My last visit was at Matsumoto's former location, so I was excited to finally experience the new space. As always, I called ahead to request a few special ingredients, something they've graciously accommodated, setting the stage for another memorable evening of food, sake, and wine. On this visit, the highlight was the Matsuba Gani. Seeing it first presented in its entirety, expertly broken down set the tone for what followed. Given its impressive size, the crab was prepared across multiple courses, each showcasing a different dimension. The leg meat, served in long, pristine strands, had a remarkable sweetness and delicate texture. One of the most memorable moments was watching the Kani Miso being gently warmed and transformed into a rich, umami-laden sauce. Dipping the fresh crab leg into that deep, briny, almost buttery essence created a contrast that was both luxurious and deeply satisfying. Beyond the Matsuba Gani, the omakase also featured an exceptional seasonal fish call Kue (longtooth grouper), a highly prized white-fleshed fish often referred to as a "Phantom Fish" due to its rarity and difficulty to source. Chef Matsumoto presented the Kue as a whole fish sashimi in ikizukuri style, expertly sliced and arranged back onto the original frame, with head and tail intact. It's a striking presentation that not only emphasizes absolute freshness, but also reflects a deep respect for the ingredient. The Kue itself stood out for its unique balance of firm texture and rich, buttery fat. Unlike most white fish, which tend to be lean, Kue is full of fattiness in it, giving it a subtle sweetness and a delicate, almost Toro like melt on the palate. Dining here feels less like a typical omakase at many other LA sushi places. In Matsumoto, it is more like a dialogue between a legendary chef and guest, built on trust and a shared appreciation for ingredients at their best. This is a place for those who truly understand traditional Japanese cuisine at its highest level, not just about luxury, but about intention, seasonality, and respect. This location setting is all brand new, but the soul of the restaurant, the superior craftsmanship, remarkable sourcing, and pride, remains exactly the same. I'll let the photos speak for the rest, especially the sake, wine, and all the fun in between. read more

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It's rare to find sushi of this caliber in Koreatown. The fish quality was truly top-tier, and the rice was seasoned perfectly with portion sizes that felt just right. Every bite was balanced and incredibly satisfying. And some of my favorites were amaebi, mirugai, uni, hotate, and toro. I loved the variety of sushi offered. You can really tell there is great attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality here. The seaweed salad was just as impressive with the mix of different seaweeds made it feel fresh, new, and incredibly flavorful. Even my four-year-old daughter enjoyed the blue crab roll, which says a lot! Overall, it was one of the most enjoyable sushi experiences I've had in the area. Highly recommend if you're looking for exceptional sushi in Koreatown. read more

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Matsumoto is a standout if you appreciate truly traditional Japanese sushi. The sushi chef was exceptional--attentive, conversational, and generous with thoughtful recommendations that clearly came from deep experience and pride in the craft. The rest of the staff matched that energy: friendly, polished, and consistently attentive without being overbearing. The quality and variety of the sushi were outstanding, from barracuda to perch to crab. No gimmicks, no distractions, just excellent execution. If you love classic, no-nonsense Japanese sushi done at a very high level, this is absolutely your place. read more

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Had such a great meal at Matsumoto! The fish...carefully, expertly prepared. Service...Michelin level and friendly. I've been to all the super high end sushi places....Matsumoto's is right up there....but with the added coolness of being in Ktown. Found my new favorite sushi spot! read more

Super clean,traditional sushi house,so glad to have this place in K town.Loved every moment of it.Cant wait to come back to try everything else.If you like sushi,a must.Service was excellent. read more

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Everyone was so kind, food was delicious, and the service was great. Will definitely be back ! read more

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Absolutely outstanding experience at Matsumoto! Exceptional food, impeccable service, and a place I'll we return to frequently.

