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Yume Sushi Bar
Master Critic Review
Yume Sushi Bar
8.4
Modern Japanese spot with Chef Shige's 40+ years of expertise translating into creative specialty rolls and pristine nigiri. The sleek wood-accented space balances casual accessibility with special-occasion quality, drawing crowds for signature rolls like the Citrus Roll and fresh truffle preparations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Citrus Roll, Truffle Halibut Sashimi, Dream Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Chef Shige's scratch sauces and truffle-enhanced signature rolls
Who should go: Couples and groups wanting modern sushi in stylish setting
When to visit: Make reservations; crowds start at 5:30pm weekdays
What to order: Citrus roll, red snapper with yuzu kosho, kanpachi
Insider tip: Reservations essential; walk-ups often turned away at dinner
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Ventura Blvd and side streets; metered until 8pm weekdays. Small lot behind building often full after 6pm. Consider rideshare for weekend evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual works best - dark jeans and nice top fits the modern vibe. Skip gym wear but no need for full formal.
Noise level: Moderate during early dinner (5:30-7pm), gets lively after 8pm with bar crowd. Can still have conversation but not intimate-quiet.
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation after 7pm; reservations book up 1-2 weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie rolls (cucumber, avocado, asparagus tempura) plus inari and vegetable tempura. Staff accommodating with modifications.
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 veggie rolls can be made without mayo-based sauces. Ask for tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - most specialty rolls use tempura or soy-based sauces. Sashimi is safe option; request tamari and confirm with server about cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the sleek, modern ambiance and dim lighting create romantic atmosphere without being overly formal. Sharing rolls is natural conversation starter. Book 6:30pm for prime timing before louder bar crowd arrives.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult at dinner - walk-ups often turned away after 6pm, especially weekends. Your best shot: arrive right at 5:30pm opening or try lunch/late night (after 9:30pm). Weekday lunch doesn't require reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and tweens (12+) who appreciate quality sushi. The trendy atmosphere and date-night crowd make it less ideal for young children. No kids menu, but California rolls and chicken teriyaki available. Skip if you have toddlers.
How does it compare to other sushi on Ventura? More refined than Katsuya's scene, less traditional than Asanebo. Chef Shige's 40-year expertise shows in technique, but it's approachable rather than omakase-intimidating. Better quality than conveyor spots, more affordable than premium sushi bars.
What's the damage for two people? $80-120 for two with 2-3 specialty rolls, appetizer, and drinks. Specialty rolls run $15-22. Sake selection adds $12-18 per carafe. Can stay under $70 if you stick to classic rolls and skip alcohol.
Is the bar good for solo dining? Yes - sushi bar seating is comfortable for solo guests. Chef Shige and staff engage with diners. More approachable than stuffy omakase bars. Peak solo hours: weekday lunch or post-8:30pm when bar scene picks up.
Best For
Better for: Creative specialty rolls with modern twists (truffle, citrus elements) in stylish setting. Best when you want date-night polish without omakase prices or formality. Chef Shige's technique elevates it above typical mall sushi while staying accessible.
Skip if: You want traditional Edomae-style omakase, need a quiet business dinner, or have young kids in tow. Also skip if you're gluten-free (very limited options) or want guaranteed walk-in seating on weekends. Choose elsewhere for low-key neighborhood sushi or ultra-premium omakase experience.