I will be in LA for a convention this month, and my brother will also be in LA at the same time. He LOVES sushi (I like it) and we're looking for a good sushi place in the downtown LA area (or within a taxi-ride). Last year we were both in LA for the same convention, and ate at R-23. It was good but that was luck of the draw. My brother is really into sushi/sashimi, so we want someplace with very fresh fish, skilled sushi chefs, and a good sake selection. The ideal price range would be no more than $40 per person for dinner, two beers, and sake. I've researched on fodors, epinions, and looked through some archived LA Times reviews, but I'd rather get some first-hand reports. Thanks in advance for your help.

I'm not a sushi fan, so I can't be any help. But for expertise on the downtown LA area, I'd turn to the newdowntown.com forum. Most of the respondents live and work in downtown LA and give some very good advice.

Try any of the bait shop down by Newport Beach Pier.

I'm sure you will be able to find someplace to eat within your price range in the dowtown area. However if you want very fresh fish, skilled sushi chefs and a good sake selection at no more than $40pp, I don't think you will have much luck. What I mean is your expectations and price range may be a little out of line for what you describe.

by far the best is matsuhisa on la cienega, just north of wilshire. you will spend about $150 for 2 if you are smart enough to try their specialties. It's worth the splurge.
we eat at R23 frequently and try other neighborhood jaunts for the weekly fix, but our treat over the last 8 years is matsuhisa.
I'll try to think of a few others for you.
have a great trip!

Thanks to all. I'll check the newdowntown.com forum and probably make some reservations at Matsuhisa to be safe. The $40 per person limit is negotiable, I just figured it would be nice to do dinner for under $100.

Thanks again for the help!

Try asking at the Chowhound Los Angeles board. That is the best source for restaurant information on the web.

http://www.chowhound.com/california/...osangeles.html

This doesn't meet your qualifications because it's not in downtown LA but the New York Times recently had an article about Asian restaurants in LA and the sushi place they highlighted was Tsukiji in my hometown of Gardena. Gardena is about 20-30 minutes south of downtown, straight down the Harbor Freeway and has a large Japanese population.<p>It's listed in Zagat - sounds fresh, wonderful and relatively inexpensive. I've never gone because we have to eat with my parents whenever we're there!

If you're visiting you'll probably be around Santa Monica's 3rd street Promenade/pier area. There's a sushi spot called "Taka Sushi" that's pretty decent. It's on the corner of 2nd and Arizona St. (or close Arizona St.)

There are plwnty of great sushi restaurants in LA but a cab ride could cost a bundle to some if budget is a concern (I agree $40 with drinks is tough).

Japantown is in downtown with lots of small sushi bars - I haven't been to any lately so won't comment but you may ask about downtown LA Japantown sushi bars specifically on chowhound and get some good responses.

Aoba in Glendale is good quality and fun.

Probably a 15 minute cab ride from downtown, but the citybus runs straight to Brand Blvd in Glendale and you could hop it for $1.35 each way.

My favorite is Crazy Fish on Olympic in Beverly hills (it's Zagat rated) more affordable then Matsuhisa.

Try Sushi-Mon on 3rd street. Near the Beverly Center. EXCELLENT!!!!

If you want fresh, inexpensive sushi to go, you can always pick it up at the Mitsuwa market (in the Mitsuwa Plaza)at Alameda btwn 3rd and 4th. Also, you can find sushi bars in Little Tokyo near the market.

Enjoy!

Another vote for Matsuhisa. It is absolutely extraordinary.