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I Luv Sushi

4 star rating
based on 37 reviews

Category: Sushi Bars  [Edit]

3215 Carson St
Lakewood, CA 90712
(562) 421-8917
  • Hours:
    Mon-Thu 11:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
    Fri-Sat 11:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
    Sun 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
  • Price Range: $$
  • Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
  • Parking: Private Lot
  • Attire: Casual
  • Good for Groups: Yes
  • Good for Kids: Yes
  • Takes Reservations: Yes
  • Delivers: No
  • Take-out: Yes
  • Waiter Service: Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: No
  • Good for: Lunch
  • Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
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37 Reviews for I Luv Sushi

Review Snapshot   

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"…salad (skin perfectly crisped), Sunrise on Second Street (spicy shrimp and…" (in 4 reviews)
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"Bonus: there's a Red Mango next door for dessert." (in 3 reviews)
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"I Luv Sushi is basically Sushi Studio with nicer decor." (in 15 reviews)
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8

Adrian C.

Downey, CA

5 star rating
10/06/2008

It's been a wonderful experience to come here. Really downbeat exterior that lends not a clue to the wonderful experience awaiting inside! The happy hour specials are amazing, and the quality of the food is much better than average. Don't be scared of by the strip mall exterior!

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3

67

Tiffany L.

San Diego, CA

3 star rating
Updated - 09/20/2008

LAME.  I went here today with my cousin.  Each of us had 2 rolls and we were barely full.  This place has pretty small portions or maybe I'm blinded by the fact that there's this place in SD with the same prices and quality but much larger rolls.  Anyways, I barely eat at each meal and if 2 rolls barely filled me up...we have a problem.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating 09/12/2008

    This place has good sushi.  Would sushi be the right word to describe it?  All their rolls are… Read more »

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Elite '08

85

116

Carrie N.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
09/16/2008

Someone in the office offered to fly - I thought I would buy - but a few others hopped on the "To-Go" wagon and we all ended up ordering an $8 lunch special. I was a skeptic - sushi $8 - OK - hmm how good could it be? So this is not eating in the restaurant this is only Lunch TO- GO!

Between all of us, this is what we shared out of our 3 Ninja Sets (any two cut rolls from a designated list like 10 pieces):

Spicy Yellow Tail - my favorite of all - and a reason to go back.
Spicy Tuna - fresh and flavorful
Three Amigos - spicy scallop and tuna and shrimp - a little kick... yummy
Rock and Roll - bake scallop with mayo - tasty creamy smooth - hard to mess up.
Eel with Avocado and cucumber - sweet like all the sushi eel - creamy avocado and crunchy cukes.. Just like described.

Each of our Ninja set is served with a bowl of miso soup and a salad with house ginger dressing. Everything had its own Styrofoam box or bowl. And bagged nicely, too.  

I think I wouldn't mind eating there - now that I have tasted the food. I was just so skeptical $8? I'm stuffed now and I am a believer!

Note to self: I like the flavor of their rice.

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4

4

Steven T.

San Leandro, CA

4 star rating
09/20/2008

I decided to go to here with my cousins one evening because I luvsushi. Okay, when we stepped inside, I had already admired the interior decoration (but honestly, was I really here to admire such things? Of course not!) and was instantly greeted in Japanese by like three of the waiters which is normal really for sushi places like these. Anyway, I decided I wanted to sit at the sushi bar, hoping for some happy hour discounts (but it wasn't as though I was paying kekeke ^_^)

Okay, the sushi chef we had serving us was a pretty cool guy; there's not much I can say about him other than he was friendly.

I started out with caterpillar roll which was delicious by the way. Then I had the lynn special (I have no idea why they called it this, nor do I know who the heck lynn is but her special sure is mighty tasty). I looked over at what my cousin had to eat and...well...it wasn't even sushi. It was like rice and some substitution meat. How sad :(...

