesdays). We tried both the hot and cold, the cold was very sweet and mild, the hot was dryer but still mild. Neither were spectacular but they were palatable and only a dollar! I plan on returning very soon.

Pros: good food at low prices

Cons: slow service

Posted 09/11/07

Ok, before going to this place, literally down my street, I checked out the reviews and was very surprised to see that this place was described as one of the best sushi places in LA. Low key, but very good sushi.
It is therefore with all confidence that I brought my friends there for dinner yesterday night.

Ambiance: Low key: check. But we didn't care at all. I know for a fact that usually good sushi places look like that.
Food: it was ok, quite good, really. But definitely not as good as other places in LA, such as Asakuma (Brentwood), Asuka (Westwood) etc. In my opinion, when you want to know what a sushi place can pull out, ask them for their specialty. Even better if it's a tempura style roll. Then you'll see what the chef can really do! I ordered the dragon roll (I think that's the name). I was good, very good, but I didn't think "wow this is GREAT sushi".
Time: ok, we waited for 40 minutes to get two rolls and an octopus salad. Or, sorry, and two beers. Maybe the bees took forever to brew or something. Really, it was quite upseting. Then we waited something like 10 minutes to get the check... eh well. It was not really expensive, so I guess it makes up for it ;-)
People: Really nice staff.

CONCLUSION: This place is a good neighborhood sushi place, but not "the best" place in LA, and is far from it. Other places are not more expensive, but better imo.

Pros: Price, friendly staff

Cons: Parking, Slow service

Posted 08/31/07

I've eaten at Yoshi's many times over the past year and have never been disappointed, but have also never been blown away by their sushi. The fish is always very fresh, the rolls creative, the following loyal, and the prices shockingly low. As neighborhood sushi restaurants go, Yoshi's is absolutely top of the line, but I don't know that I'd drive across town for it.

Posted 08/22/07

Yoshi's is excellent. The fish is fresh, the service friendly, and the atmosphere inviting. They have drink specials including half off sake night, I believe on Thursdays, and sake bomb night on Saturdays. They have some very creative rolls, the spicy spicy roll being one of my favorites. The sushi is very good and they have this amazing Chilean sea bass in a miso glaze that you must try.

Pros: Sushi

Cons: Parking

Posted 08/20/07

The owner, Yoshi, and his wife care a lot about their customers and it shows. The fish is always fresh, the service is courteous, the place is clean and unpretentious, and the prices are fair.

Pros: Food is great, fair prices, great mom & pop place

Cons: No cons

Posted 08/12/07

A few of my friends recommended this place and I wasn't disappointed. I almost avoided it due to one of the reviews,then I read the other reviews and figured they were excellent, and my freinds wouldn't steer me wrong. I think the negative reviewer must be talking about a different restaurant! The fish was fresh and delicious, service nice and ambiance was ok. There were no neon signs or plastic dining wear. In fact this is one of the few establishments that still uses linen tableclothes. I have been back twice since and I crave spicy tuna on rice cake, and the Yuki roll. Glad I tried it , and might head over now for lunch! Oishi!

Pros: food, service, value

Cons: a little dark in the restaurant

Posted 08/11/07

I honestly think that the people who write good reviews for this place are either on the payroll there or haven't eaten sushi anywhere else. The fish was a bit fishy, not the freshest, and the place feels like a school cafeteria. It felt a bit grubby, and believe me I am not an ambiance snob--especially when it comes to great food--but everything about this place is cheesy and lowbrow. Neon signs, flourescent lighting, cheesy plastic plates, yuck. The rolls were below average, a few of them were inedible due to over saucing and fishy fish smell, and the only nigiri that we wanted to eat was the Tai (Japanese snapper) but that did not make the visit worthwhile. There's a difference between CHEAP and INEXPENSIVE, and this place is cheap. You get what you pay for and here you don't pay much...

