New Sushi Bar by Ozumo Team Opens Downtown

Serving up small plates starting at $10, Bamboo Izakaya—a new sushi restaurant by the owners of now-defunct Ozumo Santa Monica—opened Friday near the Santa Monica Pier.

Ozumo’s general manager Hiro Christoph moved to the new 5,800 square-foot space on Ocean Avenue, joining executive chef Toshio Sakamaki, who is introducing small plates paired with Ozumo's sake and bar program.

"The cool, clean decor is a far cry from the dark colors that haunted Ozumo in Santa Monica Place," said Eater LA's Daniela Galarza.

Bamboo Izakaya is next to 41 Ocean, an exclusive club that also opened this week.

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The small plates are interpretations of American favorites and traditional Japanese dishes, such as caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella and shiso in a yuzu kosho vinaigrette; and albacore tataki with seared albacore, white onions, pickled cucumbers, sesame dressing and wafu.

"We wanted to create a new casual space where diners come for the drinks and stay for the food," said Ozumo Concepts International founder Jeremy Umland.

Bamboo is at 1541 Ocean Ave., suite 120. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, visit bambooizakaya.com.

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