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Sushi Goemon
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Sushi Goemon
8.1
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Neighborhood favorite blending classic nigiri with playful, colorful rolls that photograph beautifully. Warm staff and lively energy make it a reliable Inner Sunset pick.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goemon special roll, Salmon belly nigiri, Baked scallop roll
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Color-forward rolls and hearty portions with friendly service.
Who should go: Groups wanting fun, photogenic rolls
When to visit: Early dinner before prime-time rush
What to order: Goemon special, baked scallop roll, salmon belly
Insider tip: Ask for off-menu nigiri cuts if seated at the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Irving and side streets; can be tight after 6:30pm, so arrive early or use the 9th & Irving public lot two blocks away.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—neat jeans and button-ups fit right in; no need to dress up unless it’s a special night out.
Noise level: Moderate buzz during dinner; lively but you can still hold a normal conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours (6:30–8:00pm).
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though a short queue forms around 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie rolls, cucumber, avocado, and inari options available.
Vegan options: Limited—some rolls can be customized if you ask to omit mayo or sauces.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available on request; avoid tempura and imitation crab rolls.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its lively but not chaotic vibe, friendly staff, and colorful plating make it relaxed yet engaging for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for small parties if you arrive early; for groups of 4+ on weekends, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common here. Staff are welcoming to kids, and simple rolls or udon bowls work well for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: More playful and social than the minimalist sushi counters nearby—ideal for colorful rolls and lively group meals.
Skip if: You’re seeking a hushed omakase or chef’s-choice experience; quieter sushi bars like Ebisu fit that bill better.
Sushi Goemon
8.1
Cozy, chef-led sushi house on Irving with a focused nigiri lineup and a solid sake selection. Comfortable pacing and well-seasoned rice make it an easy, low-key date night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s choice nigiri set, Chirashi don, Hamachi jalapeño roll
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Well-balanced nigiri and friendly pacing in a compact room.
Who should go: Sake-and-nigiri couples
When to visit: Early evening before the dinner rush
What to order: Nigiri set, chirashi, daily special roll
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu nigiri cuts if you’re at the counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Irving and side streets; can be tight after 6pm, but nearby residential spots open up after 8pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but lean neat—typical date-night sushi attire.
Noise level: Moderate; you can hold a full conversation, though it can get livelier during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seats open up a bit faster.
Weekday lunch: No wait; relaxed pace and easy seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – avocado rolls, veggie tempura, and cucumber maki are consistent standbys.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 rolls and side salads, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partially – gluten-free soy sauce available on request, but shared prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – it’s relaxed but refined enough to impress. The cozy size keeps things intimate without pressure, and service pacing lets you linger comfortably.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes if you arrive before 6:30pm; otherwise expect a short wait. Counter seats often open first.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; better suited to adults and couples. No high chairs or children’s menu, though older teens would fit fine.
Best For
Better for: A more relaxed, neighborly sushi date night compared to the formality of omakase-focused spots like Zentarou.
Skip if: You’re seeking a high-end omakase or large group setup—this is an intimate, small-scale experience.
Sushi Goemon
8.1
Friendly neighborhood spot with a broad roll lineup, generous portions, and easy weeknight availability. The menu spans baked, tempura, and fresh rolls with reliable flavors at fair prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lion King Roll, Dragon Roll, 49ers Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Classic and baked rolls with neighborhood pricing and portions.
Who should go: Casual sushi roll seekers
When to visit: Weeknights 6–7 pm for quick seating
What to order: Lion King; Dragon Roll; Spicy Tuna Hand Roll
Insider tip: Request sauces on the side to keep baked rolls crisp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Irving and 9th Avenue; generally easier after 7 pm but tight during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, or park attire are fine; no formalwear needed.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is easy at booths, slightly louder near the sushi bar.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes at peak hours; quicker for small parties before 6:30 pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk right in before 12:30 pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie rolls like avocado, cucumber, and mixed veggie options.
Vegan options: Limited—only a few rolls without mayo or sauces, but staff can customize.
Gluten-free options: Partially—gluten-free soy sauce available on request, but shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure dinner than a romantic first date—friendly staff and quick service but not intimate lighting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Goemon is walk-in friendly; reservations are rarely needed unless bringing a group on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—plenty of booth seating, high chairs available, and approachable menu options like California rolls and teriyaki.
Best For
Better for: Baked and specialty rolls at solid value—portion size and casual ease outperform trendier sushi spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for omakase or high-end nigiri—head to Ebisu or Zentarou for that level of polish.
Sushi Goemon
7.9
Friendly Irving Street spot balancing nigiri sets, chirashi, and familiar rolls with fair pricing. Consistent ticket times and steady quality make it an easy Central Sunset standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s Nigiri Set, Chirashi, Sunset Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Neighborhood sushi with balanced menu and reliable pacing.
Who should go: Casual sushi regulars
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for fastest turnaround
What to order: Nigiri set, chirashi, hamachi kama when available
Insider tip: Call ahead for hamachi collar—limited at peak times.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Irving and nearby side streets; easier before 6pm but can fill quickly after peak hours. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—comfortable attire is fine, though many diners dress neatly for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate; conversational but active dining room. You can hear your companions without shouting.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes typical without a reservation, longer after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or short wait under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie rolls, salads, and tofu appetizers available.
Vegan options: Limited—can request avocado or cucumber rolls, but sauces may contain fish-based elements.
Gluten-free options: Partially—sashimi and some rolls can be made GF if you bring or request tamari instead of soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works well for a low-pressure first date—comfortable tables, approachable menu, and friendly service make it easygoing rather than formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Goemon mainly takes walk-ins. Arrive early on weekends to avoid a wait or call ahead to check current crowd levels.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common here. Staff are patient with kids, and there are accessible menu options like teriyaki, udon, and basic rolls.
Best For
Better for: Casual neighborhood sushi nights with fair pricing and consistency across the menu.
Skip if: You’re seeking omakase-level finesse or an upscale sushi bar experience—opt for Koo or Ebisu instead.
Sushi Goemon
7.9
Friendly Irving Street spot balancing nigiri sets, chirashi, and familiar rolls with fair pricing. Consistent ticket times and steady quality make it an easy neighborhood standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s Choice Nigiri, Hamachi Kama, Sunset Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Balanced sushi menu with strong value on Irving.
Who should go: Neighborhood sushi regulars
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for fastest turnaround
What to order: Chef’s nigiri set, hamachi kama, Sunset roll
Insider tip: Call ahead for hamachi collar—limited quantities at peak times.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Irving and 9th Avenue; meters free after 6pm but can be tight during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual; jeans and sweaters are fine—no need to dress up unless it’s a special occasion.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is easy at smaller tables, but it can get lively during weekend dinners.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without a reservation, quicker for smaller parties.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except on rainy days when locals crowd in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado, cucumber, and mixed veggie rolls are available.
Vegan options: Limited—2–3 maki options plus seaweed salad and edamame.
Gluten-free options: Partially—ask for gluten-free soy sauce; some rolls can be adjusted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—quiet enough for conversation and friendly staff make it feel low-pressure, though lighting leans bright and casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for parties of two if you arrive before 6:30pm; call ahead for groups or weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent it for casual sushi nights; they offer cooked rolls and teriyaki plates suitable for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Steady quality and neighborhood pricing—great for consistent, no-fuss sushi compared to trendier omakase spots.
Skip if: You’re chasing high-end omakase artistry or want a modern ambiance; try Koo or Ebisu instead.