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ZipPicks Awards
Best Instagram Worthy Sushi in Silver Lake
Best Date Night Sushi in Silver Lake
Best Seafood in Silver Lake
Best Japanese in Silver Lake
Best Sushi in Silver Lake
Master Critic Review
Omakase By Osen
8.2
Chef Damon Cho's omakase-focused sibling restaurant delivers theatrical multi-course experiences with caviar-topped toro, truffle-enhanced sashimi, and baked king crab hand rolls. The intimate counter seats and table options showcase seasonal Japanese fish with modern flourishes designed for maximum visual impact.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso Crab Salmon, Caviar Toro Appetizer, Baked King Crab Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Focuses exclusively on sushi with decadent caviar and truffle presentations unavailable at sister restaurant
Who should go: Omakase fans wanting neighborhood intimacy without downtown formality
When to visit: Tuesday-Thursday evenings for quieter, more photogenic experience
What to order: Skip full omakase; order à la carte nigiri plus signature cold plates
Insider tip: Table seating offers better lighting for photos than the darker sushi bar counter
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive after 6pm. Plan 10-15 min to find a spot within 2 blocks. Ride-share recommended for date nights.
Dress code: Elevated casual to dressy - dark jeans acceptable but most guests wear cocktail attire. Avoid athleisure.
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for conversation. Counter seats hear chef interactions, tables more private.
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - walk-ins rarely accommodated Friday-Saturday
Weekday lunch: Dinner-only service, no lunch available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not recommended - sushi-focused menu with minimal vegetable options. 1-2 vegetable rolls available.
Vegan options: Not suitable - no dedicated vegan offerings beyond edamame
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce substitutes available but cross-contamination likely in omakase format. Call ahead.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent if you want to impress and your date appreciates omakase - the theatrical presentation creates natural conversation moments. Skip if they're picky eaters or uncomfortable with $150+ per person spend.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very unlikely on weekends. Weeknight walk-ins possible Tuesday-Wednesday before 7pm, but call ahead. Tables book out 2-3 weeks for prime slots.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for children under 12 - intimate setting, long meal duration (90+ min), and raw fish focus. No kids menu. Consider sister restaurant Osen for families.
How long does dinner take? Full omakase runs 90-120 minutes. À la carte ordering allows 60-75 min experience if you're time-constrained.
Is it worth the price? If you prioritize Instagram-worthy presentation and luxury ingredients (caviar, truffle, A5 wagyu), yes. If you want traditional omakase technique and value, Sushi Note or Morihiro offer better quality-to-price ratios.
Best For
Better for: Choose Omakase by Osen for: theatrical presentation perfect for special occasions, luxury add-ons (caviar/truffle) not found at traditional spots, neighborhood intimacy without Little Tokyo crowds, and most photogenic sushi presentations in Silver Lake.
Skip if: Skip if you want: traditional Edomae technique (go to Sushi Note), better fish quality at similar price (Morihiro TJ), more creative flavor profiles (KazuNori), or casual sushi (Osen next door has same chef, half the price).
Hours
Monday12pm - 10pm
Tuesday12pm - 10pm
Wednesday12pm - 10pm
Thursday12pm - 10pm
Friday12pm - 11pm
Saturday12pm - 11pm
Sunday12pm - 10pm