If you're looking for authentic Japanese food and sushi, Jinpachi is the way to go. I came here a couple weeks ago for dinner and I still fantasize about the amazing toro they serve here.
Located on Santa Monica Blvd in the heart of West Hollywood, Jinpachi is an unassuming restaurant that you can easily miss walking by. But, it's so worth the visit, even if you just get a few pieces of sushi.
Service was great, polite and on par. The sushi chef really knew what he was doing and each piece of fish was very fresh.
Here's what we ordered:
Sweet shrimp - I would skip this one. It tasted ordinary, not like the really amazing sweet shrimp at Sushi Go 55.
sweet shrimp & toro
Toro sushi - OMG. We ordered 4 pieces to start with and got 4 more because it was THAT delicious. Both of us took a bite and were in toro heaven. It literally melted in our mouths. I swear, I've never had better toro elsewhere. Definitely a must get item, but it's not cheap. It's still worth it though!
close up of toro goodness
Salmon sushi - Delicious and fresh as well. Like butter. Highly recommended.
Yellowtail sushi - Pretty good, but not outstanding.
Tuna sushi - Good, but not our favorite.
salmon, yellowtail, tuna
Spicy tuna, toro, salmon
Unagi - Very good, nicely grilled.
Blue crab hand roll - Yummy, but the blue crab hand roll from Sugarfish still holds my heart.
unagi, blue crab
Chawan Mushi - Loved it! Soft, silky, flavorful and packed with mushrooms and seafood. Simply delicious.
Mixed tempura - Came with white fish, shrimp, and assorted veggies. Kiddo liked it and it's a notch above the mixed tempura at other restaurants.
In a nutshell, I'd come back here just to eat toro. Mmmmmm. I'm drooling thinking about it now.
Save up because it ain't cheap. Just remember, toro!
Jinpachi
8711 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 358-9134