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Little Sushi Bar
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Little Sushi Bar
7.9
A tiny neighborhood counter turning out colorful specialty rolls and tidy nigiri in a warmly lit space. The compact room and vibrant plating make close-ups pop without needing elaborate setups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crunchy Garden roll, Spicy tuna crispy rice, Salmon yuzu roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Vibrant, well-priced rolls in a cozy, photo-friendly nook.
Who should go: Casual sushi fans on Clement/23rd
When to visit: Open to close—avoid peak 7–8pm lines
What to order: Crunchy Garden, spicy tuna crispy rice, salmon yuzu
Insider tip: Counter seats have the best angle for plating shots.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Clement and 23rd Avenue; spots can be tight after 6pm, but meters are free after 6:30pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and a nice top are perfect; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate—soft background music with enough quiet to hold a conversation easily.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on party size; no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a quick 5-minute turnaround.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable rolls and tofu appetizers are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 veggie rolls and cucumber-avocado combos can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Partial—gluten-free soy sauce available upon request, but rolls share prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you prefer a low-key setting with quality sushi and close seating that encourages conversation; the cozy counter setup feels intimate without being pretentious.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, all seating is first-come, first-served; arriving before 6:30pm or after 8:15pm usually guarantees a spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for very young kids due to the compact layout, but older children comfortable at sushi counters will be fine.
Best For
Better for: Quick, quality sushi in a relaxed setting where plating and presentation shine without omakase pricing.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale omakase or group-friendly seating—try Shoshin Sushi or Amami instead.
Little Sushi Bar
8.0
Cozy, reservation-friendly neighborhood spot praised for generous fish cuts and a value-driven sushi dinner set. It’s a low-key date option where you can actually talk and still eat well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro Toro roll, Gundam roll, Sushi Dinner set
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Tiny room with big-value sets and well-executed rolls.
Who should go: Budget-savvy sushi couples
When to visit: Early evening before peak walk-in rush
What to order: Toro Toro; Gundam roll; sushi dinner
Insider tip: Counter seats turn around fastest if there’s a wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only along Balboa and nearby side streets; availability improves after 7pm but can be tight on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; date-night attire fits the tone but neat jeans and a button-down are fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate – you can easily hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak 6–8pm window.
Weekday lunch: No wait; steady but manageable flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several veggie rolls and tempura options available.
Vegan options: Limited – can customize avocado and cucumber rolls.
Gluten-free options: Yes – soy sauce substitute available upon request; sashimi and nigiri safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the quiet room, attentive service, and modest size make it an ideal low-pressure first-date sushi spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are occasionally possible before 6pm, but weekend evenings typically require a reservation due to limited seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly – seating is tight and geared toward adults or small parties of two; best for couples or solo diners.
Best For
Better for: Offering strong quality-to-price ratio for premium fish cuts in a calm, conversational setting.
Skip if: You want omakase theatrics or group-friendly seating; the room is intimate and better suited for pairs.
Little Sushi Bar
8.0
Tiny counter-style spot known for value combos and straightforward, fresh rolls. It’s the Richmond’s quiet fix when you want a quick maki set or a simple roll plus miso without ceremony.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Roll, California Roll, Lion King (baked salmon)
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: No-frills, fast sets with dependable fish at wallet-friendly prices.
Who should go: Solo diners and weeknight regulars
When to visit: Early evening 5–6:30pm for fastest turnaround
What to order: Spicy Tuna Roll; Lion King; nigiri add-on set
Insider tip: Counter seats turn quickest—order a combo and add a roll.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Lake Street and nearby residential blocks; generally available before 6pm but tight during dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual—most guests come in everyday wear; no dress expectations.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly quiet with soft background chatter; easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes since the counter fills quickly; takeout moves faster.
Weekday lunch: No wait or brief 5-minute pause for takeout prep.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—basic veggie rolls and cucumber-avocado combinations available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 simple roll options; no vegan sauces or miso.
Gluten-free options: Yes, but informal—request no soy sauce or tempura; rice and fish are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both love low-key, no-frills sushi—more of a quick, casual stop than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t needed; it’s walk-in only with fast turnover at the counter.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids comfortable at a counter; no dedicated children’s menu but rolls and miso work fine.
Best For
Better for: Solo sushi runs, quick weeknight meals, or a light bite on a budget.
Skip if: You’re after an upscale sushi experience or extended sit-down dinner.
Little Sushi Bar
7.8
A no-frills sushi spot offering generous portions and affordable prices, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
5-Piece Nigiri Set, Spicy Tuna Roll, House Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Offers high-quality sushi at budget-friendly prices.
Who should go: Ideal for solo diners and those seeking a quick, satisfying meal.
When to visit: Weekdays for a quieter dining experience.
What to order: The 5-Piece Nigiri Set, Spicy Tuna Roll, and House Salad are popular choices.
Insider tip: Perfect for takeout or a casual dine-in experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available, but it can be challenging to find a spot during peak hours, especially in the evenings.
Dress code: Casual - Jeans and a t-shirt are perfectly fine, but you might want to dress a bit up if dining with others.
Noise level: Moderate - It's a small, casual setting where conversation is easily heard, though it can get a bit louder during lunch rush.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation, especially during busy dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, as it's a quieter time.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there are vegetarian options like the Veggie Roll and Avocado Rolls.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options such as the Vegan Roll and Tofu Sushi.
Gluten-free options: Yes - there are gluten-free options, but cross-contamination is possible, so inform the staff if you have dietary restrictions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It's not the most romantic, as the vibe is casual and no-frills, but if you're looking for a relaxed, low-pressure date over sushi, it's a solid choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially during the week. It can get busy during peak hours, so it's a good idea to call ahead if you're visiting on a weekend evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, this place is great for kids, especially for a quick meal. The informal vibe and generous portion sizes make it a good choice for families.
Best For
Better for: Little Sushi Bar is better for quick, budget-friendly sushi with generous portions. It's perfect for solo diners or takeout.
Skip if: Skip if you're looking for an upscale, romantic sushi experience with a more refined atmosphere.