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Welcome to Kanbai Japanese Restaurant

At Kanbai Japanese Restaurant, located in the heart of Los Angeles, culinary passion meets tradition to create a remarkable dining experience. This intimate eatery, known for its authentic approach to sushi, is a hidden gem among the bustling food scene in K-town. Guests rave about the unparalleled freshness and quality of the fish, particularly the exquisite tuna sashimi, which is expertly presented by a master chef renowned for his decades of experience. With a cozy atmosphere that prioritizes the love of sushi over opulence, Kanbai invites you to savor each dish, making every meal a memorable culinary journey.

Kanbai Japanese Restaurant: Reviews & Ratings

Daniel L.
Daniel L.

"Professional" sushi eater here. Probably one of the best spots I've found in the K-town area. Everything is fresh period. Excellent quality. Beautiful presentation. My suggestion...go with a couple others and get the medium sashimi plate. The "ban chan" is a couple plates of excellent pieces of abalone, clam, and other specialty items. And then the sashimi plate comes out and you're blown away by its freshness. Can't repeat that enough. The service is top notch. And then the tempura, the nurunbap and then the mauntang! All this is a full meal with the sashimi. They keep bringing out amazing dishes along throughout your meal. And if you have a chance to meet the master chef, you'll know right away he takes pride in his fish selection and craft. Walked in here expecting average and walked out extremely happy! Will be back! Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Thank me later.

Gina L.
Gina L.

I don't know if I can go anywhere else but here anymore. I had the best tuna sashimi and sushi in the US. Me and my husband love sushi, so we have gone to so many different sushi restaurants in different cities but this place was truly hidden gem. It's very authentic place so if you want fancy and high end vibe sushi restaurant, this place is not for you. But if you care about fish quality more than ambience, this is the place to go.

Sophia K.
Sophia K.

He is famous for his 30-year-old tuna dissection show, and he has been operating here for 9 years. It is a place where you can eat special tuna parts. It is definitely different from other sushi restaurants, and it is a place where you must make a reservation. I found a great restaurant in LA!!!

Arthur J.
Arthur J.

Best tuna sashimi combo in Los Angeles. You can eat all parts of tuna sashimi here!!!!

Charles C.
Charles C.

Tried this place with friend who is regular here. He ordered "my usual" to owner/chief and course of sashimi and others came out. I've been to many other sushi place before in LA and I say this was the best. It is small place, only has 5 tables or so, only opens after 4pm. So, can't just drop in and expect to eat there. I tried to take my family for lunch (only to find they don't open for that..). If you are taking a date for nice environment with aroma of romance, this is NOT it. But if you want to feel like you want to eat high quality sushi/sashimi and eat in small place dedicated to you, definitely try this.

Ashlyn I.
Ashlyn I.

I've never had Korean sashimi before and now I'm a huge fan after our dinner here. The fish was incredibly fresh (the chef said he goes to the fish market every morning) and the dishes were flavorful and delicious. They also give you so much food over multiple courses so come here hungry!! The restaurant itself is cozy and is run by a husband & wife, but service is great and we had a great experience.

Jamie C.
Jamie C.

Kanbai best fresh fish and sushi . 955 S. Vermont Ave (213) 385-3200 tel We love coming here once a week.

Location

Welcome to Kanbai Japanese Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Los Angeles' K-town at 955 Vermont Ave. This unclaimed spot has quickly become a favorite for those seeking authentic sushi experiences without the pretense of upscale dining. Kanbai operates solely in the evenings, serving its devoted patrons after 4 PM, so a reservation is highly recommended.

What makes Kanbai stand out? It's all about the quality of ingredients and the craftsmanship behind each dish. Customers rave about the freshness of the fish, particularly the legendary tuna sashimi, which has garnered such acclaim that it’s often deemed the best in the city. A review from Daniel L. emphasizes the breathtaking presentation and exquisite flavors found in the medium sashimi plate, complemented by delightful ban chan offerings featuring abalone and clam.

Patrons like Gina L. cherish Kanbai for its authenticity over elegance. If you prioritize quality over ambiance, you won't be disappointed. Every visit unveils new culinary delights, and as Arthur J. mentions, you can savor all parts of the tuna, a unique aspect that sets Kanbai apart from other establishments. This is not merely a meal; it’s an immersive sushi experience that invites you into a world where each dish tells a story.

  • Expert Craftsmanship: The master chef, renowned for his 30-year-old tuna dissection show, is passionate about his craft. Witnessing this artistry elevates your dining experience to new heights, as noted in Sophia K.'s enthusiastic review.
  • Exclusive Culinary Offerings: The menu features not only sashimi but also tempura and other specialties like nurunbap—a true treat for the senses. Each dish is curated to enhance the meal, ensuring a thoughtfully designed culinary journey.
  • Intimate Setting: With only about five tables, the restaurant fosters a cozy atmosphere that allows for personalized service. Charles C. points out that here, it's all about savoring high-quality sushi in a dedicated environment.

In a city populated with sushi spots, Kanbai Japanese Restaurant rises to the top through sheer dedication to quality, authenticity, and culinary artistry. So whether you’re a seasoned sushi lover or a curious newcomer, prepare to be blown away by the freshness and attention to detail that Kanbai has to offer. This is more than just dinner; it's where food and passion converge. Make your reservation and embark on a delicious adventure!