Sushi Nozawa

Great rice with fresh fish – The rice is one of kind. It is usually overlooked in most sushi eater's description of a sushi experience.

The fish is great but they lose a point (or more) for a lack of ambience and the ample unfriendliness

Best food in town – Food is amazing. Every time I come here, I feel like I never want to leave. Very chic atmosphere with a relaxing mood.

The service is great and the staff really does a terrific job at taking care of you.

The appetizers are delicious.

Theres plenty of places to park: theres a parking lot across the street and a parkin garage up the street within walking distance.

Most of the time I find myself looking at my watch waiting for the food to come, but here I was so entertained with the fun atmosphere that I was pleasantly surprised when my food arrived

Don't go there – It is a little difficult to write a bad review about a restaurant where the food quality is pretty high. However, considering the century and the place we are living in, other factors such as professionalism, customer service, etc are not only preferred but also required. I have heard many stories about the "Hitler" and "Nazi" owner of the place, but recently, after being a loyal customer to ?Nozawa?, I had my own experience from which I understood one think: no matter how good the food is, one has to respect himself/herself by not obeying to some nonsense rules created by some fish cutter and allowing that person to be rude with his customers, who yells at his guests by forgetting that these same customers are the source of the money that goes into his pocket every month. There are other good sushi places in LA, such as Iroha or Katsuya, where you feel that you are welcomed, which is not the case in Nozawa, depending on the chef?s ?mood of the day?. The owner is mentally misbalanced, rude and simply unhappy with his life. I prefer staying away from people like that and would suggest the same to those who had similar encounters with him. I respect myself enough to spend that $40.00 of lunch money in a restaurant where the customer service and the price range are on the same level.

take a pass – I'm not sure where people are drinking the cool aid here. The sushi was remarkably average, while unbelievable over priced. The only thing I may trust this guy about is his investments, it is definitely not his food.

Simple and the Best – Skip ordering a la carte, and instead, put your taste buds in the hands of Nozawa's head chef/owner, Nozawa-san, aka the "Sushi Nazi" himself. By ordering omakase (Japanese for chef's choice), your sushi is personally hand-picked. From toro and yellowtail, to uni and albacore, every fish chosen is fresh and the quality is truly unbeatable.

Absolutely Brilliant – Christmas Eve, my son was invited to a friends home and we didn't want to cook so we decided to look for a place in the neighborhood. Both my husband and I love sushi and we were driving down the street and Sushi Nozawa was open. Never been there before but I thought I heard it was good. If there is ever a chef's special I get it because it's usually great. This was no exception. First of all, we were very hungry. The size of the fish - the quantity, was enormous, but not only that it was delicious, very tasty, with wonderful light sauces (ponzu, or whatever). I was so surprised. The rolls were the best I've ever had in my life. Do they make their own wraps? Anyone know? I never use soy sauce unless I taste first, and I didn't use soy sauce on any of the sushi here. There was no need. The red snapper melted in your mouth. The cuddle fish was good, but best of all was the second fish they served - the one with thinly slice scallions. What the hell was it? AMAZING. I may just move to Japan. All the fish just melted away. Sad, really, because I ate more than I've ever eaten in my life. The service was perfect. This nice woman came by and told my husband not to use soy sauce on a specific dish - which was not intrusive at all but very helpful because soy sauce spoiled the taste. I don't understand how the fish could be so tender. I can't wait to bring my family, from NJ here when they come out.

Best Sushi in LA - Hands Down – I used to be a regular at Sassabone back at its old location. When we discovered a place that also did a "Trust the Chef" about 30 minutes closer to our home, my family decided to try Nozawa. Over the course of the past 2 years, Nozawa has easily surpassed Sassabone in food quality, service, decor & general vibe.

The fish is always perfect - fresh, melt in your mouth, not the least bit "fishy" or tough, as most sushi is when prepared in a mediocre way aka most everywhere else. The fish itself it so fresh and delicious that Nozawa doesn't need to drench it in spicy mayos or add crazy ingredients. If that's what you're looking for, go somewhere else.

Nozawa is about the fish, the homemade wasabi, and the ponsu sauce. Once you go Nozawa, you never go back. I can't eat other sushi now. I've been spoiled!

