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    Kaze

    4.9 (60 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndJapanese, Sushi Bars
    Closed 4:30 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 1 week ago

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    Recommended Reviews - Kaze

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    Kinmedai
    Wendy L.

    Kaze was amazing, perhaps the best meal I've ever had. First, I recommend you save your appetite. I googled it and found a comprehensive regimen for a Kaze omakase specifically. To summarize, a small, high protein low carb breakfast and lunch, a brisk walk in the afternoon, two glasses of water 3 hours before the meal and no water two hours before the meal. It worked! I don't think there's any other way I could have handled 19 courses. There's plenty of parking in the lot. Being speakeasy style, there is no name anywhere, just an unmarked door. Our hostess was standing outside, otherwise we would have had trouble finding it. It is two doors east of Nothing Bundt Cakes. Once inside, you're invited to sit in the lounge. They offer you a complimentary "splash" of either sake or a non-alcoholic mocktail. My "splash" of sake ended up being two shots since it was discreetly refilled while I wasn't looking. Once invited in the bar restaurant you find your name cards. My son's said "HAPPY BIRTHDAY DYLAN!" A sweet touch. The staff introduced themselves. There are six of them. The founder/head chef Sean Balanon is the one looking like a Filipino body builder. They are all so friendly and young. Pretty sure I am a decade or two older than any of them. Then came the food. REMEMBER TO PACE YOURSELF! "This is a marathon, not a sprint!", what AI implored earlier that day. The palate cleanser was refreshing and a great start. Then came a variety of hot plates. The signature dish was the potato soufflé with uni and caviar. Sublime. They said each one takes a hour to make . This actually doesn't seem that long. It would take me several hours to make. AI had suggested that I eat this course in particular very slowly. It's hard to eat each bites slowly though. They are all so delicious. I'd say that the best courses were the potato soufflé, the ceviche and the duo of toros. The nigiri was all outstanding. Each had its own unique spread and / or topping. All higher end cuts, like perch or kinmedai (golden eye snapper). I love yellowtail, salmon and albacore but you'll get none of that here, for good reason. I could go through each course and comment but suffice it to say it was all sublime. There wasn't a course I'd skip in the future, even pacing myself. I will say that the porridge was delicious but very rich, particularly at that stage of the dinner. I still ate most of it though. It had a sweet taste that I loved. Throughout the dinner it was nice to get to know the chefs. They are all so warm and gracious hosts, even while bustling around each other behind the bar to get each beautiful course out at the right moment/pace. When it was done they invited us to stay as long as we'd like (possible due to the later 8:30 seating.) Being in a food coma we were ready to get home. Oh, and here is the answer to your burning question that no other review has: it's $225 per person, not including tax or tip. The pre-dinner sake and the still or sparkling water is included. This is a bargain compared to other similar next-level restaurants that are Michelin starred. Kaze will get its star in no time, I'm sure of it. Then the price will go way up. Get it while it's relatively affordable, people! This is really a special place and I can't wait to go back. Just writing this review makes me want to go back this very instant, and it's not even 9:00 am.

    IG: happyfoodietown
    Vy D.

    Amazing 17-course omakase dining experience in Thousand Oaks that I would highly recommend to my friends and fam. The sake lounge is available when you arrive and wait for your dining time. Great staffs and cozy ambiance. The chef menu I had: 1. Naga Negi & Butternuc Squash 2. Ceviche 3. Potato Soufflé 4. Crudo 5. Nigiri: Inada, Shima Aji, Miyabidai, Kinmedai, Kuromucsu, Akamutsu 6. Kanpachi Sashimi 7. Hon Maguro 8. Dashi Porridge 9. Matsukawa-yaki 10. Binchotan Skewer 11. Maki 12. Dessert: Banana Foster

    Ashley K.

    I decided to celebrate my birthday a bit early and splurged upon a surprise dinner for myself. Haha. My daughters said they've been wanting to go since it opened, so we tried Kaze. It was actually a surprise, because each bite of scrumptious morsel was creative, with many layers of exotic flavors and texture. The presentation of each dish was beautiful and delicate from start to finish. There were only a couple of dishes that were a bit too sweet or salty, if I were to nitpick, but out of 19, overall tasted amazing! The ice cream at the end was also wow delicious! The chef and staff were friendly, and it was such a joyous atmosphere. Loved it~^^

    Sonj H.

    This is not my first rodeo with Chef Shaun's cuisine and it will not be my last. His Tahitian roots come across beautifully in the unique cream bases and small bites that complement exquisite bites of fish. Elegant omakase environment. This is a much needed addition to the area.

    Rostam Z.

    Kaze in Thousand Oaks really impressed me, the sushi was incredibly fresh and the omakase had a great variety of high-quality courses. Everything felt well thought out, and the sake selection paired perfectly with the meal. It's definitely on the pricier side, but for the quality and number of courses, it feels very reasonable. Highly recommend!

