Yokoso Sushi Bar

We had an overnight layover in Los Angeles and stayed at Crowne Plaza. We were both worn out from our long flight from London and were too tired to hit the town for dinner. Luckily, this sushi bar was in the hotel.
We sat at the bar and chatted with the sushi chef. He was born and raised in Japan, so we had a nice time chatting with him about our trip to Japan a few years ago.
The food was incredible, especially the Crowne Plaza Roll. There is something so nice about watching the sushi being made fresh in front of you. With a couple different rolls and miso soup, we were stuffed. Sushi is expensive but the food was worth the cost.

This sushi restaurant is a part of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The sushi bar is attached to another restaurant meaning that patrons need to specify that they are there for the sushi because our host immediately started walking us to the larger restaurant (where they don’t serve sushi).
The sushi was okay, but I’ve had better other places, especially considering the price here. We had several different rolls and a few pieces of sushi. Much of the plain sushi pieces lacked flavor, fishy or otherwise– not good. The rolls were fine; the best roll that we had being the Red Dragon.
The chefs and servers were friendly.
Not a bad place if you are staying in the hotel or nearby hotels and want sushi, but I’m positive you can fine better quality sushi in other parts of LA.

A few months ago I stayed at the Crowne Plaza & decided to get some dinner. It was late, I was starving & very tired from driving long distances all day. The sushi bar was still open so I decided to get some take out at Yokoso. The chef was polite, greeted me but was busy speaking with someone which wasn’t particularly a bother for me. I wasn’t here to talk, I just wanted to get some food & go back up to my room. I ordered from the Japanese lady that was working there & she was very unpleasant. Usually I’m happy to meet other Japanese people in America especially when it comes to ordering Japanese food… it’s a thing of comfort knowing that the standards are higher, more authenticity, & being able to connect with someone from the motherland is nice because it can be a rare encounter in the states. Never having been to this particular sushi bar, I asked her what she would recommend & I got kind of an attitude-​y «Everything is good I guess, it’s up to you,» reply… like she couldn’t even be bothered with that question. Well alrightyyyyyy then! :-D I know that it’s up to me but what I really would have liked was your opinion since my guess is you’ve most likely tried something here. At the very least let me know what the most popular item is. It was one of those, «jeeze sorry I asked» moments. The thing about me is that even if the food is good (it was okay) I won’t ever eat again at a place with poor service skills. Not a great way to end the night.

I realize this is hotel sushi next to LAX but just because you wrap rice (and stuff) with nori does not mean it is sushi… I should have followed my first instinct when I looked at the menu and saw that they don’t serve nigiri (and ordered a burger –which you can get from the connected hotel restaurant). No nigiri?!? What kind of sushi place doesn’t serve nigiri? One that doesn’t have fresh fish that’s the kind. All of their roles were made with «spiced tuna» or tempura = not a good sign. The 3 roles that we did order (knowing that they did not contain raw fish) were over-​priced (approx $ 20 apiece) and mediocre at best. The Sapporo was cold though… Do yourself a favor, if you want sushi go somewhere else.

Delicious! Not sure why some bad reviews but food here is delicious! We tried the rolls. Fresh, tasty, loved it! Service was also prompt and friendly. We’d definitely return if in the area.

I have eaten here a couple of times and the sushi is pretty good — much better than you would expect. The service (unless you are the only one there) is lacking and be prepared to wait.

I was staying at the airport on a business trip and wanted something a little healthier. The menu is good, fairly priced. A lot of the dishes were tempura or with mayonnaise, so not completely healthy, but enough healthy options to make for a good meal. If you are in the LAX vicinity, I would recommend this as an option.

A good spot right near LAX. As some have said one of the first things you notice is the staff speaking Japanese. Always a good thing with sushi, not because non Japanese can’t make sushi but because it does bring a certain comfort level to the table.
Imagine a type of food court for the setting. There is a coffee shop and a brewery type restaurant that are on each side of the sushi. Seats for about 7 – 8 at the sushi bar and then tables around the area where larger groups might sit.
As noted before not super kid friendly. More for friends, coworkers or couples if you’re in the area.

