Sushi Gen Menu with Prices is a topic many sushi lovers search for before visiting this iconic Los Angeles spot. Sushi Gen maintains traditional Japanese pricing structures where nigiri costs reflect fish rarity and seasonal availability. The menu changes based on what the chefs source each morning, so prices can shift slightly throughout the year.
You are probably here because you want to know what you will pay before you sit down. That is smart. Nobody likes surprises when the check arrives. This guide breaks down the current menu, portion sizes, and what each item typically costs.
Keep in mind that Sushi Gen is famous for its lunch specials. Those deals are some of the best in the city. But dinner is a different experience with a higher price point. We will cover both so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Understanding The Pricing Structure
Sushi Gen does not use a fixed price list for every single fish. The cost depends on the market rate. If bluefin tuna is scarce, the price goes up. If salmon is abundant, you might see a slight discount.
The menu is divided into a few clear sections. You have the regular sushi items, the chef’s specials, and the omakase option. Each section has its own pricing logic.
Here is what you need to know about how they charge:
- Nigiri is sold in two-piece orders per item
- Sashimi is sold by portion weight or slice count
- Rolls are typically six to eight pieces
- The omakase is a fixed price per person
Most people are shocked to learn that the lunch menu is drastically cheaper than dinner. The same quality fish is used, but the portions are slightly smaller at lunch. That is why the line outside forms before 11 AM.
Sushi Gen Menu With Prices
This is the section you have been waiting for. The exact prices below reflect the most recent menu data available. Remember that fish prices fluctuate, so you might see a dollar or two difference on any given day.
Lunch Specials (Monday Through Friday)
The lunch special is the main reason people visit. You get a generous portion of fish over rice, plus a small salad and miso soup. The price is remarkably fair for the quality.
- Sushi Lunch (7 pieces nigiri + tuna roll): $17.50
- Chirashi Lunch (assorted sashimi over sushi rice): $19.00
- Sashimi Lunch (thick cut slices with rice): $21.00
- Tuna Don (minced tuna over rice): $18.50
- Tekka Don (tuna slices over rice): $20.00
These lunch plates come with a small green salad and a bowl of miso soup. The sushi lunch is the most popular choice. You get a good variety of fish including tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and shrimp.
If you are hungry, go for the chirashi. The fish is cut thick and covers the entire bowl. It is a lot of food for under twenty dollars.
Regular Nigiri Pricing
At dinner, you order a la carte. Each order comes with two pieces of nigiri. The prices below are per order, not per piece. This is where you see the real cost of premium fish.
- Maguro (tuna): $7.50
- Salmon: $6.00
- Hamachi (yellowtail): $7.00
- Ebi (shrimp): $5.50
- Saba (mackerel): $5.00
- Unagi (freshwater eel): $6.50
- Toro (fatty tuna): $12.00
- Uni (sea urchin): $9.00
- Ikura (salmon roe): $7.00
- Hotate (scallop): $7.50
The toro is the most expensive regular item on the menu. It is worth the price. The fatty tuna melts in your mouth and has a buttery texture that cheaper cuts lack.
You should also look at the seasonal specials board. It is usually written in Japanese and English on the wall. Ask the chef what is fresh today. They are happy to explain the options.
Chef’s Special Sushi
Beyond the regular menu, the chef offers premium selections. These are not always listed on the printed menu. You need to ask or check the whiteboard near the counter.
- Bluefin Toro (otoro): $15.00 per two pieces
- Kama Toro (tuna collar meat): $14.00
- Shima Aji (striped jack): $8.50
- Ama Ebi (sweet shrimp): $9.00
- Anago (saltwater eel): $8.00
- Kohada (gizzard shad): $6.50
The ama ebi is a great deal. You get the raw sweet shrimp, and then the chef fries the head for you to eat. It is a two-part experience that feels luxurious for the price.
If you see kama toro on the board, order it immediately. It is the most flavorful part of the tuna and rarely available in most sushi restaurants.
Rolls And Hand Rolls
Rolls are not the main focus at Sushi Gen, but they do have a selection. The quality is high, but the prices reflect that this is not a casual roll spot.
- California Roll: $8.00
- Spicy Tuna Roll: $9.50
- Salmon Skin Roll: $7.00
- Yellowtail Scallion Roll: $9.00
- Tuna Roll: $8.50
- Eel Avocado Roll: $10.00
Hand rolls are also available. They are made fresh to order with warm nori. The tempura hand roll is a local favorite.
- Spicy Scallop Hand Roll: $8.50
- Uni Hand Roll: $10.00
- Negitoro Hand Roll: $9.00
You might notice that the rolls are smaller than what you find at other sushi bars. That is intentional. The rice is seasoned properly and the fish to rice ratio is balanced.
