Toku Unagi & Sushi

For residents and visitors in California, particularly within the Los Angeles area, who are seeking a truly distinctive and authentic Japanese culinary experience, Toku Unagi & Sushi in West Hollywood presents an unparalleled opportunity. This establishment stands out not just as a sushi restaurant, but as a specialized haven for unagi – freshwater eel – a delicacy revered in Japan but rarely the sole focus of a restaurant in the United States. Toku Unagi & Sushi brings a century-old legacy of unagi preparation to your table, offering a taste of tradition that is both unique and profoundly satisfying.

Toku Unagi & Sushi is widely celebrated as the premier destination for freshwater eel in Los Angeles. What sets this restaurant apart is its singular focus on unagi, directly importing premium Japanese eel and preparing it using traditional cooking methods and a special sauce perfected over a century ago by its main kitchen in Japan. This dedication ensures an unparalleled and genuine flavor that is hard to find stateside. Diners consistently praise the eel for being perfectly grilled, tender, and incredibly flavorful, whether enjoyed as part of an Unajyu (eel over rice in a lacquered box) or an Ohitsu Matsu (eel over rice with a pour-over tea/broth).

While unagi is undoubtedly the star, Toku Unagi & Sushi also offers a comprehensive menu that extends to authentic sushi crafted by experienced chefs, including unique rolls, and a variety of tapas-style Japanese small dishes and popular fried items. The ambiance, described as a casual fine dining experience, provides a welcoming setting. The staff are noted for being friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall dining experience by explaining dishes and making recommendations. For those who are unagi enthusiasts or simply curious to try something truly unique in the realm of Japanese cuisine, Toku Unagi & Sushi is an absolute must-visit.

Toku Unagi & Sushi is conveniently located at 1106 N La Cienega Blvd #201, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA. Situated in the vibrant West Hollywood neighborhood, this address places it in a prime, accessible area within Los Angeles. La Cienega Boulevard is a major north-south artery, making it easy to reach from various parts of the city and surrounding areas in California.

One notable advantage for diners at Toku Unagi & Sushi is the parking situation. As mentioned by previous customers, parking is available and often free under the shopping complex where the restaurant is situated. This is a significant convenience in West Hollywood, where parking can sometimes be a challenge. The restaurant is located on the second level of the complex, providing a slightly elevated and perhaps more private dining atmosphere. Its location also makes it readily accessible via ride-sharing services and public transportation for those who prefer not to drive. This ease of access contributes to the overall pleasantness of a visit to Toku Unagi & Sushi, allowing locals to enjoy their meal without unnecessary stress.

• Specialized Unagi Dishes: Toku Unagi & Sushi focuses on authentic Japanese freshwater eel, offering various preparations such as Unajyu (grilled eel over rice in a lacquered box) and Hitsumabushi/Ohitsu Matsu (eel over rice with a special pour-over tea/broth, allowing for multiple ways to enjoy the dish). They also offer Kabayaki (eel with special sauce) and Shirayaki/Shioyaki (broiled eel with natural salt or dipping sauce).
• Authentic Sushi Selection: In addition to unagi, the restaurant serves a selection of authentic sushi, including nigiri (e.g., Yellowtail Carpaccio, Bluefin Tuna Carpaccio, Sea Urchin), sashimi, and unique sushi rolls (e.g., Unagi Bo-sushi, Toku Special Unagi Caterpillar Roll, Japanese Wagyu Beef Unagi Roll). They also offer omakase sushi platters.
• Japanese Small Dishes & Appetizers: A wide range of "tapas-style" small dishes are available, unlike those found at other Japanese restaurants. These include traditional Japanese appetizers like Kinpira Renkon, Ankake Age-Dashi Tofu, Tatsuta-Age (Japanese fried chicken), as well as more unique offerings like Creamy Crab Croquette with Caviar and various Chawanmushi (steamed egg pudding) options.
• Yakimono (Grilled Dishes) and Tempura: The menu extends to hot side dishes like Hamachi Yellowtail Kama-Yaki, Gindara Saikyo Yaki (Sablefish), and Japanese Wagyu Beef Steak, as well as Tempura selections including Shrimp Tempura, Vegetable Tempura, and even Japanese Unagi Tempura.
• Beverage Menu: Toku Unagi & Sushi offers a selection of Japanese sake (bottled, sparkling, and various sizes), beers (draft and bottled), and shochu to complement the meal.
• Dine-In Service: Enjoy a comfortable and authentic Japanese dining experience in their West Hollywood location.
• Takeout & Delivery: For convenience, the restaurant provides takeout and delivery options, allowing guests to enjoy their specialties at home.

