Sushi Done Right

Wabi Sabi is an awesome sushi bar and restaurant in Venice that has quickly become the go-to Sunday night family sushi place.  This place may not be in the most convenient location, but I don't mind the drive to get the amazing food they are serving up.  You walk in and there is soft music playing and there is the trendy feel that has come to be expected of any restaurant on Abbot Kinney.

This place does not let any aspect of their food or service slip beneath the highest of standards .  Even the miso soup, which is most often bland and really just something hot to eat quickly is packed with flavor and a great texture.  Their service is impeccable.  We have had Justin as our waiter many times now and he never fails to deliver.  This past time we went, he seemed to be able to read my dad's mind and brought him another napkin after a little spill before he could even ask for it.  My dad also kept asking for more ginger so Justin just brought out a huge bowl of it.  This past time Justin told us about their sparkling water which is a flat rate of $5 and comes out of a machine for all you can drink bubbly water.

Tons of Ginger

Unlimited in-house made sparkling water

Alright, as great as Justin is, that will be enough about him.  So, let's get to the awesome food he is bringing out of the kitchen!  One of my favorite dishes to order at sushi restaurants is miso eggplant, and I have never had better than at Wabi Sabi.  The miso sauce is sweet but not too sweet and even the tempura fried tofu that they serve with the eggplant is actually good.  I don't know about you, but I have never been a fan of tofu.  Somehow, Wabi Sabi has gotten me to enjoy the often slimy stuff.  The dish is served inside a ring of eggplant is simply unbeatable.  The spicy tuna on crispy rice that was made famous by the overpriced and overhyped Katsuya is done very well here.  The tuna has a great texture that is contrasted by the crispy rice and the spice is topped off with a wasabi mayo.

Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice

Miso Eggplant

Now to the sushi.  The fish is always so fresh and to put it simply they just do sushi the right way.  This past time the tuna, salmon, and red snapper were particularly fresh and great.  I always love their crab, whether it's in a california or baked crab roll it's always sweet and really blows away the quality of crab in most all other sushi restaurants.

Tons of Sushi!

This place is great because even if you don't like sushi the dishes that come out of the kitchen are great too.  I have had tempura shrimp, chicken curry, and sweet potato fries that have all been amazing.  They always have great specials that show off the best ingredients available and the freshness and quality are what really makes this place shine.