These Reviews are Hysterical – If one takes the time to notice, all Japanese fine art is essentially minimalistic. Be it poetry, music, calligraphy or food, the Japanese aesthetic involves a minimal structure, rigidly defined, where the subtlest deviation from the norm speaks tomes.The Art of Sushi is to approach impossibly high standards which can never be realized; a meal can be evaluated only by how close it comes to the theoretical perfection. Sushi is pickled rice, just sticky enough to barely hold itself together (if you are one to dip the rice in soy sauce, stop reading and buy at Von's), and sushi (rice) must be served immediately (yes, warm). As for rolls, the only rolls served traditionally at a BAR are tekka and kappa, unless the chef decides to serve you something to sample in a hand roll. That being said, Sushi Nozawa is church for eating raw fish. LA is a huge market for sashimi grade fish, tons of GREAT fish to choose from every day, but Nozawa-san gets to pick first. So if what you want is a roll filled with three kinds of seafood with five different pieces of fish wrapped around the outside, covered in sauce, DON'T EAT HERE. On the other hand, if you want to eat mindblowing fish in an environment designed not to distract your senses, this is the place to go. Jay Patterson

To my surprise, Nozawa was a failure in my book – As to the citysearch review, my girlfriend and I went to Sushi Nozawa last night and were completely surprised when we walked in. First off, the second you walk in you witness a packed house that was DEAD silent. Everyone was whispering and it was extremely uncomfortable. We sat down at a table and ordered (minimum of 4 dishes per person). After about 3-5 minutes the waiter came back with a large dish with all of our sushi looking anything but interesting. So QUIETELY we ate, and the fish was fresh, maybe even the freshest I've had. But, it was nothing special, nothing to enhance the taste of the fish. I ordered the house cold sake and when we got the bill it was $90, I realized their house sake is $25 a bit much and that they forgot to give us something we ordered. We were still very hungry and headed over to iWata for more. Check out iWata if you want a great experience for a great price.

Don't be intimidated - BEST. SUSHI. EVER. – Like many, I had always heard the rumors about Nozawa - the chef is mean and crazy, the place is small and cramped - well all those may be true....although I found the staff quite plesant. But then again, we sat at a table and didn't have to interact with the chef. The place is kind of non-descript, with chairs you'd find in a church basement or a pizza parlor, but...... this is the BEST sushi I have ever had in my life! I have been fortunate to have dined at some of the best sushi restaurants in the world, but never has sushi been as fresh as this. It literally melts in your mouth. Go do your tastebuds a favor and get to Sushi Nozawa. The only downside is that it any place else will seem inferior.

A bit intimidating, but delicious food. – For a few years now I've read about Nozawa with fascination. I finally decided to find out if 1) the chef is as scary as everyone says and 2) the fish is worth the intimidation. Well, it isn't the warmest welcome I've ever received in a sushi place. I arrived at 5:30 p.m. on the dot per Citysearch instructions, and I was the only person in the restaurant. Nozawa was behind the bar with an assistant, silent. I asked to be seated at the bar, and the guy who greeted me asked me if I knew the rule about Nozawa choosing everything for me. I said I knew the rules, and sat down. I ordered green tea, and was then given a succulent pile of baby tuna right off the bat. Yum! It was followed by some of the freshest, most delicious fish I've ever had. Say what you will about the N-man being intimidating, but DON'T knock the sushi. It's delicious, and obviously expertly selected every day. The warm rice was a change for me, and it does fall apart quite easily, but after a few tries I kept it together. The hand rolls of fresh crab and toro were nice accompaniments, quickly made and loosely bound. Crunchy and tasty, nonetheless. I wasn't sure when the meal would be over, but lo and behold after 12 pieces of sushi his assistant told me the set was done and asked me if I would like any more. I asked him to give me one more selection. Nozawa looked at me and said "YOU CHOOSE." Yikes! I chose to have one more tuna appetizer, which was given to me before I could blink. Then the meal was over. I unceremoniously paid the bill, got up, walked out the door, and entered back into the lowly world of California rolls. So here's my suggestion: go to Nozawa with a full wallet and make sure you savor every bite, because otherwise it will be over too soon. I would go back as a very special treat, but next time I would FORCE myself to take my time. There's nothing to be scared of. Sit at a table if you're scared, and to save money. And then enjoy! As Nozawa's sign says "Don't think, just EAT."

traditional sushi perfection – I must write to contradict some reviews and corroborate others... Sushi Nozawa does truly deliver perfectly prepared sushi. Hype? Well, if fusion/Americanized rolls smothered in eel sauce are your thing, Nozawa is not. I even like some of those concoctions, but they're not traditional and they lack the subtlety of truly fine sushi. If you want a big meal of cooked dishes along with your sushi, or to be a group of loud, hard-drinking, boisterous folks, this is not the place.

