Sushi Central

Sushi Central
3500 Overland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 202-6866


So, this is the Food Network Bobby Flay sushi challenge restaurant. Sushi Central, lies in a busy small plaza on Overland Avenue, just a bit south of the 10 FWY. My wife always wanted to see what this place is all about and see how good their food truly is.

When we arrived, this place seemed just like a fast food sushi restaurant, small tables, all glass windows, reminded me of a old donuts shop that was converted into a fast food joint.

We sat down and browsed their menu, and the waitress introduced us about their Omakase style serving and it works on a "tap out" system. Let them know when you are full, or else the food keeps coming! So I gave it a try.

Tuna - ginger pieces on top, special sauce, no dipping of soy. Tender, fresh tuna, the sauce did make it special.

left to right: Tai, Japanese Mackerel, Japanese Sea Bream.
My favorite was the mackerel, not like the usual style of serving with lemon is what made it stood out. Again, all of these pieces of sushi had sauce over it and required no dipping.
Spanish Mackerel, another tasty one, although I am not able to describe the exact differences between the jap vs. spanish mack. I know I liked the Japanese one better.
Gizzard Shad - This was my first time trying this one, how do I describe it. More on the salty side, the skin was at a medium toghness level, I almost thought I smell bait. But wait, don't get me wrong, this was quite different from other types of fish, just another acquired taste.

Giant Clam? I lost count!

Scallop- This dish was served warm, on a spicy tangy sauce, having a chance to try every parts of the scallop and compare texture was interesting.
Orange Clam - very similar to giant clam, sweet, crunch, refreshing.
Left to Right: Uni, Salmon belly, Ono.
The uni was a generous portion, stronger flavor than other ones I have tasted. It was proper to eat that piece as the last item of the meal.

This was the first time I tried the Salmon belly. Speaking of Omega-3 being good for you, this piece is loaded with that belly fat. Although it is nothing tender like the Toro, salmon belly overwhelms you with its distinct salmon flavor. Glad I had a chance to try this one.

Lightly charred Ono. It was burned with a torch, which gave it a nice touch of toasty, flavor on the initial bite.

Okay, here's the deal, the food was great. I was getting full, but could have kept going. Just didn't want to overload at this restaurant. What really stood out was their special sauces in EACH piece of sushi. I honestly didn't even dip soy tonight. All the sauces complemented the fishes well, not covering its real taste, but giving it a unique twist.Although the food was great, I am being a bit picky on their price. No ambiance, fast food type dining experience, this was a steep price for how many pieces of sushi I dished down. I actually would rather spend the same or more at Sasabune down the street, they still carry great food, decent price, and excellent service. Not only that, down the street is a real dining restaurant.