Hats off and many thanks to the late great Master Chef Katsuya Uechi who passed away on June 26, 2026 at the young age of 67. Katsuya-San was one of the pioneers and craftsmen of sushi in the San Fernando Valley in the 80's and 90's, starting as a chef at Kabuki in Northridge and transitioning to his own restaurant in Studio City which soon blossomed into a hospitality empire. He was the creator of the Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice and many other staples of the San Fernando Valley sushi row. I met him personally at the opening of the Northridge location where we were honored to have him prepare food for us. He was a humble and proud chef, a perfectionist and a great businessman. RIP. His signature Sushi Katsuya restaurants in Studio City, Encino, Woodland Hills and Northridge (at the old Kabuki location where he started) are must visits for food, service and vibe/ambiance. Not to be confused with the KATSUYA chain by Stark. Highly recommended! read more

RIP Katsuya Uechi san. Thank you for the EPIC memories! And thank you for launching a MOVEMENT in the sushi world. If you were part of the Hollywood industry in the early 2000's, Katsuya was your everything! This man was a true innovator and pioneer! Gone too soon. read more

It has been a long time since I have been to a Katsu-ya location. I arrived for lunch and was immediately sat at the sushi bar. I ordered the selected nigiri sushi which came with a miso soup and salad for a starter, and an orange for dessert. Each piece of sushi was so fresh and melted in my mouth. I ended up taking the California rolls home because I got full! The servers were all so nice and accommodating. I love that they brought me a hot towel at the start to clean my hands. The parking lot is valet only; however, I was able to park down the block for metered parking at a fraction of the cost. I will be running back soon to get my sushi fix! read more

Sushi Katsu-Ya is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in LA. The spicy tuna crispy rice and the baked crab hand roll are two of the best dishes ever, and they feel quintessentially LA to me - rooted in authenticity, with a twist. The spicy tuna crispy rice is the original, and it's the best one. The spicy tuna still tastes like tuna, not overloaded with sauce. The crispy rice is perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the seasoned rice is delicious. The baked crab hand roll is often what we consider dessert - it's warm, fresh and salty sweet, always satisfying. The popular dishes are popular for a reason - you can't go wrong with any of them! The seared albacore with crispy onion is another standout. Katsu-ya was also the first place I had marinated sashimi dishes like this, and the albacore and sauce with the crispy onion piled on make for a perfect bite. The creamy popcorn shrimp tempura is lightly crispy and coated in just the right amount of sauce. The miso marinated black cod is another undeniable standout. It is packed with flavor and it's always cooked perfectly. One of my favorite ways to dine here is to request a chef's choice selection of nigiri - usually 6-8 unique pieces per person (each order is 2 pieces) of the best/freshest fish available. You can let them know if you have any allergies or restrictions, but otherwise we just go unofficial omakase style! We always end up with fish we may not have known to order - red snapper prepared 2 ways, kanpachi. We are always happy with what we get, and the quality is consistently high. And there's a fun element of surprise! I will also give a shoutout to the live sweet shrimp sushi. They fry the head and serve it with the sushi. You can just eat the whole head, and it's rich and delicious. The restaurant is clean, comfortable and no frills. It's not a big space but they utilize it well and it doesn't feel overcrowded. The staff is great - they're polite, attentive and helpful. Food service is well-paced. They take reservations by phone. I can have a really great meal for under $100 (with an unofficial "omakase" experience if desired), which I think is completely worth it for sushi/sashimi. There is a small lot that charges $10, and limited street parking. I've been a happy customer for nearly 20 years of this location and other restaurants of the Katsu-ya Group. I continue to enthusiastically recommend them! read more

Sushi Katsu-Ya - Spicy tuna crispy rice - Sushi Bars Near Me - Studio City, California

I've been here once ages ago and came back while hosting a friend from out of town to get her to try some great LA sushi. Parking in this lot is nigh impossible, valet here is $10. Street parking is theoretically available (metered) but attempting it on Ventura Blvd for dinner can also be nigh impossible so we opted for valet. We did not have a reservation and came on a week night, however, we were fortunate enough to be able to get seated in under 20 minutes! Service was polite. Sushi Katsu-Ya features exclusively indoor seating in a small space on Sushi Row but I enjoy their decor and more intimate atmosphere! Spicy tuna crispy rice 5/5, loved!! soft but not too soft, crunchy but not too crunchy, tuna was fresh and just melted on the tongue, I'd reorder this everytime Teppan roll 1/5, omg so I wanted to try another "special" roll from my usual as an experience but this comes out steaming hot?? Apparently a Teppan roll IS supposed to be hot except this was never listed on the menu or clarified by any of our 2 rotating waiters so??? Salmon cut roll 5/5, basic salmon roll, I opted for this as a replacement for the Teppan. simple but fresh! read more

