Mori Sushi

That's right people, no letters just a fish. Mori is not for the curious passerby, but for the sushi cognoscenti, and for the weary seekers of a great lunch deal.

From the immaculate fish to the hand-thrown ceramic platters handmade by owner/chef Morihito Onodera, everything at Mori is carefully considered and clearly a labor of love. I've treated myself to omakase dinner prepared my Mori-san himself at the bar a couple of times, but due to the average $100/head price tag (and my new mortgage) its been a while.

Lucky for us Westside worker drones, Mori offers a variety of lunch bento box combos that range from $8-15. They include salad, miso soup and hot tea. Today my friend KJ and I go wild and do the $15 deluxe. It starts with a lovely salad of baby greens tossed in a yuzu/soy/daikon dressing.



Then the bento, starting from the top left: TV-perfect Tuna and Red Snapper sashimi served with sea kelp and shiso. The wasabi that accompanies this is freshly grated so it has a distinct vegetable-like taste. You won't find that at the food court. Next an assortment of Shrimp and veggies in a light airy tempura. Below, a sweet eggloaf that serves a nice counterpoint to the fried cod. And finally, one of two daily specials is the scary sounding, but totally unfishy, pickled sardine. Its quite tasty and seved with a garnish of raw green bean. From KJ, I barter a bite of the other daily special: butter-sauteed calari with oyster mushrooms. Its savory and perfectly al dente.

A shot of the handthrown soy sauce vessel:


We finish off with a scoop of homemade chocolate icecream with walnuts, and hot green tea. Its a perfect end for a meal of quality ingredients thoughtfully prepared, and graciously served. For $40,including tip, we get a wonderful eating break from the lunchtime microwave and all things mediocre.


Lunch includes flattering natural lighting and original art on the walls.


Mori Sushi
11500 Pico Blvd (at Gateway)
West L.A. 90064
310 479 3939
lunch 12-2, dinner 6-10