Chef Tetsuya Nakao at Asanebo Sushi, Los-Angeles

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About Chef Tetsuya Nakao

Tetsuya Nakao is the chef-owner of Asanebo Sushi, renowned for his modern Japanese cuisine and innovative omakase. He is also recognized for his unique journey from a 'cowboy' to a sushi master and more recently, a social media star, actively creating content for his platforms.

★Awards & Recognition

Michelin Star (1 star) (2024)★Jonathan Gold's Review of Asanebo (2015-05-01)

Chef Timeline

Before 1982

Worked as a cowboy

Prior to his culinary career, Tetsuya Nakao had a unique background as a cowboy.

1982

Arrived in America

Tetsuya Nakao immigrated to the United States.

Early career

Original chef

Matsuhisa

Tetsuya Nakao was among the original chefs who helped establish Matsuhisa.

1991

Co-founded and became Chef-owner

Asanebo Sushi

Co-founded Asanebo Sushi with his brother Shunji Nakao.

2025

Became social media star

Asanebo Sushi

Gained recognition as a social media personality, filming videos of his culinary work.

Insights

Key Information

Tetsuya Nakao is the chef-owner of Asanebo Sushi, renowned for his modern Japanese cuisine and innovative omakase. He is also recognized for his unique journey from a 'cowboy' to a sushi master and more recently, a social media star, actively creating content for his platforms.

Customer Perception

Customers consistently praise Asanebo for its exceptional omakase experience, often describing it as elevating the dining state. Reviews highlight the restaurant as a highly rated and sleek Japanese spot in Studio City, known for its quality and sophisticated offerings.

Cuisine Highlights

Modern Japanese sushiCreative OmakaseLuxurious ingredient pairings

News

From cowboy to sushi chef to social media star, Tetsuya Nakao is doing it 'Asanebo style' (Los Angeles Times, Aug 18, 2025)
Inside Asanebo - All Things Andy Gavin (Oct 15, 2023)

Restaurants by chef

Asanebo Sushi, Matsuhisa

Iconic dishes

Crispy rice "pizza", Chawanmushi, Omakase menu

Additional Details

Tetsuya Nakao co-founded Asanebo with his younger brother, Shunji Nakao, who later opened his own restaurant. Nakao is known for incorporating luxurious ingredients like uni, wagyu, caviar, and gold flake into his dishes, showcasing a creative and indulgent approach to sushi. He has embraced social media, filming videos of his culinary creations.

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