Matsumoto

1 year passed since my original review and my wife and I have been back 2 more times to celebrate two very significant life milestones. Both times I ordered a pick up online. I want to emphasize we would have rather dined in but unfortunately that wasn't an option for us.In the nutshell. It's REALLY GOOD! Better or close call than some omakase we had in Tokyo. My Japanese wife loves Matsumoto and requested it 2 out of the 3 times. We consistently order the 18 pieces chef's choice seasonal sushi omakase limited to just 10 orders a day. And every time we were utterly captivated by the taste of each piece so tender and delicate, dissolving gradually like silk on the palate, leaving the trail of symphony of flavors so divine, it would leave us with the feeling nothing short of euphoric. Unfortunately 3 times wasn't enough for me to describe the flavor and texture of each piece because I just get overwhelmed trying to capture everything that is going through my mind when I take that bite. I even tried to split each piece in 3 bites and go around 3 times to better remember my experience. Nope. Still too much.Living in the city and seeing so many great restaurants come and go can be tough so if I had the one and only wish for the food scene in the Los Angeles proper, it would be this. I hope Matsumoto prospers and stays just exactly they are right now for many years to come!どうも ありがとう ございました敬具、アレックスです。アメリカ人です。 咲絵です。日本人です。 スコッティ。柴犬です。

Matsumoto is undoubtedly the best sushi restaurant in Los Angeles, and it is no exaggeration to say that it has ranked among my top five sushi restaurants. As someone who has a deep understanding of Japanese cuisine, I really appreciate the omakase experience provided by this restaurant. Each dish shows the chef's superb skills and respect for ingredients, especially the fresh seafood flown in from Japan that day, which seems to jump on the tip of the oceanThroughout the meal, I kept expecting possible mistakes or mediocrity, but I was never disappointed. Each dish is precise and layered, perfectly reflecting the essence of traditional sushi, while also having a subtle fusion of modern creativity. The chef is not only skilled, but also proud of each dish. His enthusiasm and professionalism add a lot of points to the entire dining atmosphereThe environment in the restaurant is also just right, simple and elegant, giving people a feeling of comfort and solemnity. The meticulous and thoughtful service team also added a lot of points to this dining experience. Although it costs a lot, considering the overall quality and details, it is completely worth the money and there is no regret. I look forward to having the opportunity to visit again in the future to enjoy this precious delicacy

When I was dining at various sushi bar in LA, one of the question that often asked by the chef to me is "Which is your favorite sushi bar in LA?" Although I have a few favorite sushi bars, Matsumoto is always the first answer I gave out and to my surprise most of the sushi chefs have the same reply, "Yes, Matsumoto san, I know him", and from what I heard, Matsumoto is a well respected chef among the Japanese sushi community in LA. Last time I was at Matsumoto is more than 7 years ago, and what make Matsumoto so unforgettable is the Kaiseki dinner he prepared for me, special order 5 kinds of uni, air flown a Makogarei from Japan for sashimi, 20+ nigiri sushi, etc....I tell myself I have to revisit Matsumoto now.However, Matsumoto no longer prepare Kaiseki style dinner and there is a lot of restriction on seafood import, especially my favorite shellfish, but that doesn't deter me from going back so I requested snow crab and Kinki as special ingredients to go with Matsumoto Sushi & Tsumami Omakase which consist of a range of small appetizers and nigiri sushi. First dish up is the Tsubugai, a huge plate of whelk served artfully with the shell and the sliced meat, liver next to it. But it is the nothing compare with the whole Kinki fish sashimi, it is my favorite for the night and it was phenomenal. It elevated the whole omakase to the next level with its sweetness, fattiness and smooth texture, it even leave an after taste in my mouth. Next up is the Seiko Kani, steamed fresh female snow crab with all the the eggs and innards stuff into the shell, covered with crab meat. The freshness is fantastic and it is so satisfying to consume the entire crab. All the ingredients are top class, each appetizer and nigiri sushi throughout the omakase fully show Chef Matsumoto dedication in traditional Japanese cooking and his skillfulness in each dish preparation. Everything are executed at the highest level. Really enjoyed the authenticity of the experience. I am glad I bring along few of the best sake to pair with the food, the ambiance is perfect for sake pairing, everything is absolutely delicious and Super fun to dine at Matsumoto.

Very happy to find this place, since they have amazing seasonal a la carte availability (things which are generally only available as part of extensive omakase menus) and it's a short walk from my apartment. However they will be moving a couple miles further east soon, and that makes me disappointed, but I will definitely still be returning...

