Matsumoto — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Matsumoto is tucked into a strip mall, next to a light bulb store.

As one would hope, the food far outshines the humble location.

I took my wife for a Valentine's dinner, and we were suitably satisfied with the attentive service and laid back vibe of the place.

We have experienced many of the high end omakase restaurants in LA. Matsumoto is a competent player, but by no means at the top of the list when it comes to fine sushi dining.

The rice and nori were top quality, and the sake menu has a variety of great sakes at different price points.

Where the best omakases let the fish shine as the hero of the dish, Matsumoto leans on elaborate marinades that, in my opinion, cover up the natural flavors that a true sushi experience should elevate.

The uni at the end of the meal was just ok, lacking that burst of fresh sea air that makes eating top notch uni such a delight.

Missing from the courses were soups, fried dishes and other offerings that help to fill out the meal, which comprised only about 18 pieces of sushi for $240 per person.

A dessert to complete the meal would have been welcome.

We may go back on a non-holiday night to try again, but my first impression leaves me...

I walked-in at 8:55pm and was ready to eat a solid dinner but was turned away because they already had "last call"...they close at 10pm that night🤦🏼‍♂️ and only had two people in the place that were already finished their meal. As an employee in the food industry, I observe the customary rule of not ordering from a restaurant too close to closing time but never have I seen such lag in an empty sushi place. They must make phat money or have lazy staff to turn away customers an hour before closing time especially considering a more Japanese centric menu that doesn't have all that Americanized, overdone sushi on it which is a bummer for me as I 💚 traditional Japanese cuisine and really wanted to give them a try. Matsumoto, your hours need to properly reflect your hours...

What made Hirozen amazing was head sushi chef Matsumoto, who recently purchased the restaurant and hung a new banner. Chef continues his 16 year tradition of delivering simply the best sushi found anywhere, period. I've had sushi in almost every town around the globe and nothing comes close. Your best bet - Omakase! You will hear, "no soy sauce", with each dish - allowing you to taste the subtleness of flavors in the fish. He meticulously and perfectly dresses each piece of sushi, creating a flavor explosion in your mouth. He pairs each set of pieces to compliment one another, but each with their own flavor profile.

I have been "leaving it up to" Chef Matsumoto for 15 years, and each experience tops the prior...I've never experienced better -...