In 2019 I visited Sugarfish for sushi, but I did not want to make a repeat visit, I wanted to try a new place close by. I saw that Sasabune was popular and reasonable in price for Beverly Hills. The location was random as expected in LA, it looks like the last place you would find a restaurant to be in. As I opened the door, the server swiftly shows me to my table, I obviously came for the omakase lunch and at $60 this is excellent value for the area. It includes a miso soup/salad, nine pieces of sushi and a hand roll.
All the fish is coming fresh from Japan, the current owner has been in charge for over five years and learned his craft from chef Nobi, working for him for over thirteen years, the restaurant still lives on. Expect to be in and out of here in a flash, the service is far too rushed, which made me feel uncomfortable. I did not have time to blink between courses. As soon as I took my last bite of sushi the server comes very quickly to put the next one down. This spoiled my lunch and made me feel annoyed. I asked the server to slow down about two courses in.
I really do not like wasabi, but I love sushi… It was in every single course; I couldn’t remove it as it was already there. I could have asked to omit it if I had known, but more to the point, please let the guest choose whether they want to include it or not. Despite this if we touch on the food alone, the omakase level was good, the fish fresh and rice being at the correct temperature and the cut of the fish excellent with a complimenting mouth feel of fish to rice.
The miso soup was hot and as it should be with a welcomed green salad on the side and condiments. The hand roll was a nice end to my meal. Overall, this is a good lunch deal but as a whole experience I did not feel relaxed to really enjoy it. I felt like the restaurant wanted me out as quickly as possible, the description of the dishes was not clear and delivered at lightening speed. This is not the way I like to enjoy my lunch, there is efficient service vs a hectic one.
