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    Sushi Gen

    4.3 (4.6k reviews)
    ModerateSushi Bars, Japanese
    Closed 4:00 pm - 8:30 PM

    Sushi Gen Photos

    Business Info

    SUSHI GEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Sushi Gen

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    Reviews With Photos

    Clam miso
    Therese G.

    We found sushi Gen only because it had a line at 4:30 on a weeknight. It was directly across from a delicious matcha shop. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was definitely authentic Japanese food in a traditional setting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I have been to many Japanese restaurants and enjoyed my meal at Sushi Gen. The sushi was fresh and unadulterated. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a solid spot in Little Tokyo.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    part of sashimi lunch (drink is extra)
    Stewart L.

    This was my first time trying this iconic sushi place. I visit Little Tokyo fairly often, and have seen first hand the lines that form here pre-opening. My visit was pretty much during the lunch rush. There were seats available at the sushi bar, but you can only order a la carte sushi here, not the specials or combo meals, so I put my name down for a table. The wait was quoted as 10-20 minutes. They come out and call your name; no texting. While waiting, dozens of people came in and out. After 30 minutes, I checked again and they said they had called me, but I did not see or hear them even though I was right outside. Eventually I was seated. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The sushi bar is quite large with diners literally touching shoulders.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There are 2 dining areas with tables. Service was quick and efficient. Diners include Japanese-speaking Japanese and English-speaking Japanese ( a good sign), plus every other nationality. It was either Infatuation or Eater that recommended ordering the Sashimi Lunch, so that's what I did. It was $26 and included miso soup, tofu, tsukemono (pickled veggies) and rice. The plate had 9 different fish presentations: a spicy tuna poke, a non-spicy poke, cooked tuna, cooked salmon, 3 types of sliced tuna and 2 sliced whitefish. Everything was very fresh and tasty. It seems there may be less waiting if you arrive later into their lunch hours, like around 1:30 pm I would definitely return if the wait wasn't too long for a table. I'm not enough of a sushi afficionado to sit at the bar.

    Assorted sushi
    Katherine B.

    I loved our dinner here! The sushi is SO good. Amazing quality of ingredients. We tried some new flavors and even ordered more sushi based on the ones we liked the best. Hands down my favorite was the scallop nigiri. Absolutely delicious. They will ask you if you want to add wasabi or yuzu and pepper to some rolls and I would undoubtedly say yes. The additions really elevated the flavors. We also loved the sea bream and the fatty tuna (we got very fatty). The toro was also next level. And I loved the eel. We had fun with the surf clam as well. And the salmon nigiri were both delicious. We lucked out and were seated right away but when we left there were several parties outside. Service was excellent and [[HIGHLIGHT]]I love the interior. It's a casual restaurant but a really lovely experience.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I definitely want to eat at the sushi bar next time.

    Matthew P.

    Hands down my favorite Japanese restaurant in LA! You'll always find a line at this spot but don't give up too easily bc the food is worth it. Their dinner sets come with so many choices of proteins; we got the sashimi, chicken teriyaki, and beef teriyaki. We also got Spanish mackerel and a California roll on the side. All were so flavorful and fresh! Portions of the dinner sets are pretty large here so I'd suggest sharing! We definitely couldn't finish everything ourselves. This place has the best quality fish and a super authentic atmosphere inside. Service is always quick and servers are super attentive. Can't wait to keep taking everyone here as this is a great spot to bring people from out of town!!

    Kelly C.

    There's always a long line whenever I pass by sushi gen but never got the chance to try it. This time, I bit the bullet and waited around 30 min on a weekend for dinner and it was so worth it!! I ordered the beef teriyaki and it was so tender. The flavors were perfect and everything paired perfectly together. Pricing was a little expensive but honestly I think it's so worth. Will def be back! Parking is a bit difficult in the lot but plenty of street parking if you're willing to walk. Also their hot water is VERY hot LOL

    Rena H.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Sitting at the bar at Sushi Gen is pure magic.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This was our favorite meal in LA and we can't wait to come back on our next visit. This felt like a private omakase experience and we were blown away when our bill came back at only just over $100. [[HIGHLIGHT]]For such incredible service, fresh sushi, and the over ambiance - it felt like a steal.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our favorite bites were the fatty tuna, scallop, and the unagi, but everything was perfection. Will be thinking about this meal for a long time!

