I've been to Kokoro many times but let me tell you they remodeled in January and the place looks entirely different. It's always been good but now they really stepped up their game. The ambience has improved tremendously and everything is so cute with a full sushi bar. They also have a greatly expanded menu and are offering many items that you won't find elsewhere. One of those that I tried is the castle tower. This is composed of 3 fired wonton wrappers each topped with blue crab, avocado slices and a little bit of red onion. Presentation is very nice and the blue crab was a generous helping. Honestly, everything was really good and I cannot wait to go back. read more

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Came here for dinner for the first time and got the 3 item bento dinner value menu (I chose the pork cutlet, fried white fish, and sesame chicken). Value wise it is definately very value priced. It seem like their lunch also has a good bento value as well. Parking is massive since it's part of a shopping plaza, though the restaurant itself seems a bit out of place and can easily be missed when you're driving by. They do have a really wide selection of rolls. The other person in my group got the spider roll and truly enjoy it. However, it was disappointing that there wasn't much variety for non-fried food in the bento combinations. A good bento box should be a balanced meal, but pretty much my whole meal felt fried. Also, the place doesn't fully represent a traditional Japanese aesthetic, it feels alot more like a Korean twist on sushi. Overall, great for the wallet and good rolls, but just okay on the balance of the bento meal. read more

Sushi Kokoro - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

I called to place an order around 2 pm today. Well after lunch hour. Person who answered the phone just said "please hold" . I waited for over 10 minutes until I finally got tired of waiting and hung up. I called back and same person pretended to be the manager but no restaurant manager would just leave a customer order hanging like that so I don't think so. I Hope the real manager sees this and investigates. The fact is that either dine in or order out, this place is always a mess. Slow waiters, or even few waiters for multiple tables, slow food prep, unorganized management and operation of dining area overall is always chaos like its everyone's first day. Little did I know same experience calling in a simple order for a California roll! Seriously? Monterey Park's Kaiba Sushi who is their competition just down Atlantic has always been very well organized even when super busy. Staff is friendly and doesn't make excuses for having too many people and not enough staff. I will not be supporting Sushi Kokoro again. read more

Sushi Kokoro - Waited over 10 minutes on hold just to place an order for a simple California role. Person who answered never came back. - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Love the new ambiance, service was quick, sushi/ sashimi very fresh, house salad fresh and crispy However, spicy edamame was not good A little spicy but no other taste We were waited by three different servers only on told us about happy hour...... why????? read more

The fish was incredibly fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. Every bite tasted high quality, and the variety on the menu was impressive. I ordered the blue crab, black truffle salmon sashimi harmony and the sushi harmony. It actually ended being quite a bit of food more than I could finish. They also welcome you with a side of salad and miso soup when you sit . The staff was friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. The restaurant was clean, comfortable, and had a great atmosphere. It's honestly a cute Japanese restaurant for a date night. If you're looking for fresh sushi and excellent service, I highly recommend Sashimi. I'll definitely be coming back! 5 out of 5 for me! read more

Sushi Kokoro - That was a not even a quarter of the food I ordered lol! - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Came here on a Wednesday evening with my sister to grab some dinner. They had a wide selection of sushi rolls and combos. We were indecisive but ended with the bento box 3 items which included a side of miso soup and also choices or sides/meats/sushi rolls. The service was also top tier here as they were fast and very nice as well. Interior was very new and recently remodeled. Modern and clean. Great food and experience and it's close by to me so I'll definitely be back! read more

Sushi Kokoro - 3 ITEM BENTO (DINNER) - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Found such a cute gem in the East Los area- who knew sushi would be so great here?! My mom and I were in the area and in the search for a dinner spot, I stumbled across this place in a quick google search and decided to give it a try since we were starving. Located in a busy shopping center but it was no problem to find a parking spot. Entering the restaurant we were surprised at the beautiful interior decor and the immediate welcome from the staff (such a nice uniform). We were seated right away and got to order our drinks as we browsed the menu further. We decided to share a couple options to try multiple things off the menu. I am glad we did because everything was amazing! read more

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The sushi was amazing. It always tastes fresh and delicious. Their service is always incredible and friendly. Both Miguel and Mikey always go above and beyond and they always make use feel welcome. The ambiance is great as well especially some of the wall decor. 100/10 would eat there again PS: even if you are not a fan of sushi, they have a wide selection of Japanese cuisine on the menu too! read more

