Experience the Taste of Japan at What The Fish Sushi Lounge

What The Fish Sushi Lounge is an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant located in the heart of Los Angeles, California As a long-time food blogger and sushi enthusiast, I was eager to check out this highly-rated sushi spot and share my experience with my readers

The first thing that struck me when I walked into What The Fish was the elegant yet casual ambiance. Traditional Japanese decor including cherry blossom art, creates a soothing and inviting atmosphere. The dining room features a beautiful hand-crafted wooden sushi counter where you can watch the sushi chefs prepare your order right in front of you.

My friend and I were promptly greeted and seated at a table near the sushi bar. As we browsed through the menu, I was impressed by the wide variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, noodle dishes, and other authentic Japanese fare. From familiar favorites like salmon and tuna to more exotic ingredients like sea urchin and mackerel, there are so many tempting options to choose from.

We decided to start with a few appetizers. The agedashi tofu lightly fried silken tofu in broth had a perfect crispy exterior while being soft and creamy inside. We also tried the gyoza, pan-fried Japanese dumplings filled with pork and vegetables. They were juicy and flavorful with a nice crunch from the crispy bottom.

For sushi, we chose the What The Fish sampler which came with two pieces each of salmon, tuna, yellowtail, shrimp, eel and seabass nigiri. The fish was so fresh, you could taste the ocean. The rice was cooked flawlessly – not too tight or too loose, and just slightly warm. The sushi chef’s knife skills were impressive as each piece was cut uniformly and presented beautifully.

In addition to the sampler, we ordered a couple specialty rolls. The LA roll included shrimp tempura, avocado and cucumber wrapped in rich, smooth salmon. The contrast of temperatures and textures was delightful. We also tried the Spicy Scallop roll. Large, tender scallops were paired with spicy mayo, cucumber and crunchy tempura bits for a roll that delivered on flavor and texture.

For a refreshingly light finish to our meal, we enjoyed miso soup and green tea ice cream. The miso broth was savory and comforting, while the creamy green tea ice cream offered nutty, sweet notes.

From start to finish, the service at What The Fish was friendly, attentive, and efficient. Our water glasses never went empty for long, and our server was happy to make recommendations when we couldn’t decide what to order.

I’m thrilled to have discovered this sushi gem in LA. The exceptionally fresh seafood, knowledgeable sushi chefs, and excellent service all contribute to an authentic Japanese dining experience. Whether you sit at the sushi counter and watch the action, or enjoy an intimate meal at a table, What The Fish Sushi Lounge is sure to impress any sushi fanatic.

I already can’t wait for my next visit to try more of their creative rolls and sashimi offerings. What The Fish Sushi Lounge is now one of my absolute favorite sushi restaurants in Los Angeles. I highly recommend visiting this Japanese dining destination for a memorable meal.

Overview of What The Fish Sushi Lounge

• Authentic Japanese sushi restaurant located in Los Angeles, CA
• Elegant yet casual dining room with beautiful cherry blossom decor
• Handcrafted wooden sushi counter where you can watch sushi chefs prepare your order
• Diverse menu includes sushi, sashimi, rolls, noodles, appetizers and more
• Fresh, high-quality seafood sourced from sustainable fisheries
• Friendly and attentive service in a relaxing atmosphere
• Great spot for sushi aficionados and anyone looking for an exceptional Japanese meal

The Vibe and Ambiance

The ambiance at What The Fish Sushi Lounge is refreshing and inviting. As soon as you walk through the doors, the Japanese decor brings you into a tranquil setting. Calming accents of cherry blossom art, bamboo, and natural wood elements surround the spacious dining room.

The focal point is the large sushi counter where talented sushi chefs artfully prepare each dish. It’s entertaining to watch them efficiently slice fish, form rice, and garnish plates. The atmosphere is lively yet intimate thanks to the warm lighting and smooth jazz music playing in the background.

