Shunji (Los Angeles, CA) [2]

Shunji Japanese Cuisine
12244 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Dining date: 1/21/17

Shunji Nakao’s eponymous restaurant has been a sushi staple on the west side since opening in 2012. Nakao has been at the forefront of sushi in Los Angeles for decades since being one of the opening chefs of Matsuhisa. After Matsuhisa, Nakao has also been chef at notable restaurants Asanebo and The Hump.

I’ve been to Shunji once, for lunch, and had an enjoyable meal (it was a great value too). I was excited to come in for dinner and try a little more. We went with a sushi omakase, adding a few cooked dishes to begin with.

Shishito Peppers

Tomato Agedashi Tofu

Trumpet Fish

Japanese Sea Bass

Japanese Halfbeak

Sea Bream

Black Red Bass

Barracuda

Marinated Tuna

Belt Fish

Salmon Roe

Yellowtail

Goldeneye Snapper

Amberjack

Tasmanian Trout

Japanese Scallop

Fatty Tuna

Santa Barbara Sea Urchin

Marinated Scottish Salmon

King Squid

Bonito

Hokkaido Sea Urchin

Fatty Tuna Collar (kamatoro)

Freshwater Eel over Rice

Favorites for me were the goldeneye snapper, toro and kamatoro, barracuda and the chance to have both Santa Barbara and Hokkaido sea urchin. I would return to Shunji – I’ve heard their seasonal truffle rice is a thing to behold.