LAReview
photo credit: Jakob Layman
Jinpachi
Included In
If you’re heading down to Santa Monica Blvd. between La Cienega and Robertson, chances are you’re looking for vodka sodas, crowded dance floors, and a cheap slice of pizza you can throw into your mouth on your way home. You’ll spot a few chain salad spots, a yogurt shop, and a Guisados nobody goes to, but the reality is, this part of Weho has very little in the way of actual dining - making Jinpachi all the more essential.
Located a half block down from the totes masc/jock/bro Gym bar, the first thing to realize about Jinpachi is you probably don’t even realize it’s there. And if you have happened to notice it one night while crawling back to your apartment, you’re unclear what actually happens inside. So we’ll tell you - really fantastic, relatively affordable sushi happens inside.
photo credit: Jakob Layman
Now, to be clear, you can drop some serious money if you want to at Jinpachi. Their omakase situation generally runs in the $150 range and no matter who you are, that’s a big chunk of change to drop on raw fish. Is that omakase worth it? You bet. But it’s not every day you’re looking to drop a monthly utilities bill at lunch either. The good news is Jinpachi’s prices drop off considerably beyond the omakase, prices drop off considerably. Especially their crispy rice with spicy tuna (yes, you need this here), all their simple rolls, and the fantastic yellowtail carpaccio. If you’re looking to mix and match a bit, their premium sushi combo gets you eight cuts of whatever the chef chooses and a roll. Considering how good this sushi is, you’re not going to find a better value than that.
The point of all this, however, is not to bargain hunt your way through Jinpachi’s menu. The point is that this small, subdued sushi joint is absolutely worth driving to - and having some affordable options is simply the bonus. Whether you’re using this place as a solo lunch spot you never invite your coworkers to, or for a second date when you want to show that you know more about LA sushi than Sugarfish, Jinpachi is the quiet power move. Let the rest of the neighborhood get rowdy tonight.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Jakob Layman
Crispy Rice With Spicy Tuna
photo credit: Jako Layman
Yellowtail Carpaccio
photo credit: Jakob Layman