Anyways, honestly it's a nice sushi place. The downside is that...it was pretty busy when I went there, so maybe they didn't give my sushi order the amount of attention, care, and loving it deserved...because upon picking a sushi piece up, it'd fall apart 25% of the time :(. But...I guess I could work with that...but I don't want to be a noob asking for a spoon at a sushi place!

Also, it might be a bit pricey but I heard the lunch special is worth it ;D

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47

Francine K.

Lakewood, CA

4 star rating
09/08/2008

For all you vegetarians out there who appreciate a good veggie roll, I Luv Sushi will welcome you with an innovative selection of not one, not two, but three specialty rolls as well as the usual standy-bys like inari and tamago sushi. Though the veggie concoctions are far from traditional, the "yellow submarine" with its mango garnish is nice and sweet, the crispy vegetable roll with its warm tempura veggies is tasty and filling, and the "green machine" with its plentiful avocado inside and out make for a nice and fresh alternative to the boring cucumber rolls I usually get stuck with. It was the first time I'd ever had non-veggies want to dig into all my veggie rolls -- though that was a good thing since there was more than enough for me to share.

Everyone else at the table enjoyed their fish, and the veggie tempura came out piping hot. We also got a pitcher of beer to share -- classy!

My parents, who took me to the restaurant, say that they've been getting 20% off coupons for the place every week -- it's kept them going back, and now it looks to be a new local favorite for me, too.

The restaurant is also right next to a Red Mango, so you can get some froyo for dessert.

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Ralph D.

Long Beach, CA

5 star rating
09/05/2008

Ok, I'll admit it, I'm a Sushi Studio fan, and when I found out that they opened I Luv Sushi, I had to try it out, sorry it's been so long for this review.

My girl and I decided we wanted to try the new place out so we went out there and we had like 20 minutes before they closed when we arrived, and the staff was very courteous, friendly and they never once rushed us.  The food was awesome and our drinks were always filled.   I definitely recommend this place!!!

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Elite '08

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160

Katherine N.

Santa Monica, CA

4 star rating
08/12/2008

I came here tonight with a friend for the first time. We got a few drinks and a couple rolls and the rolls tasted really good(and no not because of the couple of drinks we had). First, they give you the perfect chunk of ginger, because a lot of places barely give you enought at all (Im a ginger person what can i say, even with eating it by its lonesome).

We got the "Call 911" roll and the "Sexy girl" roll, both were nice and spicy! I wish I could review more on the food, but we only got a couple things. The staff is friendly, clean bathrooms, and a nice plasma to watch the Olympics on.

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248

FoodSlut ..

Los Angeles, CA

2 star rating
08/07/2008

I'm sorry, but if someone forces me to tell them "i love you", i cringe and look away.  Fuck that.  I cringe, then run away.

And when a restaurant names themselves, "I Luv Sushi", I can't help but to feel like it's a OC/LA girl seeking attention.  Like a LA/OC girl, I LUV SUSHI is fake, bland, and substance"less".  

I LUV SUSHI.  puuuh lease.

Why?

Piss poor quality of fish.  At least be a little sneaky about using frozen tuna from the korean markets.  The chef busted it out in front of us!!!!!  THE NERVE!!!!  

In the area?  Looking for sushi?  Go elsewhere.  Koi isn't that much farther but landslides better.  And you don't have to tell them you love them.

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4

27

Emily M.

Westwood, CA

5 star rating
09/23/2008

ask for the 10 sc roll even though its not on the menu here. spicyyyy

and the rest? nom nom nom nom

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2

Amy S.

Lakewood, CA

3 star rating
09/09/2008

OK! I must say that it is good BUT when you have been spoiled by Mahe' in Seal Beach NOTHING compares, sorry!! Like i said it was ok, but only ok I would rather drive to Mahe'. Good luck :)

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3

54

Leng T.

Long Beach, CA

1 star rating
08/23/2008

We initially wanted Sushi Studio but they were closed due to a fire and the sign in the window pointed us here.