Sushi Kokoro - FRESHWATER EEL SUSHI SALMON SUSHI MACKEREL SUSHI - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Came here after the Dodgers game with my cousin around 10 pm. They close at 11 pm which is a little later than most sushi spots! I was very impressed how fresh the sashimi we ordered as well as the rolls were delicious. Service was great and had a lot of enthusiasm be energy especially when they're about to close so bravo to them. Last call was properly addressed so we appreciate that as well. The restaurant is clean with a touch of wood aesthetic which makes the place come all together. I really like this sushi spot and will be back the next time I'm in Monterey Park! read more

Sushi Kokoro - SASHIMI ENSEMBLE - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Food was fresh and delicious. The bento box plenty but of course we needed to try some rolls. Service was great!! They worked together and made sure we were taken care of. The place was clean and comfortable. read more

Staff were really friendly. I had plans with my friend at 10 at ucla but I didn't realize it was already 8:45 when I got there. I expected to be late but the food came out so fast, I made it on time!! read more

Sushi Kokoro - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

First of all, the service was probably one of the best I've seen in a long time at a restaurant. The servers were frequently checking our table for trash and empty plates or cups. They did not rush us with bringing the check. Once it started getting busy they brought it but there was quite some time before that. We had the samurai roll and golden crunch roll and two pieces of salmon and edamame. The rolls were delicious! The samurai roll had a good flavor to it. I would come here again with the same friend as we meet up after work lol. Oh and the music they had playing was amazing! I couldn't stop dancing in my seat. The staff greeted us so enthusiastically. I wish them well! read more

Sushi Kokoro - Top: samurai roll, bottom: golden crunch roll - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

The Takoyaki!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it tastes like dessert, it's like the best thing i've ever tried--ever. Portions are pretty good as well :)! read more

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What a pleasant surprise for lunch inside the Prado Center plaza. Welcoming staff, pleasant atmosphere, did not leave disappointed. Stopped by for lunch and tried the garlic edamame green beans, iced green tea, and the roll sampler. The roll sampler came with a small salad and a miso soup (love!)!! So glad I found this local spot and I'm looking forward to trying more of their rolls. Thank you Sushi Kokoro read more

Sushi Kokoro - SPICY GARLIC GREEN BEAN ROLL SAMPLER - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Sushi was great. Bento box was ok because meat items were so so. We ordered two 3-items bento boxes, one meat item and 2 sushi items. We also ordered individual sushi. Service was excellent. I will go back for sushi. read more

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Finally dined in at Kokoro. My previous experiences here was take out which was average. But my wife had dined in a few times and she raved about it. We came here on a weekday lunch and it was not crowded at all. We came with our toddler and to my surprise ALL the highchair seatbelts were broken. I recommend them fixing them... Anyway, we ordered a chirashi and I got a bento combo. We got the udon for our son. The udon came first and it came sprinkled with chili powder. I specifically told the waitress the udon was for our son and that the menu never said it was spicy. Anyway, they remade it for him. My bento was pretty average but the chirashi bowl was great. Overall, definitely better experience food-wise dinning in. However, the service was mediocre at best as the waitress was a bit awkward and just lacked friendliness. read more

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Came in with a group of 6 and was immediately seated. Karina was our host, waitress, cashier and everything in between and was very friendly!Hope she gets paid for all 3 positions! The food we ordered came quickly and the food was great. We had a great time, and the food was good for the price, service from Karina and Samantha were top notch! read more

Sushi Kokoro - Sushi that comes with the Chicken Katsu Bento Box - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Second time here because this place was just that delicious we had to come back. I got their pork bento box first time but this time I got their beef bento box. Their bento boxes are amazingly portioned, with sushi and sashimi served first and the bento box comes after packed with a variety of foods. I got the beef plate the second time and I liked it more than the pork. It's sweet and savory, highly recommend! The chicken katsu is also pretty good, not too dry and very crispy. The service has always been very prompt and helpful, with lots of parking in the shared plaza parking. Overall great experience and would highly recommend! read more

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For a $20 lunch bento DoorDash delivery, I was not expecting much but I was 100% blown away by how much food came with this meal. I got the 3 item bento and it was so filling I couldn't even finish everything. The bento also comes with salad and miso soup. Everything tasted fresh and was well organized. Will definitely be saving this one to my list and going back soon! read more

