0 Followers
Mamanoko
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Mamanoko
8.3
A lively Marina room turning out colorful rolls, nigiri, and shareable plates alongside a full bar. Plating skews vibrant and cocktail-friendly, ideal for snapping a few shots before diving in.
Must-Try Dishes:
Loch Duart salmon nigiri, Hamachi jalapeño, Wagyu croquette
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Vivid plating and cocktails in a buzzy Chestnut Street setting.
Who should go: Friends who love rolls and cocktails
When to visit: Fri–Sun early dinner to beat peak waits
What to order: Hamachi jalapeño, salmon nigiri, signature roll
Insider tip: Bar seats move fastest for walk-ins on busy nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—spots on Chestnut and surrounding side streets fill up fast after 6pm. No valet service available.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but most guests lean stylish and trendy, especially on weekends.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—expect a social bar crowd but still possible to hold a conversation at tables.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating often opens up sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait before 1pm; dinner service begins later and fills steadily.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie rolls and appetizers like shishito peppers and edamame.
Vegan options: Limited—about two vegan rolls, but customization is possible upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available on request, and most nigiri/sashimi can be made gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, colorful presentation, and upbeat music create an engaging but not overly loud setting. Great balance between energy and intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—arrive before 6:30pm or try for bar seats; online reservations fill quickly, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—more suited for adults and groups. Families with older kids might do fine early evening, but no kid-specific menu.
Best For
Better for: Stylish presentation, social energy, and strong cocktails compared to quieter sushi counters nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking omakase precision or hushed atmosphere—opt for Wako or Sushi Sato instead.
Mamanoko
8.3
Chestnut Street izakaya-sushi hybrid with shareable plates and attentive pacing. Weekend lunch service and comfortable booths make it a solid choice for relaxed client meetups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi Kama, Nigiri Sampler, House Specialty Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Comfortable izakaya-meets-sushi format with reliable pacing.
Who should go: Share-plate business meetups
When to visit: Weekend lunch; weeknights after 1:30 for quiet
What to order: Hamachi kama; nigiri sampler; a signature roll
Insider tip: Request a wall booth for easier conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly metered street parking on Chestnut and surrounding side streets; can be tight at peak hours but opens up after 2pm.
Dress code: Smart casual — polished but relaxed. Button-downs or blouses fit right in; suits not required.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during dinner but lunch service allows comfortable business conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; walk-ins easy before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several rolls, salads, and vegetable tempura options.
Vegan options: Limited — can piece together avocado rolls and edamame, but no full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free soy sauce available upon request; staff knowledgeable about cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for relaxed professional lunches or second dates — casual, social energy but not overly intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are usually fine for lunch or early dinner, but groups should reserve ahead on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids or teens; booths and familiar dishes help, though it’s not a family-focused spot.
Best For
Better for: Group lunches and client catch-ups where shareable plates and quick service help keep the vibe light and productive.
Skip if: You want a quiet, formal setting or dedicated vegan fare — opt for a true omakase or plant-forward spot instead.
Mamanoko
8.0
Chestnut Street izakaya-meets-sushi with warm service and comfortable booths. Nigiri is solid, while small plates and rolls make it easy to share on a relaxed date.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi kama, Nigiri sampler, House specialty roll
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Comfortable Chestnut Street setting mixing sushi with izakaya plates.
Who should go: Share-plate couples
When to visit: Weeknights after 7:30pm for shorter waits
What to order: Hamachi kama; nigiri sampler; house roll
Insider tip: Ask for a booth along the wall for the quietest conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Chestnut and surrounding side streets; it fills up quickly after 6pm, so plan to arrive early or use a rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a nice shirt are fine, but most diners lean polished for date night.
Noise level: Moderate—there’s lively background chatter but conversation is comfortable in booth seating.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seating sometimes available faster.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; open evenings only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, tofu appetizers, and salads are available.
Vegan options: Limited—edamame, seaweed salad, and select vegetable rolls only.
