KUSANO Introduce
For discerning Californians with a passion for exceptional and intimate sushi experiences, KUSANO in Culver City is a name that demands attention. This remarkable sushi bar, recently added to the prestigious Michelin Guide, offers a truly unique and "mind-blown" omakase journey. Far from a bustling, large-scale restaurant, KUSANO provides an exclusive and personal dining adventure, akin to stepping into a "different dimension" where culinary artistry takes center stage.
At the heart of KUSANO's appeal is its commitment to the omakase tradition, where guests entrust their meal entirely to the skilled hands of the chef. This approach allows for a curated progression of exquisite sushi, meticulously prepared and presented, ensuring each piece is at its peak of flavor and texture. With a reputation for delivering some of the "best sushi ever," KUSANO stands out for its high-quality ingredients and the energetic, focused atmosphere created by the chef's solo dedication. It's an essential destination for locals seeking an unparalleled, personal, and unforgettable sushi experience in the Los Angeles area.
KUSANO is intimately nestled at 10726 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230, USA. This specific address places it within Culver City, a dynamic and increasingly popular area of Los Angeles known for its creative industries, vibrant dining scene, and accessibility. Jefferson Boulevard is a key thoroughfare, making the restaurant relatively straightforward to reach from various parts of Los Angeles and surrounding communities in California.
Given its intimate size and exclusive nature, KUSANO's exterior might be unassuming, a common trait for hidden culinary gems. For those driving, parking in Culver City can sometimes require a bit of searching, with a mix of street parking and public lots available in the vicinity. It's advisable to factor in time for parking, especially during peak dining hours. Public transportation options also serve the Culver City area, with bus lines operating on Jefferson Blvd and nearby connections to the Metro Expo Line, offering accessibility for a wider range of patrons across California. Its location allows for a sense of discovery, adding to the unique allure of the dining experience.
KUSANO provides a highly specialized and intimate dining experience, primarily focused on omakase:
- Exclusive Omakase Experience: The core offering is a multi-course, chef-curated omakase menu, where the chef selects and prepares each piece of sushi based on the freshest seasonal ingredients available. This ensures a unique and personalized culinary journey.
- Limited Seating: KUSANO is designed for an intimate setting, typically limited to a small number of seats (around 8 seats, as noted in reviews) at a sushi counter. This allows for direct interaction with the chef and a focused dining environment.
- Masterful Preparation by a Single Chef: The experience often involves a single, highly skilled chef (reportedly from the renowned Yasu in Beverly Hills) working independently, ensuring complete dedication and precision in every dish.
- Premium Fish and Ingredients: A commitment to sourcing and utilizing the highest quality, often rare, fish and traditional Japanese ingredients for an authentic and elevated taste.
- Reservations Required: Due to the limited seating and high demand, reservations are essential and typically need to be made well in advance.
- Focused Beverage Program: A curated selection of sake and possibly other Japanese beverages designed to complement the delicate flavors of the sushi.
- Immersive Dining: The experience is designed to be highly immersive, allowing diners to fully appreciate the artistry and flavors of each course without distractions.
KUSANO has quickly gained recognition for several compelling features and highlights that define its unique appeal:
- Intimate 8-Seat Experience: The limited seating creates an incredibly personal and exclusive dining environment, fostering a direct connection with the chef and the culinary process. This intimate setting is a major highlight for those seeking a truly focused sushi experience.
- Chef from Renowned Yasu: The chef's background, reportedly from the acclaimed (now closed) Yasu in Beverly Hills, immediately signals a high level of skill, expertise, and a refined culinary pedigree.
- Recently Added to Michelin Guide: Its inclusion in the prestigious Michelin Guide (as noted in recent reviews) validates its exceptional quality and elevates its status as a top-tier sushi destination in Los Angeles.
- "Mind Blown" Flavors: Customers consistently express being "simply mind blown" by the flavor and quality of the sushi, with some declaring it "the best sushi I have ever had," indicating a truly exceptional taste experience.
- High Quality Ingredients: The focus on "best fishies" and premium ingredients ensures a superior taste and texture in every piece.
- Energetic Vibe: Despite its small size, the atmosphere is described as "energetic," suggesting a lively and engaging dynamic between the chef and diners.
