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Yunomi Handroll
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Yunomi Handroll
8.4
Chef David Movsisian's Michelin-rated handroll specialist operates in The Culver Steps with a sleek industrial bar setting and just 24 counter seats. The focused menu delivers fresh handrolls made to order alongside quality sashimi appetizers, Japanese craft beer, and loose-leaf teas served in traditional tetsubin iron teapots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked Crab Roll, Negi Toro Handroll, Soft Shell Crab Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Michelin recognition for focused handroll-centric menu in modern industrial setting
Who should go: Couples wanting efficient yet refined sushi experience without reservations
When to visit: Lunch and dinner daily, use Yelp waitlist during peak
What to order: Handroll sets, baked crab roll, yellowtail serrano sashimi
Insider tip: Free parking nearby; arrive before 6pm to avoid waits
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking in The Culver Steps structure (2-3 hours validated), plus metered street parking on Washington Blvd
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top work perfectly for the counter bar vibe
Noise level: Low to moderate - intimate counter seating makes conversation easy despite open kitchen
Weekend wait: 30-45 min peak times (6-8pm), use Yelp waitlist to reduce wait
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - cucumber handroll and veggie sushi options, but menu is seafood-focused
Vegan options: Very limited - 1-2 vegetable rolls possible without modifications
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available, most handrolls and sashimi naturally gluten-free (confirm sauces)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the counter seating creates natural conversation flow, Michelin pedigree impresses without pretension, and 45-60 minute meal pacing keeps momentum. Just be aware it's quick-service style, not a lingering multi-course experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations, it's counter seating only (24 seats). Join the Yelp waitlist before arriving or show up before 6pm to minimize wait. Weekday lunches are easiest for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and older kids who appreciate sushi - counter seating and quick-bite format aren't ideal for young children. No high chairs or kids menu, but well-behaved tweens/teens will enjoy the interactive handroll experience.
How does this compare to Sugarfish or KazuNori? More craft-focused than KazuNori with Michelin credentials, smaller and more intimate than Sugarfish. Better for dates wanting the handroll specialty without the trust-me omakase commitment or price point of high-end sushi.
What's the actual damage for two people? $60-80 for two with handroll sets, one appetizer to share, and drinks. More affordable than traditional omakase but premium for fast-casual sushi.
Best For
Better for: Couples wanting Michelin-quality handrolls in a casual, no-reservation setting - better craft and technique than chain handroll spots, more intimate and date-appropriate than food hall sushi counters
Skip if: You want a long, leisurely dinner with multiple courses, need extensive cooked options or vegetarian variety, or prefer traditional table seating over counter service
Yunomi Handroll
8.2
Michelin-recognized handroll bar featuring 24 counter seats where sushi chefs prepare premium Japanese and Western-style handrolls to order. The quick-service format delivers omakase-level fish quality in a casual setting, with Korean seaweed adding unique texture to creative combinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yunomi Special Roll, Baked Crab Roll, Spicy Albacore Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Michelin-rated handroll bar with counter seating and high-quality fish
Who should go: Sushi purists wanting quality without the omakase price tag
When to visit: Use Yelp waitlist for prime dinner hours Friday-Saturday
What to order: Baked crab roll, spicy albacore, and yunomi special
Insider tip: 45-minute seating limit during rush - come during off-peak for relaxed pace
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Culver Steps garage $3 for 90 minutes with validation, street parking on Washington extremely limited
Dress code: Casual comfortable - athleisure and sneakers common at counter
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation-friendly but buzzy during peak
Weekend wait: 30-45 min peak hours, use Yelp waitlist to minimize in-person wait
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, walk-in friendly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - 2-3 vegetable-focused handrolls, primarily seafood-driven menu
Vegan options: Very limited - cucumber and avocado options only, not the focus
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce and tempura elements in many rolls, inform server for modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for sushi lovers - counter seating creates natural conversation flow and watching chefs is engaging. However, 45-minute time limit during rush can feel rushed. Best for weekday evenings when more relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Counter seating only, no reservations accepted. Join Yelp waitlist remotely before arriving, or walk in during off-peak (2-5pm weekdays) for immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes but better for older kids (10+) who can sit still at counter for 30-45 minutes. Quick service format works well for shorter attention spans, but no high chairs and limited space between seats.
How does this compare to KazuNori? Similar quick handroll concept but Yunomi offers more creative Western-fusion rolls versus KazuNori's traditional approach. Yunomi's Korean seaweed adds unique texture. Both Michelin-recognized, choose based on traditional vs. innovative preference.
Is one person enough or should I bring friends? Perfect for solo dining - counter seating designed for individuals, you can watch chefs work and order at your own pace. Groups of 2-3 work but larger parties may get separated along counter.
Best For
Better for: Quick Michelin-quality sushi fix without omakase commitment or pricing - premium fish quality in 30-45 minutes. Best for solo diners and sushi purists who want creative takes on handrolls in trendy Culver City setting.
Skip if: You want a leisurely 2-hour meal, need extensive vegetarian options, or prefer traditional nigiri/sashimi over handrolls. Choose Sushi Note or Mori Sushi if seeking full omakase experience, or Destroyer for more adventurous fusion.
