The story
Sushi Kisen brings the old-school Edomae style to Arcadia, offering a dining experience that balances tradition with personal choice. Unlike many high-end sushi restaurants that serve only Omakase (chef’s choice), Sushi Kisen also offers Okonomi (my choice), allowing guests to select from an extensive lineup of nigiri and daily specials. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and technique has earned it a Michelin Recommended distinction, a fitting nod to its meticulous approach to Japanese cuisine.
Executive Chef Hiro Yamada, born in Kumamoto Prefecture, began his sushi career at 18. He moved to Tokyo to master the Edomae style, then followed his passion for American music to Philadelphia in 1995. There, he worked alongside Michelin-starred chef Atsushi Yokoyama before moving to Los Angeles, where he honed his craft at Sushi Gen in Little Tokyo and Shiki in Beverly Hills. With his longtime friend Yamato, Chef Hiro opened Sushi Kisen—the culmination of decades of experience and a relentless pursuit of the finest fish in the world.
At Sushi Kisen, there are no pre-fixed courses. Guests can either let the chefs guide them through Omakase or build their own meal from a rotating selection of 30 to 40 fish, most delivered directly from Toyosu Market in Tokyo twice a week. The kitchen uses traditional Japanese techniques—premium rice, red vinegar, and the highest quality seaweed—to create classic “seaweed outside” rolls and nigiri that let each ingredient shine. The menu also includes appetizers, soups, grilled items, and a variety of lunch and dinner sets, all rooted in the Edomae tradition.
Whether you sit at the counter for a close-up view of the chefs’ work or order takeout, Sushi Kisen delivers a genuine taste of Tokyo’s sushi culture in the San Gabriel Valley.
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