Encino’s culinary landscape has welcomed an exciting new destination with the arrival of Mizumi Sushi Encino, recently honored with the Dine Awards 2026 Best New Restaurant in Encino. While many restaurants spend years establishing themselves within the community, Mizumi Sushi has already captured attention through its commitment to exceptional ingredients, authentic Japanese craftsmanship, and the remarkable culinary journey of Chef Leo.
Located on Ventura Boulevard, Mizumi Sushi represents the culmination of decades of experience, discipline, and passion for Japanese cuisine. At the center of the restaurant’s story is Chef Leo, whose path began at an age when most teenagers are still discovering their interests.
Chef Leo started his culinary journey at just 15 years old when he began training under legendary sushi master Chef Nozawa, one of the most respected and influential figures in modern Japanese cuisine. The experience provided an intensive foundation rooted in discipline, precision, ingredient quality, and traditional Japanese techniques that continue to shape his philosophy today.
After years of dedicated training and professional experience, Chef Leo went on to become Head Chef at Sushi House Unico in Bel-Air, where he further refined his craft while building a reputation for exceptional seafood sourcing, meticulous preparation, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.
Today, Mizumi Sushi Encino serves as the next chapter in that journey.
“We wanted to create a restaurant where quality comes first,” Chef Leo says. “Everything begins with the ingredients. When you start with exceptional seafood and treat it with respect, the results speak for themselves.”
That philosophy is perhaps most evident in Mizumi Sushi’s sourcing program.
While Chef Leo carefully selects premium seafood from around the world, the majority of the restaurant’s fish comes directly from Tokyo’s renowned Toyosu Market, widely regarded as one of the world’s premier seafood marketplaces. Fresh shipments arrive up to three times each week, allowing Mizumi to offer guests some of the highest-quality seasonal seafood available.
The direct connection to Toyosu Market gives diners access to premium cuts of bluefin tuna, delicate seasonal fish, pristine sashimi selections, fresh uni, and specialty seafood that are typically reserved for high-end Japanese dining experiences.
The restaurant’s menu reflects this commitment to quality. Guests can enjoy luxury ingredients including premium toro, fresh uni, caviar-topped specialties, seasonal sashimi selections, and chef-driven creations designed to highlight the natural flavors of each ingredient.
Among the standout offerings are signature rolls finished with caviar, premium seafood presentations, specialty nigiri selections, and luxurious dishes that showcase the artistry and attention to detail that have become hallmarks of Chef Leo’s cuisine.
The restaurant is currently operating a soft-opening lunch service as a test run while final preparations are completed for its full opening. Guests can dine in for lunch or enjoy takeout and delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates.
According to the restaurant team, this phase allows them to introduce Mizumi Sushi to the community while ensuring every aspect of the guest experience meets their standards before expanding operations.
The excitement surrounding Mizumi Sushi has already translated into recognition. Receiving the Dine Awards 2026 Best New Restaurant in Encino honor before the restaurant’s full opening is a significant achievement and reflects the positive response from early guests.
Beyond the cuisine, visitors are welcomed into a thoughtfully designed dining room that combines contemporary elegance with Japanese-inspired simplicity. Warm wood finishes, clean architectural details, and a welcoming atmosphere create a space that feels both elevated and approachable.
As the restaurant prepares for its grand opening and expanded dinner service in the coming weeks, guests are encouraged to follow Mizumi Sushi on social media for updates, announcements, and special events.
For Chef Leo, the mission remains simple: deliver exceptional Japanese cuisine built on quality, authenticity, and respect for tradition.
With direct access to seafood from Toyosu Market, more than two decades of culinary expertise, and a growing reputation for excellence, Mizumi Sushi is quickly establishing itself as one of Southern California’s most exciting new dining destinations.
Mizumi Sushi Encino
17047 1/2 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, CA 91316
(818) 809-2006
Instagram: @mizumisushiencino
Winner — Dine Awards 2026 Best New Restaurant in Encino