- "True Hidden Gem": For those who discover it, KUSANO is considered a "true hidden gem," offering an experience that feels exclusive and rewarding.
- Authentic Omakase Focus: The sole focus on omakase allows the chef to showcase creativity and the freshest seasonal produce, providing a genuine and evolving Japanese culinary journey.
Given KUSANO's status as a high-end, intimate omakase sushi bar that has been recognized by the Michelin Guide, it is highly unlikely that they offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the conventional sense of discounts or deals. Their pricing structure is typically fixed for the omakase menu, reflecting the exceptional quality of the ingredients, the masterful skill of the chef, and the exclusivity of the dining experience.
The "value" at KUSANO lies in the unparalleled culinary journey and the rare opportunity to experience sushi crafted at such a high level in an intimate setting. While they do not offer discounts, they might occasionally feature very rare seasonal fish or unique ingredients as part of their evolving omakase menu, which would be considered a culinary highlight rather than a price-based promotion. Patrons interested in a truly exceptional sushi experience will find the investment worthwhile for the quality and artistry received. Any inquiries regarding current menu details or specific offerings should be made directly when booking a reservation.
To secure a highly sought-after seat at KUSANO and embark on its intimate omakase journey, here's their contact information:
- Address: 10726 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230, USA
Due to its extremely limited seating (only 8 seats, as noted) and high demand, reservations are absolutely essential and typically need to be made far in advance. KUSANO does not have a publicly listed phone number in the provided information, which is common for highly exclusive omakase establishments where booking is primarily done online through specialized platforms or their website. It is advisable to search for their official booking platform to secure a spot.
Operating hours for such establishments are often fixed to specific seatings for their omakase experience, usually dinner only, but these details would be confirmed during the reservation process.
For Californians, especially those within the Los Angeles area and its sophisticated dining scene, KUSANO in Culver City is an exceptionally suitable destination for a truly elevated and intimate sushi experience. It caters to locals who are genuine connoisseurs, seeking not just a meal, but a profound culinary event. The fact that it's a "true hidden gem" recently recognized by the Michelin Guide adds to its allure, offering residents a chance to experience world-class sushi without necessarily battling the crowds of larger, more public venues.
Its intimate 8-seat setup ensures a highly personal connection with the chef, fostering an engaging and memorable interaction that is rare to find. While some may perceive the pricing as premium, the consensus among patrons is that the "mind-blown" quality and the unparalleled experience, crafted by a chef of such caliber, make it entirely worthwhile. For special occasions, an unforgettable indulgence, or simply a deep appreciation for the highest artistry in sushi, KUSANO provides a unique "different dimension" that solidifies its status as a must-visit for discerning local palates in California.
KUSANO Photos










KUSANO Location
KUSANO
10726 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230, USA
KUSANO Reviews
The vibe of Kusano is energetic. It’s only limited to 8 seats and most of the guests are from the neighborhood. The chef was from Yasu in Beverly Hills which was closed. Looks like there was no help in the kitchen and the chef works on his own completely.We went to try because it was just added to Michelin Guide two weeks ago. I am not impressed with the food but I think the price is set well and the quality is average.
Mar 31, 2025 · poppyI am simply mind blown! A true hidden gem. It’s like entering a different dimension. From start to finish it was all amazing. The best sushi I have ever had!
Feb 28, 2025 · David SomozaChef Yasu Kusano was the best.Nice atmosphere, his Omakase is top notch sushi ever! Price is not beatable with other omakase. Highly recommend! 🤩🤩 feel sad about this place will be popular soon since they just opened it.FYI, they dont have sign on the building, so you guys gotta look for it 🤣 so please arrive little early ( honestly, it seems luxurious set up without having sign )
Dec 15, 2024 · Kiwi NWent tonight and had an amazing experience. Chef Kusano is so nice and fun to talk to! The food was phenomenal and at a great price. I went with someone who has a shellfish allergy and he was so accommodating! Highly recommend. He's only been open for a month and its only a one man operation. Highly recommend!
Oct 12, 2024 · Ben ShokatiAmazing Omakase in an intimate 8-seat sushi counter with Chef Yasu Kusano. He's a one-man show that delivers a great dining experience with deliciously fresh seafood (several flown in from Japan). I will be going back in the future.
Oct 13, 2024 · Arthur Chang
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