Went there for our anniversary omakase and everything was absolutely perfect! I love very traditional sushi, despise spicy mayo and california rolls etc and everything else which falls into the "western sushi". This place was like a temple for me. VERY nice staff, true japanese, had fun small talk but kept it minimal haha, i fell in love with chef Matsumoto, what an amazing and great man. The servers were so sweet. There is nothing anyone can say that will make this place come down from the top 3 omakase dinners in LA. Again! This is very traditional Omakase so im sure its not for everyone but for someone who looking for a quiet restaurant, amazing food, great sake selection and great service, I highly recommend to pay Matsumoto a visit! どうもありがとうございます !

Back here again, and of course, their omakase did not disappoint! Since coming back from Japan, I've been craving sushi, we did their omakase.Everything was fresh and delicious. Their otoro was melt in your mouth good, ended up ordering extra pieces after omakase was over. They also had 2 types of uni from Japan, which I loved. You usually don't get 2 uni, but white uni became seasonal, so it was added. Staff is very friendly and attentive. They made excellent recommendations for dessert. We had their purple yam with coconut tapioca and their matcha pudding. It reminded me of a crème brûlée style, except caramel was on the bottom. We love coming here because sushi is always good, and staff is always great!!!

Quick SummaryGood food and ambiance for their omakase dinner. Everything was fresh and delicious, and the service was fantastic. I wouldn't come out of my way to get here, but it's a fantastic local neighborhood sushi spotFood- 4.5 starsWe ordered the 10 piece omakase along with the ikura and scallop. Unfortunately, they didn't have any Hokkaido scallop, but everything else was pretty good. Our favorites were the seared Japanese barracuda, seared Kodai, King Mackerel, golden eye snapper, and black sea perch. Service- 5 starsEveryone is very attentative and accommodating. Appreciated that they were able to move our reservation earlierParkingIt's in a small strip model with a small parking lot. We were able to snag a spot because a rush of patrons had just finished their meal, but questionable parking situation in the surrounding area given that street permits are requiredBottom LinePretty solid omakase experience at a higher end price. Highly recommend if you're around the area

A culinary adventure for the sushi enthusiast! Came for the 25 piece Omakase nigiri sushi - they come out 3 at a time, no sashimi or other appetizers. You get to try 25 different species and many are rarely served in the US. Was thrilled to try pieces like Aori Ika (Bigfin reef squid), Tairagai (Pen shell scallop), Amadai (Tilefish), Ebodai (Pacific Rudderfish), and Kegani (Hairy crab). I also got hits like Otoro, Kinmedai, and Nodoguro. Was neat to compare the three different Uni types (Santa Barbara, Murasaki, and Bafun). Was $250 before tax/tip. No frills, just high quality sushi. Definitely memorable!

My husband and I went to LA for the first time, mainly as a foodie trip, and wanted to be sure we had Omakase at least once, given our obsession for it. And boy...Matsumoto definitely did NOT disappoint!My husband opted for the 25 piece nigiri omakase and I opted for the 15 piece nigiri omakase. There was plenty of time to talk to the chef in between courses, and he was more than happy to chat with folks as well. We had some nigiri we've never had before and the chef was more than happy to talk about where each piece of fish came from.Even though my husband and I had different omakase counts, the chef still served both of us at the same time. Some dishes, my husband had more pieces on his plate than mine, to be sure that we were on pace with each other during the whole meal.The restaurant is tucked away in a little strip mall and am so glad we had such a great dinner here. I can't wait to go back the next time we find ourselves in LA!

这家小店的位置也太隐蔽了在一个本就不大的plaza里还是塞在转角处的店面停车位有限前菜不错吃寿司就是普通水平Ankimo鮟鱇鱼肝品质很不错新鲜调味也是微酸的小清新风格Abalone炖鲍鱼今日份MVP!!!太惊喜了季节限定菜品鲍鱼怎么能这么嫩啊还搭配了像果冻口感的莼��菜球口味非常清淡鲜味十足一口气干了整碗汤Maguro Yamakake蓝鳍金枪鱼+山药泥比较普通鱼生虽然肉质细腻但缺少鲜味和山药泥不搭而且没什么特别的调味有点寡淡寿司整体水平中等吧个头小捏的技术还是不错的鱼生品质一般温度有点过高调味花了点心思每一种吃起来都有不一样的感觉BORN TOKUSEN JUNMAI DAIGINJO清酒还是很喜欢梵半干型微甜清爽入口稍微带点辛辣