Busy Sunday afternoon but we got seated fairly quick and waiter came to the table and ordered our drinks immediately once the drinks came we ordered appetizers and food all at once since we were hungry! Plate after plate kept coming in sequence and it was perfect. Music on point 10:10 with the old school RNB. Back to the food! Always tasteful not overwhelming in any condiments as much you think you're not going to get full you are! Prices are fair I won't be mad at that. Parking it's a bit lot because it's a shopping center but haven't had issue parking. Definitely give it a go! read more

Sushi Kokoro - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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We decided to do a work lunch outing here and it was perfect. We came on a Friday's afternoon around noon and there were a couple of people eating. They were able to set our tables up real quick. The parking was a bit busy but we were all able to find parking. The thing we came here was for their bento box. I love their bento box. You get everything in one order. All my co-workers rave about how much food they got, that they were able to turn it into two meals. They were very happy campers. I decided to go with the chicken bento box. This came with teriyaki chicken, vegetable and shrimp tempura, California rolls (I was able to sub for more California rolls since I didn't want the raw items), fried dumplings, chicken karaage, rice, salad, and miso soup. Everything was really good. I really enjoy the California rolls, they were super generous on the size and fillings. I love all of it. The service was amazing. All our order came out just how we order it and all the workers were super friendly. Overall, if you're cravings for a bento box or Japanese food this is your place. read more

Sushi Kokoro - Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Beautiful place and menu. Allows sauce substitutes. Mints and toothpicks at the front. Nice to go chop sticks read more

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The staff is friendly and the sushi is amazing. My favorite is the pink lady. I usually get take out. The restaurant is always packed so you its good read more

The inside has a velvet blue and gold decor that gave it an upscale feel. The rolls were not overpowered by rice, and the sashimi was really fresh. Loved the ramen, too with the curly noodles and plenty of vegetables like green onions and wood-eared mushrooms (not pictured). The service was great. Will definitely come back to bring other family members and friends. read more

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The place was clearly short-staffed - we had to wait a while to get a table. When we ordered the roll combo, we wanted to get some baked rolls, but the server told us we couldn't include them in the combo. This was confusing since their menu simply states "any rolls." It would be helpful if they made these restrictions clear on the menu. The combo came with miso soup that was room temperature, which wasn't very appetizing. When they brought our rolls, they accidentally dropped some toppings on the table. The rolls tasted decent but were too cold, like they'd just come from the refrigerator. Since they were short-staffed, no one checked on us during our meal. I had to wave for about 5 minutes and wait another 10 minutes just to get some water. I wanted to enjoy the experience more, but there were quite a few things that could have been better.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ read more

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San Gabriel Valley. I took a break for lunch, (rare since I prefer to bring food from home), but was asked out so, why not. And was nicely surprised. Kokoro is in a mini mall in what I expected to be an average experience. I was wrong. It was very good. Our servers were super polite and attentive. Drinks came out shortly. Food came out soon too. The ambience was inviting and comfy. Kokoro ticked many boxes for me. The fish? Super fresh and generous. The bentos were huge portions and delicious. I loved that the plates, were beautifully prepared too. It was a well worth the visit and would come back. I went to the Hat today for lunch and while this food was also very good, I am reminded eating at Kokoro is not worlds apart from The Hat anymore; we are lucky and a bit spoiled to experience many authentic global dining options accessible to us everywhere in Los Angeles. Lucky to be in El-Lay End of Yelp. read more

Sushi Kokoro - Sushi A. - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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Great Sushi! This was my first time trying this beautiful restaurant. This place was recommended by a friend and also has great reviews. I can see why. This place is located in a shopping plaza that has plenty of parking. It is beautiful restaurant with plenty of seating. It's also very clean. We were seated immediately. Staff is very friendly. Loved that! We started off with an order of garlic edamame. Yum! It was served hot and you can smell the aroma of garlic. It was good. They also have regular edamame and garlic &spicy edamame. I ordered the sushi combo A. It comes with a nice variety of sushi along with your choice of a California roll or spicy tuna roll. The sushi tasted pretty fresh and was more than enough for me. There was a sauce on the tuna sushi that was okay, but it is more of a personal preference. I think it's better without. I'll keep that in mind. We also ordered a baked lobster roll that was delicious! It had the right balance of flavor. Give this place a try if you're in the area!! read more

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The customer service is amazing. Food came out very quickly. Quicker than it took for me to write this review. Vibe isn't too loud and the AC is bumpin. Bathroom is spacious and very clean too! read more

Sushi Kokoro - Chicken teriyaki roll - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

