Found this old picture of my son and Chef Masa. My son was SO fortunate to have Chef to introduce him to sushi. Chef was always so impressed with what he was willing to try. They were quite a pair! Took this before we moved. Really one of the hidden gems in the Valley. Michelin rated, the quality is phenomenal and the fish just melts in your mouth. Enjoy! read more

Sushi Yotsuya - Sushi bar! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Tarzana, California

They have the best sushi in town real sushi not the fake roles. Since the moment I taste it felt so fresh. The service was great will definitely be back Hidemi very polite and great service read more

A Hidden Gem of Japanese Culinary Excellence - Sushi Yotsuya Sushi Yotsuya is, without a doubt, one of the finest omakase experiences I've had the pleasure of enjoying. From the moment you step inside, you're welcomed with a sense of calm sophistication and genuine hospitality that sets the tone for what's to come: an unforgettable culinary journey built on tradition, technique, and the freshest ingredients available. The space itself is elegant and intimate--designed to keep your focus on what matters most: the food and the craftsmanship behind it. The sushi counter is pristine, and every seat offers a front-row view of the chef in action. Watching the chef work is a performance in itself--precise knife skills, delicate plating, and a rhythm that speaks to years of experience and deep respect for the art of sushi. But what truly sets Sushi Yotsuya apart is the omakase--a trust-the-chef experience that will leave even seasoned sushi lovers impressed. Each course is thoughtfully presented and explained with care. The progression of flavors is perfectly paced, beginning with delicate seasonal appetizers and sashimi that immediately highlight the quality of the fish. As the courses unfold, you're treated to a selection of nigiri that showcases the absolute best cuts, expertly paired with just the right amount of freshly grated wasabi and house-seasoned rice. The fish here is beyond fresh--it's immaculate. You can taste the clean ocean in every bite. Highlights from my meal included buttery Hokkaido uni, melt-in-your-mouth otoro, and a beautifully balanced kohada that demonstrated the chef's subtle yet masterful touch. Each piece was prepared with intention, and nothing felt rushed. This is not just a dinner; it's a curated experience where time slows down so you can appreciate each flavor, texture, and nuance. The service deserves its own praise. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable yet humble. They anticipate your needs, answer questions with enthusiasm, and contribute to the welcoming, elevated atmosphere. You truly feel taken care of from start to finish. Sushi Yotsuya isn't just another sushi restaurant--it's a destination. Whether you're celebrating something special or simply want to treat yourself to an authentic, top-tier omakase, this place delivers in every category. It's a rare blend of passion, tradition, and perfection, and I can't recommend it highly enough. Do yourself a favor--reserve a seat at the counter, surrender to the experience, and let Sushi Yotsuya redefine what great sushi really means. read more

Sushi Yotsuya - Halibut and Snapper - Sushi Bars Near Me - Tarzana, California

If you love authentic, omakase sushi (Chef's choice) you must make your way to Sushi Yotsuya in Tarzana, CA. Chef Masa Matsumoto is exceptionally skilled, friendly, and fun. I've been twice and can say unequivocally this is the best sushi I have found in LA. I learned of this gem from a chat with a random fellow sushi fan at Hatsuhana in NYC - that place is also epic. Omakase translates in English to "random" - go have yourself a random sushi experience at this low-key LA gem. read more

Sushi Yotsuya - Sushi Bars Near Me - Tarzana, California

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I am a teen and This is the highest quality fish I've ever had.highly recommend it. Great service too!!!

Hands down one of the best sushi experience in the Valley. Chef Masa is a true master -- every piece of sushi is prepared with care, precision, and respect for tradition. The fish is incredibly fresh, the rice is perfect, and the balance of flavors is on another level. The omakase at the bar is a must. You get to watch Chef Masa at work, and each piece feels like a little masterpiece. No gimmicks, no over-sauced rolls -- just authentic, top-tier sushi that rivals anything you'd find in Tokyo. Service is warm and personal, and the whole atmosphere feels like a hidden gem tucked away on Ventura Blvd. If you're serious about sushi, this is the place. Worth every penny. Five stars without hesitation. read more

