Kazuyo

I've never returned sushi before... which is the reason I couldn't bring myself to doing so yesterday. But in retrospect, that is exactly what I should have done. Not a single fish item was good. We started with miso soup, which was below average, and seaweed salad, which was pretty good actually. But when the sushi came... let's just say that I nearly had to spit-out the albacore--rough and dry and chewy. We also got the albacore roll with jalapenos and it was the same story. The hamachi was a bit better, but still not fresh. The vegetable roll was good, the salmon-skin roll was too salty. I think the problem was largely freshness of the fish!! We sat at the bar so we could really check-out the appearance of the fish and it just didn't look fresh or appetizing. I'm sorry to say this, because the service was very friendly and prompt, and the decor is very nice in a great location! Apparently the restaurant changed hands recently, so maybe the new owner is shopping at a new l... Read more

My husband and I are moving to Atlanta, so we decided to visit Azami for one last Hoorah. Immediately noticed new decor and was excited until we walked in and didn't see the girls. The waitress assured us that although Nikki is gone, they are still using the same fishmonger. My husband and I looked at the menu and noticed a lot of changes. 1. None of the cool appetizers that Nikki and her partner created 2. specialty rolls-I hate specialty rolls at Japanese restaurants. I loved that Nikki and her partner didn't have these on the menu. I wonder if this is something Japanese restaurants do to impress the American palate. I mean how many New York Rolls, La Brea Rolls, Spider rolls can there be. If you go to Japan, do they have these speciality rolls with the funky names? 3. It's dimly lit-I like to see what I'm eating. The waitress said that Nikki is running her father's fish company and one night a week, she hosts a special dinner. The waitress said that these one night spe... Read more

Hi I have to tell you first. This is not review but announcement. My name is Nick and am the 2nd new chef under new owner. I read some of the reviews after ownership changed and thank you guys for your concern. I just finished cleanig up the mess ex chef left and put up temporary menus. I've been working around beach area long time so I don't quite know you guys taste yet. My policy is to make what you would like to eat not to force my taste to you guys. I need to know your opinions so that I can serve you better. Nikki went back to Japan but I'll promise to do even better job. Over all at least my name sounds close enough, doesn't it? I do have over 40 yrs of expierience in not only sushi but other cuisine too. Please let me know what do you guys want me to do. Ok?

Yes indeed there are new owners at Azami, and even though ownership has changed hands, the sushi is still delicious and the service is still lovely. Hamachi, Kanpachi and Tori were all fresh and delicious, and we really enjoyed a scallop dish that the sushi chef sent over on the house. I'll miss the lovely ladies that ran the old Azami and I am very curious as to why they sold the restaurant, but Azami will still remain a favorite neighborhood sushi spot.

The Azami of yesteryear was a hidden gem of a sushi restaurant run by two lovely lady sushi chefs. It has now changed ownership and while it may look a little fancier, the food is not to be taken seriously. Steak with 'the perfect pear sauce'? Calamari with chipotle vinaigrette? Citrus marinated 'ceviche' which is actually only marinated in rice wine vinegar? Albacore carpaccio with fresh thyme? (thyme's not an herb typically eaten raw..) And a whole page of ridiculous cut rolls... Too bad they couldn't fill Niki's shoes.

Azami is a good sushi restaurant with a quaint atmosphere. The restaurant is small and parking can be difficult if its a Friday or Saturday ...

I dragged my bf to this place because of all the great reviews so I was really disappointed finding that it didn't live up to their hype. We ordered 2 omakase sushi menus but we enjoyed the appetizers that came with it more than the sushis. The place is different since the sushi chefs are women but overall there's nothing special about this hole-in-a wall place. We wont be back since we've had better sushis someplace else...try Hama or Sushi Gen in Japan Town.

Truly wonderful fish in a great atmosphere created by two female sushi chefs. Every diner is treated as if they were a regular. I have been ...

This place is a must go for all sushi lovers. When I first went there, I was astonished that the chefs were women. This was, and still is the only sushi place that I know that the itamae are women. But don't be discouraged, because they are fantastic. I highly encourage you to order the omakase, it is unbelievable and quite an experience. SInce they are the ones that will dictate on what you eat, they will choose the best fish they have. I love it and I keep going there again and again.

