Name: Sushi Note Omakase
Address: 421 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA, Beverly Hills, United States
Telephone: +1 310-808-4486
Price range: $$$

Insider Compass

An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.

See how we rated it

6.93GOOD

7.8Plate

7.3Vibe

8.3Service

6.3Setting

About Sushi Note Omakase

Tucked into the underground parking structure of the Rodeo Collection, Sushi Note Omakase is Beverly Hills' most intimate sushi den, seating just 14 guests for a 20-course omakase journey. At the helm, Chef Earl Aguilar works alongside Chef Kiminobu Saito, delivering dry-aged fish, pristine nigiri, and thoughtful progression that recalls the quiet precision of Tokyo's best counters. The wine program is unusually serious for an omakase spot—350 bottles deep with an all-sommelier front-of-house team—offering curated pairings that rival the sushi itself. It's a hideaway for those who want world-class fish without the scene, tucked away where only those in the know venture.

Good to know

Book a seat at the four-seat sushi bar rather than the tables—you'll get direct interaction with Chef Aguilar and watch the meticulous knife work up close.

The chef

Earl Aguilar and Kiminobu Saito

Earl Aguilar honed his craft at two of Los Angeles' most respected kitchens—Providence, where he learned French-inflected precision with seafood, and Scratch | Bar, known for its exacting technique. He now works in partnership with Chef Kiminobu Saito, bringing a dual perspective that blends classical Japanese discipline with California sensibility. Aguilar's approach centers on dry-aging fish to concentrate umami and paying meticulous attention to rice temperature and seasoning, creating nigiri that feels both traditional and personal.

The Insider Compass

Four dimensions, each assessed independently against the same criteria everywhere we rate.

7.8PLATE

Plate

Chef Aguilar's technique shows the discipline of his training at Providence and Scratch | Bar, especially in his handling of dry-aged fish and rice temperature control. Standout moments include sweet shrimp with caviar, wagyu, and a progression that balances aged and fresh fish with confidence. The 20-course menu moves with purpose, though some find the repertoire leans conservative rather than groundbreaking.

7.3VIBE

Vibe

The space feels like stepping into a ship's cabin—intimate, cozy, and deliberately removed from the Rodeo Drive glitz above. With fewer than 20 seats total and just four at the bar, the atmosphere is hushed and focused, with a curated soundtrack that regulars mention as part of the charm. It's the kind of room where you can hear the knife against the cutting board and feel like you've been let in on a secret.

8.3SERVICE

Service

The entire front-of-house team holds sommelier certifications, which elevates the beverage service beyond what most omakase spots offer. Chef Aguilar and his sous chef engage warmly from behind the counter, explaining each course with genuine passion and accommodating dietary restrictions without fuss. The team strikes a balance between attentive professionalism and approachable hospitality, making the evening feel special without pretension.

6.3SETTING

Setting

The location—literally in a parking garage beneath Rodeo Drive—sounds improbable until you step inside and find an elegant, dimly lit room with ceramic tableware and refined Japanese aesthetics. The four-seat sushi bar offers the best vantage point to watch Aguilar and his team work with quiet precision. Note that restrooms are located outside the dining room, a quirk of the unconventional space, but the design inside feels intentional and transporting.

These four dimensions are a handful of the attributes we review. The Insider Rating also draws on research the compass does not display — among them the wine programme, the size and quality of the cellar, the location, and how long the house has operated. It is not an average of the scores above.