Yotsuya is an unassuming, hidden gem in the valley, somewhat of a hole in the wall but absolutely an authentic sushi joint for transplants and those who've traveled in Japan and visited non-tourist traps. This is a real deal sushi spot tucked into the corner of a tiny strip mall on Ventura with only a sign that says Sushi. Because of this, it could easily be overlooked - no fancy signage, no social media presence, no celebrity chef, leading people to believe that it's just some cheap roll spot on its last leg. HOWEVER - despite its casual ambience (sports on the TV, candy by the door, random celebrity autographs), the food is meticulously prepared - NO sushi rolls (except for the blue crab hand roll in the end), no spicy mayo, no eel sauce, no weird fusion dishes. Sit at the bar and you'll get a omakase- chef's choice. Masa prepares each dish in specific order, and will let you know to eat it with or without soy sauce if he has put separate seasoning on it. Tip for those on a budget: it's totally okay to tell him your budget of the night and he will work around it. Seeing the reviews below on the widely varying high ticket prices, this place is unassuming, but the price can skyrocket depending on the dishes. Don't be afraid to let him know you wanna hit a certain price point or even if you're in a rush and can't stay for an entire course. He's flexible. Also, order the chawanmushi! Like others have said, this is a hidden gem. I've been coming here for decades and it's always been consistently amazing. If you become a regular, you'll start to recognize the other regulars too. while this place might not be for everyone, I'd much rather come here than some swanky Hollywood sushi bar. If you want legit sushi - and if you want to try different types and cuts of fish than usual, Sushi Yotsuya is the spot for you. read more

Food was great, price was a shock. My husband and I were running an errand and wanted to get some sushi. We saw an unassuming sushi place and walked over. On a Friday night I was surprised it wasn't busy, which should have indicated something. We were told it was omakase and could sit at the bar. The ambience is nice, it's a very calm casual space and the staff/ chefs are very friendly. We spent an hour or so eating and the experience overall was great. I knew omakase could be expensive, but we were both shocked to see a bill at the end for over $350. The place is definitely deceiving, there are no prices and the atmosphere doesn't make it seem like you're about to spend two tickets to Disneyland. Overall great food, good place to connect over a meal, but can't say we'll be going back since it's out of our budget. Perhaps if we can finance a meal . read more

This was one of the most memorable experiences we've ever had, and probably the best sushi I've ever had. Omakase was definitely the way to go. We were the only ones there so we got to speak with the chef/owner and his wife one on one, which really added to the full experience. They're wonderful people and funny too. Definitely want to come back, but I need to come back with an open wallet, it is worth it though. read more

Some of the best sushi I've ever had. Extremely extensive fish selection and superb quality across the board. They even have gluten free options/can make everything gluten free! Masa, Demi, and Sikasa are the most kind staff as well and make you feel right at home. The ambiance is relaxed and not pretentious, which I also appreciated. Go right now! And get the halibut fin. read more

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I was greeted by the host immediately and was able to be seated. Service was amazing and the host was exclusive and attentive. Chef Masa is one of the best sushi chef I've yet come across. Thank you for an exceptional experience:" read more

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Finally I had the chance to try Sushi Yotsuya omakase and it was great. If you're looking for an great old school classic omakase this is the place. Chef Masa-San will serve you every fish he has until you say stop. Don't expect top notch quality fish but what I can tell is the fish Chef Masa served is still fresh. Chef Masa shari wasn't the best it was a bit mushy but well season. Here are some of the highlights from the omakase. Blue Fin Toro Blue Fin Otoro Skipjack ( Katsuo) Yellowtail Snapper Sayori Pompano Mirugai Uni Blue Crab HR ( not pictured) Overall great simple classic omakase. Chef Masa and his entire staff were very humble and friendly. Sushi bar is for omakase only. I was served 25+ nigiri that day and left with a big smile knowing how much I paid for. Until next time. read more

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We've been here so many times and each time the sushi is so fresh and so perfectly prepared that we dont understand why there are any reviews below 5 stars! how ever we've decided that there are probably people who think that large portions of inferior fish means good eating. if you're truly a sushi connoisseur, you would know that this place and this sushi master are the tops anywhere. even Japan can't beat it. read more

Authentic and incredible. Chef Masa deserves all his flowers. The omakase is very special he sources the fish daily and presents it to his guests in an unpretentious and authentic way. read more

Delicious omakase style sushi located in a small plaza with an unassuming neon blue store sign that just says, "Sushi". If you sit at the sushi bar, it's chef's choice! Be ready to try interesting dishes such as live octopus. Let the chef know when you are full and they will total the price for you. Parking is limited but the sushi is deserving of the MICHELIN Plate! Restaurant part of the Michelin Guide California 2019 read more

