Sushi Yuzu

Sushi Yuzu Restaurant Review:

Located a safe distance from Ventura Boulevard, where sushi bars outnumber parking spaces, is easy-to-miss Sushi Yuzu, in the heart of Toluca Lake’s village-like commercial district. The whitewashed space is sparely but fashionably appointed, with modern art and a blond wood sushi bar. A single serving of salmon sushi topped with kelp and Himalayan sea salt tells us this is no ordinary neighborhood sushi bar, and the melt-in-your-mouth toro or lightly grilled Chilean sea bass hand roll, wrapped in soy paper, reinforce our first impressions. A delightful, attentive waitstaff assists with specials such as kanpachi carpaccio with basil and balsamic soy sauce, or thinly-sliced yellowtail spiked with jalapeño and topped with micro-cilantro, all artfully presented on contemporary white tableware. Pan-fried curried oysters, exhibiting a pleasant amount of heat, are served on the half-shell bathed in a refreshing cucumber cream. Even the ubiquitous jalapeño-topped spicy tuna on crispy rice cakes feels like a fresh concept here. The fish's appellation is called out on a daily roster of sushi specials, and one can create a satisfying meal from a diverse list of cold and hot appetizers. Or, entrust the friendly chefs at the sushi bar to compose a memorable omakase. Look for plum wine, some elegant sakés and icy Asahi beer to drink.