Matsuhisa

Walk into Matsuhisa on La Cienega and you’re stepping into a piece of Los Angeles culinary history. This is the restaurant where chef Nobu Matsuhisa first made his mark, where Robert De Niro reportedly fell in love with the food and decided to build an empire around it, and where Beverly Hills regulars have maintained their standing Friday night reservations at the sushi bar for decades. There’s an unmistakable old-school energy here—the kind of place where industry power players still come to see and be seen.

The menu reads like a greatest hits collection of dishes that have since been copied at Japanese restaurants around the world. The yellowtail with jalapeño, arguably the most influential dish to come out of this kitchen, delivers exactly what you’d expect from the original. The black cod with miso is another must-order, arriving caramelized and impossibly tender. For the full experience, grab a seat at the sushi bar where the chefs will walk you through the day’s specials—the golden eye snapper comes highly recommended.

The atmosphere is decidedly buzzy, with a rotating cast of celebrities, longtime regulars, and newer visitors who discovered the spot through social media. It can get chaotic during peak hours, and the scene occasionally overshadows the food. But that’s part of the deal at a place like this—you’re paying for the experience as much as the meal itself. If you want pristine, meditative sushi, there are quieter options around town.

For anyone interested in LA dining history or looking for a lively night out with excellent Japanese food, Matsuhisa remains a worthwhile destination. Just be prepared to embrace the energy, secure your spot at the sushi bar if possible, and appreciate that you’re eating at the birthplace of a global culinary phenomenon.