Sushi Zanmai, the famed Japan-based restaurant chain, has made its first appearance in the United States, opening its doors in Los Angeles’s Koreatown on August 2. The restaurant has taken over the space once occupied by Sake House by Hikari, situated in the bustling Chapman Market.
Kiyoshi Kimura, renowned as the “Tuna King” in Japan’s iconic Tsukiji Outer Market, founded the first Sushi Zanmai in 2001. His initiative came as a response to a notable decline in foot traffic, quickly establishing a devoted clientele thanks to its affordable sushi and round-the-clock service.
As Sushi Zanmai expanded, Kimura himself became something of a legend. In a striking example of his dedication to quality, Kimura set a record in 2019 by purchasing a bluefin tuna at a New Year’s auction for an astounding 333.6 million yen, which exceeds $2 million. This act isn’t just a business maneuver; securing the first fish of the year is a significant honor in Japan and draws crowds to the restaurant.
During the restaurant’s grand opening, Kimura was present to demonstrate the ceremonial cutting of a 500-pound tuna, captivating a crowd that had gathered inside the dining area. Dressed in a white coach’s jacket and apron adorned with the Sushi Zanmai brand, Kimura wielded a katana-like sword to perform the first cuts with precision.
His team soon joined him, expertly splitting the tuna to reveal its stunning ruby red flesh, while the head of the fish was set on a nearby rolling cart. With careful attention, Kimura began carving out pieces of tuna before they were promptly placed onto plates, which servers rushed to deliver to eager diners. The atmosphere quieted as more guests settled back into their seats once the fish was fully prepared.
After the opening day festivities, patrons at Sushi Zanmai will likely encounter a charming statue of a smiling Kimura with arms stretched wide, welcoming them into the vibrant space. The interior mirrors the aesthetics of its Japanese counterparts, characterized by a casual, minimalist design punctuated by an extensive sushi bar that extends along the room’s length.
Adding to the ambiance, a pergola-like wooden structure frames the dining area, beneath which customers find a mix of two and four-top tables. Each table is equipped with personal iPads, which facilitate a seamless ordering process by sending tickets directly to the kitchen.
Sushi Zanmai’s menu keeps things straightforward, featuring popular choices like hand rolls, cut rolls, and nigiri. Starters include a variety of dishes such as edamame, shishito peppers, and the spicy tuna crispy rice enhanced with a delicate slice of jalapeno.
Additional shareable options consist of agedashi tofu, sunomono cucumbers, chawanmushi, karaage, and miso black cod, making the menu both varied and inviting.
Among their standout sushi selections, the cut rolls consist of creative fillings like salmon, yellowtail, spicy tuna, natto, and shrimp tempura. Notable signature items include the Tsukiji, which features seared crab on a shrimp tempura roll, and the Hokkaido, showcasing seared salmon atop a California roll.
For those who enjoy nigiri, offerings are abundant, with various cuts available including toro, salmon belly, and whitefish. Combinations are attractively priced between $8 for three pieces and up to $55 for the deluxe set.
Sushi Zanmai also boasts four chirashi bowls, varying from $28 to $35, adorned with tantalizing toppings such as toro, soy-marinated tuna, and albacore.
In addition to sushi, guests can indulge in hot or cold udon and soba, alongside an assortment of tempura and salads. The toban selection, dishes prepared in traditional Japanese ceramic cookware, features choices like salmon, tuna, oyster, tofu steak, vegetables, or mushrooms, priced between $13 and $22, suitable as a shareable dish or an individual dinner when paired with sides.
Bento boxes, priced at $32 each, offer a delightful ensemble of three pieces of sushi and six pieces of sashimi, accompanied by tempura, edamame, and a selection of proteins such as grilled mackerel, chicken teriyaki, grilled salmon, or karaage.
Following the flurry of the opening day, the buzz at Sushi Zanmai has settled into a tranquil rhythm. Servers have begun to recommend the unique tuna selections, weaving the tale of Kimura and his ceremonial sword, as though it has already become part of local lore.
Despite the initial excitement calming, it’s evident that the Tuna King has firmly established his presence in Los Angeles’s culinary landscape. Sushi Zanmai is poised to be a beloved addition for sushi enthusiasts in the City of Angels, conveniently located at 3465 W. Sixth Street, Los Angeles, CA 90020, and open daily from 11:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. and 5:30 P.M. to 12 A.M.
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