Kenbey Sushi

Tucked between a pizza joint and a pet-themed restaurant on Sunset Boulevard, Kenbey Sushi doesn’t exactly scream destination dining. The quiet, unassuming space feels more like a neighborhood takeout counter than a place where you’d drop $180 on dinner. But that’s precisely what makes this Silver Lake gem so intriguing—behind the modest exterior lies one of the area’s most satisfying omakase experiences.

The magic happens at the counter, where the chefs work their craft to a carefully curated soundtrack of Americana and alt-country. The meal begins with a parade of hot dishes that often outshine the sushi itself: imagine charred seasonal vegetables from the nearby farmers market crowned with a plump scallop, or mirin-glazed Chilean sea bass with silky mushroom puree. If you’re willing to add fifty dollars to the bill, the A5 wagyu is an absolute revelation—even the asparagus and mushrooms cooked in the rendered beef fat are worth swooning over.

By the time the nigiri course arrives, you might already be approaching fullness, but that won’t stop you from savoring every piece. The perfectly vinegared rice serves as the foundation for a crescendo of premium fish, building toward a triumphant three-piece finale of otoro, sea perch, and uni. A toro hand roll with pickled radish provides a fitting, fatty conclusion. The portions are generous—expect a bonus piece beyond the promised eight, and know that you’ll leave thoroughly satisfied.

This is the omakase for those who don’t want to book weeks in advance or venture far from the Silver Lake-Echo Park corridor. The crowd skews toward studio executives and music industry regulars, all seemingly on a first-name basis with the chef. Grab a seat at the counter (the dining room tables miss the action), and prepare for a two-hour meal that punches well above its humble storefront appearance.