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Visiting from the Bay Area and looking for a spot for omakase in the area. My intuition did not lead us astray. I hardly leave reviews but this warrants one: If you are looking for a low-key but high key meal, come here. This is a no frills, traditional sushi restaurant. Meaning: you will not find anything deep fried or slathered in mayo. Just fresh fish, prepared masterfully and with so much care and intention. Much more on the traditional side, you can expect quality fish. Partner and I opted for chefs choice omakase and we sat through ~18 courses. My favorite was the Halibut fin-- it was straight butter and my first time in my life trying this. It was amazing!!!! If you are looking for an aesthetic spot for photos (decor/plating/etc) this is not it**** In terms of price, we thought it was very reasonable for the quality, the attention to preparation and the choice selection. Chef Masa uses the highest quality ingredients, from the ginger to the seaweed. **For those not used to traditional omakase, if you don't stop ordering, your bill continues to grow. I.e there's no set price for X pieces of fish** This spot is warm and friendly and the food here feels like a big hug from an old friend. We are so blessed to find this gem and hole in the wall. Highlights from me: -fresh octopus -seared otoro -kusshi oysters -halibut fin -needlefish read more

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Our friend took us to this amazing restaurant off the beaten path located in an unassuming strip mall. We opted for the omikase which is when the chef selects your dishes and in this case he keeps them coming until you tell him to stop! I lost count of how many types of fish we tried- but there were varieties that I have never seen served as sushi before. The chef is known to select his fish daily based on what is freshly caught. It was an amazing experience. Definitely recommend this restaurant and I can't wait to return the next time we're in LA. read more

Sushi Yotsuya - Sushi Bars Near Me - Tarzana, California

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Best Sushi we have found since Ichiban closed several months back. Excellent presentation fabulous flavors. Monkfish liver was outstanding.

Sushi Yotsuya is a desrceet place, with no name on the outside. This intrigued us to want to experience this sushi spot. We walked in and it smelt clean n fresh. Once we sat down and heard the people around us raving about every bite of sushi, we new we were in for a treat. Every bite of sushi was SPECTACULAR, TASTEY, FRESH, AUTHENTIC AND PREPARED WITH LOVE. If you are someone who appreciates great quality sushi in a humble surroundings filled with GOOD VIBES this is your place. Make sure to call for a reservations, they can be very busy. Enjoy! read more

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"Outstanding sushi spot! Fresh, flavorful rolls, attentive service, and a cozy atmosphere. Always a satisfying dining experience."

This is the single best omakase I've had in all of Los Angeles the great Chef Masa. And such authentic atmosphere

Fantastic Sushi! You won't find any rolls here, but highly suggest sitting at the bar and just asking the chef to work his magic!! You won't be disappointed read more

Mr. Nozawa said, MAS San is one of the best sushi chefs he ever worked with... and I agree! It's chefs choice and you can't go wrong! read more

The location of this restaurant speaks to the definition of the chef Masa. Humble! Tucked away in the corner of a strip center you find sushi / sashimi on the level if not better than what you will find in Japan. After a trip to Japan I came quickly back for comparison and indeed it was even better than overseas. This is for pure sushi lovers. No gimmicky rolls. Only the finest unadulterated fish. This is the place Nozawa got his start. Been coming for 30 years and it never disappoints. He is Michelin rated several times. If you want a real Japanese experience this is the place read more

I mean... I'm lost for words. Definitely made it to the top of my list! Fish is fresh and melts in ur mouth. The restaurant is so cozy and authentic. The staff is sweet. The owner is also the chef. Nothing but great things to say. read more

Sushi Yotsuya - Blue fin toro - Sushi Bars Near Me - Tarzana, California

This is our favorite spot for sushi anywhere. Masa is a sushi master and each meal is a unique and delicious experience. Don't come here for mixed rolls - be ready to turn your meal over to the chef and just enjoy! read more

This place is almost a secret with its small footprint and unassuming signage, but don't let that deter you -- sushi yotsuya offers a fantastic traditional sushi experience! The menu consists of traditional sushi options, meaning no California rolls or other Americanized style sushi. This was no matter to me, as I love nigiri! I was blown away by their chef choice special. The fish was fresh and really tasty. Even the octopus was fresh and not chewy -- that's how you know you're getting the real deal. Love this place, I'll definitely be back! read more

If you want the best sushi experience in Los Angeles, this is the spot. It's authentic sushi, from expert chef Masa-San who travels to the fish market every other day to hand pick the most fresh and tasty fish for his sushi. What's more, he is such a nice and genuine person. You get to the restaurant and he takes care of you, giving you the best omakase experience. You have to trust him because he makes the best fish. It is hands down the best sushi I have ever had. What a gem of a place! I promise you will have the best experience there. read more

Sushi Yotsuya - Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Tarzana, California

