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The Hummingbird
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The Hummingbird
8.6
Chef Ricardo Zarate brings Michelin-recognized Nikkei cuisine to this vibrant Echo Park ceviche bar opened in August 2024. The inventive Japanese-Peruvian fusion features technicolor ceviches, hefty hand rolls, and theatrical plating assembled at the turquoise-quartz bar, all in a scrappy-chic space with live piano music.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon Tiradito with Miso, Yellowtail Tostada, Shrimp Dumpling Ceviche
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized chef's Nikkei fusion with fine dining execution at casual prices
Who should go: Adventurous diners seeking innovative seafood under $30
When to visit: Dinner Tuesday-Saturday or Sunday brunch
What to order: Salmon tiradito, yellowtail tostada, shrimp dumpling ceviche, scallop hand roll
Insider tip: No liquor license yet but offers THC beverages; live music adds ambiance
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive after 6pm but easier than most Echo Park spots; arrive 10-15 min early or use ride-share
Dress code: Elevated casual - nice jeans and a button-down work, but you'll see cocktail dresses at the bar; avoid athleisure
Noise level: Lively but conversational - live piano adds energy without overpowering; bar seats louder than tables
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday-Saturday; reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Brunch only on Sundays; Tuesday-Thursday dinner typically 20-30 min wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but creative - 3-4 options including mushroom ceviche and vegetable hand rolls; focus is seafood-forward
Vegan options: Very limited - 1-2 options possible with modifications; call ahead to confirm availability
Gluten-free options: Yes - most ceviches naturally GF, but confirm sauces; tostadas can be skipped, hand rolls use sushi rice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate bar seating encourages conversation, theatrical plating creates shared moments, and sub-$30 price point feels impressive without financial pressure. Live piano adds romance without being overly formal. Reserve a table over bar seats for less chaos.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible Tuesday-Thursday if you arrive right at 5:30pm opening or after 8:30pm. Weekends are nearly impossible - book 1-2 weeks ahead. Bar seats are first-come but expect 30-45 min waits after 7pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - no kids menu, intimate space with bar focus, and adventurous flavors. Teens 14+ who eat sushi will enjoy it, but skip for families with kids under 12 or picky eaters.
How long should I plan for dinner? Budget 90 minutes - ceviches arrive quickly but pacing encourages leisurely grazing. Rush crowds arrive 7-8pm; earlier or later slots feel more relaxed.
Is it worth the hype for the price? Absolutely - Michelin-level technique at $25-35 per person is rare. Portions are tapas-style so order 3-4 dishes to share, but quality rivals places charging double.
Best For
Better for: Choose The Hummingbird when you want Michelin-caliber creativity without fine dining formality or prices - the Nikkei fusion is more inventive than traditional ceviche spots, and the scrappy-chic vibe feels more authentic than polished competitors. Best for adventurous eaters who prioritize technique and Instagram moments over huge portions.
Skip if: Pick elsewhere if you want a quiet, intimate space (it's lively), need large portions (tapas-style), prefer traditional Peruvian over fusion, or have young children. Also skip if you need full bar service until they get their liquor license - THC beverages aren't everyone's preference.
The Hummingbird
8.6
Chef Ricardo Zarate's scrappy Nikkei ceviche bar blends Japanese technique with Peruvian flavors in a pink-lit Echo Park space. Hefty hand rolls packed with sashimi, lip-puckering ceviches, and creative seafood preparations deliver fine-dining quality at neighborhood prices, though the no-liquor-license status means BYOB or hemp-infused drinks only.
Must-Try Dishes:
Scallop Aguachile with Pepper Ash, Sea Bass Ceviche, Crab Hand Rolls
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Michelin and James Beard-recognized chef's accessible Nikkei seafood concept
Who should go: Adventurous eaters seeking chef-driven creativity without fine-dining prices
When to visit: Tuesday through Sunday dinner; weekend brunch available
What to order: Hand rolls first, then mix of ceviches and aguachiles
Insider tip: No alcohol license yet but staff serves complimentary chicha morada
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - challenging after 7pm on weekends. Park on residential streets 2-3 blocks west. Arrive 15 minutes early or rideshare recommended.
Dress code: Casual-chic - jeans and nice top works perfectly. The pink neon vibe is Instagram-friendly so dress for photos. Sneakers to heels all spotted.
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - small 20-seat space with acoustic-friendly design. Perfect for hearing your date without shouting.
Weekend wait: 45-75 minutes without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm. Reservations via Resy strongly recommended - they go fast.
Weekday lunch: No brunch on weekdays. Dinner Tuesday-Thursday typically 15-20 minute wait or walk right in before 6:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but creative - 3-4 vegetable-focused ceviches and aguachiles using mushrooms, hearts of palm, avocado. Call ahead for best options.
Vegan options: Challenging - 1-2 options possible but seafood-centric menu. Not ideal for strict vegans, better as part of mixed group.
Gluten-free options: Yes - ceviches and aguachiles are naturally GF. Hand rolls use rice wrappers. Kitchen aware of cross-contamination, inform server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent first date spot - intimate 20-seat space creates natural conversation, shareable format breaks ice, and affordable price ($40-60/person) removes pressure. Pink neon lighting is flattering. BYOB wine adds personal touch. Just avoid if they hate seafood.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Risky on weekends - only 20 seats total. Best shot is Tuesday-Thursday before 6:30pm or right at 5pm opening. Weekend walk-ins face 45+ min waits. Resy reservations drop 2 weeks out and fill within hours. Set alerts or check for cancellations day-of.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (12+) who eat adventurous seafood. No kids menu, small intimate space not ideal for restless young ones. The creative Nikkei flavors (citrus, aji amarillo, yuzu) might be too bold for picky eaters under 10.
What should I bring since it's BYOB? Bring crisp white wine (Albariño, Grüner Veltliner) or sake - pairs perfectly with ceviche acidity. No corkage fee. They provide glassware. Staff also serves complimentary chicha morada (Peruvian purple corn drink) if you skip alcohol.
How much should I budget per person? $45-65 per person for satisfying meal. Start with 2-3 hand rolls ($8-14 each), share 2 ceviches ($14-18), maybe one hot dish. BYOB keeps costs down - bring $15-25 wine instead of $45+ restaurant markup.
Is the wait worth it if I don't have a reservation? Yes if under 45 minutes and you're not starving - grab drinks at Lowboy or Button Mash nearby. Over an hour on empty stomach? Skip it. Quality is exceptional but there are other great Echo Park options if you're hangry.
Best For
Better for: Getting Michelin-level Nikkei cuisine at 1/3 the price of places like Morihiro or Shibumi. The hand rolls rival high-end sushi spots but cost $8-14 vs $25+. Best for adventurous couples who want chef-driven creativity in an intimate, affordable setting. The BYOB model lets you drink better wine for less.
Skip if: You want full bar service (no liquor license yet), need guaranteed seating without planning ahead, have picky eaters who won't try bold citrus-forward flavors, want a large group (20-seat space), or prefer traditional sushi over Peruvian-Japanese fusion. Also skip if your date hates seafood - there's basically nothing else.