Sushi, sushi, sushi... it seems there’s a new sushi restaurant on every corner in Los Angeles these days. But, what makes a really solid fresh fish establishment persevere in a town that is crazy about anything healthy? What keeps a place like “Café Sushi” going strong for over 20 years when there are so many other sushi spots that seemingly open up every other week on the same block?
I’d love to hear your opinions, but in the meantime, here are a few of mine. First, the restaurant must have a menu that covers all angles of the sushi empire. Meaning, there must be many options for the sushi-friendly palate, and especially for the sushi-savvy patron, who knows the myriad of fish dishes that make a menu a sushi success. And it’s here that Café Sushi comes in first place; its menu covers every angle from the common tuna tempura and dynamite roll to the more uncommon pickles radish roll and jumbo clams.
See, Café Sushi has had years of experience to create a plethora of dishes that anticipate everyone’s sushi cravings. It’s a jam-packed menu served by smiling sushi chefs to the hum of groovy dance music inside the intimate dining room. There is also a wrap around patio area for those who prefer to eat outside (and there are cool lights hanging from the plants that surround the tables). I choose to dine inside on a comfy booth, and started my sushi experience with some perfectly boiled edamame followed by a traditional yellowtail roll ($5.95).
Then, I tried the North West roll from the sushi and roll specialties section of the menu. This six-piece roll is divine with spicy scallop on top of sushi rice wrapped in what the menu says is “thinly sliced salmon,” but in reality was very thickly sliced salmon, ($9.45).
Next I ordered the ‘Special #3 3/4’ item from the specialties section because it sounded good and had an odd name. Turns out this crab, fresh water eel and avocado six-piece roll wrapped with sheets of cucumber was fabulous; but I’m still not sure about the name ($10.95), no matter, the item is still fresh in my memory and I’ll be back for more.
Then, I opted for the tuna tartar from the house specialty menu section simply because it came with salsa, which in the sushi-world is rather interesting. This tuna tartar is best described as “sushi meets Mexican food,” it’s a pretty little food castle with layers of crab, avocado and smelt egg served with salsa and fried wantons -a very tasty and somewhat spicy dish ($12.95).
Could I possibly eat more? Yes, always yes. So, next I tried one of the restaurant’s favorite dinner entrées, the baked black cod marinated in special house sauce ($15.95). A bonus at Café Sushi is that all dinner entrées come with miso soup and rice and for only $3 more you can add a sashimi or tempura appetizer. I also dipped my chopsticks into the more affordable house specialty of Japanese crispy pumpkin, this fried sweet Japanese pumpkin dish is only $4.50 and a rare dish seldom offered in other sushi restaurants.
Yes, of course, I ended with a specialty dessert, they change all the time, so please let me know which you choose when you visit this Los Angeles sushi landmark. In the meantime, you can plan to visit Café Sushi any day of the week for lunch or dinner. They open at noon daily and close at midnight. The restaurant is located just east of the Beverly Center at 8459 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, 90048. Contact them at 323-651-4020.
And because they are so popular, they don’t need to offer a delivery service. I suggest you plan to arrive early to avoid common wait periods for a table, or simply plan to eat at the sushi bar and get ready for the friendly welcome from all employees when you walk in the door. It’s always nice to feel “wanted” when you first enter a restaurant, isn’t it? Let me know what you think by e-mailing me at Jennyromaine@socal.com. Have fun!