This is one of those secret places that has basic decor, a TV on the wall left on and just not that fancy---- but ACCEPTIONAL SUSHI. There are a lot of Sushi places in the area, so if you want a party / club atmosphere, they're out there. This is for people that really really love great fish and want to be dazzled by the chef's choices. It's a good sign when you pull up to this hole in the wall and see a McLaren parked in the lot. Highly recommend. And I love that there are signs saying SUSHI ONLY, NO ROLLS. You know where you can get your california rolls and crispy rice. This is not that. This is excellence in your mouth. read more

Best sushi in the Valley ever! I am very spoiled with the quality of sushi that Masa gives. Pure delicious and fresh fish you can ever have. Highly recommend. I cant say enough amazing compliments about the quality of sushi that is offered here. Enjoy! read more

BEST PLACE EVER. sushi chef Masa and his entire staff are just the best. Super fresh fish

A gem hidden in Tarzana! Amazing quality fish, super friendly staff, I can't recommend them enough

Tiny place on the corner with an interesting menu and an adorable chef/owner. Came in with a group of friends last night and we ordered a chef menu which seemed to have about 10 courses, I believe. Everything was fresh and delicious. The service was great as well. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area. Classic sushi as well as some stuff you've never even heard of. Come on down. read more

Sushi Yotsuya - Crab caviar from the chef menu - Sushi Bars Near Me - Tarzana, California

Seriously some of the best sushi I've had in LA if you're OK with driving to the valley put this on a must-have list of sushi! This is a traditional sushi bar so no rolls or appetizers just nigiri. Not only did they have amazing quality sushi but amazing customer service. On top of all of that it was also some of the most affordable Omakase I've had in LA with The largest portion you can get is 15 pieces with a hand roll for $50. Please support small businesses like this instead of big chains your money goes further and the quality is better! read more

i usually don't write reviews but damn, the quality of the fish is really good. also want to get them to get business... don't want this place to close... yeah it's more expensive but you're paying more for the quality. i will definitely come back again... crab roll is to die for i could eat like 5 of them sorry the picture doesn't do it justice i had poor lighting in my car. i had to "savor" (devour) it in the parking lot. read more

Sushi Yotsuya - 10 piece omakase + crab roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Tarzana, California