    March 25, 2026 | Wednesday | Dinner w/Friends! |
    Shantelle S.

    March 25, 2026 | Downtown LA | After my adventures of shopping & meeting up with friends to see a movie, we were hungry! We decided on Sushi Gen for dinner, as we wanted to try someplace new! What a delicious surprise! Sharing is Caring | We all ordered a number of items, each being absolutely delicious! I loved the presentation of each dish, so colorful, vibrant & neatly plated! Each item also tasted so fresh, which I enjoyed! We shared everything, and it was the best way to dine! The sashimi was amazing!!! Inside | [[HIGHLIGHT]]We all decided on a table instead of the sushi bar in front of the chefs, though it does seem like a fun experience![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We'll definitely have to return and sit at the bar! Customer Service | Polite, kind, attentive, and friendly! Everyone who appeared our table who is an absolute delight to interact with! Our main server was surprised at how I stacked everything neatly at the end of our table at the end of the evening! I didn't want her to have to reach across the table to get every single plate! Busy Bee| [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place was packed, very busy![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall | Yes, please! Each dish I tried was mouthwatering delicious, and some items were new flavors to my palate, which I enjoyed! I'm definitely looking forward to returning, as it was a wonderful and delicious experience!

    Oysters
    Michelle Y.

    Came here for a friend's birthday. There is no Yelp list or reservations available here so you gotta be very patient. For a party of 4 on a busy Saturday evening, we waited an hour which was not too bad. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Restaurant is pretty cozy inside, your typical Japanese decor, a little dated[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] but we came here for the sushi. Sushi was fresh but nothing too spectacular. Is it worth all the hype, I would say not really.

    Marc A.

    When restaurants become "viral" because of social media, some can't handle the newfound fame. Sushi Gen is one of them. We came here because of just that, Tik Tok. The wait was more than expected, literally an hour and 15 minutes. With that, I thought this place must be good! Unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant was crowded, but I was expecting a more exciting vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They sat us, gave us some towels to clean our hands and a menu. Immediately asked for drink orders. After about 2 minutes, she asked for our order. Not asking if we had any questions or if it was our first time. We had questions and she did answer them, but in a tone like we should have known the answers. They serve the food as it is made. But what was unusual was that we received 2 of the sushi orders and then waited another 10 minutes for the next two. It waned the table uncomfortable as we had to wait that long for everyone to eat. The food was on par with a Japanese restaurant but really nothing special. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance 5/10[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Food 7/10 [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cleanliness 8/10[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service 8/10 [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bathrooms 9/10[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Value 7/10 Will I Return? Probably not

    Sashimi Lunch
    Stella C.

    Had a very delicious and filling sashimi lunch that I think offered great value for the price. Staff were nice and accommodating for dietary restrictions. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant was busy even for a Wednesday.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We waited 20 min for lunch for 2. Parking costs $5 in the lot for lunch.

    Benjamin C.

    Sushi Gen The line starts early here, but the spot is actually pretty big so it moves along well. I went with the sashimi dinner which comes with a full spread: soup, rice, salad, tempura, and a really good plate of sashimi. The fish was super fresh and high quality, and the service was great throughout the meal. Honestly, the bang for buck is pretty crazy for what you get in that set. It's easily one of the best values I've found for sushi, and I will definitely be back when I find myself in LA again. If you're looking for a solid meal that doesn't break the bank but still delivers on quality, this is the place. Crazy bang for buck and fresh sashimi

    Starters
    alexandra k.

