Tucked away in a corporate complex, Sasabune offers an exceptional omakase experience with warm rice sushi that elevates fresh fish to new heights.
"Tucked on the second floor of a corporate office building in Glendale, this branch of Sasabune features chef Genji Sato (who went viral for closing the restaurant for a day back in 2022 to take his seven-year-old son to Legoland) prepares a now signature warm-rice style of sushi to a quiet, but enthusiastic room of sushi fans. While there are approachable omakase options for lunch and happy hour, those splurging for the signature omakase ($200) will be rewarded with a parade of top-quality fish, including halibut, Spanish mackerel, uni, and Spanish bluefin tuna, served with well-seasoned warm rice." - Matthew Kang
"Easily the best overall sushi place in Glendale, this second-floor omakase counter and restaurant features a multitude of options for nigiri fans. Those stepping up to the counter can opt for various levels of luxurious, pristine sushi that can cost up to $200 a person. Bargain hunters can come in for lunch to get more reasonable omakase, well under $100. Either way, the warm-rice style will appeal to a lot of diners, and the fish quality is top-tier." - Rebecca Roland, Matthew Kang
"Sasabune is one of LA’s classic sushi restaurants and what other omakases in town (including Sugarfish) are based off of. The fact that there’s a location in downtown Glendale though goes under-the-radar for a lot people. Though it resides in a terrifyingly corporate shopping complex (sandwiched between Olive Garden and BJ’s), the interior has the same low-key aesthetic and incredible sushi as the original in Brentwood. While they have an excellent lunch special ($20 for five pieces of fish and a handroll) the best way to experience this place is to cruise up to the bar and go all-in on the $85 signature omakase. photo credit: Jakob Layman" - Brant Cox
"Sasabune is hosting chef Kodawari Genji for a special $250 tasting menu on June 4 that promises to stretch the boundaries of what sushi and high-end Japanese food could be, with dinner starting at 6 p.m." - Matthew Kang
"Sasabune is one of LA’s classic sushi restaurants that probably provided the inspiration for other omakase places in town. Yet the downtown Glendale location goes under-the-radar for a lot people. Though it resides in a terrifyingly corporate shopping complex (sandwiched between Olive Garden and BJ’s), the interior has the same low-key aesthetic and incredible sushi as the original in Brentwood. While they have an excellent lunch special ($20 for five pieces of fish and a handroll) the best way to experience this place is to go all-in on the $85 signature omakase at the bar." - brant cox, brett keating
