My last post was a little negative and highlighted a restaurant that I was not too happy with. This time around, I am going to give a positive review of Blowfish, an upbeat Japanese restaurant bordering West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. The location is actually a little off the strip, and if your heading east along Sunset Blvd, this is exactly where the strip begins and Beverly Hills ends (across from the Jaguar/Land Rover dealership).
Like Katana, the ambiance at Blowfish is upbeat and energetic…but it somehow feels a little more authentic. The lights are dim and there is an interesting blend of Reggae music in the background and Japanese Anime films being played on Plasma TV screens. My girlfriend and I have eaten here on several occasions and she swears that they play the same Bob Marley record each time…but I never noticed.
If you’re eating at Blowfish on the weekday, you probably won’t have any trouble getting a table without reservations. On the weekends, it’s a different story. The restaurant is usually packed on the weekends, and frequently hosts events and parties, so I would suggest you make reservations early in the afternoon (or possibly the day before). If you’re really eager to eat there, you can simply walk-in and try your luck at the Sushi Bar which is seated on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The sushi at Blowfish is on the pricey side, ranging from $12-$18 per roll. But unlike Katana which I featured in my last post, the Sushi at Blowfish is always fresh and full of flavor. My favorites at Blowfish are the Spicy Tuna Roll and the Animal Style Roll…but I am really partial to the latter. They serve several specialty drinks made with Sake or Japanese Vodka…my personal favorite being the POM (Pomegranate) & Vodka. If you still have room for dessert, I would suggest going with the Green Tea Cheesecake.
I highly recommend it!