• Los Angeles' Only Dedicated Unagi Restaurant: Toku Unagi & Sushi holds a unique position as the only restaurant in LA singularly focused on Japanese freshwater eel, offering a rare and specialized culinary experience.
• Directly Imported Premium Japanese Unagi: The restaurant prides itself on importing premium, whole Japanese unagi directly from Japan weekly, ensuring the highest quality and authentic flavor.
• Century-Old Cooking Methods & Special Sauce: The unagi is prepared using time-honored cooking methods and a secret sauce perfected over a century, contributing to its perfectly grilled, tender, and flavorful profile.
• Diverse Unagi Preparations: Guests can experience unagi in various traditional forms, from the classic Unajyu to the interactive Ohitsu Matsu with its pour-over tea/broth.
• Authentic and High-Quality Sushi: Beyond unagi, the sushi menu, crafted by experienced chefs, features fresh ingredients and unique rolls, receiving praise for its quality.
• Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff: Reviewers consistently highlight the helpful and welcoming nature of the staff, who are eager to explain dishes and enhance the dining experience.
• Unique Japanese Small Dishes: The menu includes a variety of original "tapas-style" small dishes, offering flavors unlike those found in typical Japanese restaurants.
• Convenient Parking: The availability of free parking under the shopping complex is a significant perk in West Hollywood.

While Toku Unagi & Sushi is known for its specialized, premium offerings rather than widespread promotional deals, the core "special offer" here is the unique culinary experience itself – access to authentic, directly imported Japanese freshwater eel that is otherwise difficult to find. Their menu does highlight different sizes and preparations of unagi, such as the "Take" (smaller portion), "Matsu" (whole portion), and "Toku-Jo" (extra portion/double layer) options for Unajyu and Hitsumabushi, allowing guests to choose based on their appetite and budget while still experiencing the highest quality.

Given their emphasis on imported ingredients, any potential "special offers" are more likely to come in the form of seasonal additions to their unagi or sushi selections, based on what premium products are available. For the most up-to-date information on any unique seasonal dishes or specific offerings, it is always recommended for interested diners to contact Toku Unagi & Sushi directly via phone or check their official website/online ordering platforms.

Address: 1106 N La Cienega Blvd #201, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA
Phone: (310) 854-7285
Mobile Phone: +1 310-854-7285

For Californians, especially those residing in or frequently visiting Los Angeles, Toku Unagi & Sushi is an exceptional and highly suitable dining destination that fills a unique niche. Its status as the only restaurant in the city singularly focused on freshwater eel means locals have exclusive access to a rare and highly prized Japanese delicacy without needing to travel far. This specialization, combined with the direct import of premium Japanese unagi and the use of centuries-old preparation techniques, guarantees an authentic flavor profile that is truly unparalleled.

Beyond the signature unagi, the availability of high-quality sushi crafted by experienced chefs and a diverse array of unique Japanese small dishes ensures there's something to please various palates, making it a versatile choice for different dining preferences. The convenient location in West Hollywood with accessible, often free, parking removes common urban dining frustrations. Furthermore, the friendly and knowledgeable staff contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, making the dining experience pleasant and informative. For locals seeking a distinctive culinary adventure, a taste of rare authenticity, or simply a consistently delicious Japanese meal, Toku Unagi & Sushi offers a compelling reason to become a regular patron, cementing its place as a truly special establishment in the California dining scene.

Toku Unagi & Sushi

1106 N La Cienega Blvd #201, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA