A new sushi bar has opened its doors in the neighborhood. Called Sushi|Bar, the new arrival is located at 16101 Ventura Blvd. in Encino.
This under-the-rader spot is hidden behind cocktail lounge Woodley Proper. Helmed by owner/chef Phillip Frankland Lee, it offers an omakase, or chef's choice, sushi experience, focused on elevated takes on traditional sushi mainstays and new-wave nigiri.
The menu is seasonal and changes daily, but expect to see sushi and nigiri like albacore tuna with crispy onions and ponzu; Spanish octopus; uni from Santa Barbara; Japanese yellowtail; bone marrow; and aged rib eye.
There is also a selection of Japanese beers not commonly found in the U.S., as well as a variety of region-specific sakes.
There are only eight seats available at the restaurant, and reservations are taken daily, beginning at 10am.
With a five-star rating out of six reviews on Yelp so far, the new arrival has already made a good impression.
Jim G., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on November 4th, said: "How can one be transported back in time to a land of the highest-quality fish, creative dishes like you have not seen before, and all while paired with intriguing cocktails to complement it?"
Yelper Lissa G. added: “Wow! Somehow, after enjoying Chef Lee's food for the past five years or so, he manages to surprise me again with his newest venture, his 'secret' speakeasy-vibe sushi bar in the back of Woodley."
And Jenn Y. said: "After reading about this place on Eater LA, I REALLY wanted to try this, since my fiance and I have been a fan of Scratch Bar before they even moved to Encino."
Head on over to check it out: Sushi|Bar is open Wednesday–Sunday from 5pm–9pm. (It's closed on Monday and Tuesday.)
