Some of the best sushi I have ever had. An experience I will never forget. This scratch is by far the best scratch I have been to and the sushi is top quality. Chefs were welcoming and made the experience that much greater.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Todd Brownrout
Literally our favorite restaurant anywhere, anytime. Amazing staff (Chef Sean and team) with incredibly inventive, creative,, fresh, fantastic sushi. We’ve been to this location at least a dozen times and never once left disappointed. With only ten seats, it a very personalized and unique experience. And somehow it never gets old. Absolutely the best.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Omakase, Uni Sushi
Vitruvian PeruvianMan
Amazing. Simply Amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Omakase
Zachary Matheny
My wife and I eat sushi A LOT. We enjoy cooking together at home most nights, but when we do go out, it is for sushi. We flew in from Ohio and are traveling up the coast, making stops along the way for … sushi, and seeing different sites, etc.To be forward, we have never spent more than $150 on a dinner, let alone over $400. That being said- dining here was truly a non negotiable, and while after just one drink for the both of us brought our bill to $500- we would and hope to do this again.Chefs were very kind, and delivered an incredible 17 piece sushi experience, with a very tasty dessert at the end. We weren’t sure what to expect as this was by far the most “fine dining” experience we’ve had- and didn’t know if in this intimate setting with 8 other people, it would be a room full of conversation and laughter, or quiet and intimate. Truly, i believe it will be whatever you make it. We love to get to know people when we’re traveling, and we were grateful the chefs enjoyed holding conversation.We dined with Chef Sean, Chef Aluka, Chef James, and the Bartender/Chef Kevin. Incredible team, worked well together, and provided an experience my wife and I will long to have again.We have restaurant experience, not fine dining, but still… it is similar in its ways- we can imagine in this world of fine dining what a lot of guests would treat the chefs like. I believe we had such an authentic experience because we were grateful to be there and treated them like the humans/incredible chefs they are.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sonj H.
I am somewhere in the four zone but will give them a five for my husband. The sushi was excellent. We did opt for the add on truffle/ caviar. I would absolutely not do that again. At over $100 per person it did not elevate the experience and in fact, overwhelmed the delicate flavors of the fish. Additionally, we ordered the saki experience and the mixed drink experience, I would also not recommend doing so, frankly, it was just too much alcohol. If talented Kevin is the bartender and you are in the mood, split the cocktails, there is enough for two and you want to stay sharp for the entire dinner. Kevin is a skilled bartender, but all of the sakis were not so outstanding I would need to revisit them. One or two were pretty tasty.Sushi bites: the tessin, scallop, escolar, spotted shrimp and toro were terrific. I prefer classic omakase honestly but I did love the nigiri. The sushi was delicious. We did the add on. The service was warm and friendly, the meal extremely good. Slices not so large, rice not so warm, but flavors beautifully balanced. Everyone was very young, either we are getting super old or everyone was super young, however everyone was nice. It was a great experience. I do think the costs are out of proportion, but it was very yummy and I am glad we joined them for a Tasty meal.
Sandee L.
Unique omakase! Make sure you arrive 15-30 minutes early for the palate cleansing welcome drink. They have an alcoholic and non alcoholic option, both of which were light and delicious. The seafood is flown in from Japan and is super fresh. The accoutrements are top notch with a few little somethin' somethin's in every piece of nigiri (ie: torched bone marrow drippings, freshly grated wasabi, etc).My bf also got the beverage pairing ($115) which included 2 sakes, 1 wine pour, 1 wine and 1 beer. I opted for a yuzu mocktail which was sweet and delicious. Additions: For an additional charge (over $100/pp but I forgot the exact price quoted), you're offered either truffles or caviar to five of the nigiri pieces. At the end of the meal, you're also able to add on chef's creations for an additional (unknown) price too. There's three sushi chefs, a host and a drink specialist on staff for up to ten guests each seating. For the most part, we were taken care of, but one big miss was unfortunately, after the warm towel for our hands, we had zero napkins. That was very much needed.20% auto gratuity. This is the location that won a Michelin star in 2022.
