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.

Summary written by the editors from the sourced claims below — every individual claim carries its own verdict and citations.

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
Sushi by Scratch — Time Out Los Angeles · link

The name — meaning / origin

VERIFIED

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

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