Passed by Azami a million times thinking that it just looked like another hole in the wall Melrose place. I could kick myself, as my recent meal at Azami was the single best sushi experience I've had in Los Angeles. The sashimi was excellent, the service was friendly and professional, and the Omakase menu (about 10-12 courses) was only $60 per person. I've paid double (even triple) for sushi of much lower quality. Kudos to Azami for doing everything exactly right.

This place was awesome! Amazing food...we had the Agedashi, seared tuna salad and some basic rolls, but the one roll that made us swoon was the lobster roll specially created by one of the owners. She came over to the table saying that it was her creation and it truly was delicious. I also told her that after I came home I was going to give her restaurant 5 stars and she immediately stopped what she was doing backed up a couple of steps and bowed several times saying "thank you very much, thank you very much!" Very sweet lady. Location is bit sketchy but worth it.

I love, love, love Azami. For the best experience, sit at the bar and order omakase. Everyone here is so friendly and the food is unbelievable. I used to be a Katsuya fan before their service went downhill, but after finding Azami, I'll never go anywhere else. From the moment you make your reservation, until you are walking out the door, the service is excellent. After only one trip, I was a "regular"- the next time I came in the chefs recognized me and my husband and remembered us as the "seared torro" people! If you are the kind of person who likes "rolls with cute names" this is NOT the place for you. But if you want to sit at the sushi bar and eat wonderfully prepared raw fish for two hours without once having to touch the soy sauce, then you will be in Heaven here. Each piece of nigiri is carefully handled and prepared with the lightest possible touch. The chefs work non stop, but still find time to ask how you felt about each piece. For a true adventure, go on a week night and ... Read more

My mother and I were enjoying a weekend in LA and wanted to go some cozy restaurants, including a sushi place that did not have that LA "attitude." This place was perfect! The sushi chefs were SO friendly and delited to serve us (and I've never met female sushi chefs before! they were fun to talk to, the one with the long hair came over to our table many times smiling and asking how everything was; she was so cute!). Our waitress appeared a bit irritated at first, but turned out to be very friendly and attentive the whole evening. And yes, the fish was very fresh as mentioned in some of the other reviews. I'll definitely be back!

My previous review of this place was a 5-star rating based on dozens if not hundreds of meals there. I am really sorry to report that since the place has been sold by Niki and Sayuri, it is no longer any better than mediocre. The quality of service has not changed; everyone is very friendly. However the cuts of fish are no longer anywhere near as fresh; the ikura has a strange taste, and the tamago is pre-cooked. (Niki/Sayuri always made it fresh in the restaurant.) I couldn't even chew my way through the rubbery red snapper sushi, previously a light-as-air favorite prepared with salt and lemon juice. The lunch menu has been drastically reduced and previous favorites, such as the yellowtail carpacci, are no longer a mouthwatering symphony of flavor but merely meh fish overloaded with olive oil. Even the redesign is dark and oppressive as opposed to the lighter feeling it used to have. I am really sorry to say that I have had my last meal at Azami, and really regret not having had it be... Read more

My friend and I went to Azami for her birthday last night. She had heard from a friend that the sushi was amazing, and online it looked great. We had a 7:30 reservation, but waited 10 minutes to be seated at a table that had my name on it. We looked over the extensive menu, marked our sushi order (plus a clam miso soup and an unagi w/foie gras appetizer that looked good), and waited 10 minutes for our order to be taken. Fifteen minutes later, the soup arrived. It was absolutely delicious and had 3 fresh clams in shells. Fifteen minutes later, 3 (pairs) of our 9 pieces of sushi arrived. The sushi was super fresh, smooth and delicious--I'd rate it a 9 out of 10 (only because I've had lots in Japan--by US standards it's a 10). We ate them immediately, and lightly commented to each other that the service was a bit slow. 20 minutes later, four more pieces arrived, but one of the orders was wrong and it took another five minutes to correct it. When I asked the waitress about the unagi/foi... Read more

I took my girlfriend there last night for her birthday and we were pleasantly surprised at the quality of the sushi even though we had read al the great reviews. We had the spicy tuna avocado crispy (so good!), the miso black cod, the lobster roll, yellowtail carpaccio, and various sushi pieces including the creamy blue crab roll (highly recommended). Everything that we ate had great flavor and nothing tasted the same. The fish that they used was as fresh and yummy. Their fish makes you realize that all the other sushi that you eat is just not at the same level. The two woman sushi chefs were awesome (we sat at the bar). Friendly and knowledgeable, the sushi chefs made sure that our experience was a good one. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who loves sushi and japanese food in general.

