CONCEPT
Sashi serves Japanese haute cuisine in a sensual, gem-like setting. The dining area is infused with tea-house influences and a refreshing beach-side vibe.
In the kitchen and behind the sushi counter, Chef Makoto, of Iron Chef fame, delivers a stunning array of mouthwatering tastes with his signature culinary combinations.
With a menu ranging from traditional Japanese dishes, to sashimi tacos and red-hot robata, Sashi provides a new way to experience dinning in Manhattan Beach.
MAKOTO OKUWA
executive chef + owner
Boasting over eighteen years experience, Makoto Okuwa, brings unparalleled passion to traditional Japanese style. Trained primarily in Edomae-Sushi, Chef Makoto employs a unique take on Japanese cuisine, presenting traditional flavor combinations with an innovative flair to appeal to the sophisticated, contemporary American palate. Having worked alongside some of the world’s most respected sushi masters including famed IRON CHEF, Morimoto, Chef Makoto is adept at creating a distinctive dining experience, pleasing to even the most discriminating patrons.
“I have a true respect for keeping with Japanese tradition but also feel it’s important to add my own variation in order to appeal to a wide array of palates,” shares Makoto. Holding his patrons’ dining experiences in the highest regard, Chef Makoto not only carefully chooses from the freshest hand-selected ingredients, but also presents each dish in a stunning and distinctive manner.
GREGORY HARRIS AND JEFF BENSON
Co-Founders
Greg Harris established his own real estate business which, before long, evolved into The Harris Group | Marcus & Millichap, an investment and real estate advisory brokerage firm based in the South Bay of the greater Los Angeles area. Jeff Benson is a top producing broker and partner in The Harris Group | Marcus & Millichap for 7 years. As the business grew, Harris began to survey additional opportunities and subsequently launched Delmar Equity Partners, specializing in acquiring and developing undervalued commercial investment properties.
With a shared passion for real estate development and fine dining, Harris and longtime business partner, Jeff Benson resolved to launch their first restaurant, Sashi in 2008. Determined to create a unique culinary experience, combining fine cuisine, innovative presentation and a warm, high-energy atmosphere, Harris and Benson set out to create the strongest team possible to bring the venture to fruition. Upon meeting Chef Makoto and GM Leonard Matsumoto, Harris and Benson were convinced they had found the ideal fit.
LEONARD MATSUMOTO
General Manager
A veteran of the restaurant business, Leonard Matsumoto has extensive experience in the LA area including Katsu-ya Brentwood, Chaya Brasserie and most recently, Takami Sushi & Robata Restaurant / Elevate Lounge, where he spearheaded a $10 million venture to open the space on the twenty-first floor in downtown Los Angeles.
These experiences have given Matsumoto a unique exposure to the entertainment space, having contributed to a number of high profile events including the 14th Anniversary Party for “EXTRA”; Vanity Fair Oscar® Party; Golden Globe® After Party for Creative Artists Agency, Oscar® After Party for “A Beautiful Mind” and the Grammy® After Party for BMG.
A longtime resident of South Bay, having lived in the area for over 20 years, Matsumoto’s latest venture, Sashi, is one which is close to home. Setting a new standard in sushi from composition and flavor to ambiance and décor, Sashi is poised to be Matsumoto’s greatest venture yet.
