Often when you think of eating very fresh sushi, you think of paying fairly high prices, so when I spotted Hide Sushi in the MICHELIN guide’s, “Where to eat for less than $25”, I thought, hmmm…I have to check this place out.
Located on Sawtelle Boulevard on the West Side of Los Angeles, Hide Sushi is right in the center of a mini “Japantown” surrounded by Japanese grocery stores, ramen noodle shops, bookstores, and other Japanese businesses. Born in Japan, I felt like Hide Sushi and its neighborhood were a home away from home – its Japanese staff, and no frills décor, Hide Sushi was clean, simple and straight to the point.
Hide Sushi offers a well edited selection of nigiri sushi, rolls, and other non-sushi items including teriyaki, tempura, sunomonos, salads, and kai yaki (dynamite). One thing you won’t find at Hide are rolls covered in a mask of heavy dripping sauces or American-inspired rolls like the Boston or Philly roll. The fish is fresh, and Hide’s sushi chef’s goal is for you to experience the true delicious flavor of the fish. The sake (salmon) was perfectly sliced, and melted in my mouth. I enjoyed it so much I ordered two more pieces. I also loved the hamachi (yellowtail) and scallop special, which included a special sauce of smelt egg and mayonnaise.
Another great choice at Hide is the tempura with the batter light in color and texture. You can always determine the quality of good tempura by the oil that they use. At Hide, you can tell the oil is regularly changed therefore leaving your palate light and satisfied rather than heavy from the oil.
In addition to dinner, Hide is a great spot for lunch. Hide offers a fantastic lunch combo for $8.50 which includes rice, tsukemono, shrimp and vegetable tempura, and your choice of either beef or chicken teriyaki. It does get crowded, and they don’t take reservations, so come on the earlier side. Hide only takes cash so make sure to stop at the ATM before heading over.
Hide is open Tue-Sat 11:30am-9pm, Sun 11:30am-8pm
Hide Sushi
2040 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
310- 477- 7242
Great post! Hide may be the best sushi for the price in Los Angeles that I have found – I’ve tried many places, ranging from very low ($20/person) to high priced ($200/person).
As you mentioned, the fish is fresh. Also, the tempura is one of the best – fresh and light – no heavy oily taste.
I love Hide… Amazing food!
Nice write up on Hide. It is my favorite sushi spot for good sushi at a great price. The food is fresh, authentic, and great tasting.