Sushi Gen

After all these years, I finally walk into Sushi Gen. Tried it for lunch, must return to check out dinner. The four stars are mostly for the great value for the price.

Got the $15 sashimi lunch. They give you lots of raw fish! The three different cuts of tuna sashimi were ok, not much flavor, and the sliced tuna was icebox cold, really cold—not a good thing. The yellowtail was nice. There was also squid sashimi, spicy tuna, and some cooked items. Plus miso soup and rice. Lots of good (not excellent) fresh fish, a great value.

The absolute BEST sushi. Ever. Fish is always fresh, and there’s always a large variety, including scallops, sea cucumber, yellowtail belly (my favorite), and more. i discourage eating the typical tuna and salmon; this is definitely the place to eat outside the box. The masterful sushi chefs are charming and knowledgable, and the atmosphere is casual and friendly. Though expensive with a long wait, it’s well worth it.

Sushi Gen is my favorite Japanese Sushi Restaurant in Los Angeles and perhaps the world!!! I’ve been going to Sushi Gen for over 15 years. My favorite Sushi Chef – Kaz is still there and going strong! Nowadays . . .I haven’t been going as much, but Kaz still remembers me.

What I always start with, at any sushi restaurant, is Uni – Sea Urchin. Sometimes, I get it with a raw quail egg yolk on top, to make it extra creamy. Sushi Gen’s uni seems to always be consistently excellent. Another favorite – the halibut with the ponzo sauce is good as well. I also like the cheesy simple ones like Tamago and Inari. I know most people will get the giant clam, the salmon, the tuna, & fatty tuna. I like the ones where you don’t use soy sauce or wasabi.

Make sure when you go to a sushi restaurant, that you sit at the bar. I don’t necessarily like going with a large group, but with a larger group, a table might be better. The sushi bar provides the interaction between you, your friend, and the chef.

I’m sure people will tell me that they like others – such as Matushia, Sasebune, etc. .. but for me. . .Sushi Gen will be my personal favorite.

Anyways. . . My suggestion is, if you are to go to any sushi – get to know your Sushi Chef. And let him get to know you. With some friendly banter, he will let you know what’s good. . . and more importantly what’s not. I used to pour my beer for them to drink and vice versa. . . but sometimes, they are not allowed to drink. But what I do now is, I would buy a couple bottles of the large beers and offer it to them – so that they can drink after work.

When you go to Sushi Gen, expect to wait at least 1/2 hour for a table or seats at the Sushi Bar. Get there early. One of the reasons why I like Sushi Gen is that one time, I saw the Japanese College Sumo team having dinner there. If the Japanese College Sumo team picks Sushi Gen to eat in Los Angeles, then you know it has to be good.

Sushi Gen, the love of my sushi life for years and years..

Exceptional and consistent quality, and what a great value!

$100 including tax + tip for 1 order each:

- Uni
- Toro
- Halibut
- Yellowtail
- Ankimo
- Unagi
- Yellowtail Belly
- Salmon Roe
- Albacore
- Japanese Snapper
- Spanish Mackerel
- Spicy Tuna Cut roll
- 1 Large Sapporo

…and btw, this meal was shared with my friend so the TOTAL bill was almost exactly $50 a piece…though I seriously considered yanking his serving of toro and uni before he got around to it!

Sushi Gen in LA’s Little Tokyo has lost its aura. Nothing much to write about a slightly above average dining experience. The chefs can be stuffy if not unfriendly at times. Some cuts of fish are still tasty; but the uni (sea urchin) on our visit was under par. Seasonal cherimoya (star apple) for dessert is yummy during peak season.