Oh I also had a very nice and affordable takeout lunch from Yui in Sierra Madre. Chef is always posting their fresh fish with commentary on instagram. Think I originally saw it as a TonyC rec a while ago?
Yui Restaurant
(626) 325-3840
https://goo.gl/maps/LXpeMUTs981Pi8xg9
Kiriko. Just let them know those parameters, and in my experience, they’ll provide something remarkable.
Masakazu in Westwood or Soko (a la carte) in the Fairmont SM
Welcome to FTC. 
Really good but IDK about “on a budget”.
Chef Kenji Koyama used to run necco on Westwood Blvd. (since shuttered and now replaced by Izakaya Hero). Since necco’s closure, Kenji-san has taken over the old Silver Lake venue formerly occupied by Ramen Bangaichi (RIP) and coverted it into a sushi-ya: Kenbey Sushi.
One of my favorite lunches currently in L.A. is the Kenbey chirashi-don. In general, lunchtime is a great way to scratch that sushi itch for less pain in the wallet than, say, a full dinner experience.
Anyhoo, the quality of the sushi at Kenbey is really nice, and the sushi meshi (sushi rice) is legit. If you order wisely, okonomi (a la carte) there shouldn’t make too large a dent in the pocketbook. Check it out.
Kenbey
4339 Sunset Bl.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
323.928.2177
I thought this said…Best Sushi on a Burger.
carry on.
Wasn’t there someone on Sawtelle who did a sushi burger? I’m seeing California rolls, for some reason.
Relative value here: The full omakase at Masakazu is indeed priced considerably less than its competitors in the general vicinity.
He requested under $200 - still fits as long as you stick to the 15pcs and go light on drinks.
Not sure about Sawtelle, but 26 Beach in MDR is famous for its sushi burgers.
Yeah, it’s Black Sheep Burgers on Sawtelle, from the same family that started 26 Beach. I liked their Soft Shell Crab Burger better than the California Roll Burger.
Yelp has a photo of a Masakazu receipt from January that shows “omakasa - sushi only” for $120. Can’t find a price for the full omakase with appetizers and grilled fish.
Thad’s a relatively good value compared with high-end places charge $200 or mroe before drinks, service charge / tip, and tax.
Thanks for the heads up!
Any idea how much dinner omakase runs here?
Edit: based on yelp, looks like it’s $120 for 2 apps 10 pieces of nigiri and one hald roll. $150 option available that adds 3 more apps but not anymore nigiri.
Wow that used to be Saito Sushi before the ramen place. Had many meals w/Saito looking forward to Kenbey driving by and hadn’t noticed it’s sushi again.
I love Kenji he’s a great guy and great chef. The new place is very welcoming and the staff is great all around too. I’m surprised by your rice comment though, when I went both my partner and I noticed the rice was almost cold and a little under seasoned, but it could have just been an off night I guess.
Interesting, since I had his sushi at lunchtime. Now I’m curious about the shari consistency at dinner service.
Just had another good meal at U-Zen. A few apps, ~14 courses of nigiri, a hand roll, and a bonus round or two: ~$135/head.
In West SGV, I like the old-school Taihei in Monterey Park on Garfield. Reminds me of small mom-and-pop places I’ve been to in Japan. I’m no sushi expert by any means but their chirashi, uni, etc. all very fresh and reasonably priced. Cooked items also very good too
The first place I ever had sushi. And the first place I had ikura. I remember the chefs clapping when I popped it in my mouth as a kid. Thought it was SOOOO gross.
