A Field History of Ventura Boulevard’s Sushi Corridor
Sushi by Scratch (Encino)
EncinoOPENLast verified 2026-06-19
An intimate omakase counter at 16101 Ventura Blvd, Encino — opened around 2017 as the speakeasy “Sushi|Bar” hidden behind chefs Phillip Frankland Lee & Margarita Kallas-Lee’s Scratch Bar, now the flagship of their “Sushi by Scratch Restaurants” brand. A ~17-course omakase (~10 seats, ~$165). NOTE: the brand’s Michelin star (2021 & 2022) is the MONTECITO location, not this Encino original. Shares its complex with the Michelin-starred Pasta|Bar.
How to read the verdictsVERIFIED confirmed against sources ONE WITNESS a single account CONTESTED sources disagree LORE repeated, unverifiable LIVING a number that changes BUSTED the record contradicts it. Every claim shows its sources; prices & counts are living numbers — verify before you dine.
Current owner / ownership
VERIFIED
Owned by chefs Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee (Scratch Restaurants).
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants — official — sushibyscratchrestaurants.com · link
Awards & recognition
VERIFIED
The Sushi by Scratch Michelin star (2021 & 2022) is the brand’s MONTECITO location; the Encino original is not Michelin-starred.
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants — official — sushibyscratchrestaurants.com · link
Signature dish(es)
LIVING
A 17-course omakase served at an intimate counter seating about ten; roughly $165 per person (a living number — about $125 in 2019).
SushiBar Encino: A Sushi Experience — Please the Palate (2019) · link
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants — official — sushibyscratchrestaurants.com · link
Originally known as “Sushi|Bar,” the omakase is now branded “Sushi by Scratch Restaurants,” the Lees’ national omakase brand.
SushiBar Encino: A Sushi Experience — Please the Palate (2019) · link
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants — official — sushibyscratchrestaurants.com · link
Location
VERIFIED
Located at 16101 Ventura Blvd, Encino — the same Scratch Restaurants complex as the Michelin-starred Pasta|Bar.
SushiBar Encino: A Sushi Experience — Please the Palate (2019) · link
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants — official — sushibyscratchrestaurants.com · link
The subject’s own story
VERIFIED
Part of chef Phillip Frankland Lee’s Scratch Restaurants; the Sushi by Scratch omakase brand has since expanded to other cities from this Encino original.
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants — official — sushibyscratchrestaurants.com · link