SOICHI

Rating: 5/5

"As of this review, Soichi is a 1 Star Michelin restaurant. This star is well deserved! The sushi is phenomenal. You would be hard pressed to find as good, even if you were in Japan. I dare say that there is no better in all of Southern California. The staff is friendly and professional. The sushi chef and owner is amazing. It’s fun to sit at the counter and watch him prepare each bite. The restaurant itself is not is the best area, and parking is hard to find, but the effort is well worth it. If you are in Southern California, it is worth coming here. You will need to make a reservation well in advance. They have both an omakase menu as well as a la carte - so you will have the best of anything you choose!"

Rating: 5/5

"I opted for Soichi’s Full Omakase experience, and every course was thoughtfully crafted, perfectly balanced, and full of memorable highlights. The meal began with an appetizer of four seasonal tasting dishes, setting a beautiful tone for what was to come. The Baja oysters were briny and fresh, while the ankimo (monkfish liver) was tender and full of rich, nuanced flavor Next came the chef’s choice of seasonal sashimi, featuring pristine cuts that melted effortlessly. Highlights included fresh, vibrant akami and sweet, buttery hotate (scallop), each one showcasing the chef’s attention to quality and flavor. The Chawan Mushi — a savory Jidori egg custard was rich yet delicate, offering a comforting transition into the heart of the meal. The next course featured 12 pieces of nigiri, each bursting with freshness, flavor, and craftsmanship. Notable standouts included the creamy Uni, melt-in-your-mouth Toro, bold Iwashi (sardine), delicate Nodoguro (blackthroat sea perch), rich Kinmedai (golden eye snapper), unique Kawahagi (triggerfish), and the luxurious Seki Aji (horse mackerel). Following the nigiri, the Shirumono was served as a gentle palate cleanser, along with a light, pillowy tamago. To complement the meal, I sampled a few sake options, as the restaurant generously offered small tastings, which ultimately led me to select the Tedorigawa Yamahai Junmai “Silver Mountain.” Its surprising notes of oak, cedar, minerals, and malt created a perfect bridge between the richness of the food and the crispness of the sake — a great pick, especially for whisky and tequila lovers."

Rating: 5/5

"Wow, what a cute and deceptively fancy sushi spot. We had a gift card for this place, and had to make reservations a month in advance. We each got the full course dinner (forgot the name of it). It came with 3 plates of some of the best sushi I’ve ever had along with some soup and ice cream. The sake was also delicious - I will add that our servers were extremely friendly and willing to discuss the different sake options with me. If you need to impress someone or want to go on a fancy date night, then look no further."

Rating: 4/5

"Came here on a Saturday night. Place was busy. Food comes out a bit slowly so there can be a wait between dishes. Overall took 2.5 hours for the Soichi omakase. Most of the dishes were good. Service was A+++"

Rating: 5/5

"Amazing experience! Excellent quality fish prepared elegantly and paired with the perfect flavors. Staff are friendly and attentive. It feels like you're part of the family. Thanks, Soichi, for an unforgettable experience."