Absolutely a top notch hidden gem, hidden right in plain sight! A favorite sushi spot of my coworkers in DTLA. A husband and wife duo that operate out of this tiny air-conditioned "kiosk" across from the LA library; It's literally just a little nook, almost reminds me of the prohibition era holes, where you would put money in the hole and out would come some alcohol! lol. Given the fact that it's a little bitty building halfway up the stairs, but surrounded by a bubbling brook and some nice trees and ambience, it's almost like it's all part of the same restaurant, order ahead and sit outside and enjoy your meal. You're paying for the QUALITY, so the prices are fair and even if you're a sushi snob at all, you will be pleased with your meals. read more

Te Isshoku - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Ambiance: it's a hidden gem in DTLA, located right across the street from the library exit on 5th street, next to the escalator and stairs Service: the cashier and chef are super friendly, patient with questions and provided useful suggestion, the sushi bar is for takeout only, you can place the order online or just walk in Food: variety choices of menu items for raw fishes including tuna, salmon, albacore, and yellowtail Bluefin /Akami/ Usuzukuri & Bluefin /Toro/ Usuzukuri - ***** signature box with protein of Japanese or Spanish Dry Aged Bluefin Lean Tuna Sashimi, and Dry Aged Bluefin Fatty Tuna Sashimi with Truffle Ponzu, Chef Choice Seasonal Organic Greens, Veggies, Wakame, Koshihikari rice, Furikake, the raw fish quality is really great, highly recommend for its variety Price: fresh ingredients and premium quality, expect $45 per order for the Akami and Toro box. I thought it's on the pricey side, but after seeing the quantity and tasting the quality, absolutely worthy the cost in this area read more

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Should have gotten more pictures. Very Japaneseish, tiny stall, exemplary service and quality food. Very grateful for places like this. We will definitely be back read more

Te Isshoku - Yummy and yummy - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

My best find in 2025 so far!!!! No cap! Te Isshoku is a beautiful sushi stall nestled in Bunker Hill, and I wholeheartedly recommend you to give this place a try. I am confident that you will not regret it. For starter, the lady/owner is super friendly and sweet. She took time to explain what was in the bento box, and you could just tell that she put a lot of heart into this place. I got the Salmon box. Everything about this box was delicious- just look at the photo!! Everything was so fresh and well-balanced. There was seasonal fresh fruit (jumbo cherries) and tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet). Salmon was very fresh and abundant. Underneath the salmon was a bed of Japanese pickled vegetables. There was also a fusion salad, mixed with lotus roots, avocado, cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh greens. Eating this bento box was like going through a treasure chest, I couldn't stop oohing and ahhing. Even though this is a to-go place, its quality is comparative, if not better than many sit down restaurants. I didn't order ahead but it was a Saturday around 6:00pm, so the wait was about 20 minutes. Everything was made fresh. Ordering ahead might be helpful on a busy weekday, or if you're in a rush. read more

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I love getting sushi here as they serve it kinda like kimbap style with pickled radish and fresh cucumbers in their rolls that add so much freshness. We got the: Fatty Tuna Futomaki 4pcs (5/5): It was huge sushi rolls stuffed with dry aged bluefin fatty tuna (toro) that melted in your mouth. They were so nice and gave me extra on top for free! You can taste the high quality of the fatty fish that melts like butter. Inside the rolls comes with organic salad, cucumber, radish, and the perfect amount of rice. You get to choose seaweed paper or soy paper and I got seaweed. Spicy Scallop Futomaki 12 pcs (4.5/5): This roll was stuffed with fresh, wild scallops in a spicy, lite mayo sauce. It came with organic cucumber, salad, radish, and rice as well! The 12 pcs was def worth your money as I was full after 6 pcs. The rolls were also huge! My go to sushi pick up spot whenever I'm in DTLA. They don't have seating inside because their store literally is their kitchen and pick up counter only. However, you can eat in the courtyard of the financial district offices that provides the best views! read more

