Yoya Takahashi

Courtesy of Hamasaku

Yoya Takahashi, executive chef at Hamasaku and Umh Hamasaku
A lot of things have remained the same at this West LA Japanese spot since Michael Ovitz opened in 2000, including the hidden strip-mall location, the sushi rolls named for celebrities and the celebrity clientele that dines there. But over the last few years there have been changes both in decor and on the menu, and we can thank Yoya Takahashi for the latter. As executive sushi chef, he’s helped modernize the offerings, showcasing a unique style he spent years cultivating at restaurants in Little Tokyo and Manhattan Beach. Marrying classical Japanese with modern styles, Takahashi’s creations are a far cry from the loaded sushi rolls the restaurant is often synonymous with.
Signature dish: Bara chirashi — uni, diced tuna, salmon, yellowtail, albacore, unagi, daikon, fish roe and tsume sauce.

11043 Santa Monica Blvd.; 310-479-7636