    Yum! Came here early to get parking and stand in line about 15 min before opening on a Thursday and the line was already about 15 deep. Got seated quickly once they opened and ordered the sashimi lunch special, which comes with tofu, a small dish of pickled veg, and miso soup for starters, which were fine, but the sashimi is the true star!

    Sushi Deluxe
    Brent Y.

    My wife and I come to Sushi Gen pretty regularly, about once every month or two. It's our go-to spot whenever we're craving fresh nigiri sushi. We usually order the Sushi Deluxe (we ask for no squid or octopus), which also comes with miso soup. The sushi quality is top notch and honestly some of the closest nigiri you'll get to what you'd find in Japan, especially for the price. The fish is always fresh and the portions are solid. They're also known for their sashimi sets, which I still need to try one of these days. The ambience feels very authentically Japanese, with a full sushi bar along with regular table seating. With that said, be prepared to wait, since it's a really popular spot. Expect 30 minutes or more, unless you get there right before they open. Parking is $5 in the lot, or you can usually find metered street parking nearby.

    Sashimi tempura dinner set

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    Sushi Gen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sushi Gen

    What's the difference between Chirashi and Premium Chirashi?

    Premium Chirashi has more expensive items like Uni.

    When is last call?

    15 minutes before closing

    All you can eat?

    No. It is not

    Hi, I am going to go for the first time and get lunch. How would you recommend to order? Lunch combo special? Or are there any items that are MUST try? I would not want to miss anything awesome just by sticking to the combo menu. Thanks!

    Must tries: Salmon Collar Yellowtail Collar… 

    Do they have Omakase? I don't see it in the menu.

    No, but love the sushi bar!!!

    Do they take reservations?

    They no longer take reservations anymore. First come first serve now.

    What time do you usually go on a weekday so you don't have to wait?

    I went around 5pm and I didn't wait long. Maybe 10 minutes. I feel like it depends on the day. We also asked for Bar seating and it was a lot quicker..BUT you can not have rolls at the bar.

    Should I expect long wait time during weekday lunch time?

    Yes, depending on the time you get there expect at least 30 minutes of wait

    Are they still doing take out orders for lunch?

    Yes

    Do you accept in dining?

    Yes with proof of vaccination

    Do they have gluten free options?

    Rice is also gluten free

    Is the sushi bar open for sit down dining?

    Yes I believe so.... last time I was there (~3 weeks ago) they were open.

    Do they take resetvations?

    Not at the moment

    Can someone please advice if they're open for dine in?

    yup. dine in including lunch.

    When are you guys going to open in door dining?

    Indoor dining is open now! No reservations as usual so you have to walk in. There is usually a wait during prime hours though so try and come early

    How's the sushi?

    Sushi is good, rice is perfect, fish, high quality BUT I usually order the sashimi lunch special...available only on weekdays. It comes with rice so you can make your own sushi.

    Do they wear masks and gloves while making sushi and sashimi?

    Yes, they are awesome!

    What are their to-go containers made out of as of now?

    They used more standard looking cardboard takeout boxes and soup bowls last visit. See my other photo recent photo.

    Can you call in advance to order for pick up?

    Yes you can.

    Does anyone know if Sushi Gen is doing take out or pick up during COVID19?

    we had take out from sushi gen. very pretty.

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    Marugame Monzo

    Marugame Monzo

    4.4
    (5.2k reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    My friend and I came on a Friday afternoon for lunch and were seated quite quickly outside. I…read moreordered the Uni udon and she got the shrimp tempura udon. We split the eggplant tempura, Agedashi tofu, yuzu lemonade. The udon had a bouncy texture and the normal broth was clear. The Uni udon was creamy and not at all overpowering. I was surprisingly felt lighter than I thought I would after finishing such a creamy dish. I can only speak of the outside environment since I never went inside. It can be a bit hard to wave someone down since they're so busy. We sat near the doorway and there were plenty of people waiting after we sat down but there was a nice waiting area so it wasn't so cramp.

