Staff Reporter
Los Angeles has welcomed a new sushi hotspot as Sushi Zanmai Los Angeles officially opens its doors in Koreatown’s Chapman Plaza. The restaurant is the brainchild of Kiyoshi Kimura, a Japanese sushi veteran who earned a reputation for serving high-quality sushi at affordable prices. Kimura first made his mark at Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Outer Market, where he opened the original Sushi Zanmai in 2001.
More than two decades later and with 60 outlets across Japan, Kimura continues to carry forward his signature flair: a dramatic tuna-cutting demonstration that draws a crowd while highlighting the freshness and quality of his fish. “We want everyone to experience sushi the way it’s meant to be enjoyed, without breaking the bank,” Kimura said during the Los Angeles opening.
For Angelenos, this means a casual dining experience where exceptional sushi and Japanese comfort food can be enjoyed for under $50 per person.
Story Highlights:
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Sushi Zanmai Los Angeles opens in Koreatown.
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Founded by Kiyoshi Kimura, known for Tsukiji Outer Market sushi.
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Signature tuna-cutting show continues in the U.S. for the first time.
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Affordable sushi for under $50 per person.
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Over 20 cuts of nigiri, multiple sushi rolls, and cooked fish options.
What to Order at Sushi Zanmai Los Angeles
The menu at Sushi Zanmai Los Angeles offers more than 20 nigiri selections, featuring five different types of tuna: fatty otoro, lean akami, medium-fatty, seared toro, and yellowtail. For a proper introduction, food enthusiasts are advised to order the otoro along with at least two other varieties of tuna nigiri, priced between $4 and $7 per piece.
Sushi rolls are equally tempting. The rainbow roll combines multiple fish, including yellowtail, salmon, tuna, and shrimp, while the salmon skin handroll offers a crunchy texture with julienned cucumbers. For those who prefer cooked options, the grilled mackerel comes served with a set of salad, rice, and miso soup, providing a warm and satisfying alternative.
The Vibe
While Sushi Zanmai Los Angeles does not cater to fine-dining expectations, it provides a simple and authentic Japanese environment. Traditional furniture separates the tightly packed tables, but the bright lighting and television screens showing the restaurant’s history keep the atmosphere casual rather than romantic. “We focus on the sushi, not the frills,” said a staff member during a recent visit.
Insider Tip
Parking can be a challenge around Chapman Plaza, making the $10 lot fee almost unavoidable. But the location has a bonus: diners can walk to nearby Tiger Sugar for brown sugar boba or enjoy an after-dinner soju cocktail at Danbi.
Location:
Sushi Zanmai
3465 West 6th Street, STE 150, Los Angeles, California 90020, United States
