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Sushi N Matcha Sho
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Sushi N Matcha Sho
7.8
Sushi N Matcha Sho is a newer mom-and-pop spot on Melrose where an older couple turns out careful sushi, sashimi, and matcha drinks at reasonable prices. The focus is on takeaway-friendly sets and compact nigiri that still feel crafted rather than mass-produced.
Must-Try Dishes:
Negi Toro Roll, Baked Dynamite Roll, Unagi Avocado Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Small, owner-operated sushi shop balancing fresh fish with fair pricing.
Who should go: Takeout-focused sushi fans who still care about quality.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner when the counter is most relaxed.
What to order: Negi toro roll, baked dynamite roll, unagi avocado roll.
Insider tip: Order directly and ask about daily specials; they remember regulars’ favorites.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Melrose and side streets; spots turn over quickly during weekdays but can be tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and low-key; most guests come in everyday wear or work attire.
Noise level: Low to moderate, especially during lunch; easy to hold a conversation at the counter.
Weekend wait: Typically no significant wait, though small parties may wait 10–20 minutes during peak hours due to the tiny dining room.
Weekday lunch: No wait in most cases; walk-in friendly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few rolls and sides available, including veggie rolls and simple plates.
Vegan options: Very limited; can request vegetable-only rolls but options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Several sashimi and nigiri items are naturally gluten-free; avoid soy sauce unless you bring a GF version.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Good for a quiet, low-pressure first date if you want something simple and intimate; less ideal if you're seeking atmosphere or a long, lingering meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. The shop operates mostly on a walk-in basis. Arrive early evening to secure counter seats with minimal wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who enjoy sushi; space is tight, and there are no dedicated children’s options, so younger kids may find it less comfortable.
Best For
Better for: Quick, carefully prepared sushi sets at approachable prices without the fuss of larger omakase-style restaurants.
Skip if: You want high-end omakase theatrics, premium cuts, or a long sit-down dinner with atmosphere; choose a more upscale sushi bar instead.
Sushi N Matcha Sho
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Sushi N Matcha Sho is a compact Melrose counter that focuses on roll sets and bento-style combinations at approachable prices. It’s a practical spot for takeout-friendly sushi rolls, with combo boxes and signature roll specials that travel well for nearby studios and apartments.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sp #2 Signature Roll Special, Roll Combination Set, Vegetable Roll Set
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Small Melrose sushi shop emphasizing roll combos, delivery, and everyday pricing.
Who should go: Locals wanting affordable roll sets and reliable takeout.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner for smoother pickup and delivery.
What to order: Sp #2 Signature Roll Special, Roll Combination Set, Vegetable Roll Set.
Insider tip: Use roll combo sets to sample multiple styles, then lock in favorites for future delivery orders.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Melrose and surrounding residential blocks; meters can be tight during peak studio hours but generally manageable with a short walk.
Dress code: Completely casual; come as you are—sweats, jeans, and work attire all fit the norm for quick pickup or counter dining.
Noise level: Low to moderate; it's a compact counter shop with light foot traffic, making it easy to hear conversations or focus on a solo meal.
Weekend wait: Typically minimal; short waits of 5–10 minutes for takeout during peak delivery rushes.
Weekday lunch: Almost always no wait; pickup orders move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable rolls and customizable combo sets work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—some veggie rolls are vegan by default, though options remain basic.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—many rolls can be made gluten-conscious if avoiding soy sauce; no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s more of a counter-service, grab-and-go sushi shop than a sit-down experience. Better suited for a casual, low-pressure meetup.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t used here. Seating is limited but turnover is quick; most guests order takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-friendly for takeout, though limited seating and a compact interior make dine-in less ideal for younger children. Simpler rolls work well for older kids.
Best For
Better for: Affordable roll combos, fast pickup, and reliable delivery—great value compared to pricier Melrose and Fairfax sushi spots.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking premium fish quality, a full dine-in environment, or a date-night atmosphere—other nearby sushi bars excel there.
Sushi N Matcha Sho
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Sushi N Matcha Sho is a compact Melrose counter spot that pairs precise sushi rolls and bowls with surprisingly gentle pricing. Regulars come for hand roll sets, rice bowls, and matcha drinks that travel well for takeout while still feeling a notch more crafted than typical strip-mall sushi.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yum Yum Roll, Spicy Tuna Bowl, Red Dragon Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Hand roll sets and rice bowls deliver serious sushi flavor at takeout-friendly prices.
Who should go: Solo diners and pairs craving high-value sushi bowls.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for minimal wait.
What to order: Yum Yum Roll, spicy tuna bowl, Red Dragon Roll.
Insider tip: Order a hand-roll set and a matcha drink to-go—the seaweed stays crisp if you eat it soon after pickup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Melrose and adjacent residential streets; generally manageable before 6pm but tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and low-key; come as you are, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Low to moderate; easy for solo diners or pairs to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on takeout rush.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple veggie rolls and customizable bowls available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 rolls plus basic sides, but not a fully vegan setup.
Gluten-free options: Many rolls can be made gluten-free if you request no soy sauce; rice bowls are an easy safer pick.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than romantic first dates; the counter-style setup and quick-service rhythm work well for low-pressure hangs but not for long, intimate dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service with walk-in seating; at worst you’ll wait a few minutes during evening rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-friendly for older children who eat sushi or bowls; no dedicated kids menu and limited space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: High-value sushi bowls and hand rolls that outperform nearby spots at this price point; ideal for solo dining and quick meals.
Skip if: You want premium nigiri, omakase-level fish, or a longer sit-down experience—nearby higher-end sushi bars will be better fits.
Sushi N Matcha Sho
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Sushi N Matcha Sho is a compact Melrose counter spot where precise rolls, hand rolls, and rice bowls are priced gently enough for regulars. It feels more like a neighborhood workshop than a scene restaurant, with matcha drinks and takeout-friendly sets that still feel crafted.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yum Yum Roll, Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl, Red Dragon Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Hand roll sets and rice bowls deliver serious sushi flavor at modest prices.
Who should go: Solo diners and pairs craving high-value sushi bowls.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for minimal waiting.
What to order: Yum Yum roll, spicy tuna bowl, a matcha drink.
Insider tip: Order a hand-roll set and sip matcha on-site, then grab a bowl to-go.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Melrose is the main option; expect moderate availability before 6pm and tighter conditions during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; counter-service vibe means anything from jeans to athleisure fits right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy for conversation, with occasional takeout bustle.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on takeout volume; counter seats flip quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait unless there’s a lunch rush from nearby shops.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie rolls and customizable bowls work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of vegetable rolls and sides, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial — rice bowls and some rolls can be made gluten-aware if you skip soy sauce; no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for low-key, casual meetups than romantic first dates; the counter setup works for relaxed conversation but lacks atmosphere for more formal outings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and first-come, first-served. Seats turnover quickly, and many orders are takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sushi or bowls; the compact space isn’t ideal for strollers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: High-value sushi bowls, quick hand rolls, and budget-friendly takeout that still tastes crafted.
Skip if: You want omakase-level fish, a full dining room experience, or an atmospheric date-night setting.