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ZipPicks Awards
Best Business Lunch Japanese in Long Beach
Best Date Night Sushi in Long Beach
Master Critic Review
Kihon
8.6
Naples Island sushi restaurant focusing on traditional Japanese fundamentals with pristine fish quality. Modern izakaya style with tapas plates makes it suitable for business meetings despite dinner-only hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Albacore, Miso Black Cod, Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Chef-quality fish with Japanese authenticity rare in Long Beach
Who should go: Executives willing to book 5pm early dinners for business
When to visit: Tuesday-Saturday 5pm opening for early business dinners
What to order: Omakase special, garlic albacore, miso black cod
Insider tip: Sit at sushi bar with chef Peter for personalized recommendations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Naples Island - arrive early as spots fill quickly. Public lot at Alamitos Bay Marina 2 blocks away. Valet not available.
Dress code: Business casual to dressy - most diners in button-downs or blouses. Jeans acceptable if paired with blazer for business meetings.
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for business conversation. Small 40-seat space with good acoustics.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday-Saturday. Reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Dinner only - opens 5pm Tuesday-Saturday. No lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - 3-4 vegetable appetizers and veggie rolls. Not ideal for vegetarian-focused meal.
Vegan options: Very limited - edamame, cucumber salad, possibly 1-2 veggie rolls. Call ahead to confirm options.
Gluten-free options: Moderate options - sashimi and many fish dishes work. Soy sauce alternatives available. Inform server of needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for first dates - intimate setting, impressive fish quality shows thoughtfulness, and quiet atmosphere enables real conversation. Book 6:30pm for romantic window-seat timing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early (5-5:30pm) on weekdays, but risky on weekends. Only 40 seats and locals know this spot. Reservations recommended for any important meal.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children - intimate adult atmosphere, no kids menu, and sophisticated preparations. Fine for mature teens (16+) who appreciate quality sushi.
Is this good for business dinners? Yes, despite dinner-only hours. Book 5pm or 5:30pm for early business meetings. Quiet space and upscale izakaya format work well for executive conversations. Modern but professional atmosphere.
How does it compare to Sushi of Naples nearby? More traditional and chef-driven than Sushi of Naples. Better fish quality and authenticity, though Sushi of Naples has fuller bar program and larger space for groups.
Best For
Better for: Traditional Japanese authenticity, pristine fish quality, and intimate business conversations. Chef Peter's omakase rivals LA options. Best sushi on Naples Island for purists.
Skip if: You need lunch hours, want full bar/cocktail scene, have large groups (6+), or prefer Americanized fusion rolls. Also skip for vegetarians or families with young kids.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday5pm - 9pm
Wednesday5pm - 9pm
Thursday5pm - 9pm
Friday5pm - 9:30pm
Saturday5pm - 9:30pm
SundayClosed