What Nozawa offers is the freshest, most delicious, delicate sushi you will find, with beautifully prepared rice which, yes, should be slightly warm and not overly packed. The service we received was very friendly and gracious. We ordered omikase, meaning we let the chef serve what he chose. Every single item was delectable (tuna sashimi, albacore, red snapper, yellowtail, blue crab maki, scallop maki). I could have sat another hour and eaten through it all again, and then some, but such gluttony would have detracted from the experience.

Horrible! – I totally agree with the comment from ?what?s the hype?. I just went there last Friday night. That was worst sushi I ever had. The quality of fish was awful. It was not fresh, and very oily. I got hurt burn afterwards. The sushi rice was not put together right, and it fell apart before I picked it up. With that bad quality, bad service, and no selection of drinks, the charge was too much. With only water, they charged $50 per person for an appetizer, toro, yellowtail, snapper, and albacore. They served sushi with plastic plates, ginger was too dry, and no taste in green tea. No wonder Japanese don?t go there. I gave them a benefit of doubt but it was my mistake that I went there. I will never ever go back there again. I rather buy tuna rolls from local grocery store.

WHATS ALL THIS HYPE???? – Honestly...i've had better...and i want that hour of my life and my 80 bucks back. Dont get me wrong...fresh fish?? YES...is the best and freshest fish i ever in my entire life?? NO ...

i actually talked to a guy before walking in and he stated " yea ive been all over the world..and even japan...and this has to be the best place i have ever gone.."

Yea... after trying it..i thought to myself..not really..and if anyone honestly think its the freshest fish have ever had..THEN THEY HAVE NOT BEEN TO MANY GREAT SUSHI PLACES AND DONT KNOW WHERE ITS REALLY AT... thats all i gotta say... better than japan?? HA...try not even the best in LA...

It was good fish...but it wasnt the best..and to top it off with an overly quiet atmosphere and the head chef who tends to give you an evil eye as if ur being analyzed and judged and he is waiting to kick you out...that makes it worse...

I wanted to be able to enjoy good food and my beer and relax..but was not able too..there is better and dont believe the hype.

Excellent fresh fish, awesome chef's choice, 'strict' atomosphere adds to it – What is it that really keeps me wanting Nozawa? The Sushi was fresh and excellent, the rice was warm and pleasant, and the Sushi 'N a z i' experience just added to the experience. I opted for the bar, which was chef's choice. I had numerous pieces, including some hand rolls. No alcohol, the bill came out to about $60 a person including tax and tip. The snapper, baby toro, albacore, yellow tail, and halibut were all excellent! The only somewhat odd tasting was the salmon, although I'm personally not a fan of it anyways. The waiter also mentioned the wasabi was fresh, which added to the delight. The decor of the place is fairly bland, but I go to places for the food, not the decor.

Best Cut – Forget about ambiance, forget about decor. Forget about you cellies too! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the best cut, best tasting fish, and rice you have tasted in a sushi spot. Nozawa has raised the bar to another level. No other place that I have gone to after this restaurant equals or surpasses. Just trust me!!!

Sloppy sushi – Wow. This was the sloppiest sushi I've ever had, either in the US or Japan. It was good fresh fish, but created poorly. The rice was still hot, and not of good enough texture to stick together. When you picked up a piece, it just fell apart. The fish was also cut sloppily, and very much aesthetically unpleasing. The whole place revolves around the theme of "trust me." It means that you are serves what the chef deems. However, there are multiple choices in the sushi cooler over the sushi bar that are not served. What happens to all that fish? Anyway, I don't want to go back. It was fairly unpleasant on all levels, but not awful. I don't understand how this chef earned his good rep.

tragic mistake. – If you are looking for a gloomy sushi restaurant, with a strong smell, a rude owner and NO service: this is a place for you!

Stay away from Nozawa. We have been fed some (rather good) sushis on cheap plastic plates as fast as humanly possible and then asked to leave because some other people were waiting for a table.

