Sushi Restaurants in L.A.

Los Angeles is one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the United States. This is reflected in many areas, particularly when it comes to cuisine. Sushi lovers will find that L.A., with its close proximity to the fresh catches of the Pacific, offers a number of excellent options. From the authentic sushi and sashimi bars of Little Tokyo, to hip, Hollywood sushi hot spots, L.A. has got it going on when it comes to serving up this Japanese seafood delicacy. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Yamashiro

Located up the hill from the famous Magic Castle, overlooking Hollywood, Yamashiro (yamashirorestaurant.com/) is a historical restaurant that has origins dating back to the 1920s. Famous for its 600-year-old pagoda imported from Japan, Yamashiro also has an extensive menu that encompasses traditional and modern sushi selections as well as Asian-fusion-style entrees, soups, salads and appetizers. Yamashiro has a full bar that serves up a wide selection of beer, wine, cocktails and sake.

Sushi Go 55

Sushi Go 55 (sushigo55.com/) is an authentic, Japanese-style sushi restaurant located just on the edge of L.A.'s Little Tokyo neighborhood. The restaurant is owned by the Morishita family, who are credited with pioneering sushi in America to a certain degree. Sushi Go 55 forgoes many of the modern, fusion favorites you might be familiar with to place a greater emphasis on serving up the finest quality fish, prepared in a more traditional Japanese way. In addition to sushi, the restaurant also serves tempura and a limited selection of fish entrees. As any good sushi bar in Japan would, Sushi Go 55 offers up a good selection of beers and sakes.

Hama Sushi

Nestled in amongst the dozens of rather anonymous sushi restaurants that line First and Second Streets in L.A.'s Little Tokyo district, you'll find Hama Sushi (no website; 347 East 2nd St., Los Angeles; 213-680-3454). While on the outside it may not look any different from the similar spots that flank it, but don't be fooled -- Hama is a gem. Another traditional sushi bar, Hama has little else on the menu except sushi and sashimi. There are no fancy mall-style fusion rolls, but what you get is delicious sushi and sashimi made before your eyes and served fresh and simply. Hama boasts a good selection of beer and sake, and offers friendly service with real character. Aside from a single room of tables off the main room, all seating is at the bar. Nestle in and you may make a friend while you await your next roll. Hama is always crowded on the weekends, so plan accordingly.

Zip Fusion Sushi Downtown

Zip (zipfusion.com) is a modern, rather trendy little spot located downtown, just on the outskirts of Little Tokyo. The atmosphere is chic, and the menu offers up all kinds of creative fusion rolls in addition to a good selection of traditional Japanese sushi. Zip also boasts full lunch and dinner menus that feature surf-and-turf entrees as well as soups, salads and appetizers. In addition to the sake and beer you would expect at a Japanese restaurant, Zip also offers a good selection of wine and soju cocktails.