Teru Sushi
“Unique sushi experience in LA”
11940 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
Having grown up in Los Angeles, I’ve learned to recognize good sushi. My friends and I are regular haunts at the best not-too-expensive sushi place in our suburb of Burbank, and when we’re really in the mood, will drive up to an hour and a half for the ultimate all-you-can-eat experience.
But narrowing down the “best sushi in L.A.” is tricky; just about every place within a 30 mile radius promotes itself as “the best.” So when I claim that Studio City’s Teru Sushi is truly one of the best sushi restaurants in Los Angeles, both for the quality of its food and its immersive ambience, that statement holds some weight. Nestled in the hills of the San Fernando Valley’s Studio City, close to West Hollywood, Teru Sushi’s modest exterior houses an elaborate interior complete with a small Japanese garden, long sushi bar, and three distinct dining areas. Dining at Teru Sushi is an intimate experience, where the service is always friendly and efficient and the sushi itself is always at its best — both in presentation and taste. A good go-to appetizer is the edamame (basically soybeans, for those not as in-tune with Japanese cuisine); but I especially recommend the spicy tuna on rice cake for the more avid sushi fan. While not technically on the appetizer menu, this dish’s harmony of spiciness, crunch, and flavor is the perfect start to a meal.
But what makes Teru Sushi shine above the rest is its unique rolls. For a little extra fun, I suggest the Sexy Roll — shrimp tempura, crab meat, albacore and avocado topped with spicy teru sesame sauce — or my personal favorite, the Latino Roll — spicy tuna, shrimp, and jalapeño tempura with crunchy tempura flakes in eel sauce. Non-sushi lovers need not despair; their salmon teriyaki is top notch.
While Teru Sushi is definitely on the pricier side it’s a good go-to place if you’re looking for a special night out in L.A. or to vamp up your normal sushi-going experience. Comfort and class go hand in hand to create a memorable dining experience worth the (occasional) trip into the hills of West Hollywood.