In the bustling culinary landscape of Arcadia, Sushi Kisen stands out as a haven for aficionados of Edomae-style sushi. Helmed by Executive Chef Hiro Yamada--whose impressive pedigree includes tenures at esteemed establishments like Sushi Gen and Shiki Beverly Hills--this unassuming strip-mall gem delivers a traditional Japanese dining experience that rivals its more opulent counterparts. Yet, as remarkable as the food is, the restaurant isn't without its challenges. Upon entering, the minimalist interior sets the stage for an intimate culinary journey. The sushi counter seats just ten, offering an $80 minimum omakase experience that feels like a bargain given the meticulous craftsmanship and premium ingredients. For more casual diners, table seating is available, with lunch sets starting at $35 and dinner sets at $50--both excellent value. However, this intimacy comes at a cost: without a reservation, the wait for walk-ins can be excruciating, and securing a seat is often virtually impossible. The restaurant's popularity often overwhelms its limited seating capacity, leaving unprepared diners frustrated. What makes the experience worth the logistical hassle is the food itself. Sushi Kisen's commitment to tradition is evident in its rice preparation: the shari, seasoned with a blend of red vinegars, achieves a perfect balance that complements the seafood without overshadowing it. Fish, sourced directly from Tokyo's Toyosu Market twice weekly, ensures unparalleled freshness. Diners can anticipate a rotation of 30 to 40 varieties, including seasonal delicacies like skipjack tuna and goldeneye snapper. The omakase progression is masterful. Highlights include the marinated lean bluefin tuna (zuke), where the soy infusion enhances the fish's depth, and the torched goldeneye snapper (kinmedai aburi), with its delicate smoky nuance. Each piece is a harmony of temperature, texture, and flavor--a true showcase of Chef Yamada's expertise. Beyond sushi, offerings like the creamy monkfish liver (ankimo) and the caramelized miso-marinated salmon further solidify Sushi Kisen's reputation as a top-tier dining destination. However, the restaurant's strengths are occasionally undercut by operational shortcomings. Despite the staff's attentiveness and knowledge of the menu, the team often appears stretched thin. Service can feel slow during peak hours, so diners should prepare themselves for delays. On balance, even in a region oversaturated with Japanese fine dining options, Sushi Kisen sets itself apart with its focus on quality, authenticity, and the essence of Edomae sushi. But to enjoy its many merits, plan ahead--make a reservation, pack some patience, and let the exceptional craftsmanship of the food justify the logistical hurdles. read more

For those of you keeping score at home - and I know some of you psychopaths are - this will be the quickest I've ever posted a review post-meal. 4 days from counter to post may not seem that short. But if you think about it in the context of the Cuban Missile Crisis, this was 1/3 of that. Pretty short. So what was so pressing that I had to tear myself away from March Madness? My lunchtime visit to 江戸前鮨 㐂扇 Sushi Kisen, a sushiya in Arcadia, that is - as of this writing - the best I've been to in the Los Angeles area. Kisen first appeared in my universe when we were putting together the LA Omakase List (check it out at laomakase.com). The Kisen team, led by Executive Chef Hiro Yamada, takes their Sushi seriously. And people are noticing: the 10 seat counter and 15 or so tables were all jammed on a weekday afternoon. Yes, that means there's a wait and yes that means parking was difficult in the strip mall that Sushi Kisen resides. But some of you people in Los Angeles will queue for a Goop pop-up, so I'm sure you'll wait for great sushi. While Hiro-san is labelled as the Executive Chef, it's a great sign of the quality that I was served - and so impressed - by someone else, Makoto Asami. Makoto-San relies on the slightly warm (but not hot!), perfectly seasoned and densely packed Tamaki-branded Koshihikari rice to form his nigiri, and it's impossible to tell the story of Kisen's quality without it or him. Hiro-san and Makoto-san are part of a team of 6 sushi chefs that preside over the counter, which is open at both lunch and dinner for a minimum spend of $80 on an Omakase only. My Omakase came in at ~$80 plus tax and tip. Unlike nearly every sushiya in New York City, Kisen is one of many in the Los Angeles area that treats its Omakase like a faucet. Sushi keeps coming, and the price keeps rising, until you turn it off. As a result, I've included the prices of each course in the walkthrough on my blog at the sushi legend dot com. Read the remainder there... read more

