Nozawa Bar

Nozawa Bar is an extraordinary little jewel box of a room and sushi counter, secreted away in the back of the Beverly Hills location of Sugarfish. Yet its menu, kitchen and overall spirit are totally independent of the local chain restaurant in which it is housed. Be sure to arrive on time, as each seating begins promptly.

Omakase is the sole dining option here, serving multiple courses of primary nigiri as well as a few sashimi and handrolls. Each sequence centers on exceptional seafood, most of it sourced from local waters—California Baja tuna, farmed abalone, and Oregon albacore. This nigiri is particularly distinctive thanks to a generous brush of nigiri and loosely packed rice, served just warm enough to contrast against the flavorful fish.

Chef Osamu Fujita may be a traditionalist, but the menu includes many novelties. You can start with the white and perfectly crunchy jellyfish dressed with ponzu. This might be followed by an impressive presentation of deliciously tender octopus, sliced into thin slivers for sashimi. Sushi highlights include the delicate halibut fin, ruby-red snapper cut before your eyes and a handroll of mountain yam, ume and shiso leaf.