Te Isshoku - Entrance for pick up at store - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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A pretty special little take-out joint in downtown LA. The wait for my box was a hour (as an out-of-towner, I wasn't hip to the online ordering system), but no complaints whatsoever. My seared albacore box was full of treasures, including the abundant quantity of fish, the perfectly seasoned rice, the assortment of salads and pickled veg, the wild cherries, and more. It was a lot of food for this light eater, but again, no complaints. Food aside, the woman at the counter was very friendly and patient in talking me through the menu and explaining the ordering system. read more

Te Isshoku - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This is my secret hidden gem. I absolutely love this place. Located on the Bunker Hill steps right behind Equinox, this is a such an unsuspecting sushi spot. The quality, the presentation, the flavor, Chef Te Dong has got it down packed. Each cut of fish is crafted so well that every bite is well savored. As usual, I'd recommend the classic salmon futomaki as you can never go wrong with good fatty salmon. Yellowtail and scallops are just as declious as well. If anything, just try one roll and you'll instantly see the difference between Chef Te's creation vs everyone's else. I can't wait to wait to return here to get more of these rolls. read more

Te Isshoku - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Wow! This was a surprise find as I was exploring Downtown LA... great take out place! Super amazing service and in a really cool space by the Bunker Hill Steps! The sushi was fresh and super tasty! read more

Te Isshoku - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Te Isshoku is a true hidden gem--I can see why it has nearly 100 five-star reviews as of April 2025. I ordered the salmon box, which is made to order with an impressive attention to detail. The chef explained that the rice is prepared to a precise temperature and the fish isn't broken down until you order to ensure optimal freshness. The result is a beautiful and generous box with thick cuts of salmon, perfectly seasoned rice, pickles, salad, and seasonal fruit--in this case, juicy pears. It even comes with a piece of tamago for dessert. It's a lot of food, and every component felt thoughtful and high quality. The location is tucked away on the Bunker Hill steps and easy to miss. I had seen it before and honestly thought it looked sketchy, so I never gave it a chance. But while looking for new places downtown, I saw the stellar Yelp reviews and decided to finally try it--so glad I did. Insider tip: Order online ahead to save time. It took about 20 minutes for the box to be ready, which is understandable given the made-to-order approach. They don't always have capacity or ability to accept walk-up orders. The rolls are faster, and I'm definitely coming back to try those next. read more

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Chef Te and Lisa have been major superstars with their sushi, service, and all around experience. The major thing that motivates me to go into downtown LA is looking forward to takeout lunch from Te Isshoku. Every time I arrive to the pick up booth, both chefs have the most positive attitude and makes every effort to ensure you have a wonderful experience. Whether you're ordering a 12pc set or the bento box, you're in for a delicious treat that will carry you for the rest of the day. The bento boxes are amazing because you have a generous portion of salad, fish, rice, and end things off with a seasonal selection of fruits. Everything is high quality that yes, you'll struggle to pick why you want to order because it's that good. The ambience of the shop is really cute and functional, they know how to maximize their space!! Downtown LA continues to be blessed with this amazing sushi shop. Tell your friends and coworkers!! read more

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Premium sushi in a tiny alcove near the Los Angeles public library! I highly recommend ordering on their square site and then picking up. The prices may seem high but the quality justifies it. I got their fatty tuna 12 pieces and it was so good! Everything tasted premium. If you're in the area and ready for some amazing sushi, order ahead to pick up! read more

This place was amazing I was in LA for a night for a show and the food is sooooo goood

I came here after seeing how good it looked on Yelp. It was a little nook. I got their Norwegian Salmon Signature Box (could not resist how good and beautiful it looked). It took about 20 minutes to prepare, so I recommend calling in ahead of time. I had messed up my order when I ordered online, so I called in, and they did not give me any pushback for wanting to cancel my order and order it correctly the second time. They have only outdoor seating, and where they are located is beautiful downtown. They have been open for three years now, and the lady said she added extra salmon on the house. Everything was so fresh and seasonal. It took me a couple of sittings to finish it, and I eventually did. I was hungry enough I could eat all of it, and it is enough for two people. I definitely will come back and try their other food. Really great service, food, and peaceful for where they are located. read more

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Such a great spot in DTLA, just up the bunker hill steps! I recommend ordering ahead online to save time! The fish is so fresh, friendliest service ever, and they walked me through every item in the box, highly recommend! read more