Was scrolling through yelp for places to eat and saw this new sushi restaurant in town so I decided to give it a try. Was greeted as I walked into the restaurant with a traditional Japanese welcome which felt very pleasant. Food: 3.5/5. Overall the food was good, I tried a few different selections of fish on their menu along with some of their recommended seasonal fishes. Fish to rice portion was good and you can definitely taste how fresh the fish is. No non-traditional rolls which I enjoyed. I wish the rice was slightly warmer but overall great taste. I believe this could've been purely my fault for sitting at the table. I will try to sit at the bar next time to be able to get the best taste possible from each piece of sushi. My favorite item was the akami sushi. I typically don't like akami because it's a lean tuna and it can sometimes taste quite fishy but I thoroughly enjoyed it here. The chawanmushi (egg custard) was a nice hot app. for its price. Slightly less flavor than I was expecting but I still enjoyed it. If you've never tried this before then I would definitely recommend giving it a go! Decor: 5/5. From the moment where I opened the door and entered, the restaurant has a beautiful and elegant wood styling throughout the entire restaurant. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting at my table and just appreciating the decor and how beautiful the restaurant was set up. Their restroom was also clean and decorated beautifully as well. Service: 5/5. Really friendly staff and although it wasn't busy when I went, I felt that they were attentive throughout my entire time dining at the restaurant. Price: For the location, how good the food was, service, and my experience I think the price is fair. It's on par with any other a la carte sushi restaurants in LA or other surrounding areas. read more

I recently visited this place, and I must say, the food was simply fantastic. The sashimi was incredibly fresh and tasted amazing. I could tell that the chef put a lot of care and attention into preparing the fish. We got a variety of items to try: deluxe chirashi, sushi set, yellowtail Kama, tempura, agedashi tofu, and the steak set While the food was great, the service was a bit inconsistent. At times, it was excellent, with the staff being attentive and helpful. But at other times, it seemed like they were a bit overwhelmed and struggled to keep up with the demand. The server seemed to have forgot our food order for a moment. As for the steak, it was okay, but it didn't quite live up to the standard set by the rest of the dishes. I probably wouldn't order it again, as there were other dishes that I enjoyed more. One dish that I absolutely loved was the deluxe Chirashi. Yes, it was a bit expensive, but it was well worth the price. The quality and quantity of the fish were top-notch, and it was beautifully presented. It's definitely a dish that I would recommend trying. Overall, I had a great experience at this restaurant. While the service was a bit inconsistent and the beef wasn't my favorite, the fresh sashimi and the delicious deluxe Chirashi made up for it. If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, then this place is definitely worth checking out. read more

Had a great experience at Sushi Kisen in Arcadia, sitting at the sushi bar with Toshi-san. He was incredible--super precise and clearly skilled, and you can tell a lot of care goes into every piece he prepares. Some standout bites for me were the sea bream, red snapper, octopus, and Spain mackerel--all really well done. My personal favorites though were the Hokkaido scallop, chu-toro, toro, uni nigiri, and the otoro hand roll. Those were next level. Also have to mention the tamago nigiri and miso soup--honestly some of the best I've ever had. The ambiance feels more on the premium side but still comfortable, and it's quiet enough to actually have a conversation without any trouble. Service was smooth and efficient throughout. Just a heads up, if you want to sit at the sushi bar, reservations are required. There's also a minimum spend of $88 per person, or you can just go with the omakase for $90, which is definitely worth it. Parking is in the same plaza as Molly Tea, in the old Din Tai Fung plaza. Would definitely come back and also want to try their sister restaurant Miyama for the super premium 8-seat $220 per person omakase. Overall, really solid spot if you're looking for a quality sushi experience in Arcadia. read more

The culinary offerings at this sushi haven are unparalleled in freshness and flavor, leaving taste buds tantalized and satisfied. The ambiance exudes an authentic Japanese charm, evoking fond memories of my time spent in Japan. From the traditional decor to the serene atmosphere, every detail transports diners to a realm of culinary bliss, promising an authentic gastronomic journey. The service here is simply outstanding, with a team of warm and welcoming staff members dedicated to ensuring a memorable dining experience. The complimentary refills of green tea are a delightful touch, adding to the overall sense of hospitality. Indulging in the Premium Sushi Dinner was a true delight, with each meticulously crafted dish surpassing expectations. However, it's worth noting that such quality and ambiance come with a price, and while the experience is undeniably worth it, patrons should be prepared for higher-end pricing commensurate with the exceptional quality offered I got the Premium Sushi Dinner and Green Tea. read more

This sushi restaurant stands out as the epitome of culinary excellence in the area. The moment you step inside, you're transported to the heart of Japan through its authentic and traditional ambiance. The commitment to quality is evident in every bite, with impeccably fresh ingredients meticulously crafted into exquisite sushi pieces. The staff exudes warmth and professionalism, enhancing the dining experience with their attentiveness and knowledge. The modern and sleek interior, adorned predominantly with wood accents, not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also reflects a commitment to natural and sustainable elements. Admittedly, the experience comes at a premium, but it's a price worth paying for the unparalleled quality and service offered. While it may not be feasible for regular visits, indulging in this culinary delight occasionally or for special occasions is an absolute must. In essence, this establishment sets the gold standard for sushi in the area, making it a destination worth savoring. read more