Had the Omakase for my birthday last October. I had heard lots of great things about the quality and Matsumoto did not disappoint! Everything he was scrumptious. This was definitely one of my favorite Omakase experiences. read more

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1 year passed since my original review and my wife and I have been back 2 more times to celebrate two very significant life milestones. Both times I ordered a pick up online. I want to emphasize we would have rather dined in but unfortunately that wasn't an option for us. In the nutshell. It's REALLY GOOD! Better or close call than some omakase we had in Tokyo. My Japanese wife loves Matsumoto and requested it 2 out of the 3 times. We consistently order the 18 pieces chef's choice seasonal sushi omakase limited to just 10 orders a day. And every time we were utterly captivated by the taste of each piece so tender and delicate, dissolving gradually like silk on the palate, leaving the trail of symphony of flavors so divine, it would leave us with the feeling nothing short of euphoric. Unfortunately 3 times wasn't enough for me to describe the flavor and texture of each piece because I just get overwhelmed trying to capture everything that is going through my mind when I take that bite. I even tried to split each piece in 3 bites and go around 3 times to better remember my experience. Nope. Still too much. Living in the city and seeing so many great restaurants come and go can be tough so if I had the one and only wish for the food scene in the Los Angeles proper, it would be this. I hope Matsumoto prospers and stays just exactly they are right now for many years to come! どうも ありがとう ございました 敬具、アレックスです。アメリカ人です。 咲絵です。日本人です。 スコッティ。柴犬です。 read more

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Really great dinner experience for omakase! Had the 15 pieces and they were exceptionally fresh. Some of the flavor profiles were a bit basic but this place is more of an authentic and original nigiri place. Service was decent, we sat at the dining table instead of the bar and they were quick with the courses. Clean and didn't feel crowded read more

I mean what even is this. I've never seen a worse chirashi bowl for 55 dollars. Contacted the restaurant and made excuses saying there are no managers and chefs are busy. read more

Matsumoto - Premium Chirashi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Don't be deceived by these bad reviews regarding service. I would not have experienced the best sushi if I believed them. #1. Sushi masters have pride in their sushi. You give them bad reviews because you are dumping all his sushi on soy sauce, or for bad service of course he'll get mad. It's clear reviewer can't identify high quality sushi over his/her favorite salmons and spicy tuna sushi's, you should go to Noshi Sushi. That's perfect Sushi for you. In Japan, no one cares about service as long as your food is good. #2. I sat down very close to Matsumoto san to see his action. Not only his sushi was by far the best sushi I had in LA (I traveled many times to Japan and Asia so I can say I know my sushi quality) but also top notch compare to sushi I had in Japan. Matsumoto san is a master when he comes to dealing with his fish. Don't criticize his Sushi with your ignorant knowledge in Sushi. If you know your sushi well, you can immediately tell their rice and fish quality is beyond another level! I saw styrofoam boxes getting delivered right from the airport at 5:55pm (they opened at 6pm) and if you can't tell the difference of the rice, please go to AYCE Sushi place right across the street. #3. I had exceptional service experience. Other people treat you how you treat them. You treat them with respect, you get the same in return. In conclusion, I was also skeptical and worried about my first Matsumoto experience because of bad reviews but they were wrong. You'll never have this good quality of Sushi in LA anywhere. Only thing I have request for Matsumoto san is "can I get sushi just 10% bigger" :-) Just my small request. Thank you so much for superb experience tonight. read more

Matsumoto - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Came here twice already. Very good service and very reasonable pricing for the quality. I would definitely go back again.

I've been coming to Matsumoto and Hirozen before him for decades and have never been more than impressed by the experience. I no longer live in LA but made a point to find Matsumoto on my last trip back, and it sure was worth it! The new K-town location is gorgeous, simple, well appointed and very warm. The staff is exceedingly gracious and knowledgeable. And the omakase! My goodness it was epic. Each piece was extraordinarily fresh, vibrant, perfectly prepared. I don't think there's a better sushi restaurant in LA, perhaps the country. I always leave feeling incredibly privileged to have such an experience. Great job team! Thank you! read more

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Back here again, and of course, their omakase did not disappoint! Since coming back from Japan, I've been craving sushi, we did their omakase. Everything was fresh and delicious. Their otoro was melt in your mouth good, ended up ordering extra pieces after omakase was over. They also had 2 types of uni from Japan, which I loved. You usually don't get 2 uni, but white uni became seasonal, so it was added. Staff is very friendly and attentive. They made excellent recommendations for dessert. We had their purple yam with coconut tapioca and their matcha pudding. It reminded me of a crème brûlée style, except caramel was on the bottom. We love coming here because sushi is always good, and staff is always great!!! read more

