A coworker tells me that the name of the self-proclaimed "best sushi in Westwood" is the Japanese word for friends.
I've been here many times over the past few months, and each time gets better and better. By far, it's some of the best sushi I've eaten in the Los Angeles area - and I've eaten a lot of sushi.
Parking can be a chore but once that's taken care of, the experience in the restaurant is relaxing. You're greeted by any number of very friendly staff members, and quickly seated when room is available - get there early to beat the rush, this place fills up very quickly at lunch time.
The yellowtail/hamatchi is by far my favorite sushi ever, and Tomodachi does it up right - it's the best I've ever had. Their fish is always fresh, prepared perfectly, and always served with a smile.
Sushi *is* an expensive exotic lunch though, and you'll notice the hit here. 4 people can eat for $65 but so can only 2 people if sake and lots of a-la-carte sushi is ordered. A single person having lunch could walk out $25 later feeling very satisfied, but it really depends on your appetite.
I generally order the "Super Sushi Lunch Special" which is $10.95 as of March 20, 2006, and an extra roll of some kind, and that's plenty to keep me satisfied. Their rolls are $8-$13 depending on ingredients and I've had enough opportunity to sample a good deal of them, although the spider roll or yellowtail roll are usual first choices. The Super Sushi Lunch Special comes with an order of miso soup, the choice of a California roll or Spicy Tuna roll, and 5 pieces of chef's choice sushi which invariably includes at least a piece of mackerel, salmon, shrimp and some kind of tuna. With a glass of water with lemon and tip, it's not hard for me to leave $25 behind, but boy this place is worth it!
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