Omakase Dinner
For the full experience, you can order the omakase. This means you leave it up to the chef. He will serve you a progression of nigiri based on what is freshest that day.
The omakase at Sushi Gen is not cheap, but it is an incredible value compared to high-end spots in Beverly Hills or West Hollywood. You get around 12 to 15 pieces of sushi.
- Standard Omakase: $65.00 per person
- Premium Omakase: $85.00 per person
The premium option includes toro, uni, and other high-end fish. The standard option is still excellent and includes a good mix of white fish, shellfish, and fatty tuna.
You should sit at the counter if you order omakase. That way you can watch the chef work and ask questions about each piece. The counter seats are limited, so arrive early or make a reservation.
Appetizers And Sides
You might want a small starter before the sushi. The appetizer menu is simple but well executed. Prices are reasonable for the portion size.
- Edamame: $5.00
- Agedashi Tofu: $6.50
- Gyoza (6 pieces): $7.00
- Sunomono (cucumber salad): $4.50
- Miso Soup: $2.50
- Seaweed Salad: $6.00
The sunomono is light and refreshing. It is a good palate cleanser before the heavier fish. The agedashi tofu is crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Dessert And Drinks
Dessert options are limited. You will find green tea ice cream and mochi. These are simple ways to end the meal.
- Green Tea Ice Cream: $4.00
- Mochi (2 pieces): $4.50
- Fresh Fruit: $5.00
For drinks, they have a decent sake selection. You can get a small bottle for around $15 to $25. They also serve beer, including Japanese options like Sapporo and Asahi.
- Sapporo Draft: $7.00
- Asahi Bottle: $8.00
- Hot Sake (small): $8.00
- Cold Sake (300ml): $18.00
If you are on a budget, stick with the hot sake. It is a good value and pairs well with the fish.
Tips For Ordering On A Budget
You can eat at Sushi Gen without spending a fortune. The key is to go for lunch. The lunch special is the best deal in the restaurant.
Here are some other ways to keep your bill down:
- Order the chirashi lunch instead of individual nigiri
- Skip the appetizers and save room for sushi
- Ask for the chefs recommendation on the best value fish
- Share a couple of rolls instead of ordering individual pieces
- Drink green tea instead of sake
The chirashi lunch gives you the most variety for the lowest price. You get to sample several different types of fish without paying a la carte prices.
Another tip is to come right when the restaurant opens. The fish is freshest at the start of service. You also avoid the long wait that builds up during peak hours.
When To Visit And What To Expect
Sushi Gen is located in the Japanese Village Plaza in downtown Los Angeles. The restaurant is small and always busy. You should expect a wait during lunch hours.
The best time to visit is right at 11:00 AM when they open for lunch. You will get seated immediately. If you arrive after 11:30, you might wait thirty to forty-five minutes.
Dinner service starts at 5:30 PM. The crowd is smaller than lunch, but the prices are higher. If you want the full experience without the rush, dinner is the better choice.
The restaurant closes on Sundays and most major holidays. Check their social media or call ahead if you are making a special trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sushi Gen expensive?
Not for the quality. Lunch specials are under $20. Dinner a la carte will cost around $40 to $60 per person depending on what you order.
Does Sushi Gen take reservations?
No, they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You put your name on a list and wait for a seat.
What is the best thing to order?
The chirashi lunch is the most popular item. For dinner, the omakase is the best way to experience the chef’s skills.
Is the fish fresh?
Yes, the restaurant sources fish daily from local markets. The chef selects the best pieces each morning.
Can you sit at the sushi counter?
Yes, but seats are limited. Arrive early if you want a counter seat, especially for dinner service.
Are there vegetarian options?
Very few. The menu is focused on fish. You can get edamame, cucumber roll, and avocado roll, but the selection is limited.
Final Thoughts On Pricing
Sushi Gen offers a fair price for exceptional quality. You are paying for fresh fish, skilled preparation, and a traditional dining experience. The lunch special is arguably the best value sushi meal in Los Angeles.
If you are willing to spend a bit more at dinner, the omakase is a memorable experience. The chef takes pride in his work and it shows in every piece.
Bring cash or a card with no foreign transaction fees. The restaurant accepts credit cards, but cash is always smoother for quick payment. The service is efficient and the staff is knowledgeable.
One last thing, the restaurant is loud during peak hours. It is not a quiet romantic spot. It is a lively, bustling place where people come to eat seriously. If you want a calm dinner, go on a weekday evening when it is slower.
Now you have a clear picture of the Sushi Gen menu with prices. You can plan your order before you arrive. That way you can relax and enjoy the experience without stressing over the bill.