Sushi Cali-style — Kiwami

***

Okay, it’s hardly traditional sushi — way too much sauce, mayo and spice — but Sushi Chef Katsu-ya Uechi knows how we like our sushi in L.A.

Review by Pauline Adamek

Part of the Katsuya-group of restaurants around LA, Kiwami recently opened a few doors down from the original Katsu-ya in Studio City, which has been there since 1997.

If you want to wait for ages for a table and do a bit of star-spotting, then by all means stick with the scene-y, still trendy Katsu-ya.

But if you want impeccable service and some fantastic sushi, then you will want to try Kiwami.

A recent Saturday lunch turned out to be quite a birthday treat for this critic.

For starters, valet parking is free at lunchtime. Bonus!

They also have lined wicker baskets for you to place your handbag in. Classy!

Once I checked their website and saw that they offer a lunch special of all my favorites for only $20.00, I was sold.

It’s called the ‘Kiwami Tray’ and described thusly:

A perfect lunch tray with: Spicy albacore with crispy onion (an amazing combination of flesh and crunch), Crab & Avocado Wrapped w/Halibut (tender and succulent), Yellowtail Jalapeno (firm, raw and melting), Baked Crab Hand Roll (rich and elegant) and Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna (dainty cubes of crunchy fried rice adorned with fine dollops of spicy tuna).

And it was damn good fare. In fact, I couldn’t finish it all, so had the remainder boxed up to enjoy the next day. (I am a lightweight.)

All in all, it was a splendid way to celebrate my birthday.

Highly recommended.

***

Kiwami
11920 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
Neighborhood: Studio City
(818) 763-3910

Open:

Mon-Sat 12 pm – 2:30 pmMon-Thu 5:30 pm – 10 pm

Fri-Sat 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Sun 3 pm – 9 pm