Sushi Kisen is a hidden gem in Arcadia for authentic Edomae-style sushi. This is not an Americanized Japanese restaurant, but a more traditional sushi spot that feels refined, clean, and focused on quality. The sushi is fresh, delicate, and thoughtfully prepared. I really appreciate the Edomae-style approach, where each piece feels balanced and intentional rather than overly sauced or overly modified. The flavors are clean, and the sushi lets the quality of the fish speak for itself. Service is polite and efficient. It does get busy during lunch, but the staff still keeps things moving and the experience feels organized. The decor is fresh, clean, and simple. They offer both sushi bar and table seating. If you sit at the sushi bar, you can watch the skillful chefs carefully prepare each piece, which makes the meal feel even more special. I have not tried dinner yet, but based on my lunch experience, I would definitely recommend Sushi Kisen if you appreciate authentic Japanese sushi in the Arcadia area. read more

I visited Sushi Kisen with high hopes, especially given the buzz around the place, but my experience was a bit of a mixed bag. First, there's a wait, and I was really hoping it would be worth it. Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to try their omakase, as I had to sit at one of the dining tables instead. Once seated, the disappointment started to set in--several of the fish options I wanted were already sold out. As for the food, the fish was decent, but it wasn't as fresh or exceptional as I expected, especially considering the reputation. Some pieces were a little lackluster in flavor and texture, and it didn't feel like the quality matched the hype. I'm left wondering what all the fuss is about. It's not bad by any means, but it didn't wow me like I thought it would. Maybe I missed out by not getting the omakase, but overall, Sushi Kisen didn't quite live up to the expectations. read more

Sushi Kisen is a hidden gem in Arcadia. This sushi restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience with a wide variety of premium sushi options. My wife and I are frequent patrons and have never been disappointed. The uni tray, especially when in season, is a must-try. It's incredibly fresh and flavorful. Some of our other favorites include the Negitoro Roll, Hotate - Scallop, Kinmedai - Golden Eye Snapper, Kasugo - Baby Snapper, and Hamachi - Yellowtail. The quality of the fish is consistently high, and the preparation is impeccable. The service is always attentive and friendly. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. If you're looking for a top-notch sushi restaurant, Sushi Kisen is definitely worth a visit. However, I recommend arriving early, especially for dinner, as it can get quite busy. You won't be disappointed! read more

The chef previously worked at the renowned Sushi Gen in Los Angeles, so you can expect the same high quality. They even source their ingredients from the same suppliers, ensuring the freshest fish. Every cut of fish is expertly aged, and the uni from Hokkaido, Japan, was exceptionally fresh and flavorful. The service is warm and attentive, making the experience even better. The interior is beautifully designed, creating a relaxing atmosphere perfect for an elevated dining experience. Their wine and sake selection mirrors that of Sushi Gen, offering a great range of options to complement the meal. I'm thrilled to have found a spot like this closer to home without needing to drive all the way to downtown LA. I'll definitely be back soon! read more

Sushi Kisen is one of my favorite sushi spots in LA. From the moment you walk in, the energy feels lively yet still organized, and the quality of the fish is consistently impressive. Everything tastes incredibly fresh and thoughtfully prepared, and you can really tell the chefs care about the details. It's a place I have brought many of my friends to, especially knowing the quality and consistency are always there. We always look forward to coming back. read more

I love Sushi Kisen so much! I can't believe I've never written a review even though I've been here so many times now. The quality of the fish is amazing and always so fresh. My favorite bites are the scallop and golden eyed snapper, but I also love all the toro and whitefish. How can you choose?! The staff are all so friendly too. Sushi Kisen is a treat, and I'm always looking forward to my next visit! read more

The dishes were extremely salty, and I felt constantly thirsty during and after the meal. The crab had dark discoloration, and the shrimp did not taste fresh, which raised concerns about seafood quality. After dining, I felt physically uncomfortable. Overall, the experience was disappointing, and food freshness and safety need improvement. read more

Very authentic edomae sushi, tasted the same high quality as at the sushi restaurant I loved in Asia. Rice and fish balance well. It is highly recommended to make reservations at the sushi bar in advance if you prefer to fully enjoy the sushi. Service is also very efficient and friendly. read more

I had a great experience at Sushi Kisen. The sushi was fresh, and the prices were very reasonable for the quality. The chef was friendly, and the sushi bar area had a welcoming vibe. Definitely a spot I'd recommend for a casual sushi outing! read more

Micheline Star Restaurant! Wow simply the best Japanese restaurant in LA. You will not find better. I am so impressed in the middle of Arcadia grade foot. Check my videos in the chef is the artist is not a chef. read more

Authentic Edomae sushi restaurant in Los Angeles. Lunch costs over 6,000 yen, but I can't believe you can eat sushi of this quality in America. I used red vinegar and it was delicious! read more

Walked in at 5:09 pm and they have about 3-4 tables available. Waitress asked if we can be finished by 6:00 pm because the tables were reserved....... read more