Restaurant: Ootoro Sushi 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
Location: 1569 S. Fairway Dr. #126 B Walnut, CA 91789. 909-598-8299
Date: May 17, 2025
Cuisine: Japanese Fine Dining, Sushi, Sashimi
Rating: Great, but not the best meal we’ve had here
Ootoro Sushi, nestled in the heart of Hacienda Heights, California, is a culinary gem that offers an exquisite Japanese fine dining experience. The restaurant, located at 1569 S. Fairway Dr. #126 B Walnut, CA 91789, is renowned for its exceptional sushi and sashimi, crafted with precision and passion. The dining concept at Ootoro Sushi is a blend of traditional and contemporary, where the art of sushi-making is celebrated and the freshest ingredients are used to create a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.
The atmosphere at Ootoro Sushi is one of understated elegance, with a warm and inviting ambiance that perfectly complements the culinary delights on offer. The restaurant’s interior is tastefully designed, with subtle lighting and minimalist decor that creates a serene dining environment. The sushi bar, where patrons can watch the skilled chefs at work, adds an interactive element to the dining experience.
What sets Ootoro Sushi apart is its commitment to quality and authenticity. The restaurant sources its seafood from the best markets around the world, ensuring that every bite is a testament to the richness and diversity of the ocean’s bounty. The chefs at Ootoro Sushi are masters of their craft, combining traditional techniques with innovative ideas to create dishes that are visually stunning and gastronomically satisfying. In the local dining scene, Ootoro Sushi has carved a niche for itself as a destination for sushi connoisseurs and food enthusiasts alike, offering a dining experience that is both memorable and unique. Visit their website at https://www.ootorosushi.com/ to explore their menu and make a reservation.
Yellowtail tataki. Lightly seared with a cool, silky center and a whisper of charred smoke. Clean, briny-sweet flavor that lets the fish shine.
Lobster “bisque.” Typically velvety and deeply shellfish-forward with a gentle sweetness; the quotation marks hint this is a lighter, less classical take.
The Brother’s Sushi-style rice disc with toro, uni, and caviar. Silky toro and custardy uni drape a compact, slightly sticky rice base, with caviar adding a gentle saline pop.
Massive sashimi plate. Silky, chilled slices with clean ocean sweetness and a tender, lightly firm bite, gleaming with minimalist elegance.
Super Hokkaido hairy crab plate. Sweet, briny, and delicately fibrous, with pearly flesh that pulls into silky strands. Clean ocean flavor lets the natural sweetness shine.
White fish nigiri.
Kama-toro. The fatty tuna collar, intensely marbled and buttery, melts on the tongue with gentle ocean sweetness; a quick sear adds a whisper of smoke.
Seared sushi. Tender fish over lightly vinegared rice—cool, clean flavors and a neat, compact bite.
Wagyu hand roll. Buttery, umami-rich wagyu tucked with warm vinegared rice in crisp nori—lush, delicate, and deeply satisfying.
Trio of ice creams: lemon, strawberry, and green tea. Creamy-smooth scoops with bright citrus, sweet berry, and gently earthy matcha tones; refreshing and nicely balanced.
In conclusion, some thought this was the best ootoro. It was a good one, but it certainly wasn’t the biggest. Still, it had that silky, marbled, melt-in-the-mouth richness and a clean, buttery sweetness.
The first bottle, a sparkling wine by Goutorbe from Champagne, showcases a delightful balance of brioche notes and vibrant acidity, typical of a 2013 vintage. This elegant champagne pairs beautifully with seafood dishes, especially oysters, enhancing their salinity while adding a luxurious touch.
The second bottle, revered Krug from the illustrious Champagne region, exemplifies depth and complexity. Its combination of ripe fruits, toasted nuts, and lingering minerality provides a luxurious mouthfeel, making it an exquisite companion to rich poultry or creamy pasta dishes.
The final offering is a Corton-Charlemagne by Bouchard Père & Fils, hailing from Burgundy’s prestigious vineyards. This white wine exudes notes of citrus and stone fruits, with a hint of oak. Its rich texture and vibrant acidity make it an ideal match for grilled fish or creamy cheeses, elev
The elegant Krug Brut Champagne 2013 hails from the prestigious Krug house in Champagne, France. This vintage beautifully showcases the house signature style with its creamy texture, notes of brioche, and hints of citrus and stone fruits. Perfectly paired with seafood dishes, especially oysters or lobster, this wine accentuates the freshness of the ocean.
The 2008 Louis Jadot Chablis Grand Cru Bougros represents the epitome of Chardonnay from the Chablis region in Burgundy,France. Its complex aromas of ripe apple, flint, and floral notes intermingle with a vibrant minerality, delivering a rich palate with great precision. This wine pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or creamy pasta dishes, enhancing the flavors of the meal.
The Marassyin 2017 from the Kimmeridgian terroir brings a unique expression of Chardonnay
The 2008 Paul Bara Grand Cru Brut Champagne hails from the prestigious Montagne de Reims region, showcasing a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This vintage is a brilliant expression of the terroir, with fine bubbles and notes of toasted brioche, citrus zest, and almond. It pairs beautifully with seafood platters or delicate chicken dishes, enhancing the celebratory nature of each sip.
The 2017 Marco Sanchez Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast offers a rich, creamy texture balanced with vibrant acidity. With flavors of ripe apple, pear, and a hint of vanilla, it is a perfect accompaniment to creamy pasta dishes or grilled chicken, providing a delightful contrast to their savory elements.
The 1985 Hermitage by Jean-Louis Chave is a stunning representation of Northern Rhone’s Syrah, with its deep, complex aromas of dark fruits, smoked meat,
The Y’2007 from Château Yquem in Bordeaux is a luxurious, late-harvest Sauternes characterized by its golden hue and complex aromas of honey, apricot, and vanilla. On the palate, it reveals a rich, luscious sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity, making it an exquisite pairing for foie gras or a decadent dessert featuring stone fruits.
The Marcassin Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast showcases a refined complexity inherent to its cool climate. With notes of green apple, citrus zest, and a subtle hint of oak, this medium-bodied wine offers a smooth texture and a long, elegant finish. Ideal pairings include roasted chicken or creamy pasta dishes that complement its richness.
The Hermitage from Paul Jaboulet Aîné, 1999 vintage, presents a classic representation of Syrah from the Rhône Valley. Its deep garnet color signals depth, while aromas
The 2007 Ygrec Bordeaux Blanc, produced by Château Yquem, showcases a remarkable blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon from the prestigious Sauternes region. This vintage exhibits a golden hue, complemented by notes of ripe citrus, honey, and a hint of floral elegance. The rich texture and balancing acidity make it an exceptional choice for pairing with foie gras or creamy seafood dishes, enhancing the dining experience with its luxurious profile.
Acclaimed for its opulence, this white wine embodies the complexity and finesse that Bordeaux is known for. With subtle hints of tropical fruit and a lingering minerality, the 2007 vintage reflects the exceptional terroir. This wine’s versatility allows it to shine alongside grilled fish or poultry, making it a delightful addition to any fine dining occasion.
