For more than half of the 20 years that Chef/Owner Thomas Kim has been in the biz, he has focused solely on sushi. Today, his West Hollywood haunt, Ari-Ya, has all the makings of a dream restaurant: impeccable fare, loyal clientele and a casual setting that allows the food to take center stage. But this busboy-become-chef hasn’t forgotten his roots. His skills are something he constantly strives to hone. Although Kim took over the eatery from culinary legend Murakami Todashi 4 years ago, he kept the same menu that won Ari-Ya the limelight. “He’s a master chef who I respect. I respect his recipes, his presentation and his quality,” says Kim. Premium-grade ingredients—from the yellowtail and eel to the miso and seaweed—have kept regulars coming back to this casual eatery for years. Guests’ favorites include spicy miso bass, honey cod and the Oh-My-God Roll.
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