Matsumoto (Los Angeles, CA)

Matsumoto
8385 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Dining date: 12/13/18

Naruki Matsumoto was the longtime chef of Hirozen which served sushi on this mid-city corner for two decades. In 2016 the ownership of the restaurant changed hands to Matsumoto, who renamed the restaurant. The restaurant is small with just a few tables and a sushi bar seating about ten.

We went with a sushi omakase offering.

Tai Snapper
Pen Shell Scallop
Mirugai Clam

Hata Grouper
Spanish Mackerel
Japanese Halfbeak

Bluefin
Amberjack
Buri Yellowtail

Baby Snapper
Barracuda
King Mackerel

Kamatoro Tuna Collar
Golden Eye Snapper
Black Throat Perch

Filefish
Glass Shrimp
Hairy Crab

Hokkaido Sea Urchun
Cold Milt

Sea Eel

Wagyu

The omakase total came out to about $200 all-in with a couple of beers. The quality was good, although probably not as high of a level as similarly-priced restaurants. I also would’ve preferred individual plating of the sushi rather than service in trios – I just feel like there’s more focus on each individual piece of sushi that way.

Kamatoro was a treat, excessively fatty with an almost melt-in-mouth texture. Hairy crab was another highlight, sweet and delicate. Black throat perch and golden eye snapper are also favorites whenever I have it. The wagyu was one of the disappointing ones, surprisingly chewy and not with the characteristic richness and flavor I was expecting.