Hide Sushi

hide sushi sawtelle

For decades, Hide Sushi has been a cornerstone of the vibrant Japanese culinary scene on Sawtelle Boulevard in Los Angeles. This enduring establishment, a true institution in West LA, has consistently offered a taste of authentic Japan to locals across California. While the sushi experience might be a subject of varied opinions, Hide Sushi remains a go-to spot for many who appreciate traditional Japanese flavors, friendly service, and a no-frills approach to dining.

Opened in 1979, Hide Sushi prides itself on serving high-quality fish and classic Japanese dishes using authentic recipes. Beyond its sushi offerings, which some describe as generous in portion, the restaurant is also well-regarded for its cooked options, particularly the highly praised Teriyaki Chicken. Its longevity in the competitive Sawtelle corridor speaks volumes about its consistent appeal and the strong relationships it has built with its local clientele. It’s a place where you can step back from the trendy new spots and enjoy a genuine, long-standing taste of Japanese tradition.

Hide Sushi is conveniently located at 2040 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA. This puts it squarely in the heart of Sawtelle Japantown, a bustling and highly popular district renowned for its concentration of authentic Japanese restaurants and shops in West Los Angeles. Its prominent position on Sawtelle Boulevard makes it a visible and easily identifiable destination for those navigating the area.

As with many popular eateries in Sawtelle, parking can sometimes be a challenge, particularly during peak dining hours. However, patrons generally find paid street parking available nearby, and there are several public parking structures within a short walking distance. Despite the potential for a busy street, Hide Sushi's central location ensures it remains a convenient choice for locals looking for a quick lunch or a dinner outing. The overall lively atmosphere of Sawtelle Japantown adds to the experience of visiting this established Japanese restaurant.

Hide Sushi provides a comprehensive menu that extends beyond just sushi, catering to various preferences with a range of traditional Japanese dishes. They operate on a cash-only policy, which is a key detail for patrons to note before visiting.

• Dine-in Service: Guests can enjoy their meals in the restaurant's cozy and established setting. While it might not be a "date-worthy" spot in a flashy sense, it offers a comfortable, authentic, and relatively quiet environment for conversation.
• Takeout: Hide Sushi offers takeout services, allowing customers to enjoy their Japanese favorites from the comfort of their own homes.
• Authentic Sushi and Sashimi: Offering a wide variety of traditional sushi and sashimi, including classics like Tuna, Salmon, Halibut, Yellowtail, and Octopus. Portions for sushi and sashimi cuts are noted to be quite generous.
• Hand Rolls: Includes popular options like Spicy Tuna Hand Rolls.
• Combination Dinners: A variety of combo meals that often include a mix of cooked items and sushi/sashimi. Examples include Tempura and Sashimi Combo, Tempura and Teriyaki Combo (Beef or Chicken), and Teriyaki and Sashimi Combo. These typically come with rice, tsukemono (pickled vegetables), and sunomono (cucumber salad).
• Teriyaki Dishes: Popular cooked entrees like Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki, and Salmon Teriyaki, which are frequently praised by customers.
• Tempura: Dishes featuring a selection of crispy fried shrimp and vegetables.
• Donburi (Rice Bowls): Offering various toppings over rice, such as Chirashi (assorted raw fish over rice).
• Appetizers & Sides: A selection of traditional Japanese sides, including Miso Soup, various salads (Vegetable, Salmon Skin, Tuna, Yellowtail), Pickled Cabbage, and Kai Yaki (Dynamite) dishes with scallops or clams.
• Beverages: A selection of soft drinks, green tea, and Japanese beer (Sapporo, Asahi) and Sake.
• Cash Only Policy: A significant point of service is that Hide Sushi operates on a cash-only basis. For convenience, an ATM is available on the premises.

Hide Sushi has maintained its status as a Sawtelle favorite through several key features that resonate with its long-standing customer base and those seeking a more traditional Japanese dining experience.

