Sushi Gen, Los Angeles, CA

Rating:

 4.6 (1599)

Cost:

Locals line up at this simple sushi bar, known for traditional Japanese preparations & lunch deals.

Sushi Gen

Discover Sushi Gen in Los Angeles, CA

Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, Sushi Gen offers a welcoming spot for those seeking authentic Japanese flavors and fresh seafood options. This casual eatery specializes in generous portions of high-quality sushi and classic dishes, complemented by a selection of beer and sake to enhance your meal. With its focus on traditional preparations and affordable lunch specials, it's an ideal choice for anyone exploring top-rated sushi restaurants in the area. The venue also prioritizes accessibility, featuring wheelchair-friendly entrances and seating, making it easier for everyone to enjoy a relaxed dining experience. Whether you're looking for sushi places near me or simply craving a reliable spot for Japanese cuisine, Sushi Gen delivers a straightforward yet memorable vibe.

Summarized by AI using the Grok-3-Mini model.

Insights from Recent Feedback

Visitors often rave about the fresh fish and authentic sushi selections at this spot, highlighting how the quality makes every bite feel truly satisfying and true to tradition. While some mention occasional waits due to its popularity, the efficient service and generous portions keep the overall experience enjoyable and worth the visit. Many appreciate the value, especially during lunch hours, where deals on items like omakase add to the appeal without breaking the bank. Feedback generally praises the welcoming atmosphere and variety of options, making it a go-to for those hunting for best sushi near me. All in all, it's a solid choice that delivers on flavor and reliability, encouraging repeat trips for anyone in the mood for quality Japanese fare.

Summarized by AI using the Grok-3-Mini model.

Address & Phone

Downtown Los Angeles
422 E 2nd St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 617-0552

Wheelchair Accessiblility

Parking:Entrance:Restroom:Seating:

Parking Options

Paid parking lot:Paid street parking:

Payment Options

Accepts credit cards:Accepts debit cards:Accepts nfc:

Reviews

  • Darius Faramarz  3

    So I’m coming back from Downey (don’t ask), handling some property stuff, and I call up a friend. He just happens to be nearby, and like true sushi soldiers, we decide to meet at Sushi Gen — because of course, that’s what everyone does when they’re within a 10-mile radius of Little Tokyo and feel like standing around hungry for 45 minutes questioning their life decisions. The wait? Classic. 30–45 minutes, which gives you just enough time to spiral into existential dread while the host gives zero indication you even exist. But finally — we get seated. It was my friend’s first time. He’s a hardcore sushi guy, like the kind who judges you if you say “sushi roll” with too much excitement. We both ordered the hamachi kama (yellowtail collar), sashimi set, and sprinkled in some extra bits of raw sea treasure. Here’s the thing: Sushi Gen is good. The kind of good that makes you nod in polite satisfaction while thinking, “Yeah, okay, I get it.” But in today’s world of sushi arms races and omakase wars, being consistently good is starting to feel like showing up to a Formula 1 race in a Toyota Camry. Reliable, yes. Exciting? Meh. Fish quality? Still solid. Experience? Nostalgic and humble. But if you’ve had a tour through LA’s newer spots, it’s hard not to notice Sushi Gen’s staying kind of… still. I give it a respectful 3.8 stars. My friend? Brutal. A hard 2 and said he’s never going back. Might’ve been the wasabi betrayal. Who knows. But since you made it this far, let me reward you. If you want a spot that blows Sushi Gen out of the miso soup — go to Fisherman’s Table in Huntington Beach. That place is criminally underrated. Like, “why is this not packed every night” levels of good. You’re welcome. Now forget I told you.

  • Robert White  5

    Truly perfect. Felt like I was back in Japan again. Sushi was a true 10/10, no question. The quality, the selection, the freshness, etc were all perfect. The service was just as good. I was served and attended to like I was the only person in the restaurant despite there not being a single empty seat. If you’re looking for your go-to sushi spot that’s authentic and not some tuned up LA nonsense, this is it.

  • Becca John  5

    first time coming here and it was amazing my boyfriend and i tried this place and we got there during happy hour so we did the omakase option that comes with a variety of nigiri, a miso soup and a hand roll. ALL AMAZINGGG we did also shishito peppers, and crispy tuna rice. they were perfectly made. then we had green tea mochi and the lady was kind enough to add the lychee icecream because she really wanted us to try it. everything was so delicious and they were all so sweet. i was so happy i found this place and would definitely come again ❤️

  • John Amer  4

    It had been some time since I ate lunch at Sushi Gen primarily because of the challenge of getting downtown from the westside, and also due to the massive amount of people who go there for their incredible sashimi lunch special. But with the Dodgers championship parade today and the need to wait out the throngs of people before I could leave the area, I waited a very short time before getting the first available space, which was a seat at the sushi bar (no lunch special at the bar). Sushi Gen is a timeless classic. It is so reliable for a great variety of fresh, authentic sushi at what I consider throwback prices. You won't find any crazy rolls or sauces here, all the better to allow the chefs to focus on the essence of the fish which is best experienced unadorned in my opinion. I had eight orders, including varieties rarely found at other Japanese restaurants in LA (including engawa, kohada, sardine and shima aji). Feeling very satisfied and impressed by the consistency of the experience so many years apart, I was pleasantly surprised (there are no prices on the sushi menu at the bar) to see a pretax and tip bill of $66 which averages out to just over $8 per order - a steal for this quality, freshness and variety. The only drawback is that it is very crowded, which is not surprising given that the sushi is as good as it gets in LA. In order to accommodate as many people as possible, they really squeeze people in at the sushi bar and the tables in the relatively small dining room are also tightly packed. Service is almost too efficient as they are eager to accommodate the many people waiting outside. For me, the most accurate rating for Sushi Gen would be 4.5 if 1/2 stars were possible as these crowded conditions are less than ideal for what should be a more serene experience. But that won't deter me from finding a reason to be downtown so I can go back soon.

  • 노로로  5

    It's in the Little Tokyo District. I went there at the recommendation of a local friend, but there is a minimum charge at the dinner bar. Four orders are essential, but it is difficult for tourists to use them. It's inconvenient that there's no price on the order form and there's no explanation or picture on the menu.