Ordered room service.
Waited about 10 minutes for them to pick up my call, then they wouldn’t serve me the free edamame because I was not going to eat at the restaurant.
A rocky start.
I got the meal & it was okay.
I ordered the century roll.
The man who delivered my order was very sweet & kind.

Fresh fresh fresh! Nice service and atmosphere. A little pricey but you are at an airport hotel…

Overpriced and nothing special. I ordered the sushi combo ($ 25 + tax) which came with an assortment of sashimi and a choice of California or Spicy Tuna roll. The fish was fresh but the rice, was just, no. I think this is what really turned me off from this sushi. So disappointing because I was actually craving good sushi! The rice felt like it was 3 days old then to my surprise, was slathered with wasabi to stick the fish on the rice. YUCK! Once I had separated the rice, I enjoyed my meal a little more. The eel was tasty and probably my favorite from the whole meal. As for the roll option, I got the California roll. This too was disappointing as I’ve had so much better from the mall and sketchy sushi places. It might have been the rice again as well as the artificial taste of imitation crab. I just seriously can’t get over how much that rice didn’t sit well with me. Meh. At least you get free edamame when you check in. Warning: it’s doused with sea salt!

Service is average to good but the sushi is amazing! We had Blue Fin Tuna and Big Eye Tuna as well as two rolls, Century and Red Dragon. I would highly recommend it all!
My husband had a local beer which was nice and they offer several drafts as well. Check them out if you have a minute!

Walked to this spot mainly because it was the only sushi restaurant within walking distance to my hotel. I walked in and was immediately seated at the sushi bar. The host wasn’t very welcoming and the waitress was buzzing around not paying me much attention but the young lady behind the sushi bar was very friendly. When i was ready to order, my waitress was no where to be found but, the sushi chef smiled and was able to take my order. I ordered the miso soup, edamame and spicy tuna roll.
Since the food was very pricey, i expected a five star meal. The miso soup was very standard and was warmed up in a microwave. The edamame was basic, nothing to write about. The spicy tuna didn’t taste very fresh and it was lacking in flavor.
When I was ready to pay, the waitress finally came over to provide me with my check. Meh.

A-​OK is fair. I went only for Sashimi, and there was not the selection I expected. There was really nothing like 2-​pc of something, or 8-​pc of something. They had an assortment (24 pieces) and a bowl (about 12 pieces or so), and that was pretty much it.
I ordered the bowl, and it was good. No worries there. I just would’ve preferred to see a better sashimi menu.
So 3/​A-​OK is fair. I enjoyed what I ordered, and the price was about what you’d expect from a place inside a decent hotel. But I’d not seek it out as a go-​to sushi place.

Pretty good sushi, especially at a hotel. I got the salmon skin roll and edamame, both of which were good. Service was friendly and relatively fast. Not a bad option when you’re stuck at the nearby hotels for conferences.

I discovered this place using the invaluable Unilocal app as I typically do when traveling. At first I had reservations with the sushi bar located inside the hotel. After reading some of the reviews I was at ease. I was staying next door at the Sheraton Hotel, a quick walk away, so I can’t comment on the parking situation. I was pleasantly greeted by the hostess, although I think she also serves the Century Taproom, nonetheless she was helpful and sat me at the bar. I was immediately impressed with the arrangement although limited seating is available; after all it’s a sushi bar.
If you visited a few months ago you may not recognize this place or the sushi chef. It has been renovated with the rest of the hotel, and it is contemporary. I love the décor and the clean look of the sushi bar; even though it’s not an authentic Japanese décor. The dish-​ware, clean and modern, matches the pure and sterile look of the bar. Seating at the bar, I was confronted by two televisions hung on the wall and found them annoying, even while dining alone. I understand their purpose, after all most of the clientele are probably guests of the hotel and dine alone.
The service was attentive and professional, with authentic Japanese staff whom at times chattered in their native tongue. The two sushi chefs had a combined experience of over 45 years, and their preparation and presentation of sushi reflected it. I’m a fan of sushi rolls, for their taste and how visually magical they can be. I am also fond of sashimi and sushi, and love to explore. However on my first visits, I typically stick to the basics like Cucumber rolls, California roll, Rainbow roll and Spicy Yellowtail roll and Yellowtail sushi. That is exactly what I had over the course of two nights. I also had the Crowne Plaza specialty roll, which was interesting, tasty and without rice. All the sushi was super fresh and the rice perfect. The presentation of each dish was dazzling and attention to detail was extraordinary. I also indulged in a rare black sesame seed ice cream, which I had both nights with fear of not coming across it for a while.
Overall I was very pleased on my first night, so I returned the following evening and confirmed consistency of service and sushi. Even though situated inside a hotel, the sushi bar deserves a visit especially if you are staying at a hotel within walking distance. I almost forgot to mention, complimentary edamame with Unilocal checkin!