Yunomi Handroll
8.6
Michelin-recognized handroll bar from chef David Movsisian featuring Japanese and Western-style temaki with premium seafood. The 24-seat industrial counter in The Culver Steps creates an intimate experience where hand rolls are prepared to order using Korean seaweed and served with curated sake pairings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yunomi Special, Spicy Albacore, Baked Crab Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Michelin-rated handroll specialist with unique Japanese-Western fusion approach
Who should go: Handroll enthusiasts and quality-focused casual diners
When to visit: Lunch for shorter waits, use Yelp waitlist
What to order: Yunomi Special, negi toro, soft shell crab roll
Insider tip: Korean seaweed wrapper adds unique flavor dimension to traditional rolls
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid parking in The Culver Steps structure ($3-5), validated with purchase. Street parking on nearby Venice Blvd but limited availability.
Dress code: Casual cool - jeans and sneakers standard, lean slightly elevated for the trendy vibe
Noise level: Moderate-low - counter seating allows conversation, open kitchen adds ambient energy
Weekend wait: 30-45 min peak hours, use Yelp waitlist to reduce wait
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, counter turnover is relatively quick
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - primarily cucumber and avocado-based rolls, not the focus
Vegan options: Very limited - ask about vegetable rolls without fish-based sauces
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes - seaweed and fish naturally GF, confirm sauces contain no soy sauce
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate counter seating encourages conversation, watching preparation is engaging, and 45-60 min duration keeps things casual without pressure of lengthy commitment
Can I get a table without a reservation? Counter-only seating (no tables). Join Yelp waitlist remotely to minimize on-site wait, or arrive at opening (lunch 11:30am, dinner 5pm) for immediate seating
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens+ who appreciate sushi - counter seating lacks space for restless kids, and premium pricing ($40-50/person) suits mature palates over chicken finger crowds
How many handrolls should I order? 3-4 rolls per person for a full meal - they're substantial but encourage variety. Start with Yunomi Special, then explore Western-style options
Do they take reservations? Walk-in only with Yelp waitlist system - no traditional reservations, which keeps service moving and atmosphere casual
Best For
Better for: Creative handroll innovation and Michelin-quality at accessible prices - Korean seaweed and Japanese-Western fusion set it apart from traditional handroll bars. Better for casual quality seekers than formal omakase crowds.
Skip if: You want full sushi/sashimi variety, need guaranteed immediate seating, or prefer table service over counter interaction. For traditional Edomae-style, hit KazuNori instead.
Yunomi Handroll
8.4
Michelin-rated handroll specialist from renowned chef David Movsisian serving Japanese and Western-style handrolls at a sleek counter-service concept. The 24-seat bar focuses on crispy nori wrapped around premium fish with individual sake and Japanese tea pairings. Founded in 2020, this modern temaki bar delivers consistent quality in The Culver Steps.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yunomi Special Handroll, Spicy Albacore, Baked Crab Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Michelin recognition and counter-only handroll experience from notable sushi chef
Who should go: Handroll enthusiasts and quality-focused diners seeking efficient service
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner to avoid peak crowds
What to order: Yunomi Special, Spicy Albacore, Negitoro Roll
Insider tip: Use Yelp waitlist feature to monitor queue remotely
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Culver Steps garage validation available - $3 for 2 hours with purchase. Street parking on nearby residential streets free after 6pm but competitive. Valet not available.
Dress code: Casual comfortable - counter seating means jeans and sneakers work fine. Most diners in athleisure or casual wear given quick-service format.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - open counter design and hard surfaces create ambient buzz but conversational at normal volume. Not ideal for private discussions.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min peak times (6-8pm Friday-Saturday). Use Yelp waitlist to join remotely and time arrival.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - typically seat within 10 minutes. Busiest 12:30-1pm but turnover quick at counter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - 2-3 vegetarian handrolls available including cucumber and avocado options. Primarily seafood-focused menu.
Vegan options: Very limited - plain vegetable rolls only. Not recommended as primary destination for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce contains gluten (tamari available on request). Rice and fish naturally GF but cross-contact possible at shared counter prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, but with caveats - the counter seating creates intimate side-by-side experience and conversation starter watching chefs work. However, it's casual and quick (45-60 min typical), so better for early-stage casual dates rather than extended romantic dinners. Noise level requires normal speaking volume.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables - only 24 counter seats, first-come basis. No reservations accepted. Join Yelp waitlist remotely before arriving, or expect 30-45 min wait during prime dinner hours. Weekday lunch and off-peak times (before 6pm, after 8:30pm) usually have immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately suitable for older kids (10+) comfortable with sushi and counter seating. No high chairs, kids menu, or typical family amenities. Fast turnover works for families who eat quickly. Younger children may struggle with limited non-raw options and counter-only format.
Best For
Better for: Speed and quality combination - Michelin-rated handrolls in 45 minutes or less. Better than traditional sushi bars when you want premium fish without 2-hour commitment. Ideal for solo diners at the counter and groups of 2-4 who want to watch preparation up close.
Skip if: You want a leisurely multi-course omakase experience, need large group seating (4+ people), prefer traditional table service with privacy, or require extensive vegetarian/vegan options. Choose Sushi Note or Shunji for full omakase, or KazuNori for faster handroll-only chain experience.