    Caviar, potato, & uni course

    We have been so excited to try Kaze after being fans of Sushi by Scratch. Unfortunately, the experience was underwhelming. First, we were celebrating a birthday, which they brought up upon arrival, and which was also printed on the menu. When we were seated, other celebrants (anniversaries) received a glass of sparkling rosé. We thought perhaps they would do something different for a birthday celebration (ex. candle on the dessert), so we did not say anything. We were later disappointed when dessert was served, and again there was no special acknowledgement for the birthday during a $650+ intimate dining experience. Second, we were excited to try the wine pairing... until we reached the end of it and realized all wines in the pairing are available cheaper by the glass on the menu. We could have spent less than $155 on the pairing for bigger pours if we had just ordered 5 glasses individually. We would expect comparable value for a pairing, so we would not recommend this. Explanations of the wines at times also lacked depth depending on which team member was serving them. At one point, a pairing was even served late, so we missed enjoying this alongside one of the courses it was intended to pair with. The bathroom also has a leak in the ceiling, which I'm sure they're on top of handling... but the bathroom floor/sink was incredibly wet and felt more like a bar bathroom than a fine dining establishment. Lastly, though subjective, we wish fewer of the nigiri courses had the skin on the fish. We found a few of the dishes to be texturally chewier than our liking, and the porridge to be a bit too sweet. We really loved the toro, uni, scallop, and wagyu courses. Overall staff was very friendly (especially Mario) and we had some standout dishes we loved, but we think there's a lot of room for improvement at this price point. Edited to add: I posted this review and shared the same feedback to the restaurant via their post-reservation survey a month ago, and no one has contacted me regarding our experience. Doesn't seem to feel like they care about customer satisfaction.

    Sushi
    Melody L.

    Hands-down the best omakase experience I've had so far. Kaze Omakase serves truly unforgettable sushi--incredibly fresh, perfectly balanced, and beautifully presented. What makes it exceptional is the one-of-a-kind creativity from Chef Sean. Every course felt thoughtful and inspired, with unique flavors that surprised and impressed from start to finish. More than just a meal--this was a full experience. Highly recommend if you're looking for top-tier, memorable sushi. Definitely will be coming back!

    Sarit A.

    Kaze in Thousand Oaks is a new omakase sushi spot, and I had the honor of experiencing it firsthand. From the moment I sat down, the experience felt incredibly personal. Head Chef Sean was beyond accommodating with my kosher restrictions, which made the night even more special. If you're familiar with Sushi by Scratch in Montecito (featured in the Michelin Guide), Chef Sean was their Chef de Cuisine and is now the Head Chef at Kaze and it absolutely shows. Unlike any other omakase I've experienced, every single bite was executed with intention. Each course was distinct, thoughtful, and deeply educational. The techniques used to make the fish so tender and flavorful were truly impressive. This is not your ordinary sushi restaurant it's a memorable, elevated experience from start to finish. Thank you, Kaze, for such a wonderful night I highly recommend you give them a visit!

    Danny K.

    My wife and I had an absolutely wonderful experience at Kaze. We had originally put ourselves on the waiting list, and they were kind enough to reach out when an opening became available -- which we really appreciated. We were celebrating a special occasion, and from the moment we arrived the service was exceptional. They greeted us with sake and made us feel incredibly welcome. The entire team was warm, attentive, and very accommodating throughout the evening. Each course was thoughtfully presented and explained to us along the way, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The food was absolutely delicious and beautifully prepared. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience from start to finish. We felt very well taken care of and would absolutely recommend Kaze to anyone looking for an amazing sushi experience.

    Salmon Belly Nigiri
    Jordan J.

    Completely different experience I've ever had in LA! The style of the restaurant had energy and vibes that made you feel comfortable and upscale at the same time! Freshest fish I've ever tasted!! Potato soufflé was the greatest bite I have ever tasted!! Definitely worth the drive from Sherman Oaks! The chef's & staff were exceptional!

    Angelica S.

    FANTASTIC, the best experience ever. My best friend and I saw this advertised on Instagram and booked IMMEDIATELY, we are OBSESSED and told all our friends. The service was incredible. We will be back! Everything, the food? Drinks and connecting with people there was fantastic. The ambiance is high class and good dinner lighting

    An unforgettable omakase experience from start to finish. This was true omakase in the purest sense--intimate, thoughtful, and deeply personal. Every course felt intentional, perfectly paced, and impeccably balanced. The ingredients were pristine, and the progression told a story rather than just showcasing technique. What truly elevated the evening was the chef. Watching him work was a privilege--confident yet warm, precise yet creative. He took the time to explain each dish, share the inspiration behind it, and genuinely connect with the guests. That level of passion and presence is rare and made the experience feel exclusive and special rather than performative. Flavors were clean, layered, and memorable. Nothing was overdone, nothing relied on gimmicks--just exceptional fish, flawless execution, and a chef who clearly respects both the craft and the people sitting in front of him. If you're looking for an omakase that feels authentic, elevated, and personal--this is it. Worth every bite, every minute, and every dollar. I'm already thinking about when I can come back.

