Sora — Review by Grub with Greg
Los Angeles, United States — Japanese
Sora is a brand new tamaki bar in Brentwood that impresses with exceptional Japanese seafood prepared by Chef Lee. The reviewer highly recommends starting with the spicy tuna crispy rice and yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno, then progressing through their signature tamaki rolls featuring premium ingredients like A5 Wagyu, toro, uni, and caviar.
What was great: Spicy tuna crispy rice, yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno, toro tartar and caviar, black cod miso tamaki, spicy lobster tamaki, coconut shrimp tamaki, A5 Wagyu tamaki, trio tamaki with toro, uni, and caviar. Fresh seafood imported from Japan three times a week.
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Sora's menu showcases beautifully crafted Japanese seafood preparations. The spicy tuna crispy rice served as an excellent opener, immediately setting a high standard for the meal. The yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno followed suit, delivering phenomenal flavors that perfectly balanced the delicate fish with bright heat from the jalapeno. The toro tartar and caviar was described as an absolute work of art, showcasing the restaurant's attention to presentation and premium ingredient selection.
The tamaki rolls, served on decorative bamboo blocks, represented the heart of the dining experience. The black cod miso tamaki highlighted the restaurant's ability to work with varied proteins, while the spicy lobster and coconut shrimp options offered creative flavor combinations. The A5 Wagyu tamaki demonstrated the quality of their protein sourcing, with that premium beef cut prepared to highlight its natural richness. The most decadent offering was the trio tamaki featuring toro, uni, and caviar - a combination that truly embodied luxury and precision cooking.
The Experience
The restaurant's atmosphere and service impressed enough to warrant a special shout-out to Chef Lee for orchestrating an incredible experience. The presentation of each dish, including the thoughtful use of bamboo blocks to elevate the tamaki rolls, created a memorable dining experience that felt both refined and welcoming.
Value and Pricing
While specific pricing was not mentioned in the review, the focus on premium ingredients including seafood imported directly from Japan three times a week suggests this is a higher-end establishment where quality justifies the investment.
Notable Moments
Shout out to Chef Lee for an incredible experience with seafood imported from Japan three times a week.
The Verdict
Sora represents an exciting addition to the Brentwood dining scene, perfect for those seeking authentic, premium Japanese tamaki and sashimi. This is an excellent choice for special occasions or for anyone serious about experiencing top-tier Japanese seafood preparation and artistry.