This female owned and operated sushi restaurant is a delight for groups or if you're just looking for a quick bite. They are always accommodating and recommend the best new fish they have flown in. You can't miss. My favorites are: the red snapper sushi, creamy blue crab cut roll and if they have available you must try the tazmanian sea trout.

Attention! for all sushi lovers! I'll be the second to write the review for this year...Just to say i having birthday party for next week.Highly recommended make reservation before u go,Because they always BUSY. Try spicy tuna avocado crispie,yellowtail carropachooooooooooooo,lobster roll first,deliciossss... I loved their Seared toro and Kobe beef sushi.Yummy Yummy. OK.Have a wonderful valentines Day :) :) :)Thank u for Azami $$$

Ok... I'll be the first to write the review for this year... Just to say I never loved Sea Food ever in my life before... And as surprisingly after I went to this place at first it was an experience for me... I didn't know if I liked it or not, since never liked eating fish before... But a few days later start having this caving for the sushi that I had here at Azami... and Ever since just want to go back and have that delicious Spicy Tuna on a Tempura Crisp and Crab Roll with that White Sauce... Oh don't forget that Salad with Shrimp... The dressing was Sooooo Good! Love it!!! Never knew that Raw Fish can be so fresh and tender and melts in your mouth... So Keep Up the good Job... Can't wait to go back there...

Attention to detail and strive for perfection show in everything that the talented female sushi chefs do. I stopped by for lunch based on what I read on the reviews, and was not disappointed! I knew the minute I set foot in the place, it was going to be a culinary delight. The place is airy and light, with high ceilings and clean lines from light-colored wood. I love the family crest they use as their logo. So sharp and serene, just like the real traditional Japanese restaurants, but with a little bit of classy feminine flair. The chefs said that they are cousins and that they were trained in Japan before they moved to the States. They've been in the area for about seven years. They had a simple origami chopstick rest on every place setting, which was a lovely welcoming touch. I loved the paper balloon - turned puffy fish mobile by the sushi counter. I ordered off the menu, and asked if they can do a chirashi for lunch, to which they happily obliged. I was not disappointed w... Read more

What's not to like about this place? An all-female staff, including the very talented sushi chef. A friendly atmosphere. Impressive variety of fresh fish. We went during the lunch, so did not experience the frenetic service that the previous poster mentioned. At others' recommendations, tried the omakase (tasting menu with several courses), just to get acquainted with all their selections. Was not crazy about the raw scallop... the diner next to us was swooning over it! My favorites were definitely the halibut, the crab handroll with avocado, the kobe beef sushi and one other fish whose name escapes me now... My guests also loved the lobster tempura sushi. Lunch is a very relaxing affair here. Staff is lovely.

At first they tried to seat us at the bar, despite our having made reservations. The guy who brought the food (not our waitress) never knew who to give each dish to; we'd told the waitress "Chef's Choice" with a few guidelines (I'm allergic to avocado), so we had no idea whether he was giving the person the right plate, and his English wasn't strong enough to tell us what he was bringing us. Also, my date's first plate arrived five minutes before mine. The food was great, though.

Went here with my brother who is a sushi snob. He was hooked -- "melts in your mouth like butter" he said of the salmon and tuna sushi. I had the Omakase (chef's choice) and didn't know what I was eating but I'm difficult to please with food and these flavors were fantastic and the fish was amazingly fresh and delicate. My girlfriend, who is just a plain food snob, had the Dynamite, a clam and shrimp dish, and was floored. Oh, the yellowtail carpaccio was great too. The Japanese waitress was very sullen but the waiter was very nice. The lighting is a bit too bright, makes it more of a neighborhood joint rather than a chic place but we will definitely be going back regularly.

My girlfriend go here about once a week. The sushi is far better than some of the more "popular" places in the area. The food is always perfect. Never a bad piece of fish. If its slow, you will get the best service in town. Crowded is crowded so service slows down a bit. Honestly, this is the only place I would consider for sushi. Valet parking in front is $5 so if you can get street parking, do it. The two women that run the restaurant are great and always welcome you in like you are their favorite customer. Just try it.

The food is FRESH. They get first dibs from someplace downtown every day. The specials rock too. Niki will custom do a dinner for you - just ask! Chako is the taller one and she's damn funny. I make the trek over there almost once a week. You won't be disappointed!

