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Sushi Ai
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Sushi Ai
8.1
This Los Feliz izakaya offers an extensive menu with impeccably fresh fish and a pub-like Tokyo atmosphere. The spacious interior accommodates both intimate bar seating for couples and larger groups, while the outdoor area provides extra breathing room. Known for generous portions and daily happy hour deals that don't compromise quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked Scallop Roll, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, Shishito Peppers
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Extensive izakaya menu with Tokyo pub atmosphere
Who should go: Couples wanting variety beyond traditional sushi
When to visit: Happy hour before 7pm weekdays for deals
What to order: Crispy rice, baked scallop roll, and shishito peppers
Insider tip: Sit at sushi bar to chat with chef
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont Ave - can be tight after 6pm. Small lot behind building for 8-10 cars. Consider rideshare on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top works, but you'll see some dressy date-night attire too
Noise level: Moderate buzz - Tokyo izakaya vibe means some energy but you can hold conversation without raising voice
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation after 7pm, but bar seating often available for walk-ins
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait - good for spontaneous visits
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including vegetable tempura, edamame varieties, tofu dishes, and veggie rolls
Vegan options: Limited but possible - ask for modifications on vegetable dishes, avoid tempura batter. Best to call ahead.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce in most dishes. They accommodate with gluten-free soy sauce but cross-contamination possible in kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the izakaya format gives you lots to talk about (sharing plates, trying new things together). Go early for happy hour to keep costs reasonable, or splurge on the full experience. Bar seating is intimate; tables give you more space if you're nervous.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating is your best bet for walk-ins. Tables fill up 6:30-8:30pm weekends, but arrive before 6pm or after 9pm and you'll likely get seated within 15 minutes. Weekdays are easier.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who'll try different foods - the variety works well. Has cooked options beyond sushi. Not ideal for toddlers during busy dinner rush due to tight seating and hot plates coming out frequently.
Best For
Better for: Groups wanting variety beyond just sushi - the izakaya menu offers something for everyone. Better value than traditional omakase spots while maintaining quality. Happy hour deals are genuinely impressive without cutting corners on fish quality.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic fine-dining experience (this leans lively). If you're looking for traditional omakase progression, go elsewhere. Not ideal if your date is extremely picky - the draw here is exploration.
Sushi Ai
8.1
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
Spacious izakaya with an encyclopedic menu serves reliable sushi alongside excellent shishito peppers and appetizers. The master sushi chef behind the bar crafts creative rolls while beer towers and baked scallop rolls make it group-friendly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Baked Scallop Roll, Shishito Peppers
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Rare combination of spacious izakaya atmosphere with skilled sushi bar
Who should go: Groups wanting variety and solo diners seeking bar interaction
When to visit: Happy hour before 7pm for discounted rolls and $3 Sapporo
What to order: Spicy tuna crispy rice, baked scallop roll, shishito peppers
Insider tip: Arrive early or use parking lot south of restaurant to avoid tickets
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot south of restaurant (enter from Melbourne Ave), street parking available but check signs carefully - many 2-hour zones with tow-away enforcement
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and t-shirt totally fine, locals come as-is
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation flows easily but gets energetic during happy hour when groups arrive
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation after 7pm, but bar seating usually available for parties of 1-2
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins welcomed
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong options including vegetable tempura, inari, cucumber rolls, plus full izakaya vegetable menu
Vegan options: Possible but limited - veggie rolls without mayo/cream cheese, edamame, seaweed salad (confirm dressings)
Gluten-free options: Challenging - bring tamari for soy sauce substitute, stick to sashimi and request no tempura batter
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid choice - not too loud, affordable enough to explore the menu without pressure, and the bar seating creates natural conversation. Skip if you want somewhere intimate; this leans casual and social.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays and early evenings (before 6:30pm) usually fine. Weekends after 7pm expect a wait, but solo diners or couples can grab bar seats with the sushi chef - often the best experience anyway.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - spacious booths, California rolls and teriyaki keep kids happy, and servers are patient. Not a quiet environment so you won't stress about noise. Best for ages 5+ who can sit through a meal.
How long does dinner take? Plan 75-90 minutes for full experience - the menu is huge so ordering takes time, plus kitchen paces courses. Come hungry and relaxed, not rushed.
Is the happy hour worth it? Absolutely - $3 Sapporo and discounted rolls (including some signature items) before 7pm make it exceptional value. Arrive by 6pm to claim your spot.
Best For
Better for: Groups wanting variety beyond just sushi (izakaya menu shines), solo diners who enjoy chef interaction at the bar, and anyone seeking quality sushi without committing to omakase prices or formality
Skip if: You want cutting-edge omakase or date-night ambiance - this is neighborhood-casual and the menu's breadth means nothing is hyper-specialized. For pure sushi artistry, look elsewhere.