Will Heo
You get there early and start with a cocktail (or a mocktail) in the lobby. You're then welcomed into the restaurant, and you find your name written in chalk (I used a magic eraser to erase mine for privacy). Chefs were welcoming and very professional. Every sushi was good, though I prefer less seasoning. You can check out the photos to see what kind of sushi you get, but I think they change their menus every now and then. The entire setlist was well organized, and some sushi combos were impressive.We went there to celebrate a special day, and we had a great time, hence 5 stars. But with previous omakase experiences I've had, there were a couple of eyebrow-raising moments.1) Preparation. Sushi pieces for each course are prepared altogether, and other chefs start their prep perhaps to provide sushi in a streamlined fashion. I would've preferred if each party was catered to separately. Because sushi-torching happens at the center of the bar, you may get a different experience if seated towards the end of the bar. We were seated at the best place to watch the performances, but some seats seemed a bit too far from the show.2) Peer pressure. 1) It felt as if getting a drink wasn't optional, because the head chef introduced a drink specialist whose job was to make you cocktails. I personally prefer drinking water when I'm in for a big culinary experience, but everybody was getting a drink, and we didn't want to say no and make the drink specialist not have a job for us. 2) When the course ends, the head chef asks us whether we'd like to try two more sushi courses made by other chefs to give them a chance, with additional charges. Of course you partake in the ritual because you don't wanna not give them a chance and you don't wanna ruin your special day. We were already very full, but nobody was saying no thanks, so we ended up signing up for two additional courses, feeling short-changed. If you're not brave enough to not give into the pressure, then expect to pay a lot more than the menu price.We still liked the experience there, and we had a great time. But given that it was once a Michellin 1-star restaurant, I must say I expected a bit more from them. Probably won't revisit.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Mark Mueller
An amazing time I would recommend to any that want a personal omakase experience. Wonderful chefs and bartender, with an awesome service. Highly recommend, worthy the money, if you're considering it and you're concerned about it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sashimi
Linh H.
Wow talk about an elevated dining experience! Sushi by Scratch is superb! They first check you in at the montecito inn (which btw is so charming with their vintage decor) and they give you a ceremonial alcoholic (or non alcoholic) beverage that tasted like a delicious lemon ginger-ale. Then they guide you to the restaurant which is small and intimate. They even personalize your seat and give you a little name plate. The couple next to us was celebrating their anniversary so they got a cute little plate stating so as well. You are given a palate cleanser which consisted of a ginger cucumber thing and a wet towel for your hand between each bite. Service was highly attentive, super nice, and personable. It was a bit strange that none of our servers were actually Japanese, but they did an amazing job nonetheless. Omakase was 12 pieces of very high quality sushi/ beef and it really was worth every penny. I felt like I was eating a little piece of heaven with each perfect bite. Each sushi was dressed with their own special sauces and they were incredible. With all due respect, the last row was my least favorite though. The wagyu and bone marrow were very rich and fatty. I just don't like uni in general, but it was very light and more palatable here. The unagi was definitely the saving grace for that row and I was happy it ended with that deliciousness! Splurge and try the place at least once!!
3.5 stars.The ONLY reason I am taking away 1.5 stars is because I left this dinner hungry -- and given my size, this is essentially a never-event for me.The 17 course meal was comprised of delicious bites - each dressed to enhance the protein. I did notice that the two sous chefs did not have consistent portion size of protein/rice so my partner's pieces were always bigger than mine. There was also plenty of banter between the chefs and the patrons which I enjoyed. But, if you want a quite dinner, this would not be the place for you.I understand why many diners give 5 stars, I would have also if they'd fed me enough. While delicious and very fresh, the slices of fish are too thin and small! I do not mind spending $$$$ for high quality meals but please don't leave me hungry...(I even ordered two "extra bites")Recommend getting apps somewhere else before coming here and expect to pay no less than $500 without drinks.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Omakase
Randa Seif
Outstanding food and service. Limited seating at 10 people!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Omakase
Stephanie A.
So I think both the food and service here is great but def a few caveats. I agree with some other reviewers that they tell you to get there 30 min early but you really don't need to. We didn't get acknowledged for 15 min and then ended up going in the dining area 15 min late. I LOVE how they explain everything very well. I had never had omakase before but the chefs were extremely nice and friendly but not too friendly. I also agree with other reviewers that the sushi pieces are just too small, especially for the price. I expected to be stuffed with the number of courses but I probably could have gone for some takeout on the way home. Sure, don't aim to stuff people but the bites were just too small. I'm still giving them a 5 because the service and food are great, just a few minor things. I would totally come back since they vary the menu.
Ann L.
Omakase experience is amazing. Love the laid back vibe and the energy of chefs and staff. People are always friendly, excited and open to meeting new people. I've been three times!