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Sushi Yotsuya (yoh tsoo yah) has a very traditional Edomaè (eh doh mah eh) style which means that there will probably be no "fusion rolls" which combine fish whose flavours or textures clash & then are doused with unctuous mayonnaise, tons of Sriracha or cloyingly sweet "eel sauce". If this kind of LA County fair-like food pleases your palate, save your money & don't go to Yotsuya. I did the Omakasè (oh mah kah seh), but had a limited time of 1 1/2 hours so, I didn't do Sushi Yotsuya justice by staying till the last crowning dish. Chef Masa suggested having first "otsumami" (oh tsoo mah mee) which is anything to eat w/ Sake (sah keh) or alcohol. 1) Hotaru Ika were small squid about 3 inches long, probably steamed w/ a Sumiso (soo mee soh) Sauce which is a combination of Miso paste, sugar, Japanese rice vinegar & lends earthy, fermented sweet Umami along w/ gastrique to enliven the subtle squid flavor. 2) Red Abalone was served raw sliced in its own shell. The al dente textured meat was trimmed w/ black edging & had a natural slipperiness & touch of sweet ocean minerality. Part II was the flame seared soft, bitter liver & parts of the abalone. 3) Shigoku Oysters in Ponzu (pohn zoo) Sauce. Raw oysters tasted of ocean brine & the supple meat had a velvety thick texture that was enlivened by the citrus juice in the Ponzu sauce. 4) Ankimo was revelatory. I was used to eating the ready-made Ankimo that is sausage shaped & wrapped in clear cellophane plastic. Many times this kind of Ankimo "torchon" was dense, heavy, & smelled old & fishy. Ankimo served here is the liver itself in its natural shape. Texture reminded me of grilled foie gras de canard w/ a similar light liver taste. Color of the Ankimo & foie gras were also similar w/ light beige brushed a meaty rosy pink. Sweet Sumiso accompanied the Ankimo just as a glass of sweet Haute Sauterne would accompany foie gras. Sushi came out "Ikkan"/one at a time. There were so many that I can not remember all except for the highlights. 5) Maguro was aged which gave it a buttery, meaty texture. Flavour is similar to aged beef where you can taste a bit of iron from the blood. 6) Toro is aged for a gamier edge. The fattiness melted in the mouth, but a more primal taste of meat lingered on the tongue. 7) Sawara/needlefish has the most translucent beautiful flesh w/ bright fine silver scales. Chef Masa took advantage of this, & put a sheet of bright spring green Shiso/Japanese basil under the translucent Sawara to create a truly elegant looking Sushi which is translucent w/ glowing green underneath & a shining silver streak on top. Sawara is very delicate in taste. Use of Sho-yu/soy sauce would be a sacrilege. 8) Kurodai/sea bream is white, slightly chewy w/ clean, light sea flavour. 9) Akadai/red sea bream had sweet meaty sea kissed Umami w/ Iki/ liveliness, vivacity. 10) Kamasu/barracuda is white, dense, meaty. Slightly sweet & dressed w/ lemon zest & finely julienned dried red chile. 11) Aoyagi/surf clam is wonderful w/ fleshy soft yet al dente texture & sweet briny flavour that lingers. 12) Hirame/halibut was a neutral flavoured fish that for me was more about soft, velvety texture. 13) Tai/red snapper was soft pliable meat & sweet sea brine came together for the ideal Umami. 14) Ika/squid was pristinely white, slightly rubbery, but firm. Yuzu Kosho-/Japanese lime zest & green chile paste dressed the mild Ika w/ piquant citrus gastrique. 15) Saba/chub mackerel was marinated in Japanese rice vinegar to firm up the meat & to take the edge off of its soft textured, oily, meaty fishiness. 16) Uni/sea urchin had a belt of Nori/black seaweed paper around the circumference of the Sushi rice to hold in the layers of Uni, the eggs of the sea urchin. Texture is like Italian panna cotta w/ a briny, foie gras Umami. 17) Ikura/salmon eggs seemed to be marinated in Sho-yu Dashi/broth in the exact same Sushi form as the Uni. Eggs would burst to release an oily, fishy Umami. 1-17a) Ryo- Sake (sah keh) came in a pretty aquamarine bottle shaped in a free form wedge. Smooth neutral, mildly sweet flavour that had enough astringency to clear the palate without leaving an aftertaste. Chef Masa knows his fish. He leans toward more mature, full meaty aged flavour in his darker fleshed fish which may not agree w/ people who always insist on fish being "fresh" when aging improves the taste of many fish. Upon entering Yotsuya, come w/ an open mind & make partaking of the sumptuous fish from Chef Masa as an education in Sushi. Take time to savour & analyze. Because of his sophisticated style, many of the customers attracted to Yotsuya are culinary cognoscenti as well as being culturally conversant & knowledgeable. The interior of Yotsuya may be austere, but the customers w/ their higher caliber presence made up for it. 5 Yelp stars for an education in Edomaè Sushi. read more

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Located in a small plaza. The low key signage doesn't call out attention. When you walk in, it's like walking into an old Japanese restaurant from the 80's. We made a reservation at the sushi bar for the Chef's choice. The customers who were seated before us were all regulars who have been dining here since it's establishment. We sat down and we were fed by the 2 Sushi Chefs. It almost felt like you didn't need to express anything and Chef Masa knew your thoughts. He is the kindest Sushi Chef I've ever met. Good sense of humor, kind, & attentiveness were his qualities. Everyone found out that BF and I were new to the place. They welcomed us to the restaurant and each customer told us of their experience with Masa. We ate for close to 2 hours and we had to call it an end otherwise I would've eaten up all the fish he got that morning. Everything was so simple, perfect size, and fresh. If you appreciate simple and traditional then this is a place for you. For those who don't value tradition, then please draft your reviews with better thoughts. read more

Sushi Yotsuya - Simple traditional sushi. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Tarzana, California

This place is a hidden gem. Great selection of fish! Super fresh! Also they open on Sundays :)

Look, the sushi is awesome. The vibe is cool, but be prepared to sell an organ for this dinner. There was no explanation on how the "chefs choice" bar worked and I was NOT prepared to drop $300 on a 30 minute sushi dinner. They really should do a better job explaining because I almost fell out of my chair. read more

Yes, I recommend the sushi and the owner is very nice, however, be aware of "chefs choice." That means they keep serving you whatever THEY choose until YOU say stop. I just discovered tonight (after the bill) that "chefs choice" is a requirement if you sit at the sushi bar and an option if you sit at a table. Both times we've been there the bill has been over $150 and we had no idea it was near that amount. Neither one of us are big eaters and I had one small glass of saki. The sushi was delicious but the situation felt out of control. I wish the hostess had fully explained the deal. When I asked for a menu while sitting at the sushi bar she seemed flummoxed. Now I know why. read more