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Quick Summary Good food and ambiance for their omakase dinner. Everything was fresh and delicious, and the service was fantastic. I wouldn't come out of my way to get here, but it's a fantastic local neighborhood sushi spot Food- 4.5 stars We ordered the 10 piece omakase along with the ikura and scallop. Unfortunately, they didn't have any Hokkaido scallop, but everything else was pretty good. Our favorites were the seared Japanese barracuda, seared Kodai, King Mackerel, golden eye snapper, and black sea perch. Service- 5 stars Everyone is very attentative and accommodating. Appreciated that they were able to move our reservation earlier Parking It's in a small strip model with a small parking lot. We were able to snag a spot because a rush of patrons had just finished their meal, but questionable parking situation in the surrounding area given that street permits are required Bottom Line Pretty solid omakase experience at a higher end price. Highly recommend if you're around the area read more

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Went there for our anniversary omakase and everything was absolutely perfect! I love very traditional sushi, despise spicy mayo and california rolls etc and everything else which falls into the "western sushi". This place was like a temple for me. VERY nice staff, true japanese, had fun small talk but kept it minimal haha, i fell in love with chef Matsumoto, what an amazing and great man. The servers were so sweet. There is nothing anyone can say that will make this place come down from the top 3 omakase dinners in LA. Again! This is very traditional Omakase so im sure its not for everyone but for someone who looking for a quiet restaurant, amazing food, great sake selection and great service, I highly recommend to pay Matsumoto a visit! どうもありがとうございます ! read more

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The food was over priced. They used such a cheap furniture, you can't enjoy the food since the seats are so uncomfortable. Also, what kind of restaurant won't allow you to use your cell phone inside? I would never go back read more

we are here on a Sunday night at the recommendation of our hotel. We loved it - everything was very fresh and tasted great.

One of the best sushi experiences ever! I was fortunate to find this new gem in Ktown. Its actually more of a relocated gem from Beverly Hills to Ktown, which for now, makes it a more affordable gem. The sushi preparation and presentation was impeccable. I was presented several new verities that I have never tasted before. I learned a lot about sushi from the sushi master who was extremely friendly. Fortunately, it was not crowded so it felt like it was a private dining/lesson experience. I expected this place to be overcrowded soon, so you might want to go now before the crowds. read more

My husband and I went to LA for the first time, mainly as a foodie trip, and wanted to be sure we had Omakase at least once, given our obsession for it. And boy...Matsumoto definitely did NOT disappoint! My husband opted for the 25 piece nigiri omakase and I opted for the 15 piece nigiri omakase. There was plenty of time to talk to the chef in between courses, and he was more than happy to chat with folks as well. We had some nigiri we've never had before and the chef was more than happy to talk about where each piece of fish came from. Even though my husband and I had different omakase counts, the chef still served both of us at the same time. Some dishes, my husband had more pieces on his plate than mine, to be sure that we were on pace with each other during the whole meal. The restaurant is tucked away in a little strip mall and am so glad we had such a great dinner here. I can't wait to go back the next time we find ourselves in LA! read more

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Always love Chef Matsumoto's 25-piece nigiri omakase (and usually get some encores or other pieces afterwards). The experience is much like the food equivalent of a musical composition, with most nigiri served three at a time as if to be three notes in a musical chord. The fish, side by side, simply "belong" together, but as you traverse from one dish of three nigiri to the next, you realize that you're subtly changing keys in the music, such that a trio of sushi near the end would never make sense juxtaposed with a trio from the beginning... yet everything was so cohesive that the journey naturally flowed from start to finish. Many nigiri reflect fish not commonly available elsewhere, and the preparation often adds special twists, like one fish with a small slice of its liver atop, or hairy crab with a dab of crab guts atop... making for experiences you want to savor as long as you can. The three tuna nigiri across the experience, from bluefin marinated tuna to chu-toro to o-toro, make for an amazing progression. (The flavor of the bluefin marinated tuna is superior to most restaurants, and the chu-toro is better than what other restaurants often call o-toro.) Service is always terrific. read more

