Sushi Nozawa
I don't pretend to be a sushi expert by any stretch of the imagination, but last week I had the best sushi of my life. It's a place in Studio City, Calif. called Sushi Nozawa, and it's a totally unassuming little shop in a strip mall on Ventura Blvd. at Tujunga, a short hop west (I think) of Lankershim. Google it -- you'll find plenty of glowing reviews.
Nozawa-san has a reputation for being a sushi variation of Seinfeld's famed "Soup Nazi" -- act insultingly towards the food and you'll be thrown out. Which is, near as I can tell, the mark of a sushi chef who is supremely confident of his abilities and deservedly so: I've heard of a few other spots like this, and they're all coveted by diners who visit their establishments.
Sushi Nozawa has a big sign behind the bar that says "Special of the Day: Trust Me." And you do. The menu is basically whatever Nozawa-san thinks is good that day, and it's all good.
So, make a point to stop there. You won't be disappointed.
Comments
I hear he kick Charlize Theron out recently
Posted by: fage | January 17, 2004 12:10 AM
Yep, she told people to not eat there. He sounds mean! I wouldn't be able to eat anyway.
Posted by: smitty | January 17, 2004 01:36 AM
Yeah, even Jay Leno called him the "Sushi Nazi" !! There are far better sushi places than this one ... skip it...save your money.
Posted by: kevin | January 17, 2004 03:15 AM
Dress very well: Armani, Matsuda sunglasses...be very polite: eat what you're given--then ACT UP & get KICKED OUT deliberately. How hilarious that this whackjob actually kicks people out of this joint!
Posted by: bobo | January 18, 2004 04:01 AM
thats right, Charlize said to make sure no one goes here, they kicked her out,just because she ordered too much..,that doesnt sound like good customer service to me,so dont go here! they are rude.
Posted by: Wolfgang | January 18, 2004 02:42 PM
Wow, I was fed there and received courteous service, and Charlize Theron got her ass kicked out the door. I'm more leet than Charlize Theron! I love Sushi Nozawa now more than ever!
Posted by: flargh | January 18, 2004 02:46 PM
I catch fish for him using only my teeth
Posted by: joe | January 23, 2004 02:21 AM
When you go to this place you basically tell the Chef what you like and what you don't like and how much you want to spend and then leave it to him to do the rest.
that's what in JAPAN is called OMAKASE . That's usually the best way to enjoy a sushi restaurant.
ATTENTION POPLE: CHARLIZE THERON SAID TO JUMP OFF THE BRIDGE SO PREPARE TO JUMP!!
Posted by: PATRICIO | January 28, 2004 02:26 PM
I have never had a bad customer service problem at Sushi Nozawa (I look forward to witnessing something - but nothin gso far). The food and service have always been outstanding.
Posted by: jsc | March 6, 2004 09:54 AM
After all the talk about this place I finally gave it a try and it was a major disappointment. I had no problem trusting the chef and at the end he even let me order a dish I requested. I've been to all the top sushi bars and this is worst then the all u can eat spots. The portions were small and the hand rolls weren't even cone shaped rather the diameter of a straw. If you want the best go up a few blocks to Katsu Ya and you will be spoiled!!!!
Posted by: Stuart Wall | May 10, 2004 04:35 PM
I have to agree with Stuart Wall. My experience there was disappointing. The decor sucks, the plates were cheap formica with no plate appeal, no presentation. The chef was more bored and disinterested than passionate about his work. But the food was absolutely uninspiring. I've had better from the refrigerator section at Ralphs. Yes, I was told I could not order if I sat at the counter, and yes, I was given what he felt I should have. Katsu Ya blows this place away.
Posted by: Jeff Kydd | May 10, 2004 05:28 PM
Sushi Nozawa was the best sushi I ever had and I have been to many restaurants (although not to Katsu Ya). I am almost dumbfounded by the reports of people going and not enjoying the food - of course the atmosphere is lame, but the color on the wall does not affect the taste of the food. I wonder if these people who had bad experiences were on the receiving end of Nozawa's sharp stick - bad food for a bad customer so that they NEVER COME BACK. All we said to the waiter was "we'll have the special and lots of sake". $200 later (for 3 of us) it felt like it was worth every penny. Because of the price, its definitely in my mind a special place to go when you're celebrating something. Also, we didn't dress up at all, I don't think the chef cares much for appearances (as you can clearly see by the decor). I'm actually pretty excited to go again soon, its been almost a year =)
Posted by: Trey Harrison | December 17, 2004 01:43 PM