News Summary
Sushi Zanmai, the renowned Japanese sushi chain famous for its affordable sushi and comfort food, has opened its first U.S. restaurant in Koreatown, Los Angeles. Owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, known as the ‘Tuna King,’ the restaurant features a diverse menu and traditional Japanese decor. Dining experiences are enhanced by digital ordering tablets while maintaining a focus on sustainable seafood sourcing. This new venue aims to attract both locals and visitors with quality offerings at reasonable prices.
Los Angeles has welcomed the first U.S. location of Sushi Zanmai, an iconic sushi chain from Japan, located in Chapman Plaza in Koreatown. Famous for its affordable sushi, sashimi, and Japanese comfort food, Sushi Zanmai aims to provide quality dining experiences that accommodate a wide range of tastes.
Sushi Zanmai is owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, known as the “Tuna King,” who gained notoriety for his record-breaking purchase of a 612-pound tuna for approximately $3.1 million in 2019. The original Sushi Zanmai restaurant debuted in 2001 at the Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo and has since expanded to include more than 60 outlets both in Japan and internationally.
The new Los Angeles location is designed for casual dining and features tightly packed traditional Japanese furniture. Guests can use digital ordering tablets available at each table, a system that is widely utilized in Japan. The restaurant can seat many patrons, although the bright lights and numerous TV screens may detract from a romantic ambiance.
Dining is structured to be affordable, with meals generally under $50 per person. The menu includes a variety of sushi offerings, particularly tuna dishes, such as sets of nigiri and a la carte options. Other items available include donburi, hand rolls, crispy rice, tempura, bento, karaage, chawanmushi, and mochi. One standout dish is the Tuna Zanmai sampler, which features a selection of different tuna nigiri.
While the tuna options receive high praise, some non-tuna dishes have garnered mixed reviews. The restaurant is committed to ecological safety and sources its tuna sustainably through a “Sustainable and Reserve” system. This approach ensures that customers enjoy quality sushi while also supporting responsible fishing practices.
Sushi Zanmai operates daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and then again from 5 p.m. to midnight, providing flexibility for lunch and dinner guests. Although parking can be a challenge in Koreatown, visitors are encouraged to use the Chapman lot, which charges a fee of $10.
As patrons enter the restaurant, they are greeted by a life-sized plastic statue of Kiyoshi Kimura, adding a unique touch to the dining experience. The setting is described as a solid option for casual sushi outings, particularly for locals and visitors to Koreatown seeking an accessible yet authentic taste of Japanese cuisine.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Eater: Sushi Zanmai Review
- Wikipedia: Sushi
- LA Times: Japan Tuna King Opens Sushi Zanmai
- Google Search: Kiyoshi Kimura
- Time Out: Sushi Zanmai
- Google Scholar: Sustainable Sourcing in Sushi
- The Infatuation: Sushi Zanmai Review
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sushi
- Eater: Sushi Zanmai Opening Article
- Google News: Sushi Zanmai Koreatown
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
