Shunji | An Evening of Laughter, Warmth, and Being Truly Nourished 💫

In a bustling city like Los Angeles, Shunji feels like a quiet sanctuary—a place where you can chat freely, eat mindfully, and even sit in comfortable silence. Shunji-san and his wife run the restaurant together: he works quietly and intently behind the counter, while she warmly welcomes guests, serves tea, and shares smiles. Throughout the meal, you feel a genuine sense of care. Shunji-san mentioned the fish in Japan isn’t at its best right now, so he suggested we try the Boston catch instead—thoughtful touches like that stood out. 🐟 🍢 Appetizers The first dish, tofu skin, looked simple but held so much nuance—light yet layered in flavor. Another standout was the tuna—it looked like beef, deep red with beautiful marbling. Served with pickled radish and cucumber, but the star was a homemade black seaweed paste—salty, with a subtle oceanic fragrance that elevated the entire dish. 🍣 Sushi The sweet shrimp sushi was topped with shrimp roe—I expected a fishy taste, but it was savory and rich instead. The sea urchin was sweet and creamy; scallop and tuna were also exceptional. The only slight miss for me was a few pieces of silver-skinned fish—rich in oil but a tad too fishy for my preference. Still, just a matter of taste! 🍅 Tomato Tofu His wife introduced this dish, and I was instantly curious. It really was tomato-flavored “tofu”—a burst of sweet and tangy tomato, yet with the silky texture of tofu. Shunji-san said it’s a seasonal item, leaving the menu in two weeks. 🍵 Dessert & Tea The black truffle ice cream is highly recommended, but it wasn’t my personal favorite. The tea pairing, though, was lovely—each tea thoughtfully matched the course. His wife carefully explained the origin and flavor of each tea, and even gave me a tea bag to take home. Before leaving, I mentioned I’d like to reserve again in the coming weeks. She smiled and said they’ll be back in Japan for two weeks: “We’ll see you when we return.” Shunji isn’t the kind of place that overwhelms you with glamour—but it makes you feel gently, deeply cared for. 💯 Overall: 9.3/10 💰 Price: Around $500 per person (including tax and tip) ❤️ Would I return? Absolutely. Have you been to Shunji or experienced a meal that made you feel truly welcomed? Share your special dining moments below! 👇🍶 #LosAngeles #LAEats #LA #Omakase #Shunji #FoodShare #FineDining #JapaneseCuisine #QuietEscape #ChefTable #SeasonalDishes #WarmService #TeaPairing #MealToRemember #HiddenGemLA