9÷27÷14
Sad news… I just learned that Joji no longer works here and the sushi cart is gone. Good news is that Joji is still around and is now working at Rok Sushi in Hermosa Beach. I’m heading there to get his superior sushi and fun service.

Good sushi, but it’s expensive with smaller portions. When I told the hostess she said «I don’t make the prices» and gave me attitude.
Atmosphere is trendy, but not good for kids. They have a sushi bar and 1 large table. It’s very noisey. They are very fast in getting food to you.
If you’re here on business with a company card, please note that if you have a budget you will more than likely go over it. They cannot do partial cash and rest on the card transactions. I can only charge so much on my company card, and when I tried to pay the overage in cash I was told they couldn’t so that and it had to be all cash or all credit.
Food — ⁴⁄₅
Portions — ²⁄₅
Atmosphere — ³⁄₅
Service — ¹⁄₅
Speed — ⁵⁄₅
I docked an extra point because it’s too trendy/​modern and they attract pretentious people who furrow their hipster scarves when debating how hard it is to change a tire.

There’s something about sitting down at a sushi bar and hearing the wait staff and chefs chattering in Japanese that automatically instills confidence that this will be a good dining experience. This little place is nestled in the lobby of the Crowne Plaza Hotel LAX.
The menu was simple offering several rolls that seemed distinct from each other ranging in price from $ 9-​$ 16. Nigiri pairs ranged from $ 5-​$ 9 with exception of specialty pieces like uni. I decided to go for a variety with the sushi deluxe plate ($ 32).
How was it? Delicious! Nigiri portions were nice. Presentation was simple and clean. I washed that down with a big Asahi beer.
What could have made this a 5 star experience for me? I ordered edamame as an appetizer, which didn’t arrive until I was nearly done with my meal. The waitress didn’t offer me water, I had to ask for it. I would have ordered another beer but she never checked back on me until I asked for the bill. It wasn’t busy, yet no friendly conversation from the sushi chef while I was sitting at the bar.
Overall, it was a solid experience in atmosphere, service and food. But not quite «over the top» making me want to definitely come back. Competition is tough in the area.

Unfortunate experience
Was hoping for good things based on the ratings this place received (4.5 stars) and since they had a huge remodel since my last visit.
I was greeted by the waitress quickly when I sat down at the bar. Drink order in and back quick. Thats when the experience started going downhill. .
Place was HORRIBLY understaffed. One waitress for the entire bar & about 10 tables. Went another 10 minutes before I could stop her frantic running from table to table just to order miso soup and get new chopsticks. The ones I had splintered when I took them apart. Seriously the absolute cheapest chopsticks I have ever handled… EVER. So flimsy the bent like rubber.
Never recieved a drink refill or was spoken to again until I stopped her again to demand my check after 30 minutes. Manager was either unable or unwilling to help correct the situation, he just kept running around, but never checking on guests.
Food was okay. Chefs were very nice and effecient. Food was not what I would have expected for the rating or the prices. Ordered baked salmon roll ($ 10) and Philadelphia roll ($ 10). Nither close to par vs average sushi places I have been previously for price or quality. Presentation was very minimalist and slighty sloppy/​rushed.
Overall, I would avoid this. Definitely not a value for the money and the service will lleave you frustrated and wishing you went somewhere else.