We didn't we get the Irasshaimase that everyone else got. Why?

Sushi is same grade as Sushi Studio. Still love the Sunrise over Second Street and our sushi chef took a little extra time to make our American Dragon really look like a dragon. I loved his attention to detail. Sapporo beer was ice cold.

But as we were finishing up the last piece... a cockroach comes crawling out from the sushi bar and crawls back to where he came from. We looked at each other and said "Check PLEASE!"

Didn't they just open this location? Can someone call the health inspector?

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2

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emily g.

Long Beach, CA

5 star rating
08/06/2008

I luv sushi is the place!  I'm already a Sushi Studio fan, so I'm biased from the beginning.   It's sort of a random location for this spot, but it's right down the street from my work and the inside looks a little nicer.  They have everything custom made there from the sake pitchers to the server's shirts.  I want one of those shirts!

What I loved most about I luv sushi, aside from the yummy rolls that we already know about, is the great service.  They take team service to the next level as there is always someone ready to help you with a smile, fill your drink. help you decide on more sushi, or anything else you want.  

Also, it's pretty decently priced.  I came here with a group of nine and we had a couple bottles of wine (gotta love that twist off cap), sake, and many specialty rolls.  It came out to $25 a person with tip.  You can't beat that!  

I know Sushi Studio had a small fire and is temporarily out of commission, so this is my new spot until it returns.

The Thai people are kicking butt in the sushi world !

ps.  This location takes reservations :)

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3

22

Brian A.

Long Beach, CA

5 star rating
08/17/2008

I Luv Sushi is basically Sushi Studio with nicer decor.  It's the exact same menu, same lady working in the front, and some of the same sushi chefs.  So I'm a big fan of Sushi Studio, therefore, I am a big fan of I Luv Sushi.  The food is great, the staff is friendly, and they have a pretty diverse menu if you have a non fish eater in your group.  So depending on where you live, this place might be for you.  I live closer to Sushi Studio so that's where I go, but if I'm on the other side of town I just go here.

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Elite '08

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412

Lisa V.

Long Beach, CA

4 star rating
09/02/2008

Now, now my sushi purists.  Just stop reading.  Click on another review, cuz this is not for the faint of heart.  
You'll see sliced garlic, jalapeno, mango and all other assorted ingredients that don't seem to have any sort of place at a sushi restaurant.  But oh yes, you can definitely see the influence of Studio Sushi at I Luv Sushi.  I know its the same owners, but you would think that they would change it up a little.  Be Crazy!  
If I have some time and need a quick sushi fix on this side of town, I'd be back. But Studio Sushi - I miss you!  Yes, I can have my favorite waitress here since your kitchen caught on fire.  Yes, your yellowtail is just as buttery soft here.  
But I can't order yellowtail collar as an appetizer.  Ahh - the blasphomy!  Definitely a big boo.  It is an entree here and comes with miso soup and rice.  No thanks.  You just added a couple dollars to the collar to make it jack up the bill.  
What this place is though is a fun, relaxed atmosphere with a diverse crowd.  You can drink here, eat good sushi and just enjoy yourself.  Also, Red Mango is next door - delicious way to end a meal.

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Elite '08

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114

Liz R.

Long Beach, CA

5 star rating
07/24/2008

Ok, first off: I am a HUGE Sushi Studio fan, so I knew what I wanted already.

Differences is that it's not as packed in, the decor is nice, and the staff is more attentive it seems. It's like an alternate reality Sushi Studio, a nicer one. Our sushi guy was super attentive to us the whole time.

Love their later happy hour to (5-7p), got $2 draft beers, $1 edamame, and $3.50 for some tempura. Um. awesome?

Didn't try anything new, but the rolls were the same (got the usual SOS, Extra Crunchy, Rainbow, etc) and they seem to have some more specialty rolls that are vegetarian that I look forward to trying next time.

