Sasabune Express - PACIFIC PALISADES

Love this hidden gem. We always sit outside. We aren't fans of Blue Ribbon so this is our local go-to sushi spot. We order their halibut and yellowtail sashimi, spicy tuna crispy rice (but we ask for less spicy tuna than what they offer), etc.

Sasabune in Pacific Palisades is a tiny but excellent sushi restaurant steps from Caruso 's Palisades Village and just off Sunset on Monument. Far better than its rival Pearl Dragon on Sunset and as good as nearby Blue Ribbon, but more authentic. Blue Ribbon feels like a more luxury, bespoke experience. Sasabune is warmer and more intimate. The dining room is quite small, with only five tables and I believe six seats at the sushi bar. When we dined there Friday at 6pm, all the tables were reserved, we found a space at the sushi bar and the host was turning people away. The restaurant quickly filled up with mostly children under the age of eight last night, which I think was slightly unusual, and certainly ended the spa-like serenity of dining in a small, intimate restaurant on a cold January night. That being said, the service was excellent. The host, waitress and sushi chefs were attentive and kind.I ordered a green salad, miso soup, several piece of salmon nigiri and several slices of yellowtail sashimi. The fresh hot green tea I ordered was excellent. My son ordered the Party of Three which comes with ten pieces of mixed sushi, three rolls and soup or salad. I prefer the cut sushi or sashimi to the rolls, but all were excellent. My son, not a salad eater, enjoyed the pieces of salad I allowed him to steal from me. The dressing is delicious. And we would have both ordered second bowls of miso soup, but were trying not to be (too) gluttonous.The restaurant is so small that bathroom facilities are shared with other retail tenants of the shopping center. You have to exit the restaurant to use the bathroom. I always ask politely to wash my hands at the small sink near the entrance, and they have always honored that wish. I think (at least I hope) that that is the norm there and that I am not their most chutzpahdik and imposing customer. The room is appointed with light woods and light colors, plants, soothing music. A great experience. (And far better ambience, in my opinion, that Sasabune on Wilshire in Brentwood).

Simple menu. Good quality fish. Small, cozy place. The manager (who I think is actually the owner) is friendly. Tonight he was by himself having to serve everyone and managed it very well. I got Combo B and it was great.

Pretty good, the fish tasted fresh, firm flesh, etc. But the rice was a little warm. I had mackeral, halibut nigiri and a spicy (not very, out of a tub) tuna and a salmon roll. Got some take out salmon, looks better than the rolls. The menu could be a bit more imaginative. Evidently there may be items that are not on the menu. Counter was a bit dirty, could use a bit of a spiff on the decor. Busy take out. Definitely not the food you see on the website. Should be 3.5 stars.

Excellent sushi!!! Well worth the price. The Sasabune combo was delicious as was combo A.