Sushi Katsu-ya (Encino) — Restaurant in Los Angeles

We've never been here before so, we just tried two shrimp tempura rolls as a test because we've had such bad luck here in SoCal finding good restaurants. It was the absolute worst shrimp tempura roll we have ever had. Eight pieces rolled (circumference between a nickel and quarter) and cut so tiny it's really equal to four pieces for $10/roll. There was only one little piece of shrimp instead of the typical two pieces which is the main reason the roll circumference was so small. Shrimp was undercooked with a non-crispy, extra-thin crust and, there was hardly anything else added to it other than shrimp, seaweed and rice role. Also, it was very bland with no taste at all.

Based on our experience, we don't see how anyone could like this place. Because this happens so often, we think that people in CA are so used to paying high prices for sub-par food that they don't know what good food is supposed to taste like and the value of same. About the only thing we can say good about this place is their service was really good. But when you're selling nothing for something, we would be happy to serve you too. Hence, we don't mind paying for what we get, just don't like paying for what we don't get. We won't be...

Food is always on point. However the service in the last few times have left much to be desired. Last night, as we were eating with about half our rolls and sushi left, less than an hour after we were sat and less than 45 minutes after starting to receive our order, the waitress asked us if we we’re going to order dessert. As we were still eating, we said no and she unceremoniously dropped the check. We were a little perplexed but kept eating what we had left of our dinner (2 rolls, a sashimi plate, salads). Every 10 minutes she would come back to grab the check, when we were still actively eating, even going as far as clear our plates when we were still working on the food on our table. We finished up at about 80 minutes after being sat (an hour after food started arriving) when the hostess told us they had reservations waiting and they needed the table.

If the expectation for a reservation is to have people out within an hour - that needs to be communicated ahead of time.

If you want a quick quality sushi - make a reservation and eat quickly. If you actually want to enjoy your meal and not be rushed out - I’d recommend any of the other high quality sushi restaurants...

For my return visit, I opted for the combo and for the first time had their sashimi.

I was not pleased at all with the chewiness and texture of their sashimi which is the true test of fine sushi establishment -- if their fish is fresh, cut correctly and melts in your mouth.

I said to myself that evening "never again" and I'll stick to Sushi Spot in Tarzana for melt in your mouth sashimi and traditional sushi.

What I'd call Katsu-ya is more of a fusion sushi restaurant where the recommended and popular dishes are dishes that are dressed up with sauce.

A more upscale experience and many steps above Kabuki.

Katsu-ya is great place for those who have never had sushi before and would like to give it a try.

This is not a serious sushi lover establishment.

The service is not so great here. I had to ask for tea refills and the second refill, the hot tea was cold.

I recommend heading over to Sherman Oaks to their sister restaurant Little Izakaya by Katsu-ya for a better experience.

My service experience there has been top notch by the staff and management team there at...