However, due to Sushi Studio's 3-6PM M-TH happy hour (and extreme closeness to my place) which is better, I will probably be there more often. Outside of happy hour times, I'll come to I Luv Sushi for the remainder of the time for the improved experience.

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Elite '08

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500

Wes S.

Camarillo, CA

5 star rating
07/15/2008

As others have stated, this is the sister restaurant to Sushi Studio. I still have yet to try Sushi Studio, but the two things I've gone here, man oh my, it's like a happy orgy happens in my mouth.

The staff is always very friendly and always on top of refills or what ever our needs may be during our dining experience.

We normally start off with the "I Luv Sampler" (chicken karaage, egg roll, gyoza, and tako nuggets). I've had the Salmon Skin roll and salad (skin perfectly crisped), Sunrise on Second Street (spicy shrimp and crab, topped with salmon - not spicy, just right) and Lady in Red (tuna stuffed with spicy, crunchy shrimp - GREAT flavors and textures) are my favorite rolls (thanks to Mike for the recommendations). The rolls are really pretty here and they don't skimp on the quality. Only problem was the Uni (wasn't fresh) and it looked, well, pornographic.

Overall, a really nice/calm/modern atmosphere and it's never as crowded as Sushi Studio. Overall a casual place for really good sushi for a really good price. If you ever go here, be sure to invite me. :)

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6

30

Jan D.

Lakewood, CA

4 star rating
08/06/2008

This is my favorite local sushi joint.  Love the fusion rolls.  The waitstaff is always fast and nice.  Thanks for the techno Happy Birthday song and free ice cream!

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4

32

Paolo B.

Lakewood, CA

4 star rating
08/02/2008

Good and fresh sushi, and the best part is that the prices are reasonable.  The two times that I came here I ordered the sashimi and sushi combination platters ($18 and $15), and it was way more than enough food.  These platters also come with miso and a salad.  

Got my son a kid's meal today for $6 and that was pretty large as well.  

Bottom line: fresh fish, friendly staff, reasonable prices, and good atmosphere.

Bonus: there's a Red Mango next door for dessert!

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2

25

T T.

Carson, CA

4 star rating
07/28/2008

Good place to go for a solid variety of rolls and to fill up on half off happy hour appetizers and the sushi roll of the day.

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Elite '08

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211

Linda N.

Los Angeles, CA

3 star rating
06/04/2008

Anyone else mildly annoyed with the way they spell "Luv"? It's just like when I was watching "The Pursuit of Happyness," I wanted to edit the movie title on my TV the whole time (when I wasn't crying from it).

Well, after seeing the glowing reviews and a chance for sushi close to home, I stopped by for happy hour a few weeks ago. I arrived to the parking lot before their opening time as well so I grabbed a froyo at Red Mango beforehand. Passing by, I asked someone from I Luv Sushi what their happy hour consisted of and she gushed that they are much better than Sushi Studio. The happy hour is a few bucks off beer and sake and half off appetizers and also half off their special roll of the day.

I ordered some nigiri at the bar. I thought the sushi was okay but for that quality of fish, I would have been better off going to Mitsuwa and grabbing a sushi tray from Daikichi Sushi for a better price. I said what the hey and went for the half off special roll. It happened to be a shrimp tempura roll with unagi on top. Well first of all, I pretty much knew I shouldn't have gotten a roll. And for a roll, it was really sweet. It had too much of that sugary unagi sauce on top.

Another note, if you have a problem with Korean owned sushi places, this is probably not a place you can call your favorite sushi bar either since it Thai owned and owned by the same folks at Sushi Studio. I still don't understand why the owner/manager needed to downgrade Sushi Studio to try to convince me to go in.