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Somehow, I've ordered more takeout and delivery from this location than I've actual dined in. Every time, though, I've always had a wonderful meal. Katsu-Ya is truly in a league of its own, and continues to be a LA / SFV "must." Fresh nigiri or sashimi is a safe choice - my faves are the seared salmon, salmon special, ikura, scallop and yellowtail. The combos are fun, and usually what I get when my workplace coordinates delivery for us. The Spicy Tuna Bowl, the Sashimi Combo and the Sushi Combo (complete with crab hand rolls!) hit every single time. As for rolls, I love a good creamy salmon roll, spicy salmon roll, blue crab roll, robert roll, negihama roll... etc. I would also recommend the popcorn shrimp, shishito peppers, spicy tuna crispy rice, albacore sashimi with crispy onions, and baked crab hand roll. Katsu-Ya is worth the price, hands down. Everything melts in your mouth, they're consistent and reliable, and you can find something for everyone. Street parking or valet are your best bets in this part of town. It is usually quite busy and crowded here, so make a reservation and plan ahead whenever possible! read more

Sushi Katsu-Ya - Sushi Bars Near Me - Studio City, California

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Tucked away in Studio City, if you know, you know, this is the OG on Sushi Row in the valley. It has that rare combination of fresh, high-quality sushi, warm service, and a relaxed atmosphere that keeps people coming back year after year. This isn't a trendy see-and-be-seen spot. It's a place for people who genuinely love good sushi. But you will SEE people. The fish is consistently fresh, the portions are generous, and every meal feels like it was prepared with care. The staff is welcoming, attentive, and makes you feel like a regular, even if it's your first visit. No gimmicks, no hype, just delicious food and hospitality that keeps earning loyal customers. Studio City is lucky to have it. read more

I mean, I've been coming to this place for so long. I can't believe I haven't reviewed it yet. Is absolutely fantastic. I've never had anything that has not been delicious. I love sitting at the bar. I love interacting with the chefs. They are phenomenal and I definitely highly recommend this place again been coming here for as long as I can remember and I have never had anything bad sushi quality service. Everything is on point. read more

So delicious place 5 star definitely! Lovely place for family and others . Totally recommend everyone!

Katsu-Ya used to be one of the standout sushi bars in Studio City's Sushi Row, but the quality of the food has decreased, and it is now rather ordinary. Granted, the prices are less than several of the other sushi bars. The staff is very friendly and helpful. There is valet parking and parking on the street. read more

Oh man, the original Katsuya! So many memories connected with this place. Been here over 100 times and this spot does not disappoint -- always very fresh fish and this location is truly a sushi staple of Los Angeles. Their toro and uni are absolutely amazing, but on an average day at lunch I usually go with the delicious basics. My standard is a spicy tuna cut roll, creamy salmon cut roll in soy paper and spicy shrimp cut roll in soy paper. All 3 rolls, while simple, are incredibly fresh, delicious and hit multiple taste notes. Love this place and will continue to come back for more yummy sushi! Their customer service is always on point and the ambiance is a lot of good vibes, with many tables and sushi bar for dining and with the design less modern and more classic, Japanese wooden finish. All in all, a great go-to spot for delicious sushi and rolls! read more

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An underwhelming experience overall. We weren't greeted for the first few minutes that we stepped inside and felt rather invisible. Our server barely acknowledged us or conversed throughout the entire experience. We ordered simple rolls that took close to 20 minutes to be ready and they were decent rolls but not entirely worth that kind of wait. read more

Katsu-ya is good but I've noticed the wualoty has declined. The crispy rice is as good as always and the best in the city. However the salmon sushi was fishy and tough. I was disappointed by this as I expect better from here. The scallop was over garnished and was too salty. The hand rolls were chewy and the seaweed tasted like it was sitting for a while. It has that tough consistency unfortunately. I wish my experience was better read more

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We came in on a Saturday afternoon and the place was busy but calming atmosphere. The decorations were very unique and pretty. We sat at the bar to see the sushi slicing in action which didn't disappoint. Customer service was awesome, they gave us wet napkins to clean our hands before and after eating . We ordered 2 Sapporo draft beers with a couple rolls from their regular menu and menu of the day! Our rolls were SO GOOD, rainbow roll was yummy too(not in pic). I've never had a sizzling sushi that just melted in my mouth. Such great quality and good sized sushi pieces. Spent around $65 for 2 people not including tip! Definitely coming back!! :) read more