Whether you sit at the sushi bar or the scatter of tables and booths, the vibe at What The Fish is casual elegance. It’s perfect for a special date night or gathering with friends and family. The relaxing mood makes an evening here feel effortless yet refined.

The Sushi

The sushi is undoubtedly the star attraction at What The Fish. Their commitment to serving only the freshest seafood really shines through in every bite. The fish has no “fishy” taste at all – just clean, pure flavors allowing the natural tastes to shine.

Salmon is buttery soft and melts in your mouth. Yellowfin tuna is deeply rich and savory. Sea bass simply melts on your tongue. And sea urchin offers an intense, ocean-like sweetness. The rice provides a perfect complement to the fish with a subtle sweet vinegar flavor and pleasing texture.

In addition to traditional nigiri and sashimi options, What The Fish offers an array of specialty rolls. California rolls, shrimp tempura rolls, and various spicy mayo rolls are all executed impressively. More unique rolls stand out even more, like the Angel Roll with eel, avocado and spicy tuna or the Lion King Roll with roasted seabass and tangy ponzu sauce.

No matter what types of rolls or sushi you order, the pristine fish and skilled preparation will have you eager for the next bite. It’s easy to see why What The Fish is considered one of LA’s premier sushi destinations.

Other Menu Highlights

While sushi may be the claim to fame at What The Fish, their entire menu showcases Japanese flavors and ingredients. Appetizer highlights include gyoza dumplings, agedashi tofu, and takoyaki fried octopus balls.

For heartier fare, there are udon noodle bowls, chirashi sushi rice bowls, and bento boxes. The chicken katsu is always crispy and juicy tucked into a bento with California roll, shrimp and vegetable sides. The noodle soups are warming and satisfying with perfectly cooked noodles.

Small plates like yakitori chicken skewers, fish karaage fried nuggets, and grilled wagyu beef offer a taste of Japanese izakaya-style dining. Don’t miss out on the matcha cheesecake or mochi ice cream for an authentic sweet finish.

Every item on the menu is prepared meticulously with quality ingredients. There are so many treasures to uncover beyond the stellar sushi.

Exceptional Service That Enhances the Experience

The service at What The Fish Sushi Lounge significantly contributes to the overall dining experience. From the quick greeting at the door to the fond farewell, the staff is gracious, attentive, and knowledgeable.

Servers gladly provide recommendations and offer thoughtful suggestions based on your tastes. At the sushi counter, the itamae (sushi chef) warmly engages with patrons as he prepares the dishes. He takes time to explain the fish sourcing and patiently answers any questions.

No detail goes overlooked by the amiable staff. Your soy sauce is refilled before running out. Napkins are swiftly swapped out between courses. An extra chair is fetched swiftly so your unexpected dinner companion can join. Each guest feels well cared for thanks to the doting service.

The seamless service allows you to simply relax and savor. Any request, no matter how small, is happily fulfilled to enhance your evening. The top-notch hospitality matches the phenomenal food, making What The Fish a gem.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, celebrating a birthday, or impressing out-of-town guests, What The Fish Sushi Lounge is a perfect pick. The vibrant yet cozy ambiance provides a memorable backdrop for any occasion.

For a casual girl’s night out, grab seats at the bar and bond over specialty rolls and cocktails. On a romantic date night, cozy up in a booth and enjoy omakase chef’s choice sushi. For large gatherings like birthdays or office parties, private rooms are available to host your crew.

Kids are happily accommodated with kid-friendly bento boxes and sushi rolls they’ll love. And the generous happy hour deals make a post-work nosh affordable. No matter why you visit, What The Fish delivers excellent food and hospitality worth celebrating.

Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing

What The Fish takes pride in their commitment to sustainability and responsible seafood. They source fish from well-managed fisheries and responsible suppliers to protect ocean ecosystems. Salmon, tuna, mackerel, and other seafood come from environmentally friendly farms and waters.

By avoiding overfished species and choosing seafood in adherence to Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch guidelines, they help safeguard sea life for future