Especially in LA, were choices are immense, why go get insulted in that ****hole??

Rip your taste buds off – Yes, the atmosphere is stale and yes, you can't order anything you like but for anybody who really likes the sushi served in a more traditional way, eAT here. The fish might be the best I have had, but more importantly, THE RICE! The texture, temperature, and sweetness of the rice reminded me that there is more to sushi than just the fish. The rice here really adds to the taste of the fish instead of simply acting as filler. The price is reasonable considering I have spent just as much at similar sushi restaurants and received less quality and quantity. If you are in the mood for elaborate rolls and a relaxed atmosphere, considering going elsewhere.

This sushi will b l o w you away – The place looks like hell - small, terrible lighting, like a pizza place in a strip mall, but its clean and once you walk in you realize its an institution. Its always packed both at the bar and the tables, and there is no menu. All the walls are covered with pictures that say 'trust me' because the chef does the picking for you. And boy, what pickings. the sushi is quite a friendly selection of fish, nothing too exotic or unusual, but when you put it in your mouth you'd think you died and went to heaven. i don't know how they get the sushi so fresh or the rice so yummy, but it is so fresh that there isn't even the slightest hint that this is fish! We've gone quite a few fridays in a row, only to then notice that a meal that takes 30 minutes to go through (the chef's choice is like 7 courses and served very efficiently) can cost $150 for 2 very quickly. Worth the money, but if you want some more ambiance there are other choices on the strip. I have a friend who comes from ny and eats here 2 meals a day on every day he is in LA. Everyone should try at least once.

third time is still the charm – Imagine going to a restaurant where you have little or no say in what you are served. Seems absurd, right? Well, you need to get over that little hang-up because at Nozawa, its the Chef's way or the highway. Plus, be prepared to pay for the honor of being treated gruffly by the man whom Sienfeld's rude "Soup Not-see" (spelled phonetically because Citysearch wouldn't allow the use of the very word they used in their review, sigh) was based upon.

The sushi and sashimi is out of this world, each created with expertise. Not that you'll need it, but I would recommend NOT reaching for the Soy Sauce in his presence...trust me on this one.

All in all, a dining experience that is so totally L.A. and will have you looking forward to your next visit.

Really amazing sushi, but a bit pricey – I loved this place. Great food and cool relaxed ambiance. Really, the sushi was unlike any I'd ever had. It was first rate and made it a great night.

This is a house of worship – I have a pretty serious beef with anyone who claims to be a sushi lover but doesn't fall on their knees after eating here. Yes, the service is minimal; yes, the decor is virtually nonexistant; no, don't expect fusion fried whatnot; and no, don't order, just get the chef's special.

If you like fusion sushi, go to Katsu-Ya or Koi on La Cienega; if you are a sushi disciple, go to Nozawa. And don't go with someone chatty, just go with someone who loves sushi as much as you and will just eat and be amazed.

Trust me.

Average at best – We decided to try this place on a Wednesday night, since Katsu-ya down the street was completely packed. When we arrived at 8:00 pm..there were only 3 tables seated..granted there are about 6 tables all together in the restaurant plus the sushi bar. The place was deadly silent and as soon as we entered...all the waiters and sushi chefs just stared at us, while the customers seemed too afraid to speak whatsoever. The place resembles a mental institution. I have never experienced such silence in a restaurant. Essentially, it was completely the opposite of Katsu-ya. If you like plain, simple rolls versus the creative, tempura-fried, saucy ones, then you'll like Sushi Nozawa. Nozawa was extremely expensive and we basically paid the same price per person as we do for Katana! IT was outrageous, given that there is a minimum of 4 orders per person. I thought the fish was okay, not outstanding. The sashimi was falling off the rice. Everything was just very plain and boring. There was nothing creative about the dishes. They were all simple and unoriginal, and the menu was very limited. We definitely felt cheated, since we left hungry and upset at the prices. The service was pretty unhelpful, and I would definitely recommend Katsu-ya more than Nozawa. There's actually no comparison between the two.

