Ken Namba

Chef Ken Namba is a veteran sushi chef whose career began in Japan in the 1970s before taking him through restaurants in Los Angeles, Ecuador, Bali, and Malaysia. In 1999, he opened Kiriko Sushi in LA’s Sawtelle district, building a loyal following for his meticulous Edomae-style sushi, seasonal Japanese seafood, and understated, deeply traditional approach to hospitality. Kiriko became one of the defining sushi counters of West Los Angeles and earned a Michelin star in 2021. After 23 years in business, the restaurant closed in 2022 following the sale of the property.