Sushi Takeda

Tucked away on the third floor of Weller Court shopping mall in Little Tokyo, Sushi Takeda offers an unexpectedly tranquil escape from the bustling neighborhood below. This isn’t the kind of omakase that caters to flashy crowds ordering expensive sake to be seen—instead, it’s a peaceful retreat where the focus remains squarely on the food. The intimate shoji-clad space is so quiet you can hear the gentle bubbling of tempura from the back kitchen, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a private sanctuary than a restaurant.

The star of the show here is undoubtedly the Edo-style sushi, prepared with remarkable precision by a veteran chef who lets pristine seafood and perfectly seasoned rice take center stage. The 18-course omakase hits the ideal balance between satisfaction and restraint, featuring delicate touches like kelp-cured snapper, sea bream brightened with a subtle hit of yuzu kosho, and iwashi rolls wrapped in shiso and paper-thin daikon. Every piece demonstrates a jeweler’s attention to detail without veering into pretension.

For those seeking exceptional value, the lunch omakase is a hidden gem—essentially a condensed version of the dinner experience at a significantly lower price point. Booking the earliest time slot is the key to securing a prized seat at the sushi bar, where the intimate connection with the chef elevates the entire meal. Whether you opt for dinner or lunch, sitting at the counter is worth every penny for the service and experience alone.

Sushi Takeda represents that rare sweet spot in the LA omakase scene: memorable, high-quality sushi that won’t completely drain your bank account. It’s an ideal destination for special occasions when you want the meal itself to be the celebration, or for solo diners who appreciate being left to savor each course in peaceful contemplation.