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Hama Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Hama Sushi
8.3
Old-school sushi bar energy with a tight focus on raw fish and hand rolls. The cuts are clean, the rice is lightly seasoned, and regulars swear by the hand roll program. It’s cramped and no-frills, but the fish quality keeps it packed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna hand roll, Albacore toro nigiri, Santa Barbara uni
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Classic bar sushi with standout hand rolls.
Who should go: Purists who care more about fish than decor.
When to visit: Right at opening to dodge waits.
What to order: Spicy tuna hand roll, uni, any daily toro.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for the freshest pacing.
Hama Sushi
8.1
A tight, no-frills sushi bar with old-guard Little Tokyo credibility and fish that tastes far pricier than the bill. Expect a wait and a focused menu that prizes simplicity.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Hand Roll, Uni Nigiri, Albacore Toro Sashimi
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Affordable, high-quality sushi in a classic bar setting.
Who should go: Purists hunting value.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner weekdays.
What to order: Spicy tuna hand roll, uni, albacore toro.
Insider tip: Order hand rolls as they’re made—don’t let them sit.
Hama Sushi
8.2
A classic Little Tokyo sushi bar with thousands of combined reviews and a straightforward fish-and-rice focus. The menu favors traditional nigiri and sashimi with a lively, unfussy room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi Set Meal, Soft-Shell Crab Roll, Albacore Sashimi with Ponzu
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume local sushi institution with reliably fresh cuts.
Who should go: Casual sushi fans and bar-seat solo diners.
When to visit: Late afternoon for shorter lines.
What to order: Sushi set, soft-shell crab roll, ponzu albacore.
Insider tip: Order the set meal for best value-to-quality ratio.
Hama Sushi
8.4
A Little Tokyo original with a lively sushi-bar feel and decades of steady craft. Rolls lean classic—clean rice, generous fish, and balanced seasoning—backed by a deep menu that rewards repeat visits. Expect a small wait at peak hours, but the payoff is reliably fresh, no-nonsense sushi.
Must-Try Dishes:
spicy tuna roll, yellowtail scallion roll, salmon skin hand roll
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A true Little Tokyo institution with consistently fresh, traditional rolls.
Who should go: Sushi lovers wanting a classic neighborhood staple.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner to dodge lines.
What to order: Spicy tuna roll, yellowtail scallion roll, salmon skin hand roll.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar and ask for the day’s best fatty cuts.
Hama Sushi
8.2
A longtime Little Tokyo favorite for sashimi and nigiri in a warm, wood-toned room. It’s relaxed rather than showy, with solid technique and a loyal local following. Great for a casual but still special date, especially if you like sitting at the bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Deluxe sashimi plate, Yellowtail jalapeño, Chef’s nigiri selection
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Old-guard bar-style sushi with especially strong sashimi sourcing.
Who should go: Couples wanting an easy, unfussy sushi night
When to visit: Sit at the bar around opening
What to order: Deluxe sashimi, yellowtail jalapeño, chef nigiri set
Insider tip: Ask what’s best that day—regulars order by the board.