I almost forgot why I wanted to write this review. While I was mid-way through my dinner, I hear this conversation between a customer and 2 sushi chefs in front of him:
Customer (while I just see him eat only edamame): So do you guys have udon?
Sushi Chefs: No, we don't. Only sushi.
Customer: You know, the white noodles with soup.
Sushi Chefs: No, we don't have it here.
Customer: You know, some Japanese places have sushi and noodles.
Sushi Chefs: No, we dno't have it here.
Customer: What about soba?
Sushi Chefs: No.
Customer: Do you think Sushi Studio has it?
And then I punched him.

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0

5

Laura P.

Long Beach, CA

4 star rating
08/01/2008

Came here the other day after work.

I liked it.  It's located in a little strip mall next to the country club.  Inside, it has a sushi place feel; in other words, you don't feel like you're eating in a strip mall.

Sat at the sushi bar, the rolls were good (shared sexy girl & lobster), very similar to sushi studio...

my only complaint, they had two different happy hours: 3-5, 5-7(?).  It wasn't clear what the specials were when we sat down and had to ask. We also had to get the attention of the sushi chef when we wanted more.  I guess I'm used to other places where they spoil us with attentiveness.

But, I will definitely be back... good sushi and saki, perfect.

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christine l.

Cerritos, CA

2 star rating
Updated - 06/22/2008

I came here again.

The only thing that did it for me this time around was that they took down a reservation AND they gave the birthday girl a free scoop of sesame seed ice cream. That was nice of them. They even shut off the lights and played a cheesy 80's tune of 'Happy birthday' goodness.

I was unimpressed however, with the amebi and the Chirashi. The heads of the amebi weren't covered in batter enough and deep-fried well either.

The cuts of the fish in my Chirashi, and in my separate order for hamachi, were too thick. I even had my friend comment in surprise at how thick they were. Who serves a slice of fish, one inch thick??

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  • 5 star rating 05/09/2008

    They open up at 5pm for dinner and are closed from, I believe, 2 pm. Denysia C. and I came in around… Read more »

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Flo K.

Lakewood, CA

4 star rating
06/13/2008

I was wary of going to this place for several reasons: 1) They have a happy hour.  2) They offer coupons.  3) They are called I LUV sushi.  I was afraid that these were attempts to make up for a lack of quality in food and freshness of fish.  I LOVE sushi, so I was apprehensive about what was to come before us.  Will it be a sore disappointment or a pleasant surprise?  Looking at the menu, we found several items that we wanted to try.  We first ordered the poke.  As the chef presented us with a bowl of nicely cut cubes of red tuna, drizzled with sesame oil, sprinkled with sesame seeds and scallions, my mouth began to water.  The tuna was as fresh as it looked, and my fears began to dissipate.  I ate that poke like popcorn.  I Luv Sushi had passed the tuna test.  Let the gluttony begin...

-Yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno - good
-Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice (toast) - my favorite of the night.  I liked the contrast in temperatures and textures.
-Kamikaze (tempura spicy garlic tuna w/ mint leaf, drizzled w/ ponzu) - the mint adds a nice, refreshing touch.
-Firecracker (spicy tuna with onions and jalapenos) - went well with the crispy wontons.  Think Asian nachos.
-Ankimo Special (monk fish liver pate) - If liver is your thing, then go for it.
-Jaws Special (lightly deep fried albacore) - tasted bland compared to the above mentioned items.

Since it was happy hour (5-7), and also due to the fact that we are gluttons, we took advantage of the half-off price on appetizers - edamame, chicken karaage (crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside), agedashi tofu, tempura.  

There were still several items that we wanted to try, various  roll creations, hand rolls, sashimi, and rice bowls.  We had fun just trying out the different combinations.  It was like a mini adventure.  I Luv Sushi has given us good reason to come back - variety in menu items, lovely presentation, happy hour, good service, close location, and family-friendly environment.  Now, where do I get those coupons?

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Shannon B.

Long Beach, CA

2 star rating
06/28/2008

In my constant quest to replace the hole in my heart (and stomach) left by the greatness-that-was, Kanpai, we decided to try this place. The reviews were positive, and I usually have pretty good luck with yelper reviews.

