Chef-owner Taketoshi Azumi doesn’t pad his omakase with farmers market treasures, vegan derivations, truffle salt or A5 wagyu. His Shin Sushi in Encino is a sushi bar experience stripped to its essence. Azumi directs his energies almost solely into
kind of guided culinary meditation. Even in an already crowded land of sushi shrines, his level of dedication makes Shin a destination. Azumi in action behind the bar. (Silvia Razgova / For The Times) Shin Sushi Location: 16573 Ventura Blvd., Encino