Cons: fishy fish, bad atmosphere, cheap untasty food

Posted 07/28/07

My neighbor recommended this place to me and described it as a mom and pop sushi joint with high quality, fresh sushi. Decided to check it out since it's walking distance from my digs, and I feel lucky to have made the trip! High quality, tasty sushi at a moderate price. I completely agree with xstarsfallingx's review. I don't usually like rolls either, but the Yuki roll had a wonderful texture and was not too sweet even though it contains crab. The kanpachi was delish, and the veggie roll was full of fresh flavors and great crunch - an excellent accompaniment to the tasty agedeshi tofu soup. Our sushi chef explained to us the main chef/owner buys fresh fish every day from downtown LA, and took the time to explain the flavors and textures of each fish we hadn't tried before. That's the kind of personal service and great food I'm so happy to live near by. We will definitely be coming back for Saturday night sake bomb night. Kampai!

Posted 07/08/07

It's not romantic or fancy, but their fish is fresh, and sushi chefs are great! Their special rolls are excellent. It's worth trying.

Pros: great food and great service.

Cons: parking

Posted 06/12/07

Tried this place based on the reviews and was not disappointed. Definitely the best value in LA. The sushi was very fresh. Try albacore. Good caterpillar and spicy tuna rolls too. The service was great as well. The waitress even let me use her cell phone to phone a friend that I was waiting for when I realized that I forgot my phone. Will definitely be coming back here!

Pros: fresh fish, great service

Cons: parking

Posted 12/03/06

ok, i lived in new york for two years and just moved here recently, so i am still looking for the counterpart of Go from new york. yoshi is quite good, but not as good as Go in new york. but still it's my la sushi place that's for sure!

Cons: parking in rear

Posted 09/18/06

Love it. Love it. Love it. We live right down the street from Yoshi's, and based on the reviews here decided to finally give it a try. Wow. It has quickly become one of our favorite sushi bars. Although I usually don't buy rolls, I seem to happily toss down $10 for the Jewelry Mine roll everytime we eat there. The service is great, the fish is fresh. They do deliver, which we initially always opted for, but when we finally dined in we found out they actually pay out of pocket for an outside delivery service (without charging us on the receiving end), so we have since decided to eat in or take-out.

Definitely worth a try if you're looking for a small neighborhood sushi bar with personal attention.

Pros: great fish, great service

Cons: limited seating, bar always full

Posted 08/02/06

So many sushi restaurants charge you an arm and a leg for quality. Not so at Yoshi's. The fish is fresh, the cut is just right (not too small or too chunky), and the prices are really outstanding for the freshness and quality that you get. Yum.

Pros: Quality, service

Cons: Parking

Posted 07/13/06

Happened upon Yoshi's one night and it was so good we went back again 2 days later (i'm feeling a craving coming on). The spicy tuna is some of the best I've had lately and the rice cakes are excellent. Really nice owners, friendly and attentive service. Can't wait to try the bomb next time!

Pros: Excellent sushi, mom-and-pop feel, not pretentious

Posted 06/05/06

This place is an unbelievable find. The sushi is fresh, creative and affordable. I go here for lunch and dinners several times a week. Beats Sushi Roku and the some other high end places in food quality and value. Highly recommended.

Pros: great food, prices

Cons: none

Posted 05/11/06

Decided to come here after reading positive reviews. The sushi and sashimi was very good, the rolls not quite as good. Good value for the money, though, and the regulars seemed like they were getting really nice attention. We felt welcome, and I would certainly return.

Pros: Great Sushi, Friendly Staff, Good value

Cons: Tough parking, Rolls only so-so

Posted 04/22/06

We love coming here on any night of the week, especially saturday nights (sake-bomb night!) The sushi is THE BEST in town, the atmosphere is simple, comfortable, and welcoming. Definitely a ma-and-pop sushi joint. We have made it a regular weekly destination. Try the cobra roll and the dragon roll, or just sushi- the fish is fresh and delicious.

