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ZipPicks Awards

Best Date Night Sushi in Los Angeles Best Sushi in Los Angeles Best Japanese in Los Angeles

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Sushi Palace Hollywood 7.9
Fairfax
A European sushi chain's first American location that leans into high-technique presentations—wagyu nigiri, hamachi mango, composed rolls—paired with a soju-and-sake-only drink program that keeps the focus tight. The room runs loud with trance and jazz on weekends, so it plays better as a social date night than a quiet conversation spot. Seasonal menu rotations every four months give regulars a reason to come back, though the brand is still proving itself in the LA sushi landscape.
Must-Try Dishes: Hamachi Mango, Salmon Sushi Spoon, Wagyu Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.5 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 8 Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: First US outpost of a 50-location European sushi group, with a soju-and-sake-only cocktail program and a seasonal menu that rotates every four months.
Who should go: Date-night couples and happy hour seekers on Melrose
When to visit: Happy hour Tuesday through Sunday, 5 to 8 PM
What to order: Start with the Hamachi Mango sashimi and a Salmon Sushi Spoon, split a Surf & Turf roll, and pair everything with a soju cocktail from the bar.
Insider tip: Tuesday through Thursday after 8 PM they run a 'Roll the Dice' promotion where you roll for your cocktail price.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet parking available on-site; street parking on Melrose Ave near Highland—plan for a short walk on busy nights
Dress code: Smart casual to upscale—think date-night attire; the interior skews lounge/fine dining so skip the athleisure
Noise level: Moderate to loud—trance and jazz music with a nightclub-adjacent vibe; lean-in-to-talk territory on weekend evenings
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended; expect delays even with a booking on peak Friday/Saturday nights
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including Truffle Edamame, Yuzu Avocado Crispy Rice, veggie tempura, avocado rolls, and veggie gyoza
Vegan options: Listed as offering vegan dishes; specific items not individually labeled on the menu—ask your server
Gluten-free options: Listed among available amenities; items not individually labeled—ask your server for specifics
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — this is an excellent first date spot. The fine dining sushi-and-steaks concept features dim pink-accented lighting, plush green suede booths, and a lounge-like R&B soundtrack that keeps things relaxed but upscale. Tables are well-spaced enough for easy conversation, and the intimate layout feels more like a stylish living room than a typical sushi bar. Request a booth for extra privacy. Smart casual dress code. Note: music volume can pick up on busy weekend nights, so earlier reservations (around 5–6 PM) tend to be quieter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Reservations are strongly recommended — this is a fine dining venue that fills up, especially on weekends. Weekday early dinners (5–6 PM) are your best bet for availability. They run a happy hour daily from 5–8 PM with 50% off sushi and cocktails, which draws a crowd. Bar seating may be available for walk-ins, but call ahead at (310) 936-3366 to confirm. Closed Mondays.
Is it kid-friendly? No — this is an adults-oriented fine dining venue. No kids menu or high chairs were found listed. The nightclub-influenced ambiance with dim mood lighting, trance-jazz music, and a cocktail-forward program is geared toward an adult crowd. Teens who can appreciate a multi-course fine dining experience with A5 Wagyu and premium sushi may enjoy it, but younger children would be out of place. Call (310) 936-3366 to confirm their policy if needed.
Is it good for groups? Difficult for large groups. The restaurant does not accommodate large private parties, and no private dining rooms are available. Intimate booth and table seating is designed more for couples and small parties. Groups of 4 can dine comfortably. For anything over 6, call the restaurant directly — they offer chef's table experiences that may work for special occasions. Private events are available on request but require advance coordination.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — limited outdoor seating is available along the Melrose Ave sidewalk frontage. The patio is dog-friendly. However, the street-facing location can be noisy, and it's not confirmed whether the outdoor area is covered or heated. For the best experience — the signature dim lighting and lounge atmosphere — indoor seating is recommended. Call to confirm outdoor availability, especially on weekends.
Best For
Better for: Date nights and celebrations; happy hour (50% off, 5–8 PM daily) is standout value; shareable small plates work well for groups
Skip if: You want lunch (dinner-only, opens 5 PM), need a quiet conversation spot, or are looking for large-portion budget sushi

Hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday5pm - 11pm
Wednesday5pm - 11pm
Thursday5pm - 11pm
Friday5pm - 11pm
Saturday5pm - 11pm
Sunday5pm - 11pm