Sasa Japanese Restaurant

"A relatively newer addition to Japan Center’s bevy of sushi spots, this sleek, modern restaurant offers a little bit of everything — a reasonably priced omakase for $95; a selection of kaiseki-style dishes; and, for those who feel like splurging, the option to order an uni or toro flight. Probably the most popular items are the “mystery boxes”: either six or nine mini chirashi bowls of the chef’s choosing served in a highly Instagram-friendly partitioned wooden box." - Paolo Bicchieri

"Next time you're meandering through the Japantown mall to pick up Hi-Chews and shiba inu tote bags, stop by Sasa when the fruity candy runs out. The Japanese spot is home to fantastic sushi that’s spot-on every time. Plus, their menu has tons of variety—you can get into omakase at the bar, go for a mini donburi topped with uni and ikura, or try the “mystery box,” a wooden tray of chef’s choice chirashi. No matter what mood you’re in, you’ll leave here happy." - julia chen 1, patrick wong, ricky rodriguez

"Sasa is a Japantown mall sushi spot that can be as casual or high-end as you want it to be. In the warm, mostly-wood dining room you'll find dressed-up birthday revelers celebrating with a $98 omakase alongside groups in jeans stopping by for a few rolls after a Hi-Chew shopping spree at Daiso. Everything is consistently good, especially the $46 “mystery box” filled with chef’s choice sashimi alongside little balls of sushi rice. We also like the creamy scallop specialty roll and the decadent and briny uni and ikura donburi. Food Rundown Mystery Box This adorable wooden box is filled with chef’s choice sashimi and balls of sushi rice to go with each. Getting the six- or nine-piece box is a great way to start things off here. Mini Uni Ikura Don We love getting this small dish of sushi rice, ikura, and uni to share with a friend. The salty, creamy flavors mix beautifully, so definitely clean up every last grain of rice from the plate. Creamy Salmon Roll For something a little more substantial than nigiri or sashimi, this salmon roll with white tuna, avocado, and spicy miso aioli is our go-to. Crunch Roll Another hit off the special rolls section. It’s a fluffy crunch-fest with snow crab, grilled eel, and a drizzle of silky unagi sauce." - Julia Chen

"Sasa is another Japantown mall sushi spot, but it's one you and all your friends can easily walk into to order some beautifully-presented fish. The dining room is spacious, and there’s a long communal table perfect for groups. The menu also has something for everyone, from uni and ikura donburi and well-balanced specialty rolls to golden-brown chicken karaage—and they're spot-on every time. We recommend going for the “mystery box” filled with chef's choice sashimi alongside little balls of sushi rice. Or better yet, go with the $98 omakase if you want to try a bit of everything. Even if you aren't in the area picking up Hi-Chews and patterned spatulas at Daiso, a meal at this casual restaurant is a must. " - julia chen 1, lani conway

"The Japanese restaurant on the second floor of the Japan Center East Mall has something for everyone, whether you’re dropping in for lunch or a date night reservation you made a week ago. Get the 14-course omakase if you’re through making decisions today, the chef’s choice sashimi that arrives in an adorable wooden box, or the mini donburi topped with uni and ikura. The energy of this place is casual, but everything on the menu matches the quality of fancier omakase and sushi spots across the city, which is why you'll return for weeknight hangs and day-off lunches. " - julia chen 1, lani conway