Pros: Food quality, Friendly, Price

Cons: Parking

Posted 03/31/06

Everyone I have recommended Yoshi's Sushi in West Hollywood to has enjoyed it so much they have returned time and time again for great plates served up by Yoshi himself. I call it a "mom and pop" sushi joint. I hope the name does not do it a disservice, because the moment one walks through the door they are treated with a warmth and kindness that carries throughout the best sushi meal one may have in the Los Angeles area. Try a saki bomb...Yoshi is not afraid to have one too.

Pros: Friendly, Scrumptious, Great

Posted 01/07/06

I've eaten here several times over the last few months and it seems to get better every time. Don't let the slightly tacky exterior and the less than glamorous interior put you off. Mr Yoshi and his staff are extremely welcoming, and the food is top quality. Mr Yoshi's own creations are well worth checking out, especially the sushi bomb and the miso sea bass. I used to love eating at Sushi Roku, but for half of the price I can eat the same standard or higher at Yoshi's. The place has charm, character and quality food, go and check it out before everyone else catches on..

Posted 11/30/05

The food is amazing, the prices are great, and the service and extra little touches are excellent. It's my new favorite sushi spot in L.A.!

Posted 11/15/05

I enjoyed a wonderful dining experience at Yoshi's sushi. I went with a group of friends and we were greeted immediately by Yoshi. The atmosphere was welcoming and the food was exceptional. We ordered a variety of sashimi and rolls. It was all fresh and delicious. In addition to our orders, Yoshi served us a creation of his called the sushi bomb! It was crunchy yet soft, with crab , wrapped in nori, with a candle lit on top. This bomb sent a wonderful taste explosion in my mouth!!!! It has become my favorite. A must try. My friend from Idaho is not a sushi fan and ordered the chicken teryiaki. I had to try a bite and must say that the teryaki sauce is the best I have ever tried. I highly reccomend Yoshi's sushi for quality, flavor, value, and service.

Pros: freshness, quality, value

Posted 09/30/05

With the entire craze about everything "Asian" in Los Angeles I went to Yoshis on a recommendation of a friend. The place is small and the waitresses are ready to serve you as you walk through the door. You go to other sushi joints around town and get attitudes, well, there's none of that here. Authentic sushi is all you get. Chef Yoshis' sushi skills are way ahead of the competitors at other trendy Sushi restaurants. I highly recommend the rolls and the light salads. The portions are all fresh and actually pretty big. The food and service were excellent that, when I got the check I actually wanted to leave a good tip. This is really a must if youre tired of all the "fusion sushi" around town and want to taste authentic Japanese sushi.

Pros: Freshness of food, Clean restaurant, Authenticity

Posted 07/07/05

I have been to a couple of sushi restaurants in the same area and yoshi's sushi is by far the best sushi restaurant! I love his presentation, taste, and the passion that he puts in his sushi. The space is small but it feels cozy and comfortable, I always feel welcome and not overwhelmed. I have been recommending yoshi's sushi to all of my friends and they are becoming regulars. Yoshi's sushi is a great place to hang out eat great food and enjoy friends company. I had my birthday party there this year and yoshi made me feel special. Thank you Yoshi!

Pros: great price, great service, great food

Posted 07/03/05

Yoshi and his wife (?) could not be any nicer and the sushi is great! It's a perfect low-key sushi option with plenty of bars etc. to walk to afterward. Highly recommended.

Pros: sushi, service, location

Posted 06/30/05

This is turning out ot be a great little neighbothood Sushi joint. Yoshi (the owner/sushi chef) makes an effort to learn everyone's names by keeping information on a pile of index cards behind the bar. He is also a very creative chef - drop the menu and ask him to make you something new and different. Or, if you dare - go for whatever's still alive in the tank - he'll serve that to you too.

Pros: Service, fresh fish, unique specials

Cons: small, dark

Posted 06/10/05