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Marina Sushi Bar
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Marina Sushi Bar
7.6
Vibes:
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Neighborhood standby with a sprawling menu where hand rolls, value combos, and uni specials hit the table fast. It’s a casual, budget-friendly stop for quick sushi pics and a no-frills feast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni nigiri (seasonal), Spicy tuna roll, Shrimp tempura roll
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Large menu with fast, photogenic basics at wallet-friendly prices.
Who should go: Budget sushi hunters
When to visit: Early evening for freshest turnover
What to order: Uni nigiri, spicy tuna, shrimp tempura roll
Insider tip: Hand rolls travel well—order a couple for a quick park picnic.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally available before 6pm but tight after dinner hours on Lombard.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—hoodies and jeans fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—steady chatter from takeout orders but conversation-friendly tables.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for two; larger groups may wait longer due to limited seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick turnover for solo or duo diners.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several rolls and veggie tempura options clearly marked.
Vegan options: Limited—avocado, cucumber, and inari rolls available but no full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partially—sashimi and some rolls can be made gluten-free upon request; bring your own tamari if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for laid-back and low-budget—more of a quick bite than a mood-setter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm; tables turn fast, especially during early dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids; booths are limited and space is tight, but the casual setup and fast service work fine for families.
Best For
Better for: Quick sushi fixes on a budget and spontaneous solo meals with solid value.
Skip if: You’re after omakase theatrics, premium cuts, or a quiet date-night atmosphere.
Marina Sushi Bar
7.7
Low-key neighborhood counter with friendly service and classic combos. It’s a quieter, no-frills date for sashimi and a warm sake before or after a Lombard stroll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, Salmon lover nigiri set, Dragon roll
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Quiet, affordable sushi with personable service on Lombard.
Who should go: Laid-back sashimi seekers
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8pm before the late rush
What to order: Chirashi; salmon nigiri set; dragon roll
Insider tip: Happy-hour pricing early evening stretches the value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Lombard is limited after 6pm, but you can usually find a spot on nearby Pierce or Steiner within a short walk.
Dress code: Casual but neat — jeans and a button-down or simple dress fit the relaxed counter vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate — conversations are easy, with quiet background chatter and no loud music.
Weekend wait: Typically a 20–30 minute wait without a reservation; the bar seats move faster.
Weekday lunch: No wait; steady but calm flow of regulars.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cucumber, avocado, and vegetable rolls plus miso soup available.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 simple rolls and edamame; no dedicated vegan section.
Gluten-free options: Yes — sushi and sashimi can be made gluten-free if you bring your own tamari or ask for no soy sauce marinades.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s a comfortable, unfussy setting where conversation flows easily without noise or pretension. Ideal for a relaxed, early-stage date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are accepted most evenings before 7pm, though the counter fills fast on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids — the space is small and geared toward adults or quiet diners, though older teens will be fine.
Best For
Better for: Intimate, unhurried sushi nights without crowds or hype — especially if you value friendly service and fair prices for quality cuts.
Skip if: You’re seeking omakase theatrics, trendy cocktails, or group dining energy — try Sushi Hakko or Ace Wasabi instead.
Marina Sushi Bar
7.7
Unpretentious roll shop with handrolls, house maki, and quick service at friendly prices. It’s a practical pick for a fast tekka or shrimp tempura roll before a game on TV or a casual night in.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna (Tekka) Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, House Special Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Straightforward, affordable rolls with fast ticket times and handrolls.
Who should go: Takeout planners and budget-minded roll fans
When to visit: Early dinner or late post-8pm to skip rush
What to order: Spicy Tuna (Tekka), Shrimp Tempura, House Special
Insider tip: Handrolls travel well—add one for the walk down Lombard.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking on Lombard and side streets; expect turnover every 30–45 minutes, especially during dinner hours.
Dress code: Totally casual—hoodies, jeans, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for conversation but with TV background noise.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during prime hours; quick turnover for singles and takeout.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-in friendly throughout the afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado, cucumber, and mixed veggie rolls are always available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options like avocado and cucumber rolls; sauces may contain mayo.
Gluten-free options: Yes, upon request—soy sauce packets available but not a fully separate prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic date—better suited for casual sushi nights or quick meetups where atmosphere isn’t the focus.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm; counter and two-tops turn over quickly even at peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids; the menu is approachable but the small space and quick pace aren’t ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and lower prices than nearby sushi bars—solid value for quick rolls or takeout.
Skip if: You’re after craft cocktails, premium nigiri, or a polished date-night setting; try Mamanoko or Ace Wasabi instead.
Marina Sushi Bar
7.6
Old-school sushi bar offering straightforward rolls and nigiri at approachable prices. It’s a comfortable option for locals and hotel guests along Lombard who want a quick, classic sushi fix.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon nigiri set, Rainbow roll, Tempura udon + side nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Straightforward, fairly priced sushi in a classic setting.
Who should go: Locals wanting unfussy sushi night
When to visit: Weeknights after 8pm for easier walk-ins
What to order: Rainbow roll, salmon nigiri set, tempura udon
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for quicker service and better pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Lombard and adjacent residential blocks; metered spots can be scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual; comfortable attire fine, no need to dress up beyond neat jeans or a polo.
Noise level: Low to moderate—steady conversation possible even during dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for a two-top, slightly longer for groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk right in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado, cucumber, and veggie rolls plus tempura udon available.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable rolls but sauces may contain fish-based ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Some nigiri and sashimi are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce contains wheat, so bring your own if needed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for casual first dates where comfort matters more than flash—quiet, low-pressure setting with attentive staff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is a walk-in–friendly spot; even on weekends, turnover is quick thanks to the sushi bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sushi; space is tight, so strollers or highchairs may be tricky.
Best For
Better for: Reliable quality and value compared with trendier Marina sushi spots; no frills, just well-made rolls and fresh fish.
Skip if: You’re seeking omakase experiences or creative modern rolls—opt for Sushi Hakko or Zushi Puzzle instead.