What abuse? Just yum! – I don't understand. I was so freaked out by reviewers comments about Nozawa-san being abusive that I was actually NERVOUS to go there one evening to finally give the legendary Nozawa a try. There was no abuse, even though I would have kicked a couple of the annoying Hollywoods at the end of the sushi bar speaking too loudly about "The Biz." In fact the older woman who greeted me was very gracious and kind. Having just returned from New York and eaten at my favourite sushi restaurant there (Tomoe Sushi), I was determined to settle my great personal debate... East Coast or West Coast sushi? All I can tell you is that I left Nozawa that night having feasted on some of the finest, freshest fish ever served up on a warm tasty little pat of rice. The sashimi was perfectly and I might add, creatively cut. And the unbelievably fresh crab he served to me quickly wrapped into an ultra-crispy handroll, was SUBLIME!

I should also mention that Nozawa is by far the fastest sushi experience I have ever had. Granted I went on a Tuesday night around 8:00 and I was by myself which made it easier for them to seat me. I was sat at the bar immediately. But seriously, I reached my "full" point in about 12 minutes. Faster than it took me to drive there. I still can't figure out if that was a good thing. Oh, and that full point I mentioned? Yeah, I ate past that point by letting him feed me three more orders! And I'm petite! It just tasted so good and I was curious to see what he'd serve up next. East Coast vs. West Coast? I don't know.... I've certainly got my faves.

Great Place if You Really Like Sushi – The first time I went here and was blown away by the quality of the fish. You have to be willing to try different kinds of sushi to appreciate the chef special. There were no incidents during my time at the restaurant. The service was good and we were seated promptly.

great sushi – the sushi here is quality and very fresh. people talk a lot about the chef but really, don't be an obnoxious LA-er as the people who complain are. shut off the cellphone, stop pretending you know everything about how sushi bars should be, and making stupid complicated orders. here no one will bend over and backwards to stroke your ego, just come here open minded, patient, and you'll be rewarded with really good, fresh sushi. if you want soemthing mroe restaurant ish, go to sushi gen in little tokyo. the sushi there is some of the best and not pricey. not ubertrendy either. at both places, prepare to wait, but the food is worth it. and you will see actual japanese folk at sushi gen.

Great sushi but the chef is a bad guy – I used to eat here often and the food was very good. However after being out of LA for four years, I had a bizarre experience when I went back. As soon a I walked in the door, I received a call on my cell phone. I was told by one of the helpers 'no cell phones,' so I went outside to finish the call, which was from an important client. When I came back in, Nozawa starts going on and on about the cell phone. I apologized and told him that I have turned off the phone. His response was "Get out of here!" I asked him if he was serious. He repeated "Get out of here!" On the way out, when my back was turned, he cowardly threw a sticky rice ball at me that got all over the back of my shirt. I thought about going back in and confronting him, but he had a knife and I didn't, plus I was with my 75-year-old Dad, so I let it go. Lots of people here say the guy is a rude a-hole. This is now confirmed by me. Unbelievable.

average and over priced – gotta be honest guys. not so great. i eat sushi constantly and this place falls right in the middle. maybe it was all the hype, but i left with no $ in my pocket and still hungry. there is no vibe to the place at all. it feels a bit institutional. not terrible, but not great.

Don't think. Just eat! – If you truly love sushi, this is hands down the best place to go. No, it is not romantic or trendy, and they don't have fancy drinks or dessert. However, the fish will melt in your mouth. If you're nice to Nozawa, he will be nice to you. Don't ask for a spicy tuna roll or for no rice with your sushi. That's just asking for trouble. If you're daring enough to try something that not many people eat (like uni or octopus), he will really appreciate that. You may even get a smile out of him. I try to go there once a month or so because I consider it a treat. I usually end up being disappointed when I go to other places because the fish is just not as good or as fresh. Trust me!

It's OK, but I won't say it's the best – So I've been to Urasawa (formerly Ginza Sushi-Ko) in Beverly Hills and I must say that Urasawa is a lot more expensive ($750 for 2 with lots of sake) yet the impeccible service, atmosphere and very special food+presentation will make it still worth it.

Because of the reviews telling people how easily it is to set off Sushi Nozi, I warned my family first that they shouldn't request for anything. We sat at a table since we had 7 people. The mexican waiter asked us what we want to order and we said we will get the Omakasa dinner. The food came quickly. It is good, but I won't say that I must go back again. The semi cooked shrimp is different, but that is not something I like in particular. I think we finished our food in about 45 mins. The bill came out to about $350 plus tax and tips, so it is a lot of good food and about $50 per person.