Hands down the best sushi in k-town, and one of the most impressive traditional Japanese omakase restaurant in L.A. Soft abalone is something you cannot taste anywhere else. They have over 40 different types of seasonal fish served everyday. Sea perch, uni, golden eye snapper, giant clam, firefly squid, and many more. It was amazing. Service was impeccable as well. This is a true hidden gem in Koreatown. read more

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Had the privilege of eating here the other day and had a wonderful experience. The food was amazing quality with different textures and flavors. I loved the diversity the chef chose for us! Having great quality food with wonderful service and restaurant ambiance made it worth every penny! read more

If authentic Japanese sushi including Omakase is what you want then this is the only place in Koreatown. Only 3 things kept it from 5 Stars. 1) We ordered the 18 pieces Omakase and they put 2 different pieces on a plate instead of 1 piece at a time. 2) For the price, the lack of presentation is disappointing. 3) There were 2 types of Mackerel and 3 types of Snapper, probably because it's 18 pieces and they needed low cost fillers. So $739 for 2, includes $90 bottle of saki, 1 miso soup, 1 blue crap roll and 2 appetizers. read more

A culinary adventure for the sushi enthusiast! Came for the 25 piece Omakase nigiri sushi - they come out 3 at a time, no sashimi or other appetizers. You get to try 25 different species and many are rarely served in the US. Was thrilled to try pieces like Aori Ika (Bigfin reef squid), Tairagai (Pen shell scallop), Amadai (Tilefish), Ebodai (Pacific Rudderfish), and Kegani (Hairy crab). I also got hits like Otoro, Kinmedai, and Nodoguro. Was neat to compare the three different Uni types (Santa Barbara, Murasaki, and Bafun). Was $250 before tax/tip. No frills, just high quality sushi. Definitely memorable! read more

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This is a very unassuming sushi spot and you would never know it has amazing sushi. We did outdoor dining omakase and fell in love with every bite. The fish were so fresh and unique. There was nothing fancy about the sushi and it was a very traditional omakase. The space is pretty small so make sure you book well in advance. The service was very friendly and attentive even though we were the only table outside. Can't wait to come back! read more

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This is among the best sushi in Los Angeles. The new location makes it less traveled recently as I thought they had permanently closed, but now two months in , the food and service is as good as ever. The chef's choice is a must, and the quality of the fish and rice is as good as anywhere. You won't be disappointed. read more

Always a delight. Quality of food and service is perfect. Mood is a date spot, low lighting and intimate. However I come here for a quick bite and it satisfies each and every time! read more

Matsumoto - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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-Pandemic takeout review- Beef steak bento is recommended! The beef is so tender and delicious. It's a pretty good deal .. doesn't break the bank and just an overall really well put together bento. The chirashi is also a recommended item to get. Super fresh fish and delicious sushi rice. Definitely an awesome meal. read more

Matsumoto - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Almost want to gatekeep this place but will share the wealth. Each time we go, they just impress us more and more. Super intimate setting, unassuming in a tiny plaza. We always sit at the bar right in front of chef to watch him work his magic. He always starts us with the squid which is the best we've ever tasted. The toro is melt in your mouth. The crab is the softest and most delicious we've had in the city. The amaebi is super luxe. Having one piece of Hokkaido uni is a treat already so to have two dif versions was the best surprise. Will be regulars here! read more