    Finally made it to Marugame Monzo and it definitely lived up to the hype! The uni udon was the…read morehighlight of the meal--rich, creamy, and absolutely worth ordering if you're a fan of uni. We also tried the seafood tomato udon, veggie udon, miso carbonara udon, and the fried chicken skin, and everything was delicious. Each dish had its own unique flavor, and you can really tell they put a lot of care into making their noodles. We came on a Saturday for lunch, so we expected a long wait, but it was actually very reasonable and totally bearable. Service was efficient, and once seated, the food came out pretty quickly. Overall, a great spot for fresh handmade udon, and I'll definitely be back to try more items on the menu!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Fried chicken skin
    Fried chicken skin
    Agedashi Eggplant ($6)

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    Agedashi Eggplant ($6)
    IZAKAYA OSEN

    IZAKAYA OSEN

    4.3
    (2.2k reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$$
    Kid friendly
    Wheelchair accessible

    We got several sashimi, some skewers, crispy rice tuna, shrimp tempura, cauliflower tempura, and…read moreagedashi tofu. Sashimi were very delicious and high quality. )-/ thick cut and no weird fishy smell. Skewers were also very thick and way bigger than i expected. Love the beef tongue the most. The shrimp and cauliflower tempura basically taste the same (sweet and sour). Def disappointed at this bc we expected the typical tempura without being soaked in the red sauce. Agedashi tofu was also just ok. It was kinda soggy even though we ate it immediately. The wasabi is good though and parking is $8 in the personal lot (more expensive bc we paid with card). I give it 5 stars because: - The generous portion and yummy sashimi and skewers. - Service is also fast and the waitress serving us was very friendly! - We brought few slices of cakes and there is no cake fee. They even put it in a nice plate with flower haha :)

    If you're ordering skewers, the scallop, sea bass, and prime beef kushiyaki are absolute standouts…read more The scallop is incredibly tender, while the sea bass is the must-order. Even if don't like seabass, you must try this one! it's buttery, perfectly charred and melts in your mouth. The prime beef is equally impressive: tender, packed with rich umami flavor, and cooked to perfection. For a larger dish, you can't go wrong with either the sea bass or blue crab hot pot. It's so rich and comforting, the fish is always perfectly cooked, and it's more than enough food for two people. Be sure to order a side of seaweed and make your own hand rolls at the table. The kabocha salad is also unexpectedly delicious and pairs well with the other indulgent items in this order. They recently moved next door and they may be overbooking themselves so expect to wait quite a while- even if you have reservations.

    Photos
    IZAKAYA OSEN
    IZAKAYA OSEN
    Outdoor

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    Outdoor
    Kopan Izakaya

    Kopan Izakaya

    4.3
    (128 reviews)
    4.2 mi
    Free parking
    Kitchen open late

    POV: you found a Tokyo-style izakaya in the middle of Koreatown…read more Hidden inside Madang Mall, Kopan Izakaya is giving low-lit, cozy, authentic Japanese vibes... the kind of spot you accidentally stay at for hours What we ordered: Ginza Sushi (12pc chef's choice) -- fresh, buttery, melts instantly Yuzu Miso Black Snapper Crudo -- citrusy, light, perfectly balanced Negitoro Donburi + fresh uni -- rich, creamy, elite combo Crispy Rice w/ Spicy Tuna -- crunchy + spicy = no notes Geisha Roll -- seared salmon + shrimp tempura, packed with flavor This is your sign to level up on your Ktown sushi

    Stopped here for lunch, wasn't expecting much and didn't look at the menu or anything prior to…read morecoming in. The vibe is awesome inside; there's lofi playing at a nice level and the lighting is beautiful. It feels like an elevated experience right when you walk in. We didn't wait long as it was a Sunday afternoon, and our waitress was so helpful in deciding what to order (the menu is extensive!). We got the baked scallop roll, the crunch spider roll, and the Baja California roll. All three were amazing!!!! We also got spicy tuna crispy rice and the gyoza to start. I am not joking when I say they were the best restaurant gyoza I've had in Los Angeles. Juicy, warm, nice golden crisp on the bottom, and flavorful filling. The baked scallop roll was my personal favorite of the three; it was warm and savory, with an excellent bite from the juicy scallops. It was a great contrast to the Baja roll, which is cold and has crunchy elements to it. And the spider roll was one I didn't expect to like (my boyfriend wanted it), but ended up being my second favorite! The soft shell crab flavor is deliciously salty and pairs great with the surrounding flavors. I'll definitely be back for more!