Overall, it is not bad but it is not great so I don't think I need to go back again. There are a lot more places with about the same price and just as good if not better food and service and atmosphere. Perhaps that's the best place in the Valley but probably not in the entire Los Angeles. Off hand I can name several restaurants makasa style restaurants that are really good, including Takao (on San Vicente in Brentwood), Sasabune, Echigo, Urasawa.

BEST SUSHI IN LA – I love reading all the reviews below. Let's face it, you can't please everyone?

The BEST SUSHI in LA is NOZAWA. No take out (because of the warm rice the fish would spoil).

Very rushed service, because they are normally "slammed" and want to seat everyone sooner than later. Prices aren't cheap and they shouldn't be, it's the Best anywhere!!!!

Sushi that is not worth the abuse on your wallet – We sat at the bar to get the real sushi nozawa experience, but it was a disappointing experience. First, as soon as we sat down, we realized that his assistent was doing a lot of the "finishing touches" on the sushi. Which as far as I can tell, was under the chefs command to top everything off with ponzu sauce. It made everything taste the same and I could not appreciate the flavors of the fish. It felt like everything was rushed, and we were shoved sushi that was not lovingly crafted.

No Take Out - No Manners – I called to order sushi for pick up. The man answering the phone was difficult to understand, brash and inpolite. I asked if I could order sushi for take out. He said NO and hung up the telephone!

GOOD LAUGH AT THE " SUSHI NAZI" – I was so excited to finally try the (un)famous NOzawa. Unfortunately it did not happen. Not because I wasnt hungry or I did not asked for a service, but actually I got kicked out. We choose the table over the bar know the rules. I politely asked her, we just want to order sashimi from the menu. She went and asked and the next was screaming and shouting and the most impolite, barbarian act I have ever seen in a restaurant. He said; no rice no fish, GO! and showed us the door. NOzawa isnt the cool sushi nazi anymore; it is just a drunken chef stuck behind the bar in a poorly decorated, tiny restaurant somewhere in the Valley. NOzawa has bad ambience and poor service. DO NOT GO THERE ONLY IF YOU WANNA GET A GOOD LAUGH!!!NOT FOOD!!!

The BEST in Cali – Here are a few tips: Don't try and order at the bar, and if Nozawa asks you if you have any requests, show him respect and let him pick for you. I read some reviews that said they paid 60 bucks a person for 6 items. I had a much different experience; Nozawa gave me 8 items for only 42 bucks! If you show him respect, he will show your wallet respect.

Disappointed Long Time Patron – Being Japanese American, yes, this is amazing sushi. Which is why I am a 5 year customer, but, did Nozawa's prices just sky rocket? It was $120 before tipping for 2 of us - 6 servings, no beverages. Definitely NOT worth it. Previous visits were $65-90.

There are other great sushi bars in LA and OC. Ever notice the lack of Japanese customers in Nozawa? Because they know it's a rip off. I go to high end sushi bars with my Japanese parents here in the US & in Japan, where the service is gracious (as Japanese service ALWAYS is), we're served the freshest specialties, enjoy sake & beer & walk out paying $135 for three of us.

This may explain why for the first time, there was no line, all the tables were wide open and 4 seats were available at the bar at 7pm on Thursday night. Hmmmm.

User review by yasminsefer – All I have to say is "DO NOT TRUST" it is not worth the wait

BEST SUSHI EVER! – I love the sushi here! It is so fresh, and truly melts in your mouth with no fishy taste at all. This place is not about ambience or service...but the best sushi you will ever taste!

Wouldn't Go Again... – Maybe this is a "special" kind of restaurant, but I prefer the more "normal." I took three other people there with me, telling them about the great reviews. Two of us got there first, but they made us stand by the doorway until everyone arrived- even though we were the only ones in there on a rainy night. We ordered about 8 rolls to share as well as lots of sushi. Unfortunately, they dont believe in cutting rolls, so we had to cut the 4 inch rolls with our chopsticks so we could share them. They also frown upon avocadoes, cucumbers, smelt egg, or anything that might add a splash of color or flavor to their fish rolled in rice. The fish was nothing more than average. We ended up paying $75 per couple, which normally isn't bad for sushi, but we left hungry and without getting our sushi fix.