Samuel Sperry
Very good sushi experience. Very cozy and they explain and pair everything Very well. Curated, but not stuffy.
Everything perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Some of the best sushi I have ever had. An experience I will never forget. This scratch is by far the best scratch I have been to and the sushi is top quality. Chefs were welcoming and made the experience that much greater.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Literally our favorite restaurant anywhere, anytime. Amazing staff (Chef Sean and team) with incredibly inventive, creative,, fresh, fantastic sushi. We’ve been to this location at least a dozen times and never once left disappointed. With only ten seats, it a very personalized and unique experience. And somehow it never gets old. Absolutely the best.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Omakase, Uni Sushi
Amazing. Simply Amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Omakase
My wife and I eat sushi A LOT. We enjoy cooking together at home most nights, but when we do go out, it is for sushi. We flew in from Ohio and are traveling up the coast, making stops along the way for … sushi, and seeing different sites, etc.To be forward, we have never spent more than $150 on a dinner, let alone over $400. That being said- dining here was truly a non negotiable, and while after just one drink for the both of us brought our bill to $500- we would and hope to do this again.Chefs were very kind, and delivered an incredible 17 piece sushi experience, with a very tasty dessert at the end. We weren’t sure what to expect as this was by far the most “fine dining” experience we’ve had- and didn’t know if in this intimate setting with 8 other people, it would be a room full of conversation and laughter, or quiet and intimate. Truly, i believe it will be whatever you make it. We love to get to know people when we’re traveling, and we were grateful the chefs enjoyed holding conversation.We dined with Chef Sean, Chef Aluka, Chef James, and the Bartender/Chef Kevin. Incredible team, worked well together, and provided an experience my wife and I will long to have again.We have restaurant experience, not fine dining, but still… it is similar in its ways- we can imagine in this world of fine dining what a lot of guests would treat the chefs like. I believe we had such an authentic experience because we were grateful to be there and treated them like the humans/incredible chefs they are.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I am somewhere in the four zone but will give them a five for my husband. The sushi was excellent. We did opt for the add on truffle/ caviar. I would absolutely not do that again. At over $100 per person it did not elevate the experience and in fact, overwhelmed the delicate flavors of the fish. Additionally, we ordered the saki experience and the mixed drink experience, I would also not recommend doing so, frankly, it was just too much alcohol. If talented Kevin is the bartender and you are in the mood, split the cocktails, there is enough for two and you want to stay sharp for the entire dinner. Kevin is a skilled bartender, but all of the sakis were not so outstanding I would need to revisit them. One or two were pretty tasty.Sushi bites: the tessin, scallop, escolar, spotted shrimp and toro were terrific. I prefer classic omakase honestly but I did love the nigiri. The sushi was delicious. We did the add on. The service was warm and friendly, the meal extremely good. Slices not so large, rice not so warm, but flavors beautifully balanced. Everyone was very young, either we are getting super old or everyone was super young, however everyone was nice. It was a great experience. I do think the costs are out of proportion, but it was very yummy and I am glad we joined them for a Tasty meal.
Unique omakase! Make sure you arrive 15-30 minutes early for the palate cleansing welcome drink. They have an alcoholic and non alcoholic option, both of which were light and delicious. The seafood is flown in from Japan and is super fresh. The accoutrements are top notch with a few little somethin' somethin's in every piece of nigiri (ie: torched bone marrow drippings, freshly grated wasabi, etc).My bf also got the beverage pairing ($115) which included 2 sakes, 1 wine pour, 1 wine and 1 beer. I opted for a yuzu mocktail which was sweet and delicious. Additions: For an additional charge (over $100/pp but I forgot the exact price quoted), you're offered either truffles or caviar to five of the nigiri pieces. At the end of the meal, you're also able to add on chef's creations for an additional (unknown) price too. There's three sushi chefs, a host and a drink specialist on staff for up to ten guests each seating. For the most part, we were taken care of, but one big miss was unfortunately, after the warm towel for our hands, we had zero napkins. That was very much needed.20% auto gratuity. This is the location that won a Michelin star in 2022.
