Los Angeles, despite its sprawling reputation, holds hidden gems that even its harshest critics must acknowledge. Among these, the unassuming yet exceptional strip mall sushiya culture stands out, offering high-quality sushi at accessible prices. While LA may have its detractors, its dedication to authentic and affordable sushi is undeniably a major draw.
One such beacon of this culture is Sushi Gen, a name synonymous with exceptional sushi in Los Angeles, particularly at its East 2nd Street location. Known for consistently drawing crowds, Sushi Gen provides a genuine taste of Japanese culinary artistry without pretense.
Exterior view of Sushi Gen restaurant, showcasing a clear blue sky
Located in the heart of Little Tokyo on East 2nd Street, Sushi Gen has earned its fame for good reason. It’s not uncommon to find a line forming well before its doors even open, a testament to its popularity and the anticipation it inspires.
A queue of people waiting outside Sushi Gen restaurant before opening hours
The restaurant’s allure is amplified by its incredible lunch specials. For those dining at tables, Sushi Gen offers a Sashimi Lunch and a Sushi Platter at notably reasonable prices. However, for aficionados seeking the full experience, the sushi counter is the place to be. While the famed lunch specials are exclusive to table service, the counter offers a unique and immersive encounter with Sushi Gen’s culinary craft.
A view behind the sushi counter at Sushi Gen, showing chefs preparing food
The Sushi Counter Experience at Sushi Gen
Opting for counter seating at Sushi Gen means engaging with a tradition of omakase-style dining, albeit with a menu in hand. Upon being seated, you’ll receive a straightforward menu, reminiscent of those found in all-you-can-eat sushi establishments, listing the day’s offerings. Despite the casual menu format, the quality and preparation are anything but ordinary.
Ordering is a breeze; you can relay your choices to one of the numerous chefs behind the counter, like Yama-san, part of Sushi Gen’s efficient team. The pace is relaxed yet attentive, allowing for orders to be placed in stages, similar to a personalized tasting menu. This flexibility, combined with the watchful eye of those waiting in line, creates a unique, dynamic dining atmosphere.
Sushi Gen's paper menu presented at the counter
Highlights from the Sushi Gen Counter
Sushi Gen’s commitment to quality is evident in every piece of nigiri. Here’s a glimpse into some standout selections:
Ama Ebi (Sweet Shrimp): Sushi Gen serves Ama Ebi with notable care. Each piece is accompanied by a generous dab of fresh wasabi. Furthermore, they provide the option to have the shrimp heads prepared either deep-fried or incorporated into a flavorful miso soup. Choosing the miso soup is highly recommended for a taste of umami depth.
Ama Ebi sushi, showcasing the sweet shrimp and wasabi
Ama Ebi heads served in a miso soup
Engawa (Flounder Fin): The Engawa at Sushi Gen is expertly prepared, offering a delicate yet rich flavor and a unique, slightly chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
Engawa sushi, highlighting the flounder fin
Chu Toro (Medium Fatty Tuna): The Chu Toro is a testament to Sushi Gen’s quality sourcing. The medium fatty tuna is perfectly balanced, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich, nuanced flavor that is neither too lean nor overly fatty.
Chu Toro sushi, displaying the medium fatty tuna
Uni and Ikura (Sea Urchin and Salmon Roe): The combination of Uni and Ikura is a luxurious treat. Sushi Gen delivers on both, with fresh, creamy Uni and perfectly seasoned Ikura, creating a burst of oceanic flavors.
Uni and Ikura sushi, featuring sea urchin and salmon roe
Hikarimono & Aozakana (Silver-Skinned and Blue-Backed Fish): Sushi Gen shines with its Hikarimono and Aozakana preparations, particularly Iwashi (sardine) and Kohada (gizzard shad). These types of fish are often seen as a benchmark of a sushi chef’s skill due to the precise marination required in salt and vinegar. Sushi Gen’s Iwashi and Kohada are expertly handled, demonstrating a mastery of flavor and texture balance.
Iwashi and Kohada sushi, showcasing sardine and gizzard shad
Iwashi sushi, close-up view of the sardine
Kohada sushi, detailed view of the gizzard shad
A Note on Ponzu and Ginger Sprouts
While largely exceptional, a minor point to consider is Sushi Gen’s use of ponzu sauce and ginger sprouts on certain nigiri, such as Hirame (halibut) and Aji (horse mackerel). While this approach is shared by other LA sushi spots like Sugarfish and Sushi Park, it can slightly mask the natural flavors of the fish. This technique is often employed with Shiromi (white-fleshed fish) to enhance their milder taste. However, applying it to Aji, which has a more distinct flavor, might be considered less ideal for purists.
Hirame sushi topped with ponzu and ginger sprouts
Aji sushi also topped with ponzu and ginger sprouts
Final Verdict: Sushi Gen is a Must-Visit
Despite minor stylistic choices, Sushi Gen firmly remains a fantastic sushiya and an exemplary representative of Los Angeles’s unique strip mall sushi culture. The quality of the fish, the skillful preparation, and the reasonable pricing, especially for the counter experience, make it a standout. A meal consisting of 18 pieces of nigiri for around $100 is exceptional value, particularly during lunchtime. The efficient service, even during peak hours, and the convenience of an on-site parking lot (though it fills quickly) add to the overall positive experience.
Highly Recommended.
Don’t Forget the Maki
To conclude your meal at Sushi Gen, consider ordering Kanpyomaki (dried gourd roll) and Umeshiso (plum and shiso roll). These simple yet flavorful maki rolls are a perfect palate cleanser and a delightful way to round off your sushi experience.
Kanpyomaki, dried gourd roll
Umeshiso, plum and shiso roll
For an authentic and high-quality sushi experience in Los Angeles, Sushi Gen on East 2nd Street in Little Tokyo is an unmissable destination. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi connoisseur or new to the scene, Sushi Gen offers something truly special.