Sorry to slag of my fellow Long Beach citizens, but some people have some low standards when it comes to sushi.

This place is meh- all the way. The rolls- while creative sounding just are not executed quite right. The quality of fish was poor and it actually smelled not so tasty. The tuna was a dull pink color, and the yellowtail pieces were so thin they were nearly transparent- plus it was drowned in ponzu sauce. I'm guessing to cover up its less that savory taste.  

On a positive note, the service was good and the sushi chefs were very nice and friendly. But no, I will not be coming back.

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6

Darlene K.

Long Beach, CA

5 star rating
07/19/2008

I have already been a huge fan of Sushi Studio and if there's a place closer to the vicinity of which I am usually around- it gets even better.

I really like the atmosphere of I LUV SUSHI! The chefs are really nice and attentive. The waitresses here are much better than the one at Sushi Studio. I always sit at the bar, and I usually go every other day. It is my favorite place to eat at right after school. The lunch prices are pretty good.

I am however upset that they do not offer the Banana Tempura Ice Cream here... but that's okay, since I'm usually full after a plate of the Shogun set.

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Nannette R.

La Mirada, CA

4 star rating
05/24/2008

It's all about the presentation at I Luv Sushi. I live in Cypress and the local sushi restaurants are disappointing. If we can't drive to Angotei or Sake Bomb, we settle for I Luv Sushi but that's not to say we settle for less.

Rainbow roll--good and pretty fresh. Better than a majority of places we've frequented.

Nine One One--spicy tuna roll, topped with avocado. Not too spicy for my sensitive tongue, just enough kick. The creamy avocado buffers the spiciness.

Extreme Crunchy Roll-spicy tuna roll encased in crunchy tempura flakes. The mix of spice and crunch made it EXTREMELY delightful to the palate.

Volcano roll--baked salmon and halibut with spicy mayo was presented with the rolls surrounding a small salad. This one is one of my favorites. I was already full but I gorged myself anyway.

Rhythm & Blues--seared tuna sashimi with garlic ponzu sauce. Delicious! Enough said.

And for those who turn their noses up at raw fish and go to sushi restaurants to order beef or chicken, you can't go wrong with the B.B.Q. Short Ribs and Chicken Teriyaki. Actually, you can't go wrong at I Luv Sushi.

The servers are very friendly and cordial. The place is clean and the flat screen televisions are a big plus when your craving for sushi overrides your need to watch the Laker game.

Oh, and if your cruel friends go behind your back and inform the servers it's your birthday, I Luv Sushi will be more than happy to embarrass you. They dim the lights, play some cheesy birthday pop song, while they engage the ENTIRE restaurant in clapping and whooping it up to celebrate your humiliation.

Ya gotta love I Luv Sushi.

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gap c.

Burbank, CA

5 star rating
08/30/2008

Very delicious and fresh foods, friendly services, pleasant atmosphere, very reasonable prices. my family alway goes there.  sunrise on second street is very good

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Mike F.

Long Beach, CA

5 star rating
03/21/2008

Thinking this place would be sub-par to sushi studio, this sister establishment came through with flying colors. Ordered their Sunrise on second street and lady in red and various others, and all were done superbly as done at sushi studio.
Keep in mind this place is for asian fusion sushi..... for basic traditional sushi, I would not recommend this place so keep in mind, the 5 star is based on for the creativity of non-traditional sushi.

I wasnt planning on coming here or having a sushi night at all due to planning difficulties, but alas, a few dedicated Yelpers decided to get me and my lovely out of the house and get some sushi!!!! Gotta love dem Yelpers!!!

I strongly recommend coming here before word gets out and this place becomes a zoo like sushi studio.....

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Gurl W.

