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Yama Sushi Marketplace
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Yama Sushi Marketplace
8.3
Yama Sushi Marketplace excels as a local favorite for grab-and-go and made-to-order sushi rolls, known for their thick cuts, great freshness, and surprisingly good toro at value prices. The market setup means quick access to pantry items and snacks along with an ever-changing menu of specialty rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro Takuan Roll, Chirashi Bowl, Spicy Tuna Roll
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Japanese market with sushi counter, exceptional value and freshness.
Who should go: Sushi lovers on a budget, quick-lunch crowd, takeout fans.
When to visit: Lunchtime or late afternoon for best selection.
What to order: Toro takuan roll, chirashi bowl, spicy tuna roll.
Insider tip: Ask for freshly sliced sashimi—not just the prepackaged boxes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot with the market; free but can get full during lunch rush. Metered street parking also available on Sawtelle.
Dress code: Very casual—come as you are; jeans, tees, and sneakers perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversations are easy as most guests are in-and-out or doing takeout.
Weekend wait: Very short; rarely more than 10 minutes as most orders are to-go and there’s minimal seating.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically—walk up and order, though popular items may sell out by 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie rolls and inari options are always available.
Vegan options: Few choices; limited to basic avocado rolls, cucumber rolls, and some snacks.
Gluten-free options: Many sashimi and basic rolls are gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area; inquire for details.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—seating is limited and ambiance is focused on quick bites, but works for a casual, low-key meal if both people prefer value sushi.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t needed as seating is first-come, first-served and limited; most guests do takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—quick service and familiar rolls, but limited space for strollers or high chairs; best for families on the go.
Best For
Better for: Excellent for fast, affordable sushi with thick cuts and strong freshness—especially toro and specialty rolls at budget prices.
Skip if: Skip if seeking a long, lingering meal, a traditional sushi bar experience, or extensive vegan options.
Yama Sushi Marketplace
8.3
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
A bustling seafood market with a dedicated sushi counter, Yama excels in fresh nigiri, chirashi bowls, and specialty rolls curated from daily fish arrivals. Shoppers praise its transparency and quality, with counter seating and market pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase Nigiri, Uni Chirashi, Bluefin Tuna Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Direct market-to-sushi bar experience—top fish at fair prices.
Who should go: Sushi purists and seafood bargain hunters.
When to visit: Weekday afternoons for best fish selection.
What to order: Omakase, Uni Chirashi, Daily Special Roll
Insider tip: Watch for rare seasonal special fish announced on whiteboard.
Yama Sushi Marketplace
8.3
Yama Sushi Marketplace brings premium, sashimi-grade fish to 90006 with a focus on freshness and market-style simplicity. Locals count on this compact spot for pristine takeout cuts, prepared sushi boxes, and Japanese grocery finds—delivered daily and often selling out. It's a favorite for high-quality DIY sushi nights with personal attention from knowledgeable staff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chutoro Sashimi, Chef's Nigiri Box, Salmon Onigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Fresh, market-sourced fish and curated sushi takeout.
Who should go: DIY sushi lovers and sashimi purists
When to visit: Weekday afternoons for best fish selection
What to order: Chutoro sashimi, chef nigiri box, salmon onigiri
Insider tip: Arrive early—top cuts sell out by dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 6th and Catalina, metered during the day, often limited—arrive early or use the paid lot at the K-Town Plaza nearby.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are, no dress code enforced.
Noise level: Low—mostly takeout, so conversations are easy if you wait inside.
Weekend wait: 10-20 minutes, with best selection early; later runs risk of sold-out items.
Weekday lunch: No wait for takeout; occasional short line if a delivery order is processing.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, inari, and seaweed salad available.
Vegan options: Limited—however, avocado roll and cucumber roll are vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many sashimi options and rice bowls, but soy sauce packets may contain gluten (bring your own if strict).
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for a casual date if you’re sharing sushi boxes on the go, but atmosphere is grab-and-go, not sit-down romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed—it’s primarily takeout; limited counter seating is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids; no kids menu, but staff happy to customize simple rolls; little room for strollers, so best for quick visits.
Best For
Better for: Outstanding freshness and value for premium-grade fish at a lower price than many LA sushi bars; ideal for DIY sushi nights at home.
Skip if: If you want full service, lingering meals, or hot cooked Japanese food—try a sit-down restaurant instead.