• Longevity and Authenticity: Established in 1979, Hide Sushi has been a fixture in the Sawtelle community for decades. This longevity is a testament to its consistent delivery of authentic Japanese cuisine, making it a "real sushi spot" and a "classic LA sushi experience" for many.
• Generous Portions: While occasionally leading to mixed reviews for sushi (due to thick cuts and large rice portions), the generosity of their servings is often highlighted, particularly for their cooked dishes. The teriyaki chicken, in particular, is noted for its good portion and flavor.
• Friendly Customer Service: Multiple reviews commend the "great customer service" and the attentiveness of the staff, indicating a welcoming and well-run establishment.
• Comfortable and Conversational Atmosphere: Despite being a busy spot, the restaurant is often described as not too noisy, allowing for easy conversation. The interior, though not overly fancy, is clean and comfortable, providing a "neighborhood feel."
• Diverse Menu Beyond Sushi: While sushi is in its name, Hide Sushi offers a substantial menu of cooked Japanese dishes, including highly regarded teriyaki options and tempura, appealing to a wider range of tastes. The Salmon Teriyaki, for instance, is frequently mentioned as delicious.
• Cash-Only Policy with On-Site ATM: While potentially inconvenient for some, the strict cash-only policy (with an ATM inside) is a long-standing feature that contributes to its unique, old-school charm and potentially helps maintain more "reasonable" prices.
• Consistent Quality (for many): For many regulars, the "quality fish and service" are consistent, and the restaurant "does it right and they do it consistently well."

As a traditional, cash-only establishment that has been in business for many years, Hide Sushi typically focuses on consistent quality and value rather than frequent, widely advertised promotions. However, they do offer specific value-driven meals that act as their form of "special offers":

• Lunch Special Combinations: Hide Sushi offers lunch specials served from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. These often include combinations like Tempura and Teriyaki (Beef or Chicken) which come with rice and tsukemono, providing a complete meal at a reasonable price point.
• Combination Dinners: For dinner, various combination plates featuring Teriyaki, Tempura, and Sashimi provide a comprehensive meal at a set price, offering good value for those wanting to try a variety of dishes.

Given their operational model, it's less likely to find digital coupons or dynamic online deals. The "promotion" here often lies in the consistent quality and perceived value of their well-established menu items.

To experience the long-standing tradition of Hide Sushi, or for any inquiries, you can reach them through the following details:

Address: 2040 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA

Phone: (310) 477-7242

For locals across the California region, particularly those in Los Angeles, Hide Sushi on Sawtelle Boulevard holds a special place. It's not just a restaurant; it’s a piece of local history, offering an authentic Japanese dining experience that has stood the test of time since 1979. Its presence in the bustling Sawtelle Japantown makes it easily accessible for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, contributing to the area's rich culinary tapestry.

What makes Hide Sushi particularly suitable for local Californians is its commitment to traditional flavors and its consistent delivery of a straightforward, genuine Japanese meal. While some preferences for sushi presentation may vary (with noted generous cuts and rice portions), the underlying quality of the fish is acknowledged, and many find the overall experience satisfying. Crucially, the restaurant excels in its cooked dishes, with the Teriyaki Chicken and various combo plates receiving high praise, offering excellent alternatives for those who might prefer hot entrees over raw fish. The "great customer service" and the welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere ensure a comfortable and friendly visit every time.

The cash-only policy, while unique in today's digital age, adds to its old-school charm and can often contribute to its reputation for "reasonable" pricing, particularly for the quality and portions provided. For residents seeking a reliable, authentic Japanese meal without the fuss of trendy new spots, Hide Sushi offers a proven track record. It’s a place where you can enjoy traditional favorites, experience genuinely friendly service, and feel a connection to the enduring culinary heritage of Sawtelle. For many, Hide Sushi isn't just a choice; it's a beloved local tradition.

Hide Sushi

2040 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA