Kiriko Sushi

Kiriko is a petite sushi spot occupying one of the suits in the business complex located on Sawtelle Blvd and W Olympic Blvd, with the long sushi counter seating 12 people and maybe five or six tables inside, the restaurant is usually packed with longtime regulars who know it to be one of the best sushi in Los Angeles, but they are also open to newbies and walk-ins if available.

Kiriko's Ken Namba is one of the few itamae that successfully blends current and classic sushi stylings. Namba smokes plump tomato geleé or squares of vivid orange kingfish in the rear kitchen some nights. Occasionally, pale skipjack lozenges with yuzu peel and shaved pink sea salt are served. He might even surprise you with a bowl of mashed cooked tuna with chunks of okra, green onion, and grated yamaimo, a dish that would be a hit at any PTA potluck. Kiriko is a spot where being a regular pays off: your albacore sashimi with ponzu jelly one night might become a grilled filet coated with fried garlic the next. Of course, sitting at the gorgeous, rough-hewn sushi bar, all dark and mahogany, with Namba calmly doting overhead is reason enough to inspire regular visits.

Address: 11301 W Olympic Blvd #102, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Website: https://www.kirikosushi.com/