Kombu Sushi: The Classiest of Sushi Spots in Silverlake
Image via Kombu - thumbnail image via Jorge Rivera
One of the main things I love about Los Angeles is the deep diversity of the many areas and neighborhoods that exist here. Traveling west of the 405 will take you into beaches and a medical/9-5 professional feel. Traveling east of the 405 near the 110 gets you into mountain ranges and a creative artist buzz vibe. And into the heart of the grungiest, coolest part of LA, Silverlake, sits Sunset Blvd, home to so many cool restaurants and shops, including this hole in the wall Japanese spot, Kombu Sushi.
Like most spots on Sunset Blvd, you wouldn’t expect the place to be much at first sight. I think that’s the charming thing about SIlverlake. Like getting to know a mysterious person. They won’t give too much of themselves away at first, but as you peel back the layers, you’ll find the unique qualities that make them charming and unforgettable. From the outside, you’ll see only half white brick, half window store front with some cool lettering and a few less than charming outdoor tables. It’s not until you move your way to the back patio that a whole Kombu Sushi world is opened up to you.
The detail in the decor and feel on the patio is the best I’ve seen for a local sushi joint. The white brick detail on the wall anchoring the building with small accents of some sort of driftwood, paired with a few hanging potted plants and patio lights make the experience magical day or night. The menu is big, ranging from dinner items paired with miso soup and an organic spring salad to specialty sushi rolls like the Firecracker roll with spicy tuna, cream cheese, cilantro, serrano, eel sauce, and Mexican spices, tempura roll and the Serpent Roll with Spicy Tuna, tempura string bean, avocado, masago, shishito peppers & a balsamic soy sauce. All the classics are available, like a California roll or a Spicy Tuna roll if you’re not feeling as adventurous. But I suggest you go in adventurous because the flavors are incredible. I have an obsession with all things seaweed salad and their Ocean Salad, a Wakame seaweed salad, is perfection.
Their now extended patio is open daily from 12pm to 10:30pm, with a daily happy hour from noon to 6pm. You’ll find small plates like Brussel Sprouts and Spicy Tuna Rice Cakes and all the rolls you could ask for under $8 and of course, sake. If you’re not ready for dining out, they’ve got a couple great Bento Box options as well. If you are ready, go for the seaweed salad, stay for the ambience.