Sushi Katsu-Ya - Sushi Bars Near Me - Studio City, California

Awesome, fresh, great service and ambiance. Will definitely recommend and we will be back

Back again after a while. This place Never disappoints! We went around 2pm on Saturday. And it was not crowded. Now I know when to come. I ordered our usual- the albacore with crispy onion and spicy tuna with popcorn shrimp that we always order. This was outstanding as always. The tuna on crispy rice which was always my favorite - something was missing. We tried a few new things. the Japanese ceviche - very interesting and refreshing. Bits of chopped seafood with cucumber. The Robert roll was very good. Loved it. Spicy albacore w shrimp tempura roll- hmmm I'd give that a miss. Not my favorite. The Frozen peach margarita- Nope. Our server was attentive and friendly. Lots of street parking. read more

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It was our first time there. Friendly service. The food was fresh and delicious. Certainly a thumbs up and I can say, give it a try. read more

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Katsuya studio city never disappoints! Fresh fish, great service . One of our go to sushi places!! Crispy Spinach albacore sashimi is a must have !! read more

Extraordinary, classic sushi. Never disappoints!! Popcorn shrimp Spicy tuna cut roll Baked crab cut roll Robert Roll 4 and a half roll Albacore with crispy onions Lobster dynamite Crispy rice with spicy tuna Add sushi as desired!! Enjoy!!! read more

This is one of our usual go to spots for sushi, and we usually come with the same group of 6. At this point the servers recognize us and, of course, are very nice. But even before we became regulars the staff here was always so attentive and friendly, always greeting us on the way in and out. They definitely go above and beyond to make sure we have everything to our liking. Parking is valet only, with metered street parking on Ventura blvd if you're lucky enough to catch a spot. It is a smaller sushi place so you probably shouldn't try to come here for a very large group. I'd say probably 8 would be the max, but you probably should call them and not take my word for it. Food is always consistent. Tender, fresh, perfectly made. Favorite starters are the shishido peppers, the brussel sprouts are *chefs kiss*, seaweed salad is not fishy at all, and chili edamame is always nice and hot with the right amount of chili mixed in. Pricing is more affordable than most sushi places of its caliber, so that's a definite plus. Overall I highly recommend sushi Katsu-ya! read more

Sushi Katsu-Ya was a great dining experience. My mom was too busy to have lunch with me on Mother's Day so we went out for lunch at Katsu-Ya on Tuesday. The ambience was bustling but not too crowded. We started with the salmon and caviar which was extremely flavorful. My mom had the BSC and I had the chirashi bowl. The chirashi was epic with a ton of variety of fish to eat. I was very happy with my choice. My mom said her BSC was great. For dessert we had the red bean ice cream which was simple and sweet. The service was top notch and very attentive. I will have to come to Katsu-Ya more often! read more

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5+ stars. Enough said. Consistent great food and service. Staff is great. Always a joyful experience to go.

Came here for a quick late night bite and ordered the large hot sake, 4 1/2 roll and the bluefin tuna sushi. One of my favorite thing to order is the Creamy Popcorn Shrimp (forgot to take a picture) They were pretty busy for the last hour being open. Sat at the bar and the food was prepared quick! They even gave a free orange for dessert! The only downside was the parking, they charge $10 in the plaza to park your car there. read more

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Great food... great atmosphere and sitting at the sushi bar is great way to try new things. Gove it a try... you wont be dissappointed. read more

After 15 years, I finally returned to Katsuya in Studio City for lunch and was immediately taken by the updated interior - simple, clean, sophisticated, and yet very welcoming. The service was truly impeccable, with a consistently attentive and observant staff. A special thank you to Ayano at my table, whose thoughtful and considerate service transported me right back to Japan. The sushi plate was absolutely delicious, came with salad and miso soup. and my husband was equally happy with his meal. While our usual Valley sushi spot boasts a "best of" reputation, Katsuya impressed us with its refined atmosphere and consistently superior service. We are already anticipating our next visit. read more

Sushi Katsu-Ya - Lunch sushi plate - Sushi Bars Near Me - Studio City, California

How do they get away with what they serve as sushi? I ordered the rock shrimp which was decent. I ordered a seafood salad that had so little seafood that you needed to look for it. We have been there before but never again. The only saving grace was the server who had ver good people skills. Over all anyone who knows sushi do not go there. We went because it was convenient for our friend. The food was poor as was the quality. Never would I go there again while there are so many better options across the valley with the best in Calabasas . Irwin Z read more

I was craving good sushi and happened to be in the area, so I decided to stop by for a quick lunch. I usually order delivery from here, but thought I'd try dining in this time. The place has a traditional Japanese ambiance, which I really liked, and it was packed when I got there. I'm obsessed with their baked crab roll, so of course, I had to get it. I also went for the sashimi special, which was too good to pass up--came with miso soup, rice, and salad, all for under $30! The portions are super generous, and the quality is spot-on. The staff is friendly all around, and my waitress was really sweet. Food came out fast, and I even had leftovers to take home. Overall, a great spot for a quick and satisfying sushi fix--definitely will be back! read more

Sushi Katsu-Ya - Baked Crab Cut Roll Mixed Sashimi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Studio City, California

Poor quality of fish and rude service. The place was empty during the lunch hours. Bad customer service. The place used to be good.