You get there early and start with a cocktail (or a mocktail) in the lobby. You're then welcomed into the restaurant, and you find your name written in chalk (I used a magic eraser to erase mine for privacy). Chefs were welcoming and very professional. Every sushi was good, though I prefer less seasoning. You can check out the photos to see what kind of sushi you get, but I think they change their menus every now and then. The entire setlist was well organized, and some sushi combos were impressive.We went there to celebrate a special day, and we had a great time, hence 5 stars. But with previous omakase experiences I've had, there were a couple of eyebrow-raising moments.1) Preparation. Sushi pieces for each course are prepared altogether, and other chefs start their prep perhaps to provide sushi in a streamlined fashion. I would've preferred if each party was catered to separately. Because sushi-torching happens at the center of the bar, you may get a different experience if seated towards the end of the bar. We were seated at the best place to watch the performances, but some seats seemed a bit too far from the show.2) Peer pressure. 1) It felt as if getting a drink wasn't optional, because the head chef introduced a drink specialist whose job was to make you cocktails. I personally prefer drinking water when I'm in for a big culinary experience, but everybody was getting a drink, and we didn't want to say no and make the drink specialist not have a job for us. 2) When the course ends, the head chef asks us whether we'd like to try two more sushi courses made by other chefs to give them a chance, with additional charges. Of course you partake in the ritual because you don't wanna not give them a chance and you don't wanna ruin your special day. We were already very full, but nobody was saying no thanks, so we ended up signing up for two additional courses, feeling short-changed. If you're not brave enough to not give into the pressure, then expect to pay a lot more than the menu price.We still liked the experience there, and we had a great time. But given that it was once a Michellin 1-star restaurant, I must say I expected a bit more from them. Probably won't revisit.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
An amazing time I would recommend to any that want a personal omakase experience. Wonderful chefs and bartender, with an awesome service. Highly recommend, worthy the money, if you're considering it and you're concerned about it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sashimi
Wow talk about an elevated dining experience! Sushi by Scratch is superb! They first check you in at the montecito inn (which btw is so charming with their vintage decor) and they give you a ceremonial alcoholic (or non alcoholic) beverage that tasted like a delicious lemon ginger-ale. Then they guide you to the restaurant which is small and intimate. They even personalize your seat and give you a little name plate. The couple next to us was celebrating their anniversary so they got a cute little plate stating so as well. You are given a palate cleanser which consisted of a ginger cucumber thing and a wet towel for your hand between each bite. Service was highly attentive, super nice, and personable. It was a bit strange that none of our servers were actually Japanese, but they did an amazing job nonetheless. Omakase was 12 pieces of very high quality sushi/ beef and it really was worth every penny. I felt like I was eating a little piece of heaven with each perfect bite. Each sushi was dressed with their own special sauces and they were incredible. With all due respect, the last row was my least favorite though. The wagyu and bone marrow were very rich and fatty. I just don't like uni in general, but it was very light and more palatable here. The unagi was definitely the saving grace for that row and I was happy it ended with that deliciousness! Splurge and try the place at least once!!
Restaurantji Recommends
3.5 stars.The ONLY reason I am taking away 1.5 stars is because I left this dinner hungry -- and given my size, this is essentially a never-event for me.The 17 course meal was comprised of delicious bites - each dressed to enhance the protein. I did notice that the two sous chefs did not have consistent portion size of protein/rice so my partner's pieces were always bigger than mine. There was also plenty of banter between the chefs and the patrons which I enjoyed. But, if you want a quite dinner, this would not be the place for you.I understand why many diners give 5 stars, I would have also if they'd fed me enough. While delicious and very fresh, the slices of fish are too thin and small! I do not mind spending $$$$ for high quality meals but please don't leave me hungry...(I even ordered two "extra bites")Recommend getting apps somewhere else before coming here and expect to pay no less than $500 without drinks.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Omakase
Outstanding food and service. Limited seating at 10 people!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Omakase
So I think both the food and service here is great but def a few caveats. I agree with some other reviewers that they tell you to get there 30 min early but you really don't need to. We didn't get acknowledged for 15 min and then ended up going in the dining area 15 min late. I LOVE how they explain everything very well. I had never had omakase before but the chefs were extremely nice and friendly but not too friendly. I also agree with other reviewers that the sushi pieces are just too small, especially for the price. I expected to be stuffed with the number of courses but I probably could have gone for some takeout on the way home. Sure, don't aim to stuff people but the bites were just too small. I'm still giving them a 5 because the service and food are great, just a few minor things. I would totally come back since they vary the menu.
Omakase experience is amazing. Love the laid back vibe and the energy of chefs and staff. People are always friendly, excited and open to meeting new people. I've been three times!
Very good sushi experience. Very cozy and they explain and pair everything Very well. Curated, but not stuffy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Uni Sushi