HEAVEN. – Just got back and i am in heaven. I have never had any fish of such a high quailty. Sit at the bar and omakase. Master Nozawa chooses everything for you. The person next to me tried to make a request and he was served his bill. Master Nozawa is an extremely kind man and an expert chef. He kept the resaurant open late for us and gave us shashimi on the house. He explained to me how all the other LA resaurants follow him to the market buying everything he does. He specializes in white fish, especially red snapper, but treated us with some orgasmic eel. The sushi is simple featuring the natural textures and tastes of his ultra superior fish. With tip and tax, I paid seventy dollars for nine dishes - a great deal anywhere. TRUST ME - this place is the bomb.

Give credit where credit is due... – My husband and I are serious sushi lovers and go about once a week so we finally decided to try after hearing and reading so much about this place. We didn't expect much going in considering the reviews about bad/lack of service, the sushi "Nazi", a long wait, and pricey cost.

We just wanted to find out if this sushi was worth it...and it was. Probably the best hamachi I've ever tasted here in the states. We ordered the omakase and finally decided to quit after the 7th item. The service wasn't that bad either and is similar to the service you would get in Japan. So come on people - give credit where credit is due - this place does it right when it comes to their fish and its quality.

50/50 – My Girlfriend and I went to check out this place after we heard about this sushi "nazi" guy. First of all, the service was terrible. The Sushi was very good, though very pricey.

The baby tuna sashimi is incredible, one of a kind. The albacore melts in your mouth. the salmon, suprisingly tasty best Ive had- they put some kind of transparent seaweed on top that is a bit sweet but not overwhelming. the scallop was awesome. Stay away from the yellowtail which I thought was below average. the sweet shrimp was cooked/not right with no shrimp heads which we thought is the best part. My girlfriend had the oysters which were mmm mmm mmm. tuna roll not good.

Best Sushi – this is the best sushi I've ever had - the decor isn't much to look at but you won't care once you start eating!!

Nozawa- still the best Omakase in LA – Without mentioning Urasawa, Nozawa is the Best in LA for Omakase and if your in Little Tokyo then Sushi Gen is a good selection. He is very selective about his fish and it shows. How anyone can complain about the price is beyond me but then a lot of people think Imitation Crab is ok too at other Places!

A bit overrated – Everyone raved about this place so much that I was expecting something even better. The sushi is good, but not to die for. The inside of the place is nothing spectacular. The best thing we had was the crab handroll, but other than that, the rest of the sushi was just good.

80s Oddity – i'm not really sure why this place is so popular. i went and had a good meal, but i've certainly had better. i did enjoy the crab hand roll at the end of omakase but i think sasabune on the westside does it better (chef used to be nozawa's apprentice). the decor is so 80s neon it's weird. there's always a wait, no reservations. don't get me wrong, food is good, but with so many competing sushi spots in the area i'm not sure how they stay on top. hard to find in a funky mini mall.

FABULOUS but only for true connoisseurs – Most of the reviewers here just don't get it. One should focus on the sushi experience and one's dining companion, not the fluorescent lights or spartan décor. Nozawa-san may be quiet and focused, but "nazi" is a rather harsh term for a talented chef determined to educate the uninitiated in the traditional sushi experience. True sushi disciples come here for the exceptional quality fish and check their egos at the door. Cool fish on warm rice, lightly dipped fish side down in sauce is how sushi should be eaten. Those who have compared Sushi Nozawa with Todai (hack) or Light and Healthy (strictly for beginners) have not acquired the finesse or experience to taste the subtlety and texture of Master Nozawa's selections. If you order omakase (chef's choice) you will have a richer experience. Expect to spend about $60 per person with one drink for the "Trust Me" special.

Top Three – If you want the best sushi in town go here. Period. End of discussion.

If, however, you want great sushi AND a great dining experience, go somewhere else like Nobu Malibu.

If you want great sushi and a good dining experience for bargain prices, go to Kazu in the Valley or Echigo on SM.

sushi nazi isn't really it – I just have to say im very disappointed by this sushi restaurant. what strikes me the most is that they feel like they are above their customers and u have to eat what they give u. i think it might be a funny idea, but hey the food better be good or ? so short said, the sushi was way below avarage. the fish itself was fresh and good, but the rice was very warm and it wasn't really nicely fitted around the fish to hold on it then i try to put it into sauce. also they constantly put some kind of sauce on top of it and take away the whole taste of the fish with that. last but not least the price. simply WAAYYY to high