The location is small so there wasn't alot of space for parking. I went ahead and used the valet service they had. The inside of the restaurant was small and felt a bit cramped. (If you are claustrophobic, be careful) of course there were spaces to move around but it will be difficult for others. The food was decent but oof pricey. My favorite was the bluefin tuna Trio. For the price of the dish, I understand since it tasted pretty fresh and the presentation was visible. I tried sea urchin for the first time here and I guess I can't say too much about it other than it being very very strong in ocean flavor. The service was great! I was well taken care of by our amazing waiter. read more

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Been coming here for decades. Eaten at so many sushi spots in LA but I keep coming back to Katsuya. I can't believe what I value it is the Sushi is incredible. It's such good quality and yet the prices are still so far. It used to be super expensive 20 years ago but today everyone else is continuously raising their prices while cut it is keeping them pretty much the same I dream about the spicy tuna. I also love the nigiri special. The caviar salmon is insane read more

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Strange POLICY. If you get food that you don't like. They will take it back and charge you for it anyway.

Went here for the first time, by mistake. I was meant to meet my friend at the Encino branch, also on Ventura Blvd but several miles east. This apparently is the original and it's just as good as the one in Encino but with much better parking, so that's a plus. It's simply decorated and the servers are friendly, quick and efficient. Sushi is fresh and traditional - the specialty rolls are also straightforward and not too complicated. Their lava cake dessert was lovely too. read more

Sushi Katsu-Ya - Lava cake - Sushi Bars Near Me - Studio City, California

For the best sushi in the valley, Sushi Katsu-ya in Studio City is a must-visit. The fresh, flavorful dishes cater to all tastes, showcasing the chef's skill with top-quality ingredients. The inviting atmosphere makes it ideal for any occasion. Sushi Katsu-ya truly stands out--mic drop! Ask for Juan to make sure you get the best service!!!! read more

The sushi is amazing and a great value for the quality. They have an eclectic mix of sushi, sashimi, appetizers and rolls. The quality of the fish is outstanding and they add just enough subtle flavors to the rolls and sushi to enhance the dish but not overpower the fish. This is sushi done right. Service was excellent. read more

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AMAZING OMG! The food was so good, some the most amazing sushi ever. The vibes were great. The STAFF was AMAZING! Everyone is so nice from the host to the waiters to all the chefs. Can't wait to be back! read more

Im here weekly with the one and only GEO. This chef deserves a raise. Thats all I have to say Only annoying thing here is the valet. 1) it's expensive 2) they're rude. One time I dropped my husband off to go park outside on the street, the valet guy noticed and intentionally took the car from the valet and moved it to the parking spot on the street where he saw that I was going to park. On top of that another time they close the valet and I'm still eating. He asked me to pay when he gave me the keys, but the money was in the car so he expected me to get up from my meal walk to my car to pay him. Rude. read more

Love this place!!!! Everything is fresh and delicious and very reliably the way you want it! We come here to treat ourselves. It's the best! The service is usually very good, too! Try the spicy tuna on crispy rice, the tempura is perfection, the albacore with crispy onions is also our favorite! Yum!!! read more

Delicious sushi spot ! The fish tasted so fresh, the uni melted in your mouth ! The service was great, the food came out at a good pace and all of this was more than enough for 2 ! Defs recommend checking out this spot ! read more

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Excellent sushi and attentive staff. Clean restaurant, fresh ingredients, and a relaxing vibe. Always hits!

I always do takeout here, hands down best sushi in studio city ! The quality is always spot on, and I have never ate a bad piece of sushi from here. The service is prompt and my order is always correct, I don't have to worry about checking before I leave the restaurant. Quick service, good sushi, the tuna here is incredible . Don't miss out on the Brussels sprouts and my favorite appetizer is the spicy tuna on crispy rice. Yum! read more

Sushi Katsu-Ya - Spicy tuna on crispy rice, a bunch of different tuna , Brussels sprouts, tempura, shisito...Everything was incredible! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Studio City, California