Sushi Ai
8.2
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
This izakaya-style spot on Hillhurst delivers with a textbook-thick menu spanning crispy rice with spicy tuna, baked scallop rolls, and shishito peppers worth ordering by the pound. The spacious interior accommodates both groups diving into beer towers and solo diners perched at the bar watching sushi masters at work. Daily happy hour brings $3 Sapporo and discounted rolls, making quality Japanese dining accessible without sacrificing authenticity.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, Baked Scallop Roll, Spicy Garlic Shishito Peppers
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Extensive izakaya menu with standout shishito peppers and daily happy hour deals
Who should go: Groups seeking variety and value, solo diners wanting bar interaction
When to visit: Happy hour before 7pm weekdays for best deals
What to order: Crispy rice with spicy tuna, shishito peppers, baked scallop roll
Insider tip: Ask the sushi chef what's freshest that day rather than ordering from menu
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Hillhurst and side streets, typically easy before 6pm but competitive during dinner rush. Small lot behind building fits 8-10 cars.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and sneakers work fine, but you'll see everything from hoodies to button-downs
Noise level: Moderate to lively - booths offer quieter conversation, bar area gets energetic during happy hour
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation after 7pm, call ahead seating available
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins typically seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection including vegetable tempura, agedashi tofu, edamame variations, and multiple veggie rolls
Vegan options: Limited but doable - cucumber roll, avocado roll, vegetable tempura (confirm oil), seaweed salad. Staff accommodating with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce contains gluten (tamari available on request), tempura batter not GF. Sashimi and basic rolls safest bet.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, particularly if you sit in a booth rather than the bar. The extensive menu gives you plenty to talk about, noise level allows conversation, and the $$ price point feels intentional without being overly formal. Happy hour timing (before 7pm) keeps it casual and budget-friendly.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6:30pm) usually fine as walk-in. Friday/Saturday after 7pm expect 30-45 minute wait. They take call-ahead seating which puts you on the list before arriving - smart move for weekend dinners.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - spacious booths, approachable menu items like chicken teriyaki and California rolls, and servers patient with younger diners. Avoid peak happy hour (5-7pm) when bar crowd dominates. Best for ages 5+ who can handle chopsticks or won't mind using a fork.
How does happy hour work? Daily until 7pm weekdays - $3 Sapporo drafts, select rolls discounted 20-30%, and appetizer specials. Full menu still available. Bar seating fills fast after 5pm, but booth service gets the same deals.
Is the sushi high-end or more casual? Solidly mid-tier - fresh fish, competent knife work, traditional preparations done well. Not omakase-level artistry, but legitimately good neighborhood sushi at fair prices. Think quality without pretension.
Best For
Better for: Choose Sushi Ai when you want variety beyond sushi (the izakaya menu is deep), need to accommodate a group with different tastes, or want quality Japanese food with happy hour pricing. The spacious layout handles groups better than cramped sushi counters elsewhere.
Skip if: You're seeking high-end omakase or chef-driven creativity - this is textbook-solid execution, not boundary-pushing. Also skip if you need quiet ambiance for intimate conversation (try a smaller sushi bar) or if parking stress ruins your meal (weekends get tight).
Sushi Ai
7.9
Family-owned izakaya-style sushi bar operating since the early 1990s with an extensive menu spanning traditional nigiri to inventive specialty rolls. The relaxed atmosphere and daily happy hour make it a reliable neighborhood staple for fresh fish without pretension.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked Scallop Roll, Salmon Belly, Shishito Peppers
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Over 30 years of consistent quality with $3 Sapporo during daily happy hour
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners and regulars seeking reliable neighborhood sushi
When to visit: Happy hour before 7pm weekdays for best value
What to order: Ask the bar chef what's freshest that day, baked scallop roll
Insider tip: Parking lot behind building makes access much easier than street parking
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Private lot behind building - easiest access from street side. Street parking also available but limited during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood spot - jeans and t-shirt perfectly fine
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation at bar and tables
Weekend wait: 15-30 min wait typical after 7pm, arrive during happy hour to skip
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, seats usually available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable rolls, tempura, edamame, and cucumber salads available
Vegan options: Limited - cucumber roll, avocado roll, and edamame are primary options
Gluten-free options: Difficult - soy sauce contains gluten, though tamari can be requested
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want low-pressure and conversation-friendly. The relaxed izakaya vibe and bar seating create natural interaction without formal stuffiness. However, skip this if you're trying to impress with upscale ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially weekday lunches and during happy hour (before 7pm). Weekend dinner after 7pm may require a 15-30 minute wait. Bar seating is first-come, first-served and typically available.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, no-pressure service, and plenty of familiar options like California rolls and chicken teriyaki. High chairs available. Works well for families with children of all ages.
Good for solo dining? Excellent for solo diners - bar seating encourages chef interaction, and the neighborhood regulars create a welcoming vibe. Bring a book or chat with the sushi chef about daily specials.
How fresh is the fish? Consistently fresh daily deliveries maintain quality across 30+ years. Not cutting-edge omakase-level, but reliably good neighborhood sushi standards. Ask the chef what arrived that morning.
Best For
Better for: Daily value sushi and happy hour deals - the $3 Sapporo and consistent quality make this ideal for regular visits without breaking the bank. Better than trendy spots for unpretentious neighborhood reliability.
Skip if: You want Instagram-worthy presentation or omakase-style innovation. For special occasions requiring upscale ambiance or cutting-edge technique, choose a higher-end sushi bar. Also skip if you need extensive vegan options.