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A truly hidden gem in LA!!! Bf found this little spot while walking around Bunker hill, it's located on the 2 floor when you go up the escalator. Honestly the area around it is Such a peaceful beautiful spot to grab sushi and sit down and enjoy the heart and peaceful side of LA. The sushi rolls are super fresh and delicious. The miso soup with shiitake mushrooms also paired very well with everything. The sweet lady who made our order was also sooo incredibly kind. Definitely made it an experience to come back to and revisit again. Thank you! read more

Te Isshoku - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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The stand is located halfway up the steps from 5th Street, right by the first set of escalators. Takeout only though there's a courtyard on the corner of 5th and Flower that has shaded seating during lunch. I ordered ahead of time and pickup was a breeze. I had the Albacore Futomaki which had a generous portion of fish per roll and with plenty of ginger and wasabi. The outside of the albacore appeared to be lightly seared and was well seasoned. read more

Te Isshoku - Albacore Futomaki 12pcs - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I was introduced to this place by my coworker--even though it is strictly a takeout window--a literal "hole in the wall" in the middle of a flight of stairs , it retains a charm that only an honest, small-business can provide. Not only is their sushi fresh (the tuna and salmon rolls were AMAZING) and their sauces unique, but you can tell they put so much love, care, and effort into the food they provide, because they care so much about giving quality to others in their community--very appropriate, given it's situated directly in front of Central Library. It's amazing how this quality can come from such a small place. Definitely a point of respite in the heart of DTLA, definitely recommend! read more

Te Isshoku - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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On the Bunker Hill stairs. There's an app/website to order ahead if you'd like the daily box option (takes 20min-30min to prep). Food was fresh and tasted great read more

Te Isshoku - Yellowtail Futomaki 12pcs - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This unassuming takeout kiosk is literally a $45 trip to Japan. We scheduled our orders for pickup and everything was ready on time and perfectly packed. We got their Bluefin Tuna Catch of the Day Box, and when we did, the owner kindly came out to introduce every carefully thought out component of the meal. From the generous portion of fish, neatly placed fruit, and extra sauces/dressings, you truly don't need the dine-in option to experience the hospitality and care of this little restaurant. The fish was MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH fresh, and this was some of the richest toro I have ever had!! The pickles were tangy and crunchy, the fruit looked GMO-worthy, etc. etc bc this box comes with too much to appreciate!! read more

Te Isshoku - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Found this hidden gem in downtown LA and so glad I did. Everything was so fresh and delicious. It's worth finding it! If you love delicious sushi and amazing service, check them out. read more

Te Isshoku - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I'm reviewing this place again because it's been a while and the food is still so bomb. I got the spicy tuna roll and they are so generous with the tuna! It was also pretty spicy, my nose was running! The service is so good, she always had a great attitude when handing my order to me. And I love how their rolls have fresh greens in them. One of the best sushi spots in downtown! read more

Te Isshoku - Spicy Tuna Futomaki 12pcs - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Te is the best sushi in DTLA. Super tasty and generous portions. The shell fish and spicy tuna dishes are my favorites. The miso and the seaweed salad are first rate. Order online about 30-40 minutes before you want to pick up. read more

01/29/26 EDIT: As a small update to my review, I recently ordered their yellowtail catch of the day box and noticed they had a small sign stating that there's at least a 2 hour wait for walk-in orders. If you're interested in checking this place out, I definitely recommend preordering right after they open for their lunch and evening hours to ensure you get it in a timely manner. About what I ordered, it was definitely quite a lot to go through and I found it fairly filling. If you don't mind the price and are feeling particularly peckish, their signature boxes are the way to go. read more