First off, as a disclaimer -- don't come here expecting large portions or the various cousins of the California Roll. But if you're looking for something truly fresh and novel (with great friendly service to boot) this is the place to go. The "modernization" done by Azami doesn't involve copious amounts of mayo or teriyaki sauce of sticking eels, surimi (imitaiton crab) and tempura shrimp onto everything ~ it's simple additions that adds much complexity to already great tasting fish. A splash of ponzu sauce, a sprinkling of scallions, maybe a fried wonton wrapper. Put that on some of the freshest, tastiest fish and you're set for a truly delightful contemporary japanese epicurean experience. I had the Omakase for $40 and got about 11 plates and pieces of (mostly) nigiri sushi, it was well worth it. The chef took great care in picking what she thinks I'll like based on my specifications and boy did I love it! The selection include choice-cuts like toro, yellowtail belly, and japa... Read more

If you are looking for a good place to have sushi this is the place, they create some of the best dishes, depending on the season and they are always trying out new items.

My wife and I walked into Azami one Friday night and were seated right away (although it was at the Sushi Bar.) Make a reservation, as even the bar was almost completely reserved. Good news is, the sushi is FAN-TASTIC. Try the Spicy Tuna Crisps (or any of the spicy tuna dishes for that matter.) The service is nice, and staff is super-friendly and accommodating. And just to drive the point home, MAKE A RESERVATION. We are going again tonight!

I was never a sushi lover but my friend introduced me to Azami and I LOVE their sushi! It is now the one place I will eat sushi. You can't go wrong here. It's definitely worth checking out.

I have a feeling Japanese authorities are looking for the team at Azami, who surely escaped their country with the best authentic sushi recipes and ideas Japan has to offer. Americans aren't supposed to get sushi this good. An excellent menu and an all-female sushi staff (as far as I can tell) go a long way to making this my and my girlfriend's favorite sushi restaurant. Lunch is a bargain, dinner is more than worth it.

I can honestly say without reservation that tonight I ATE THE BEST SUSHI I'VE EVER HAD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!!!!!! That's quite a statement especially considering the fact that I just got back from a 6 month stint in Tokyo!!! You simply can't find fresher cuts of fish anywhere. Tonight I had the Albacore, Red Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Toro, Kampachi, Scallop and Uni. All were equally amazing. The portions are just right, the rice was served slightly warm and perfectly seasoned, the service was sweet and genuine, the sake list was magnificent... I even tried a cooked dish and almost died it was SO delicious! If today you're craving sushi or just an amazing dining experience, if you are looking for THE BEST SUSHI IN LA, do yourself a favor, go to Azami Sushi Café on Melrose! GO NOW!!!

If you are looking for "Supersized" American Style Sushi that don't even exist in Japan, (often overloaded with a lot and lot of junks and sauces.. ) this is not a place for you ! However, if you know what TRUE sushi look like and taste like, you will be very impressed by their sushi and food ... you can enjoy an authentic, real Japanese style food and sush. Everything I have tried was so good.... Their uni is so sweet, jumbo seascallop melts in your mouth, very flavorful toro....list goes on and on. My boyfriend and I are big fan of it, ever since we tried their food for the first time. Sure, it costs more than Sushi Mac, but very reasonably priced for the quality of their food.

Well I'd heard a lot about this restaurant so I finally gave it a try. It was really really good. It's not for those looking for a deal. That's not the way true sushi is as far as I've had in Japan and here. Fresh wasabi, superior quality fish, warm, perfectly seasoned rice, all that sushi should be but quite often isn't. It was a great find.

The Azami girls are so nice and the fish is simply the best. Everything is good but try the specials as they change regularly. Go once and you'll know the secret... amazing food at reasonable prices with great service is a combination you can't beat. Do the omakase (chef's choice) and you will be glad you did.

This is a casual neighborhood place run by two women. There is nothing casual about the food. It is seriously good. Niki, the sushi chef ha...

Traditional sushi meets fusion dishes including eggplant Napoleon and toro tartare; sushi-lovers can dine indoors or on the patio.

Consistently great eating. Friendly staff. Tuna is terrific, Tako Su always good. Best tasting tempura compared to anywhere - sushisnob_2

It has been almost five years since they open this little gem in the heart of Hollywood, and from going there at least once a week, I can say that I am always amazed of the new creations that Niki & Sayori come up with.