Gluten-free options: Yes—sashimi and some rolls can be prepared gluten-free; tamari available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—Mamanoko balances energy and intimacy well. The booths and shareable menu make it easy to connect without formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weeknights after 8pm or early evenings before 6:30pm; weekends fill fast, so reservations are recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—best suited for adults and older teens; limited space for strollers and no children’s menu.
Best For
Better for: Casual yet quality sushi dates where you want comfort and shareable dishes rather than strict omakase formality.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, minimalist omakase or late-night scene—try Sushi Hakko or Ace Wasabi instead.
Mamanoko
8.2
Cocktail-forward sushi spot pairing polished nigiri with creative rolls in a dim, modern room. It’s the Marina pick for date-night maki and small plates before bar-hopping on Chestnut.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buddha Roll, Midori Roll, Negihama Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Well-made house rolls balanced with a full cocktail program.
Who should go: Date nights and roll-centric duos
When to visit: Early dinner 5–6:30pm for easier seating
What to order: Buddha Roll, Midori Roll, negihama (yellowtail–scallion)
Insider tip: Ask about the ‘usual suspects’ roll list—bartenders know the crowd favorites.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Chestnut can be tight after 6pm; nearby public garage at Lombard & Fillmore is the best bet.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests dress up a bit for cocktails and sushi.
Noise level: Moderate buzz — lively but still fine for conversation at two-tops.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats sometimes open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; not open daily for lunch, check hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — avocado, cucumber, and veggie rolls available plus small plates.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 maki options can be modified without mayo or sauces.
Gluten-free options: Partial — gluten-free soy sauce available on request; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — low lighting, shared rolls, and a stylish cocktail list make it one of the Marina’s better first-date picks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends fill up fast — bar seating is your best walk-in move.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — more suited to adults; no kids’ menu and the room leans cocktail-driven.
Best For
Better for: Date nights and small groups who want a modern sushi vibe with real cocktail attention.
Skip if: You’re after omakase-level precision or a quiet traditional sushi bar — try Wako or Saru instead.
Mamanoko
7.9
Chestnut Street spot balancing sushi rolls with izakaya-style shareables and a full bar. It’s an easy pick for casual dates or small groups who want maki, snacks, and cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Aburi salmon roll, Hamachi roll, Karaage
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Sushi-plus-izakaya menu with cocktails in a buzzy setting.
Who should go: Casual sushi and cocktail seekers
When to visit: Weekends after 8pm once dinner rush eases
What to order: Aburi salmon roll, hamachi roll, karaage
Insider tip: Patio tables go first—arrive early in good weather.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Chestnut and surrounding blocks; can be tight after 6pm—metered until 10pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and nice tops are fine but many guests lean stylish for the Marina scene.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is possible but expect some background chatter and music on weekends.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; easy walk-in around opening.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of rolls and small plates, including veggie tempura and avocado maki.
Vegan options: Limited—basic vegetable rolls and edamame available but few entrees.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some items can be modified; inform staff for soy sauce alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—buzzy but not too loud, with good lighting and shareable plates that keep the mood casual and fun.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually possible early or late in the evening; prime hours on weekends require booking ahead or bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; more of an adult crowd focused on sushi, cocktails, and nightlife—better for ages 12+.
Best For
Better for: Casual groups and lively date nights where atmosphere and cocktails matter as much as sushi variety.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet omakase-style dining or traditional sushi focus—try Sushi Hakko or Zushi Puzzle instead.
Mamanoko
7.9
Chestnut Street izakaya-leaning spot that balances sushi rolls with shareables and a full bar. It’s an easy pick for casual dates or small groups who want maki, snacks, and cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Negi hamachi roll, Salmon aburi roll, Karaage with yuzu mayo
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Balanced sushi-plus-izakaya menu with a neighborhood bar feel.
Who should go: Casual sushi and cocktail seekers
When to visit: Weekends after 8pm once the dinner rush eases
What to order: Aburi salmon roll, hamachi roll, karaage
Insider tip: Outdoor tables go first—arrive early in good weather.