Sushi Chitose — Restaurant in Redondo Beach

I almost didn't go in and that would have been a huge mistake. To say this place is unassuming may be an understatement! ...but this ended up being in the top 2 sushi experiences I have had (next to Japango in Toronto). The omakase was fantastic and I challenge anyone to find a better fish selection for the money! Super fresh cuts that melted in my mouth...so I kept going when the omakase was done. My experience started with monk fish liver. I learned that I actually do like this after having it here. Then, from the pictures: Hamachi (premium yellow tail) King Salmon Madai (red snapper with mint and ginger...amazing!) Blue Fin Tuna in soy Yellow Tail (great, but not quite as good as #1) Maguro (tuna) Not sure Shenaji (premium mackerel) Albacore Tuna Ebi (Shrimp) Hotate (Scallop) Uni (Sea Urchin) Ikura (Salmon Roe) Toro hand roll Unagi (Freshwater Eel) Tamago (Omlet)

As I said, I couldn't stop the so the chef kept going, which ended with some even higher premium cuts! Aka Amadai (Tilefish) Isaki (Chicken Grunt Fish) Kinme Dai (Alfonsino/Golden Eye Snapper) Seared Kama Toro Nadoguro (Blackthroat Seaperch) Then I ordered the spicy hotate roll for dessert...

I really enjoyed my time here and would highly...

We were looking for an affordable but quality LA omakase experience and Sushi Chitose far exceeded those expectations. It's a fairly small space hidden away in a quiet residential neighborhood. There are basic and deluxe options for omakase priced at $45 and $60. We opted for deluxe as it was still a bargain relative to the standard LA fare.

The quantity was impressive, in total there were probably around 14-15 rounds with a couple consisting of multiple pieces. As someone with a large appetite, I was definitely satisfied by the end. The style was by and large pretty traditional without any crazy experimental curveballs. However, the level of technical execution was evident in the fresh, pure, and focused taste of each piece. A couple pleasant surprises included a monkfish foie gras starter and maybe the best uni/ikura pairing I've ever had (hard to beat that proximal Pacific freshness).

The service was also very good throughout the meal. All in all this was an incredible bargain, maybe among the best in the city. I'd highly recommend Sushi Chitose to any level of...

Disappointed summarized my review as I was quite excited to try this little restaurant but it fell far short of impressing me based on reviews and rankings this business has for sushi in LA. First, when you walk in you are hit in the face with a distinct fish smell which already tells you the sushi is not being kept cooler than room temp which was also apparent when served due to taste and texture. The selection of sushi is appreciated but the quality is not up to par with reviews or ranking in the LA area for sushi. I saw this ranked in the top 10 in LA and am highly disappointed. People there is better places in LA!! For those of you looking, keep looking as there are better. As such, I will not be returning. Last, if you are questioning my sushi taste as I can hear you already saying that I don't know. I have and still do travel the US about 90% of the year eating at some of the best sushi restaurants across all of the states. I prefer sashimi or nigiri but above all else, I prefer raw fish, no cooked fish or seaweed wrapper masking the true flavor. I...