This is a casual neighborhood place run by two women. There is nothing casual about the food. It is seriously good. Niki, the sushi chef has the most amazing sushi. She starts with fish that has exquisite taste by itself, but then adds the most delicious flavors. The flame seared albacore with a smoky ponzu sauce will make you melt. She is a unique and creative chef who will manage to surprise you with bursting flavors. Omakase is $35-40.

this place is run by the friendliest women who remember who you are whenever you come in. their food is delicious and the service is super prompt. parking is scarce on the road but there is valet on the corner.

This place has it all... friendly staff, amazing fish, great variety, wonderful sake, and did I mention their food is fantastic? New weekly ritual and they could not be nicer.

These two lady chefs have a gold mine on their hands. I live in the neighborhood, so I visit quite frequently and I am pleasantly surprised each time. I now regularly order the Omakase (chefs choice) as I love a variety of sushi options. Each dish/fish has a unique flavor and presentation. I am most impressed by the quality and the freshness of the fish. I later found out that her parents are seafood purveyors, thus the incredibly fresh fish. If you are looking for supreme quality at a phenomenal value this is it! To give you and idea of my tastes, I also like Ike, Ryo, Wa, Nozawa, and Nishimura for sushi. The only downside is the parking, be sure to park in back and the ambiance is lacking but clean.

Please if you're going to eat sushi, don't talk about special rolls. Yeah, they do special rolls, but it's all about the quality. Azami is top quality. Unremarkable? I don't know what some people are looking for. But the sushi here is definately remarkable. Best yellowtail, and uni I've ever had. The rice, perfect. Warm, firm, falls apart evenly with one bite. That's a true master at work,even though they're girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Last night, my husband and I found a great Japanese restaurant on Melrose. It wasn't crazily busy like some sushi bars can be. I have to say, when I first saw the female chefs, I didn't think that the food would be special. We ordered a couple of appetizer on the menu, which had a great blend of Japanese and non-Japanese items!!! They had this wonderful tempura special that had all these autumn ingredients, it was like being in Japan.They got our attention.Tthe sushi was amazing, the tuna was sooooo fresh it melted in my mouth and the LIVE scallops, so buttery sweet with lemon and salt, every piece had fresh wasabi. I think these chefs deserve to be acknowledge because they really can compete with some of the best in town.

Don't come to Azami if you are looking for a variety of interesting rolls. They just do the basics, and focus on nigiri, sashimi and a japanese influenced non-sushi menu. We can only speak for the sushi which was fine, just not memorable. What is memorable about Azami, and what would bring us back, is the wonderful service, and terrific neighborhood ambience. Everyone who walked through the door was greeted warmly by the hostess and female! chefs, and everyone was thanked as they left. Our waitress was just about the sweetest thing we ever saw. Somehow she combined the qualities of an efficient, professional waitress with a shy, innocent schoolgirl. We loved her and wanted to adopt her. If we want a really rocking sushi dinner, we would probably go elsewhere, but if we want to be treated like old friends, Azami is our place.

Fresh sushi (great albacore), delicious dishes, warm edemame with salt lightly sprinkled, friendly staff, and great conversations. Many regulars, greeted by their first names, stopped by and said, "Hello!" to the sushi chefs and staff. Comfortable and cozy environment for 2 or more.

You just have to try it yourself! Fresh, friendly, cozy and value. It's kinda hard to find Sushi restaurants in and around L.A. with this kind of quality.

This has to be the freshest sushi I have ever had!! I have to say that I have been to Sushi restaurants every where and it has never been as good as it was at Azami Sushi Cafe. It was cleaner than most sushi restaurants and the wait staff was courteous. The seating area is spacious but most of all the Sushi is just incredible.... The Chef Specials are a must try!!! Enjoy!! The best sushi in town, hands down. Azami Sushi Cafe is simply out of this world. The restaurant ambiance is superb. The restaurant is stylish, civilized, intimate. There is nothing in Los Angeles that comes even close. Try it!!!!!

Azami sushi is awesome. I've been to Nozawa, Sasabune, Mori, you name it. Azami is just as good as they are and they are far more creative. I love the sushi Omakase. It's $35 and up but I usually do about $ 40. The rice is as good as it is in Japan. The appetizers are really creative and interesting. The fish is always fresh. It's a great low key place.

Delicious Traditional and Non-Traditional Japanese. Although the sushi is very good, try the interesting cooked appetizers, menu items, and specials... eggplant napoleon, grilled lamb chops, black cod, or sea bass. The place has a relaxed, friendly vibe.