SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Go to the downtown location, it's way better. I loved the downtown location, but here was disappointing, primarily because of the service. Food wasn't as good either.

First of all - the table we were sitting at was ridiculously cold because the A/C was blowing directly at our table. My whole group felt that way, so we ate with our jackets on. We asked if they could reduce the A/C, they did, but it was still cold. Not a great start and I normally would've left, but we were starving. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt though and maybe the other tables are fine.

My main complaint is the service, which is pretty awful and not remotely on par with what you'd expect for $46/person of sushi. We each ordered the "The Nozawa Trust Me" set. Every time they brought the next round of sushi, they'd just drop the dish on the table, quickly mumble the dish name in an inaudible manner, then disappear before anybody would have a chance to ask them if they could repeat what they said. Literally every server was the same. None of us could ever hear anything the server said. It was unbelievably amateur.

In a similar fashion, they'd also just quickly scoop up dishes even if there was still food on it.

I wasn't actually aware when our courses had ended because they never told us. At some point, a server came to us and randomly asked us if we wanted to order anything else or wanted the check. It was pretty anticlimactic. If you're going to serve 10 courses, have the courtesy to tell us when the last dish is.

The food was fine but definitely worse than the downtown location. The temaki was fantastic. The maguro was not amazing like it was downtown (doesn't help that I didn't even know which was the maguro because like I said the servers have no interest in telling you what sushi they're serving you). The sashimi in the sauce was not special like it was downtown, and too salty.

On a positive note, the vibe was good. It's very dark, too dark honestly, but for a romantic date or something it could be fitting.

Anyways I was very disappointed by the (1) super cold table (2) amateur service (3) food not as great as downtown.

Don't waste your money here - just go to the downtown location which is better in every regards and fantastic. The difference is really night and day. Downtown the food was much better, and the server infinitely better. Downtown they tell you what you're eating like professionals, and notify you of the last dish. Here it's like they hired a bunch of rebellious teenagers who seem pissed off that they need to work...

I was excited to try after reading that the owner of the group is a Michelin-starred Japanese chef. The waiter boasted during the start of the meal that they only did Nigiri / Sashimi in traditional Japanese style.

Unfortunately, comparing it to any of my experiences eating at Sushi places in Japan (even chain restaurants like Sushi Zanmai), it does not hold a candle. It isn’t even good compared to other chain Sushi places in Asia like Genki Sushi and Itacho Sushi. My wife and I were so disappointed.

The Otoro had no fat, it felt like cheap tuna cuts. The seaweed felt and tasted like just the pre-packed seaweed you buy from any Asian grocery. But what was the worst was the quality of the rice. It was not real sushi rice. It was too dry, and the sushi would not hold together well and gave all the dishes a rough, unsavory texture.

Besides the lackluster food, I have to point out that the ambiance was so dark, the server could not even see if our plates still had food in them or not. A waitress swooped in like a hawk and took my tuna sashimi dish when it still had pieces of tuna in it. I could not even say anything as she just did it so fast. I’m sure she meant well but it was such a waste considering the price point.

Also, the tables are so jampacked beside each other, you feel you have zero privacy. The greeter seated us beside someone who surely had Covid. The lady beside my wife wore a mask during the entire meal, shoving bits of sushi into her mouth underneath her mask, while having a literal pulse oximeter attached to her finger. We felt disconcerted the whole time.

Overall, I think this place thrives on people who’ve never been to Japan - who don’t know what real Sushi should be like. It is certainly not authentic / traditional (tuna sashimi swimming in ponzu sauce?), and I would not recommend it to anyone who knows better. I may sound mean by saying this, but to me it is the honest truth. It is a money-making chain store with not much art to it. I mean, even my cold green tea was just powdered Matcha from a pack. My wife’s hot green tea came from a Lipton bag. The one highlight is that the servers are generally nice and polite. They look like a bunch of hardworking young folks doing their best. I wish I could say better about the restaurant and food...

I visited Sugarfish in Los Angeles with a group of friends on a spontaneous evening, intrigued by the buzz surrounding their "Nozawa Trust Me" menu. As sushi enthusiasts, we were excited to experience the acclaimed omakase.

The ambiance struck us immediately. The minimalist decor, with its clean lines and warm lighting, exuded an understated elegance that set the stage for an exceptional dining experience. The vibe was both relaxed and sophisticated, perfect for an intimate meal.

From the moment we were seated, the service was impeccable. Our server was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the menu. She explained each course with detail, enhancing our anticipation.

The "Nozawa Trust Me" menu is a revelation. Each dish arrived in perfect sequence, showcasing the chef's masterful progression of flavors and textures. The tuna sashimi was the freshest I’ve ever tasted, melting in the mouth with a delicate sweetness. The albacore sushi, served with a hint of ponzu, was a standout, its flavor profile perfectly balanced. The warm hand rolls, particularly the blue crab, were a comforting contrast to the cold sushi, each bite bursting with flavor.

What sets Sugarfish apart is the quality and simplicity of its ingredients. The fish is sourced daily, ensuring unparalleled freshness. The rice, slightly warm and seasoned just right, complements the fish without overpowering it.

Despite the premium experience, the pricing felt justified. The "Trust Me" menus offer a well-curated journey through sushi essentials, providing excellent value for the quality.

For those with dietary preferences, Sugarfish is accommodating, with options for gluten-free soy sauce and the ability to modify the menu.

Overall, our visit to Sugarfish was exceptional, exceeding our high expectations. For sushi lovers, Sugarfish’s "Nozawa Trust Me" is a must-try, offering an authentic and memorable sushi experience that stands out in a city full of...