Long Beach, CA

5 star rating
04/22/2008

Went on a first date here and let's just say, I think he was very pleased with my restaurant choice (and of course, his company!).  They had flat screens with the playoffs on and the service was really good!   They have a happy hour between 3-7pm even on Sunday's, so the Draft beer is $2, pitchers are $7 and $1 off any other kind of beer, plus their specialty roll of the day and the appetizers are 50% off!  

They got one of our sushi orders wrong (we got the sushi vs sushimi).  But I can't wait to invite my other friends/dates there!  :)

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Robyn d.

West Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
03/03/2008

I went to Sushi Studio (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) last Saturday, but the line was freakin long as usual.  Fortunately, my friend saw a flier in the window that invited patrons to go to the new branch, I Luv Sushi.  I figured, heck, if it's the same ish, why not?

We get to I Luv Sushi, and whattaya know, it's better that Sushi Studio!  It's in a little plaza but there's plenty of parking.  The restaurant is well lit, the ambiance is youthful (minus the CSULB kids that make Sushi Studio noisy), it's less crowded, and the service was quick, friendly, and efficient.  They also have the same menu as Sushi Studio, so you don't miss out on any of the food.  I still don't like rolls all that much, and the only place I'd order and enjoy them was at Sushi Studio.  But now I have I Luv Sushi, and I think I'll come here from now on.

If you like frozen yogurt, there's also a Red Mango next door...dessert!

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Michael Q.

Long Beach, CA

2 star rating
06/04/2008

My wife and I tried this place about two months ago. We found it overpriced and the food boring. We just don't care for a place that centers all of their rolls around a California Roll. Where is the creativity in that? This is the first place we have visited that does not serve Toro......EVER! We won't be back.

We are headed back to Kinokawa just down the street. That's where we find everthing we want, including REAL fusion. Tell'em Mikey sent you.

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Frank P.

Long Beach, CA

5 star rating
07/04/2008

I have eaten sushi all over the world, and I am BLOWN away by this place. After reading those two bad reviews, I am dumbfounded. Could you have mistakenly walked into the wrong place and only THOUGHT you were at I Luv Sushi?

I have taken MANY people to this place...most of them are Sushi aficionados. They have commented on how lucky I am to live so close to this place. A few of my friends demand that we stop here directly from Long Beach airport on the way to my house, and make sure that land at a perfect time to go.

Since I discovered this place (about 2 months ago) I have eaten here probably 25 times. I just can't get enough. The rolls are amazing, progressive and very interesting. They definitely have something for everyone. If you try the "Sunrise on Second Street" roll you will be hooked for life.

I have gotten to know the staff, and they always address me by name when I walk in. One of the Sushi chefs (Gobo) even makes me a special albacore dish that is not on the menu, but is one of his favorites. Also, ask them for the FRESH Wasabi...it is really nice.

They have an AMAZING lunch special. For $8.00 you get Miso Soup, A great Salad and your choice of many different entrees. I usually get the Shrimp Tempura Hand Rolls (3 of them). I am not sure how they can do that for $8.00. Damn, it's  only a few bucks more than hitting McDonalds!

I drink a lot when I eat, an I don't think  have ever had to ask for a refill of my soda at this place. Even when they are full (which is most of the time) the service is really impeccable.

So again, I am not sure how those two reviewers could give this place low marks. I am basing my review on approximately 25 visits, so I can't figure out how those two had a bad meal here.

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Celina T.

San Pedro, CA

5 star rating
05/07/2008

AMAZINGGGGG!!!

just like Sushi Studio, less packed which is a plus!!!

If you love fusion rolls, look no further!

They need to expand and open them up all over the place!!

good food, great service... PERFECT!

coming from me, thats saying alot!

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Elite '08

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CJ J.

Norwalk, CA

5 star rating
03/23/2008

I Luv Sushi is GREAT!

We first went to Sushi Studio but after seeing that 10 parties were in front of us in line, along with the chaos in the restaurant and the limited parking, we decided to try I Luv Sushi (the sister store).

