Kiriko Sushi - Sawtelle
Somehow the words “budget” and “Kiriko” don’t seem compatible and that’s because of the superior offerings. Helmed by itamae, Ken Namba, Kiriko is a no fuss, no pretense charmer with a pleasing price.
Sake
Menu only notes the brand/brewery, Hakkaisan, with a description (dry and a bit spicy with subtle flavors of stewed apples, lightly toasted nuts and wood). It was recommended as a favorite and quite complimentary to Kiriko’s offerings.
Tempura & Sashimi… because hubs cannot live on lunch omakase alone. I think he ordered 2 tempura.
Salmon, Yellowtail, Albacore
9 Piece + Handroll Lunch Omakase (now $60)…
Salad & Miso Soup
Toro, Bluefin Tuna & Snapper
Amberjack
King Mackerel & Golden Eye Snapper
Halibut & Needlefish
Halibut was my least favorite, texture & flavorwise.
Smoked Salmon w/Caviar.
Caviar wasn’t super bursty, but the flavors together made it a great bite. We immediately re-upped.
À la carte Ikura
Bursty!
Toro Handroll
Nice touch is you get a choice of the day’s seafood offerings for your handroll. The list was rattled off pretty fast and not wanting to ask for it to be repeated I chose toro, but something with a little more texture would be good too.
As we’ve discussed about restaurants and sushi-ya in general they were understaffed and had a “hiring” sign on the door. All part of the post-pandemic dilemma, so. The service was charmingly harried and diners were enjoying themselves. If we lived in the ‘hood Kiriko would definitely be in the regular rotation.
https://www.kirikosushi.com/
Happy Best Budget Sushi Eating!