Sushi Fumi

The waitlist often rivals Shibuya out in Calabasas, but you’ll find much better quality, reasonably priced nigiri and sashimi at Sushi Fumi, the no-frills storefront along La Cienega whose only distinguishing factor is the small crowd of showily dressed locals milling around on the sidewalk. The unassuming menu includes standard and specialty rolls, plus standard-bearers like monkfish liver, rock shrimp tempura and, of course, spicy tuna crispy rice. No matter how you order, however, you’ll find everything well-made and delicious, from the standout tuna lemon roll to seared albacore belly with garlic chips and ponzu sauce. In truth, I found portions to be a little light, but you can always order more—and compared to nearby spots like Jinpachi and Sushi Tama, the bill at the end of the night is a lot more reasonable. Cheap(er) good sushi in the heart of L.A.? I’d say it’s worth the wait.