The ambiance is TOTALLY different from Sushi Studio! The food is the same (from what Im told) but the decor and environment is different.

Staff is VERY friendly and attentive. The sushi chef even asked us which presentation style we liked better for the Lady in Red. How nice!

Food was great overall. I loved the seaweed salad, agedashi tofu, sunrise on 2nd street, lady in red, and a few others. There was so much food that we ordered!

This is not a "traditional" sushi joint so if you just want some sashimi and salmon rolls don't come here necessarily. If you like you try different combinations of sushi and unique tastes, come here!

YUMMY! :)

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Karrie R.

Lakewood, CA

4 star rating
05/26/2008

I really liked this place. I was able to stroll in on a Saturday night and be seated right away. My daughter was catered to with her special request of extra-extra tofu in her miso.  Their gyoza was delicious =)

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Arlyn G.

Long Beach, CA

5 star rating
03/22/2008

I love sushi and I love I Luv Sushi.  I was actually waiting for this to open as soon as I heard while at Sushi Studio that a sister restaurant would be opening.  I ate here a few days after it's grand opening, which was on Valentine's Day.  I was hoping that the menu would be different, more fabulous fushion-sushi rolls, so I was a little disappointed that it was identical to Sushi Studio.  Nonetheless, it was delish and it's much closer to my house!

Same great hostesses, servers, and sushi chefs.  I was recognized instantly and was happy to chat it up with Keiko on the opening of the new location.  It's nestled in a small shopping strip off Carson and I forget the street, but it's right next to the Lakewood Country Club/Golf course.  I was surprised by the location.  There's a lot of traffic on Carson, but the shopping center isn't that busy.  I would often go there to hit up Z-Pizza, but there is also a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Quizno's, and now Red Mango.  Anyway, the interior is more brightly lit than Sushi Studio and is the typical sushi restaurant with a sushi bar and several tables.  It's much smaller than Sushi Studio, but the decor, the dining ware, and furniture are more chic and elegant than that of its sister establishment.  The business hours are also set up like traditional Japanese restaurants where they are open for lunch from 11:30-2:30 and re-open for dinner service at 5:30.  This also means that there most likely won't be Happy Hour, which draws in huge crowds. 4/1/08 - I take that back.  I Luv Sushi is having happy hour everyday from 5 to 7pm.  Selected rolls are $6 each!  Woo Hoo!

I think they're marketing towards a different crowd - non-college kids, so it's actually a nice date spot.  Not that Sushi Studio isn't, but it's the feel you get once you step inside.  It's a little more upscale, but not to fret, you can still dine in your jeans, t-shirt, and flip flops.  Again, I dined just after its grand opening, so they were still applying for their liquor license.  If they've gotten it, they'll be serving wine, beer, and sake.

Food and service was great.  My brother and I dropped in around 2:15 unbeknownst that the hours were different from Sushi Studio, but they still accommodated us and weren't rushed.  I would take heed in what Mike F. said and try em out before you have to wait ages in line to get seated.

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Laura M.

Downey, CA

5 star rating
03/23/2008

Highly recommended. Cute restaurant with very nice staff. What a bargain..I ordered the yellowtail collar ($8) (which I assumed was an appetizer) and the Oh Crab roll - Spider roll with eel on top ($14). $22 is usually what I spend for a sushi lunch. I always start with the cooked items the first time I try a place and scope out the look, handling, freshness of the raw stuff. The amount of food was ridiculous. The yellowtail collar came with miso soup, salad, rice and 2 huge pieces of wonderful yellowtail. When the "Oh crab" came... I knew I had over-ordered and asked for a box before I even got started. Lunch specials are amazing. Under 10 bucks for a fresh sushi fix! I am constantly looking for good and reasonable sushi  in the (562) that is open for lunch on the weekends...and I think I stumbled on one. It's a keeper. Next time....It will be all about the raw.

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