The Tuna King's Foray Into Los Angeles Is a Masterclass in Affordable Japanese Food

"The king has arrived in Los Angeles, and his bright red slices of tuna nigiri are ready to fly onto seasoned sushi rice. Sushi Zanmai opened in Koreatown's Chapman Plaza from owner Kiyoshi Kimura, who earned the nickname serving affordable sushi, sashimi, and Japanese comfort food that reflects the Tsukiji Outer Market original that first debuted in 2001. Now, more than two decades and 60 outlets in Japan later,"

"The menu offers more than 20 cuts of nigiri, with five different kinds of tuna, including fatty otoro, leaner akami, medium-fatty, seared toro, and yellowtail. Order the otoro and at least two other types of tuna nigiri ($4 to $7 per piece) to get the proper introduction. Sushi rolls also abound, but the rainbow roll covers multiple kinds of fish like yellowtail, salmon, tuna, and shrimp. Salmon skin handroll is a great way to get something crunchy and satisfying with julienned cucumbers."

"Don't expect anything fancy or impressive. The tightly packed tables are segmented with traditional Japanese furniture but the television screens showing Zanmai's impressive history and overly bright lights take away from any potential date-night appeal. Street parking is pretty impossible here, so you might as well succumb to the Chapman lot's $10 per car cost, but at least that means you can bounce over to Tiger Sugar for a brown sugar boba for dessert or Danbi for an after-dinner soju cocktail."

Sushi Zanmai opened in Koreatown's Chapman Plaza under owner Kiyoshi Kimura, bringing a Tsukiji-inspired, affordable sushi and comfort-food concept to Los Angeles. The menu features more than 20 nigiri cuts and five distinct tuna varieties, with otoro, akami, medium-fatty, seared toro, and yellowtail among the options priced between $4 and $7 per piece. Rolls and handrolls, including a rainbow roll and a crunchy salmon skin handroll, add variety. A grilled mackerel set offers a cooked option with salad, rice, and miso. The dining room is casual and brightly lit, and parking in the Chapman lot costs $10, with nearby dessert and cocktail options available.

Read at Eater LA