    Photos
    Kopan Izakaya
    Kopan Izakaya
    Kopan Izakaya

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    KazuNori | Downtown LA

    KazuNori | Downtown LA

    4.4
    (3.6k reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    pretty perfect! I get the 5 roll set usually and I wouldn't change a thing…read more The price is great for what you get tbh My fav is the crab roll Better parking than koreatown

    After having lunch with my peers today, I was met with rude Customer Service from the…read moremanager/supervisor of the restaurant. It started off with me observing the way the ankimo hand roll was being made right in front of me. I saw that they added some type of sauce and once it was placed in front of me, I politely asked if this roll contained any soy sauce, which I am allergic to since I have celiac disease. It was confirmed that this role had soy sauce, so I refused the roll, and at first the manager/supervisor was able to rearrange my order to regular 6 hand rolls. The ankimo that wasn't touched by me I asked her if I should give to my peers instead of throwing the handroll in the trash. She said yes. After my 5th roll they asked if we want to order anything else. I said I am still missing one roll. And she said you had 5 and the ankimo. I said I didn't eat the ankimo. And she said your friends did .... So she charged me the extra one that was going to the trash because I didn't want to waste food ... Throughout our conversation, it was not confirmed that the handroll I gave to my friend was supposed to be a part of the six hand rolls upgrade that the manager had offered me. It would've been best if she gave me some clarification so that I was not kept waiting for an extra handroll that I was able to eat due to my medical condition. I thought they would have been understanding, but unfortunately, I was wrong

    Photos
    Available Starting Aug 6th.
    Available Starting Aug 6th.
    Lobster Hand Roll
    Lobster Hand Roll
    KazuNori | Downtown LA

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    kodo

    kodo

    4.3
    (568 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    The inside is low lit & gives an elevated ambiance. Service was fantastic and very attentive. We…read morestarted with the pacific oysters & spicy tuna crispy rice. The pacific oysters are a good size and I really enjoyed the yuzu-kosho ponzu sauce on it. The spicy tuna crispy rice have a good amount of spicy tuna on top & I loved how crispy they made the rice underneath. The Kodo trio comes with uni, toro, & wagyu and the Toro sampler comes with o-toro, chu-toro, akami. All of these handrolls were phenomenal & just left you wanting more. The Wagyu katsu you cook on a hot stone at the table which I liked as an interactive dish. The Wagyu cheeseburger was dripping with juice but still had those crunchy edges. The Uni pasta was beautiful & delicious. The Chimichurri prawns I could eat multiple plates of- the shell comes sliced down the middle so you just have to peel it off. For dessert we ordered the Kodo basque cheesecake & Miso chocolate torte. I love a basque cheesecake & the sesame crumble added great texture. The miso chocolate torte made me wish I ordered my own. Everything from start to finish was amazing, it's hard to pick favorites. Parking- valet $13

    I really enjoy eating here because service is fast and friendly. You get a lovely meal and every…read morestaff member you meet is always so friendly. Food is delicious, drinks are good, and parking isn't hard to find if you're willing to walk a little. The design kinda dark inside, but the patio is always nice. The best part? I can be in and out in less than an hour if I wanted!

    Photos
    Inside Dining Area
    Inside Dining Area
    Toro carpaccio
    Toro carpaccio
    Entrance Seating

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    Entrance Seating

    Sushi Gen - sushi - Updated July 2026

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