    The absolute best food I think I will ever eat in my lifetime. Chef Shaun is an absolute legend!! I feel so lucky to have him in Conejo valley, such a gem. His passion shows in every single bite and proves that food is truly an art form. Kaze is a whole vibe and experience from the welcome yuzu sake to the intimate vibe with your neighbors. I admit I was a little skeptical at first but believe the hype! It was absolutely worth every single penny.

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    Everything is always so good bento box was awesome the sushi was fresh the waiter was nice no complaints

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    Ask the Community - Kaze

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    Sumo Japanese Restaurant

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    Sarah and Daniel are the reason we keep coming back to Sumo Sushi in Newbury Park. Their attention…read moreto detail is absolutely outstanding, and they consistently provide some of the best service we've experienced anywhere. They set the standard and honestly should be the ones training everyone in the restaurant, including the manager. Tim is another huge reason we love this place. He's the only one who seems to wear a smile and a genuine personality every single visit. He never forgets my son or me and always goes out of his way to make us feel welcome and take extra-special care of us. The fish is always incredibly fresh, the food is consistently delicious, and every dish is beautifully prepared. My only suggestion would be the music. I'd love to hear upbeat rock 'n' roll or something with a little more energy instead of the slow, sleepy music that's usually playing. A livelier soundtrack would better match the vibrant atmosphere and elevate the entire dining experience. Thank you, Sarah, Daniel, and Tim, for making every visit such a pleasure. You are the heart of this restaurant!

    Some of the best value sashimi I've found in the area. Great quality for the price. Would…read morerecommend them over the specialty rolls. The sauce on the rolls is too thick that it's overwhelming and overpowers the other ingredients. Rice was a bit dry that it didn't hold well. Went on a Sunday at 5pm and it was already packed, but we only had to wait 20 minutes. I didn't love the waiter they assigned us - very curt and he rushed us to order when we barely sat down.

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    Absolutely Outstanding Hidden Gem! I came in craving mini…read morehot pot after not feeling my best, and The Pan Kitchen completely delivered. The Japanese Sukiyaki base was perfectly mild and flavorful -- exactly what I needed. Paired with tender chicken and fresh veggies, it hit the spot without being heavy. Everything tasted fresh, well-seasoned, and made with care. The restaurant itself is adorable -- bright, floral decor that feels welcoming and clean. Service was super friendly and attentive (shoutout to Alina for the great service! ). Portions are generous for the price, and the quality is top-tier. I also grabbed a simple hot tea that was perfect. This place is a true fusion win: authentic Thai flavors + customizable hot pots + excellent boba. Family-owned vibes shine through in every bite. If you're in the Westlake Village / Thousand Oaks area, do yourself a favor and go. I'll definitely be back soon -- highly recommend! Pro tip: Try the mini hot pot with Sukiyaki or Miso and chicken. You won't regret it.

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    Nori Japanese Grill - Chicken Teriyaki Bento & Potstickers (Gyoza)

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    Congratulations on 20+ years Nori Japanese Grill Restaurants don't make it 20+ years strictly on…read moreluck. Nori Japanese Grill has clearly remained a local favorite and standing the test of time like that deserves a round of applause. I've driven by this spot on Thousand Oaks Boulevard so many times and after running errands one afternoon, I found myself starving and wanting something casual where I could get in and out quickly. The restaurant is super casual, and you order at the counter, but they take care of everything after that. Your food is brought right to your table, and honestly, I love this style of dining. You pay upfront, so once you're finished eating, you can simply head out whenever you're ready. It's perfect for a quick lunch. I was being a basic girl when I came and kept it simple with shrimp tempura and a California roll. The food here is solid, simple, and satisfying. I'm not here to tell you it's "the best sushi I've ever had" but it's just classic Japanese comfort food done well. The shrimp tempura was perfectly crispy and I liked the tempura side sauce for dipping. The california roll was no frills but tasty. For about $25 after tip, I got a drink, a sushi roll, and shrimp tempura, which honestly isn't bad in today's economy. It definitely beats grabbing fast food or eating at the same old boring chain restaurants. If you find yourself in Thousand Oaks looking for a quick, satisfying lunch, stop by and support this longtime local staple. It definitely hit the spot!

    Order and pay wt the counter. They bring it to the table. A nice upgrade from fast food. Very Caual…read more Sushiroll are heavy on rice and thin on fish. Spicy chicken broth with noodles and vegatables had a sprinkle of shredded carrot, onion and cucumber. The Ranen noodles were perfectly cooked. I love my noodles..

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    I doordashed my order and got a BOGO 911 roll which included two spicy tuna rolls with avocado and…read morejalapeño on top and a side of yuzu sauce I believe and it was unbelievably fresh. I'm usually not a roll type of gal. love nigiri, sashimi, and chirashi bowls -- raw fish is my go to, but for a quick lunch in between meetings this was the perfect savory bite. I wish there was more! I did find myself hungry still after a whole order of the roll so keep that in mind. The portions are small and felt more like a snack but it still satiated my hunger and the yuzu sauce was a surprisingly tasty touch. I'd definitely recommend checking this place out and I'll probably do another review once I try their nigiri!

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