Sushi Park, a modest-looking L.A. restaurant located in an unassuming strip mall, has become an unlikely hangout spot.
Taylor Swift spotted at Sushi Park, which has become a celebrity hangout.Credit…Getty Images
Sushi Park first opened its doors nearly twenty years ago, nestled inconspicuously on the second level of a nondescript strip mall along the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. Despite its unassuming location, it has become an unexpected hotspot for celebrities, as evidenced by the frequent appearances of famous faces captured by paparazzi.
The ornate railing outside the restaurant has become a familiar backdrop in celebrity press coverage. From Dua Lipa publicly debuting her relationship with actor Callum Turner to Kylie Jenner and Jordyn Woods seemingly reconciling their differences, and Kendall Jenner showcasing her romance with Bad Bunny, the restaurant has seen its fair share of high-profile moments. Even Taylor Swift has been known to gather her friends Zoe Kravitz and Selena Gomez for a night out at Sushi Park. Regulars include Justin and Hailey Bieber, and just recently, Jennifer Lawrence was spotted dining there with Emma Stone, as well as Angelina Jolie with her son Pax.
One social media commentator humorously remarked on X, formerly Twitter, that they’ve seen more pictures of the restaurant’s balcony than of their own father.
According to musician, producer, and actor Benny Blanco, who once celebrated his own birthday at Sushi Park, the allure for celebrities lies in its laid-back atmosphere. Despite offering upscale cuisine, the restaurant maintains an unpretentious vibe, providing a comfortable and unobtrusive environment where patrons can relax and enjoy their meal without any fuss.
Jennifer Lawrence with her husband, Cooke Maroney.Credit…Splash News
Patrons of Sushi Park are more likely to be people who grace the tabloid magazine covers available at the nail salon downstairs (other businesses in the mall include a FedEx shop and a chiropractor).Credit…Barry King/Alamy
Peter Park, the chef and owner of Sushi Park, prefers to avoid the limelight. Despite numerous requests for an interview for this article, the restaurant declined, emphasizing their commitment to providing excellent service and experiences for their regular clientele. The menu at Sushi Park follows an omakase style, where the chef decides the course of the meal. Regular patrons are undoubtedly familiar with the assertive sign outside, which states: “Attention. No Takeout! No Salad! No Teriyaki, Tempura! No Trendy Sushi! No California Roll! No Spicy Tuna Roll! We serve only Traditional Sushi!”
Chris Gardner, a senior staff writer for The Hollywood Reporter, describes the appeal of Sushi Park as its unassuming nature. It’s not a place where patrons are likely to find people constantly taking photos with their phones. The presentation and decor are simple, with no website or Instagram presence to speak of.
Sushi Park caters to a particular preference among the famous: the luxury of the affluent disguised within the ambiance of everyday life.
According to Benny Blanco, when the restaurant first opened, a meal could be enjoyed for around $100, and celebrity sightings were rare. However, prices have since skyrocketed to approximately $400 per meal, and it’s now common to spot high-profile individuals, many of whom are featured on tabloid magazine covers available at the nail salon downstairs, alongside other businesses in the mall such as a FedEx shop and a chiropractor. While it remains unclear why this unassuming establishment has captivated the Hollywood elite, it has undoubtedly become as star-studded, if not more so, than nearby power spots like the Sunset Tower.
Bad Bunny and Kendall Jenner.Credit…Getty Images
Brant Cox, the L.A. editor of Infatuation, a site dedicated to restaurant reviews and news, reminisces about memorable encounters at Sushi Park: “I once had to switch tables because Beyoncé and Jay-Z walked in, and back in 2012, I found myself sitting next to Emma Stone, who was casually dressed in pajamas and house slippers.”
Evan Silverberg, an entertainment manager and producer, recounts an amusing encounter: “I was sitting at the bar and overheard a British accent. I looked up and immediately recognized the actor—it was Harry Styles. He just wanted to have a chat.”
Unsurprisingly, Sushi Park has also garnered attention from the fashion world. The restaurant enjoyed prominent placement in this season’s paparazzi-themed advertisements by Bottega Veneta, featuring Kendall Jenner on the balcony in a mint green coat. Additionally, it was featured prominently in W Magazine’s 2020 Great Performances portfolio. Saint Laurent even went as far as flying the restaurant’s chefs to Paris and hosting a 10-day Sushi Park pop-up at their shop on Rue Saint-Honoré in 2022.
The restaurant offers a glimpse into the unique characteristics of the Los Angeles dining scene, where a popular spot can be found within an unassuming, rather ordinary minimall setting. Unlike the upscale ambiance of establishments like The Polo Bar, Sushi Park embraces its humble location.
“In L.A., where celebrities are a common sight unlike in other cities, famous individuals seek comfort and the experience of being treated like any other diner enjoying a meal with friends,” Mr. Cox remarked. He emphasized that dining in minimalls is a customary aspect of life in Los Angeles, drawing people from all walks of life. Therefore, Sushi Park, situated on the second floor of a Sunset Strip plaza and charging around $200 per person for sushi, doesn’t stand out as unusual to locals.
For visitors from places like New York, seeking out dining experiences in minimalls adds to the allure of the “full L.A. experience,” as Mr. Gardner explains. Discovering a “hidden gem” within a minimall is part of the charm unique to Los Angeles, offering a dining experience that can’t easily be replicated elsewhere.
