It is a known fact that the California roll was invented in the 1970s at an LA restaurant called Tokyo Kaikan by a sushi chef who either (a) wished to make Japanese maki sushi (rolls) more appealing to American palates&mdashnamely, by replacing the raw fish part with crab, cucumber, and avocado&mdashor (b) ran out of toro, or fatty tuna, one day and substituted avocado, for its similarly creamy, oily texture. Perhaps it was a combination of both that led to the first California roll. Still, in any case, it was a runaway national hit and proved an ideal transition for many Americans into the world of proper sushiden. Here are a few places to try it.
Iroha Sushi of Tokyo
Iroha is a Valley institution hidden behind a folk art boutique on Ventura Blvd., with a big indoor/outdoor room that feels like you're eating sushi in a bamboo forest. This cosy Studio City restaurant is one of the most popular sushi spots in the Valley. While the nigiri and chirashi bowls are more than respectable, plenty of diners come specifically for the creative rolls, which get extra attention to detail in the plating. You really only need to focus on a few things the spicy tuna on crispy rice, spicy miso soup, and any of their bento lunch boxes (soup, salad, rice, three pieces of sushi, and a choice of sashimi or tempura for 24 USD).
Address 12953 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
Phone number (818) 990-9559
Sushi KATSU-YA
One of the most consistently packed sushi joints in the San Fernando Valley, Katsu-ya is a minimalist sushi mecca by chef Katsuya Uechi with three other locations on the north side of the Hollywood Hills. At Katsu-Ya Group, the classic manner of making superb sushi meets new methods and innovation. Katsu-Ya Group creates high-quality sushi and brings it to Los Angeles in a variety of styles. Katsu-Ya expertly prepares fresh tuna, albacore, salmon, crab, scallops, and a variety of other fish. The Katsu-Ya Group takes pleasure in setting the standard for Japanese cuisine in Southern California.
Address 11680 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
Phone number (818) 985-6976
Noshi Sushi
A Japanese sushi restaurant was unusual when Shogo originally started Noshi Sushi in Los Angeles in 1983. In 2009, the head chefs who had worked with Shogo for over 15 years began running Noshi Sushi per his wishes. The aim was, and has been to provide their customers with wonderful Japanese food. For the past 40 years, they have maintained the same recipes, processes, and many other details. Authentic sushi, appetisers, and tempura are available. Arrive during any acceptable dinner hour and expect to wait upwards of an hour to snag a table at Koreatown's ever-popular Noshi Sushi. That's because over-stuffed rolls like the signature spicy tuna are priced under five bucks, making it easy to walk away without putting a dent in the wallet.
Address 4430 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Phone number (323) 469-3458
Sushi by H
Sushi by H is a small mom-and-pop neighbourhood sushi restaurant in Los Angeles' Mid-City district that serves fresh, quality seafood and pleasant service. This boisterous Beverly Grove sushi restaurant doesn't shy away from specialising in sushi rolls. The modestly priced rolls go from classic caterpillar (eel and avocado) to rainbow all the way to the signature San Vicente roll with spicy tuna, shrimp tempura wrapped in soy paper, and crab.
Address 480 S San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone number (323) 782-0547
Boss Sushi
It's easy to whiz past Boss Sushi's nondescript storefront on La Cienega. However, in-the-know locals frequent Boss for its exceptional quality-to-price ratio and an extensive menu of tasty, albeit zany, rolls. Boss Sushi in Los Angeles is well-known for its fresh and exquisite sushi meals prepared in the genuine Japanese style and served in a calm and modern setting. Enjoy the daikon and shiitake salad with spicy sesame dressing as an appetiser, followed by the huge scallop ceviche with yuzu citrus sauce. The marinated grilled black cod, hot udon noodle soup served with a spicy albacore donburi rice bowl, and crispy breaded Japanese-style fried chicken are among the speciality kitchen entrées at Boss Sushi.
Address 270 La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone number (310) 659-5612
Cover photo credit Deposit photos
ALSO READ Fooding Through Hokkaido