Sushi Sai

I went there first time, this place is so simple, just like fast food decorations, feel just so so, not going back

Everything I ordered down to the dessert was YUMMY!
Spicy Tuna Roll
Soft Shell Crab Roll
Beef and Tempura Combo
Udon
Red Bean Ice Cream
The décor was really relaxing and the place was clean. The service was great and the lady was so nice and came to check on us multiple times. My iced green tea was never empty. She even came outside to eave goodbye … So sweet!
This is my first time here and I will definitely be back. Highly recommend!

I loooooooooovvvvvvvveeeee this place. Sushi is always fresh and good. My favorite is the spicy salmon and rainbow roll. The service here is good. I also love their Eel Roll too. If you’re looking for a nice tasty sushi spot come here.

This was a meal I had back with my family in August.
If I had to describe my visit here with one word it would have to be «weird». We weren’t treated inherently bad, but just something off about the whole thing.
Keep in mind there was one big party ahead of us so I’m sure that was taxing on the kitchen; this review is just indicative of my family’s experience there. The other parties there seemed to be doing just fine.
The food was fine, but it took forever to come out. And the proportions on the sashimi my mom had was razor thin; you could see the color of the plate through it (blue plate). It tasted fine though, kudos to the chef’s skills i guess. If i had to guess the size probably less than two millimeters. Probably should have taken a picture, but I wasn’t in the mood I just wanted to eat.
We had to ask for every refill of tea and the only reason we asked so much (other than the fact that they weren’t serving it to us) was that we were there for so long. Like i said there was a big party ahead of us so it took about 45 minutes to get most our food. Which I would be understanding about except that there were parties who came after us and were getting served before us. At I’d guess somewhere after the 50 minute mark I asked about my dad’s sukiyaki, it came out about 15 minutes later. If I had to guess they entirely forgot and started it up when i asked.
I was planning to get more, as all i had ordered was one of the California roll specials, (which was fine by the way, proportions and all) but seeing the wait and the meager pieces of my mom’s sashimi I decided to hold off.
We didn’t leave until just under an hour and a half after we had gotten there.
Like I said, the experience wasn’t inherently bad, just really off putting. They treated us fine when I called for them, but it felt like they forgot we existed and we had to constantly call on them for each piece, even the paying piece. I feel like somewhere down the line my family and I need to learn how to just put down money for what we got and just leave.
Speaking honestly though, it felt like they judged my family wasn’t going to pay well or something and we weren’t worth their time and effort because, as a mentioned before other parties that came after were getting served before us. It may not be true, but that is definitely how I felt after leaving the restaurant. It was an experience that left me feeling vapid and empty.
The time my family and I had there was definitely deserving of two stars, if not less.

I have come here like 5 or 6 times over the past couple of years. I keep forgetting that we have been here before because all in all this place is very forgettable unfortunately. I do agree with most of the reviews about the people running this place, they are very nice and attentive. However I have always been of the mindset that if you are going to pay premium sushi prices you should get premium sushi. And this place does not serve premium sushi. Its an OK spot if you are in a pinch and other places are closed.

My grandma and I eat here regularly. I love their salmon sashimi! It is always so fresh and delicious. Grandma recently tried the sukiyaki and that was also delicious.

The best sushi place !!! This is my go to place because the price is practical and service is excellent. If you want a good and fresh fish sushi place that is not over priced then this is the where you should go !

Sushi Sai continues to produce excellent sushi, including menu items like fresh oysters and live scallops. I like to relax and drink a beer when I come to this neighborhood restaurant knowing that the kitchen items do not come to the table fast. So knowing this, I do not think negatively because I am not expecting otherwise. I have always enjoyed the meals served here and truly appreciate the large menu and sushi selections. The people are nice and it is easy to park either front or back. I used to go to the place on Garfield, but for several months I come here for my Japanese food fix. I hope that this place continues to succeed and that we continue to support a good business.

Chef Takashi’s wife is now the sushi chef with the passing of her husband.
Quality of fish should remain high since she’ll use the same fish vendors.
Consider it good juju to eat Sushi Sai because she is quietly carrying on in Chef Takashi’s memory. Do make Sushi Sai part of your MPK meal rotation…

Best sushi I’ve ever had… ask for the dynamite. and the salmon is so good its the freshest salmon I’ve ever eaten in my life. Yum Yum!!!

Although our beloved chef Takashi isn’t with us anymore his amazing wife has taken over and at first it was really hard for me to even be there, it’s getting easier for me to go now. His wife is now the sushi chef and she is doing an amazing job, the sushi is still amazing! Rainbow rolls, shrimp tempura, dragon roll, and spicy tuna rolls are still as amazing as they were before. I will never stop coming here love this place

I would come here with my family at least once a month, sometimes more. Chef Takashi made every visit wonderful. He was the star of his restaurant. He never failed us, not even slightly. His presence was warm and welcoming every time. He always gave us free ice-​cream after every meal to show his appreciation and for our friendship. My heart aches knowing he’s gone and for his wife and daughter. My prayers go out to all the Sushi Sai family and may God watch over all of them.
Thank you Chef Takashi for everything!

Thank you Chef Takashi-​san for the many, many years of friendship, memories, and delicious sushi. I will miss you dearly. Even though I no longer live in Southern California, Sushi Sai will always be my «home» sushi place. Rest in peace.
Your Friend,
Lisa

I am not sure this is a good place to leave this message, but the diligent and caring Chef Usui-​san passed away last week. I have been a long time customer and feel sad that he will never be there again… His funeral will be held on Wednesday 6÷24÷15, at 12 noon, at a mortuary in Little Tokyo at: 911 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90 015.
Please go if you want to say good-​bye and thank Usui-​san for being part of the many wonderful memories at his restaurant. Thank you.
***UPDATE***
Mariko and Yuko will continue running Sushi Sai, it will re-​open again on Monday, 6÷29÷15. Very glad that they decide to keep Takashi’s legacy.