It's been a while since I went to write a review and was disappointed that I couldn't give 6 stars! This place is a treasure! Don't be put off by the prices! These fat sushi rolls are freaking HUGE. It was pretty much the equivalent of 2 rolls, or 12 very large pieces (you can't even comfortably eat a piece in one bite). You could easily share with someone if you don't have a huge appetite, and the chef is verrrry generous with the fresh fish. I think I may have gotten a whole salmon fish in my roll. I was looking for sushi near work. This takeout-only counter is in the US Bank tower, right in the middle of the stairwell/escalators facing the library. It's such a tiny booth that I don't know how 2 people fit in there, let alone prepare sushi! I walked over and placed my order for salmon futomaki, added cream cheese, and truffle ponzu. The incredibly warm, kind woman taking my order asked me if it would be OK that the food was taking around 25 minutes, and I said that was fine! She also enthusiastically told me about how good the chef's green sauce was, and offered to include some for free. I walked around for a bit, then returned to wait after less than 15 minutes. The lady came out to apologize to me, telling me that they had a lot of orders to fulfill, and offered me a free Fiji water bottle. I hadn't even waited long! She presents the completed orders with so much pride, explaining what everything was and advising me to shake the little bottle of truffle ponzu. The sushi roll looked like a gift! It was so beautifully arranged, and each bite was heavenly. The thoughtfulness, care, and attention to detail that this chef puts into his work is that of a true artist. I can't wait to go back and try other items! read more

Te Isshoku - Salmon futomaki with cream cheese added - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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A wonderful option for a quick but delicious meal! The servings are generous, the quality high, and the bento boxes are aesthetically beautiful. I've tried the rolls, spring rolls, boxes, and dessert, and would recommend them all. You should order in advance to secure a timely pick up! read more

Service was amazing! So appreciative of Lisa for her advice and guidance on my ordering - & fof chef for the extra treat. Spicy yuzu sauce - I could eat it on everything! Fat spicy tuna roll - yes, they mean SPICY - and delicious. Like any great seafood do yourself a favor and have the first bites straight! Made my day of travel and dinner in my hotel room a 5 star experience! Such a delicious oasis. read more

Te Isshoku - Spicy Tuna Futomaki 12pcs - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Thank GOD my office is near this lil gem. Lisa and Chef Te are an amazing team and they make me look forward to coming to work. I've only come here twice, but the second time around I brought my supervisor (who also had to order something for our chief!), and my co-worker so they could experience the amazing care and quality this sushi shop has to offer. First time around, I grabbed the spicy tuna futomaki-- it was DIVINE. The second time around, I ordered the Norwegian salmon usuzukuri. Salmon was super fresh, the salad was gorgeous (the lil carrot butterfly was so cute I couldn't bring myself to eat it so it's still sitting in my fridge!!!!!), I loved the assortment of pickles that is included in the box. My supervisor ordered the albacore futomaki, which I ended up trying. It was also excellent, and will be my order for next week (teehee). My chief got the vegan nama harumaki (Japanese spring roll), and to be completely honest, if you get one of the signature boxes, you will get the spring roll fillings in a salad form sans the rice paper; so if you're looking to eat your way through the menu, you can skip that (unless you really wanna taste the salad snugly wrapped up in the rice paper). And yes, portions are pretty hefty! As other reviewers mentioned, this is a take-out only place, but there is some comfy patio seating just up the steps. Service is SUPER friendly and communicative-- Lisa takes care of every patron in an efficient and informative manner; she also takes the time to explain the dish, as well as any of the accompaniments that come with it. Overall, 10/10, will definitely be back again and again and again! read more

Te Isshoku - Salmon usuzukuri - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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**September 2024: Friday Evening Visit** I am a big fan of Japanese food and am going back to Japan for my fourth visit in two years in a couple of months - suffice to say I LOVE Japanese food. While I was researching restaurants near my hotel I found that Te Isshoku was footsteps away. They had a really impressive spread of made to order sushi and sashimi offerings, but I was most interested in their Signature "Catch of the Day" Boxes. I preordered the Norweigian/Salmon/Usuzukrui (8pc) set on Friday at in the afternoon and my order was ready for pickup at 5:35pm. I also got a reminder email when it was ready for pickup! I walked down the street and found the little kiosk shop. Honestly for $33 this box was a steal. The salmon sashimi portion was extremely generous, the tomatoes in the salad were super sweet and I absolutely loved the pickled veggies. To be honest, I couldn't event finish it and had I portioned it beforehand I probably could have eaten it for two meals! I am a huge fan of Te Isshoku, and if you're staying in the downtown area I highly recommend you place your order here! The boxes are made with love and are super tasty! Bon appetit! read more