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Incredible sushi meal! First off this location is in a strip mall in mid LA area. The restaurant itself is not "fancy" as one other yelper complained it is not for first dates. Well guess what?!? I had a first date meet there last night and it was nothing short of an amazing time. The restaurant is sparkly clean, the servers are sweet and professional. How about the nothing short of AMAZING sushi?!? I cannot even recall all the amazing sushi names since we both ordered the Omakase Chef's tasting menu consisting of something like 20-25 sushi items. It you look at the attached menu, it will give you an idea of the amazing array of many of the individual special fish sampled. This is a $$$$ place but my date and I concluded you get what you pay for and this was indeed worth the price since it was special (first date) and the meal was exceptional. Just about every sushi item was so delicious I cannot state my favorite. But a perennial favorite, the supreme toro (itself was delicious), rated as average to slightly above when compared to the other sushi in this amazing chef's tasting menu. This speaks volumes about the high quality and taste of all the different fish sampled. Thank you Matsumoto for making this first date worth coming to your restaurant! read more

This is a review for the omakase. It was 24 nigiri pieces for about $250 after tax and tip. Some pieces were amazing, some tasted a bit fishy/not fresh and/or overwhelmed by wasabi. The majority was average and it certainly was a delicious meal, but from my experience, there is much better and consistent quality omakase in the area at a similar price point. As others have said, not the best ambience also. Not a place to go if you're trying to impress a date. I really enjoyed how it was served with 3 pieces each that complimented one another. My favorite was the finale getting to try Santa Barbara and Hokkaido uni side by side. Service and chef were great! If I were in the area, would certainly drop by for not omakase. read more

Matsumoto - Santa Barbara uni, Hokkaido uni, ikura - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

My husband and I came here for a special dinner to celebrate our anniversary. I picked Matsumoto as it was very highly rated, and was one of the few omakase restaurants offering outdoor dining. I made the reservation online, and it was easy to make about two weeks ahead of the reservation date. At the time of booking, it was stated that they had an outdoor dining area. When we arrived, we saw that the restaurant did have one outdoor table, but the restaurant is small and located in a strip mall. The table that we were seated at looked onto the carpark and was right outside of a laundromat, so not the best in terms of ambience. However, the restaurant by far made up with the quality of the sushi. We opted for the omakase, which consisted of over 20 pieces. Our server was very kind and efficient, making sure our every need was taken care of. My highlights were the baby shrimp, otoro, and trio of uni, but honestly, everything was spectacular. We finished the savory courses with vanilla pudding and green tea mochi. Would highly recommend for an amazing dinner. read more

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Service: Amazing. The servers and head chef were very gracious and welcoming. Drinks: Solid wines and sake. Sushi: We got the Omakase and while it was quite good it just wasn't worth the price in my opinion. That said, the pricing is transparent and they charge you by the piece. I just expected a meal that is roughly $200 per person to blow me away, and it didn't. read more

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First time ever at Matsumoto.. And we sat inside (with front door left ajar) for our date night. I must admit, I was super excited to see that they offered fresh abalone sashimi, golden eye snapper, and giant clam on the menu during the pandemic. Restaurant inside is simple and quaint with limited & spaced out tables. Sushi bar offered plexiglass dividers from other patrons. Keep in mind the 90+ min limit for the next rvsp seating. The premium quality of the fresh sushi tastes delectable, simply divine. I enjoyed the crunchy meaty texture of the giant clam & abalone. The fresh buttery toro was magnificent as well. FACTOID: According to Chef Naruki Matsumoto, he gets the fresh quality fish shipped directly from Toyosu, Japan! (See his comment below) The presentation of the decorative sake glasses & decanter was a added bonus with my cold sake. Service was excellent. Parking is limited in the tiny retail corner strip center lot or metered street parking is available, watch the street signs. If you crave high quality fresh premium sushi, Matsumoto should def be on your list, LoL! read more

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I highly recommend this hidden gem of a Japanese sushi restaurant. The omakase is delicious and fresh, and the staff are attentive and quick. A must-visit for sushi lovers. read more

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Get the Omakase!! Tasting different seasonal fish and it's not the same every time I go The quality is amazing break the bank for this place no joke lol read more

Their sushi tastes like sushi in Japan. I had the special assorted sushi take out. It comes with miso soup. I called to order and picked up 35 minutes later. The process was simple and food was good. The dining room looked really small. The restaurant is in a strip mall with limited parking. read more

Matsumoto - Entrance - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

bomb.com This sushi spot is it. They are kind, it is quiet, and there isn't a single item with cream cheese. read more