My brother and I have been here every time we are craving for sashimi (salmon, yellowtail belly and sweet shrimp are the best!!!). Tempura roll is delicious each and every time we ordered. Grilled salmon head is another our beloved dish.
Chef. Takashi is very nice to us. He always makes sure that we are satisfied with our meal.
Take your time to enjoy the cozy environment and delicious food.

My parents and I often come to this sushi restaurant whenever we feel like eating Japanese food that’s not in Little Tokyo.
The place is small and cozy. The environment is relaxed. The food is quality here for sure.
Word of advice though, if you’re starving or in a rush, best not to come here because the food doesn’t come out as quick. It’s a good place if you have nothing to do after, or for a few hours. Bring a book or good company to keep you occupied while you wait for your delicious meal.

Spicy tuna roll is simply the best I’ve ever had!!!
The owner and Sushi chef servers and inspect the fish as if he was serving the king! If you need a sushi fix in Monterey park this is the place to go and there open late 10 pm Friday Saturday and 9:30 during the week

I recently relocated my office nearby and starting my food exploration in Monterey Park. Saw this place down the street and decided to Unilocal.Saw the 3.5 star overall and read through some of the reviews. Normally, I’d avoid sushi places that are rated below 4 stars but it was walking distance so had to give it a try. I’m glad I did as I come here solo and with clients on a weekly basis, and on occasion, daily.
I only sit at the sushi bar, so this review is based entirely on that experience as well as my observations of other dining patrons:
Food Quality:
One of the best shahimi I’ve ever had. Typically order 2 plates of salmon to start, followed by spicy salmon cut roll and spicy tuna cut roll. The chef makes the spicy fish selections fresh and you can tell when you devour the rolls. Salmon is slightly sweet, and melt in your mouth good. As I mentioned, very high quality stuff. Miso soup is typical miso soup, delicious but can sometimes be salty (for my taste). I can’t comment on any kitchen food because I came for the sushi.
Service Quality:
The chef (owner) is a man focused entirely on his craft: sushi. He makes orders up quickly and delicately. When I’ve taken clients here, I’ve noticed that he is very attentive especially to our facial expressions, making sure he delivered what we expect and also checking-​in often with us if its good and if we’d like more.
His helpers are extremely attentive with water and other items. I never have less than a half cup of water, max.
I’ve never had to wait long for food here. Typically in and out under an hour. If I ever needed to be in and out quicker, I wouldn’t eat at a sushi restaurant. But in this case, I let the chef know my time restrictions and he delivers.
Observations:
It opens at 11:30am but don’t come at 11:30 if you’re hungry. He typically shows up at 11:45 — 11:55am. I know because I’ve come here solo at 11:30 and waited. That’s how good this place is. With that said, I’ve set your time expectation. Now you know.
It’s only been «crowded» here a few times I’ve gone, with 2 – 3 tables on average filled in a room that has probably 8 tables total + bar seating. It’s a nice intimate space, great for dates, clients, coworkers, or in my case, forever alone.
Yes, accepts credit card.
Parking:
Plenty of street parking up front and a parking lot in back. No problems ever.
Overall 5 star for sushi quality, ambiance, service, parking, overall dining experience.

I had my first experience at Sushi Sai a while back, but I hadn’t found a proper time to review it because we had only stopped by for some beer. The owner was extremely pleasant and accommodating at that time. But now that I’ve had a full experience with their food as well, here it goes –
I came here last week with a friend for a birthday dinner, and the food was a solid 3 stars. My friend had a plate of salmon sashimi, and she noted that it was «okay» at best; she’s had better for cheaper elsewhere although it did seem to be generous serving. The presentation was simplistic, very little garnish. I had a salad, udon, and california roll combination for ~$ 12. The salad smelled strange — the scent was reminiscent of burning rubber. It was odd, and it was off-​putting so you can safely assume I didn’t finish it. The udon was decent, but the broth didn’t have much flavor. The noodles were slightly overcooked, but that’s not too bad because I finished this. My california roll came without wasabi, so my friend had to ask for a side of it. The crab meat was wonderful, the rice was sweet and tangy, the avocado tasted fresh, but there seemed to be no cucumbers which meant there was no refreshing crunch! :(
The older lady was extremely sweet, and she’s the reason for a bump in stars of my overall rating! She came by several times with a smile to ask if we needed anything. Our waters were refilled quickly. And the best part was when they turned off the lights, and TA-​DA! She dropped by our table and gave us a complimentary dessert dish with a scoop of green tea ice cream and orange slices. Yummy and free! The oranges were wonderfully sweet, and the ice cream was the perfect way to end the meal. Until I blew out the candles, they left the lights off despite other customers dining there.
The décor is a little lack luster. It’s a small space with limited seating, but it’s rather homely and warm. There’s parking spaces in the back lot (if you see an alleyway, turn in), and there’s also some spaces in the front of the store.

Why is it so empty here? I know most of restaurants get less customers during weekday dinner time, but come on! Not a soul except us?
Now I think about it, I think it has to do with its restaurant location — no pedestrian on the street at all during night time. Not only that, it doesn’t have the sexiest food selection (chicken/​beef teriyaki, mixed tempura, short ribs, approx 10 different types of sushi rolls, etc).
Spicy tuna rolls ($ 5.75) — Very good spicy tuna roll. Too bad that it wasn’t spicy at all, or this dish has the potential to be a 5-​star dish.
I liked the miso soup, pretty flavorful.
Overall a solid 3.5-star restaurant. Service was pretty friendly and food was decent.