Te Isshoku Sushi is probably one of the only reasons I look forward to going into my office now that I am required to be in my office. Finding this gem has been a game changer. The sushi is amazing quality. It is always fresh and large portions. Besides the sushi being excellent, the real star is Lisa. After 1 order Lisa will remember you and little things you like and don't like. Lisa's service is impeccable and she will always have a big smile to greet you and make you laugh. Full disclosure I am biased because I eat there almost 3 times a week because it is that good. It's the highlight of my work day. I just had to share how amazing this local business is. read more

We tried this place for the first time. It's a hole in a guard box. It's not a sit down restaurant or stall. It's a window in a guard box. I suppose you can walk up and order. I don't know as we pre-ordered on their website for a timed pick-up. Oishii! The fish was delicious! We ordered: Matcha tea. Not too sweet. Spicy tuna roll. Just enough kick. Fatty tuna. Mmm! Enjoy! read more

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Wow! That was absolutely delicious. I tip my hat to the chef. Please do not change anything. Thank you!

This place is so good! Sushi is fresh and delicious staff is friendly and attentive. How have I not known about this place until now??? I like to order ahead using their website, its fast easy and convenient. Wait times are always accurate. Great place for lunch or dinner, I could literally eat here every day! read more

First time trying this amazing gem . Great customer service . Hand rolled sushi that was so delicious . My new favorite place . Fat hand rolled seaweed just bomb! Give some love to this great place you won't regret it. read more

Te Isshoku - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Wow, mind officially blown! I've seen numerous videos on IG about this place and finally tried it. I ended up going in person to order because I was coming from Koreatown and didn't want the owners waiting for me if I was late because of traffic and ordered online. Anyways, I got there right at 3:00 pm when they close for the first part of the day, but the window was still open. I walked up and the wife of the chef said he went to the gym and they'll reopen at 5:00 pm. Right then, chef TE walked up and said he can make me a sushi bento box and asked what's my favorite fish. I said salmon and 10 mins later he came out with a 12 piece Futamoki bento box made with freshly caught Japanese salmon he picked up from the port that morning and included his own signature sauce. Not only is the sushi presented beautifully, it's next level delicious! All my expections were exceeded! If you're ever in the financial district of DTLA and craving sushi, c/o this hidden gem at the Bunker Hill steps, you won't regret it! read more

Te Isshoku - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

When a place has five stars on Yelp, you have to see what the fuss is all about! Yelp did not steer me wrong! This quaint little takeout spot was everything I could hope for in a sushi luncheon! The young lady taking orders was so magnetic and she gave a detailed explanation about the menu and what I could expect from my order. I had a short wait because they make everything fresh and on the spot! I didn't mind because it was a beautiful day and the food was WELL WORTH the wait! I went with the tuna platter and it was so delicious and beautiful! I loved everything! Their truffle sauce is SO good! I am so glad I stopped by and if I'm ever in this part of California again, I'll definitely stop back by! read more

Te Isshoku - Exterior - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Amazing sushi, high quality fish, very generous portions, and the friendliest service. Favorites include the yellowtail, tuna, and fatty tuna. Also, the miso soup is amazing and so satisfying with shiitake. Will be back again and again! read more

Just great. Very fresh. Not cheap, but great raw fish is not cheap. I was famished and ordered two rolls, thinking I can finish them both. No way. Amazingly, the half of the second order tasted great the next day. Rice tends to harden with rolls, but there's was still very good. Is this TMI? read more

The food is fresh and they don't skimp out on the fish. It was exactly what I was craving. And the girlie working the window was sooooo kind. She didn't call us back to the window once the food was ready, she walked it out to us. I'm obsessed. Highly recommend. read more

Te Isshoku - Salmon Futomaki 12pcs - Sushi Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Really good, fresh, too bad I can afford to eat every day. But worth it if you want rolls.

Everything about this place was excellent. Its only to-go but its ok cause the area upstairs has beautiful tables and chairs where you can eat your sushi and have a skyline view (head up the escalators and head left). Like many of you, ove eaten at MANY sushi restaurants and this place is BY FAR THE BEST! Service was excellent (both were so nice, I tipped them more when i finished my meal and they kept refusing it but I ended up leaving it on the counter- they totally deserved more though!). And the sushi was super fresh and delicious plus it's cut to order. Its worth the price and wait. Definitely coming here more often. read more

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