Sushi Park opened nearly 20 years ago in a hidden corner on the second floor of a nondescript strip mall on Los Angeles' Sunset Strip. It may not seem like a celebrity hangout, but scanning paparazzi images reveals that the rococo-style railing in front of the restaurant has become a go-to spot for celebrity reporters.
It was there that Dua Lipa began a serious relationship with actor Callum Turner.Kylie Jenner and Jordyn Woods are ejected together, unofficially ending their bitter feud. Kendall Jenner flaunted her relationship with Bad Bunny. Taylor Swift hosted a girls' night out with Zoe Kravitz and Selena Gomez. Justin and Hailey Bieber frequent the restaurant, and just last month Jennifer Lawrence was spotted dining with Emma Stone. Same goes for Angelina Jolie and her son Pax.
Or as a commentator made a joke “I've seen pictures of this balcony more times than I've met my own father,” wrote one person on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I think the reason so many celebrities go there is because there's no frills,” said musician, producer and actor Benny Blanco, who once held his own birthday party there. “Even though you're eating a fancy meal, you're relaxed. It's not demanding. It's really small and you don't bother anyone.”
Peter Park, chef and owner of Sushi Park, avoids the spotlight. (The restaurant declined multiple interview requests for this article. “We are deeply committed to our current loyal customers and are fully committed to providing them with the best service and experience.” (I'm thinking about it.'') The menu is omakase style. That means food is left to the chef's discretion, and patrons are no doubt accustomed to the strong “Attention!” sign that greets them at the front of the establishment. Take-out prohibited! No salad! Tempura, not teriyaki! No trendy sushi! It's not a California roll! No spicy tuna roll! We only serve traditional sushi. ”
“The charm is that it's so low-key, it's not a scene,” said Chris Gardner, senior staff writer for The Hollywood Reporter. “You're not going to go there and see a bunch of people taking pictures with their cell phones. The presentation isn't very flashy, but the decor isn't flashy either. Do not have.”
Indeed, it appeals to a certain bias of celebrity: the privilege of wealthy people who dress in everyday finery.
Blanco recalls that when the restaurant first opened, you could get a meal for about $100. “It was very rare to meet someone famous,” he said. “Now I look to my left and I'm like, oh, this is the most famous person in the world, and I look to my right and I'm like, oh no.” They are The most famous person in the world. ”
Today's prices are much higher, nearing $400 per meal, and the patrons are likely to be the tabloid cover crowd available at the nail salon downstairs (there's also a FedEx shop and a chiropractor in the mall). There are also other stores such as Tar. It's unclear exactly why this unassuming restaurant caught the attention of Hollywood's elite, but it has become as star-studded as, if not more so than nearby power spots like Sunset Tower. Ta.
“There was a time when I had to move tables because Beyoncé and Jay-Z came in. In 2012, I sat next to Emma Stone in my pajamas and house slippers.” , recalls Brant Cox, L.A. editor of Infatuation, a restaurant review and news site.
“I was sitting at the bar and I heard a British accent and I looked up and was like, I know this actor,” said entertainment manager and producer Evan Silverberg. . He just wanted to chat. ”
Naturally, the world of fashion has also taken notice. Featured in this season's Bottega Veneta's paparazzi-themed ad (starring Kendall Jenner on a balcony in a mint green coat) and featured in W Magazine's 2020 Great Performances Portfolio played the role of Saint Laurent flew its restaurant chefs to Paris in 2022 for a 10-day Sushi Park pop-up at its Rue Saint-Honoré store.
This restaurant offers a unique glimpse into the Los Angeles dining scene. Popular spots are in stark, mundane and minimalist locations. Polo Bar, this is different.
“I think especially in L.A., where celebrities aren't as rare as they are in other cities, celebrities want to feel comfortable and be treated like normal people having dinner with friends. '' said Cox. “Eating in strip malls is a way of life in Los Angeles,” he added. “And everyone goes to them. This is why Sushi His Park, his $200-per-person sushi bar on the second floor of Sunset Strip Plaza, is not an anomaly for Angelenos. is.”
“If you're a New Yorker coming to town and wanting to experience Los Angeles, part of the appeal is eating in strip malls and finding 'hidden gems' in strip malls,” Gardner said. “Because it's something you can't get anywhere else.”