I came here for lunch on Dec 18 and it was one of the best sushi spots in town. They have impeccable service that made sure everyone in my party was having a good time. I'm not sure what the previous reviewer "Peter" is talking about. I was there when he came in demanding a booth and being rude to the wait staff. It looks like he may have had a bit too much to drink as well often slurring his words and stumbling a bit. After he came in, it really ruined our meal but I shoudln't fault the great wait staff for his behavior. read more

Warm waiter Harvey, humble girl Kare, love decor, booths, professional chefs/staff, plates, hubby adored their chopsticks : ) Happy hubby, happy wifey : ) My rolls were The RAWR! Thank you always. You never miss to fill our appetite. read more

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Sadly this is the only pic I got but I also ordered 2 sushi rolls and they were so good!! The food was made with time and dedication and they tasted amazing. Their staff are very friendly and treats every guest like family. The restaurant in general gives off a comforting feeling that made me enjoy my experience even more!! read more

Sushi Kokoro - SPICY GARLIC GREEN BEAN & GYOZA - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Delicious sushi and sashimi! It's a little out of the way but worth going to. Service was great and the restaurant is clean! read more

Sushi Kokoro - Sushi combo C - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

This place is better than kaiba, a hidden gem! The quality and service was great and very beautiful modern restaurant decor Salmon & spicy tuna was fresh high quality sashimi read more

I live on the westside and go here every week after my kids judo. It's amazing. I wish they were closer to me because this would be my go to sushi spot. Service is amazing and welcoming. Fish is fresh. They have a great selection of sushi and hot meals. Also ramen. Great bento boxes too. The decor is modern with a romantic twist. Comfortable seats and ambiance. read more

Sushi Kokoro - Halibut fin seared - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

As this corner is a hotspot for a lot of college students who attend ELAC, it's not uncommon to see a lot of people coming all around this plaza. With Kokoro, it has the luxury of serving a variety of Japanese cuisine but also the curse of the parking lot as sometimes it fills up quite a bit during the weekdays. Luckily though if you find yourself here on a weekend, that's when I believe you can get the best experience from this place. Inside, the decor definitely stands out compared to its neighbors as it has this sort of upscale vibe but tucked into its small space. Service was quick, surprisingly during the lunch rush as well which was when I went. The food selection as well was such a daunting task since they specialize in so many things but with another competitor across the street already specializing in ramen, I figured it would be best to try out something like the salmon teriyaki bento box and that in itself was worth it. It was essentially my lunch and a bit of it being taken out for dinner. If I had to pick a con (and I'm really picking at straws here), it's that they should include more deals, especially since again this area is crawling with college kids and the more affordable meals there are at lower price points, the more attraction this place could capitalize on. read more

Sushi Kokoro - Decor - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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Great food, service is good, they're very nice, but the prices are high for lunch, I'll keep going back because I like the food

Kokoro sushi truly has our hearts! It was an incredible experience and great amount of food, ~$22 for a dinner dine-in bento box with meat, rice, salad, miso soup, and 2 sides. I picked the avocado roll and beef gyoza. Both were delicious, reminding me of food and dining experiences similar to Japan. Lunch special is even cheaper. Staff were extremely friendly and efficient. It is a cozy place. A must try! read more

Sushi Kokoro - Avocado roll and eel roll - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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Honestly this place is really chill, clean, a little aesthetic l, but overall I would say sushi is kinda okay, milk tea is too sweet and brown, the noodles were better than okay but still left me with wanting more flavor, the water was the highlight for me and aesthetics but give it a try. Service was left wanting we had to get up to get more napkins. (Español) Honestamente, este lugar es bastante tranquilo, limpio, con un toque estético, pero en general diría que el sushi está más o menos. El té con leche es demasiado dulce y oscuro. Los fideos estaban mejor que aceptables, pero aún así me dejaron deseando más sabor. El agua fue lo mejor para mí, junto con la estética, pero vale la pena probarlo. El servicio dejó que desear; tuvimos que levantarnos para conseguir mas servilletas. read more

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First time here. Great meal. They gave us complimentary miso soup and water when we were seated. I had the Jessica Alba roll and the lemon salmon roll. Both were great with lots of flavor. The location is clean and the staff were friendly. read more

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Loved this place and the sushi, great service and fast. Rosalie was great and she had a lot of recommendations read more

Sushi Kokoro - Great place loved the sushi Amazing service - Japanese Near Me - Monterey Park, California