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Yen Sushi & Sake Bar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Yen Sushi & Sake Bar
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cozy family-friendly spot with warm wooden décor serves fresh sushi rolls and excellent lunch combos. The soft shell crab roll and Las Vegas roll demonstrate solid execution, while attentive service keeps neighborhood regulars returning for reliable quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soft Shell Crab Roll, Las Vegas Roll, Lunch Combo Specials
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Outstanding lunch specials with soup, salad, and choice of roll
Who should go: Families and lunch crowds seeking quality at fair prices
When to visit: Lunch hours for the chef's combo special deals
What to order: Lunch combo with soft shell crab roll, tempura, nabeyaki udon
Insider tip: Opened when other nearby spots closed, quickly became neighborhood staple
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Vermont Ave and side streets, typically easy to find. Free after 6pm and on weekends.
Dress code: Ultra-casual - jeans, t-shirts, workout clothes all fine. Neighborhood spot vibe.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation at all times, family-friendly acoustic
Weekend wait: 10-15 min typical, rarely longer. Small space fills up but turns over quickly.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait - prime lunch special time with steady but manageable flow
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection with veggie rolls, tempura vegetables, inari, and cucumber-avocado options
Vegan options: Limited - veggie rolls can be made vegan (hold eel sauce), cucumber roll, oshinko roll. Ask about miso soup base.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce and tempura batter contain gluten. Can do sashimi and request tamari, but cross-contamination likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates. The quality and value are there, but the casual family atmosphere lacks romantic ambiance. Great if you're past impressing and want reliable, affordable Japanese food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, easily. They don't take reservations. Walk-ins are the norm, and even at peak dinner hours, waits rarely exceed 15 minutes. Lunch is almost always immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - this is a neighborhood family staple. High chairs available, patient staff, mild-flavored rolls, and chicken teriyaki for picky eaters. Reasonable prices make family dinners affordable.
How does it compare to nearby Tomato Sushi? Yen is warmer and more family-oriented with better lunch deals. Tomato skews younger/hipper with more creative rolls. Yen wins on value and comfort; Tomato wins on scene and inventiveness.
Is the fish fresh enough for raw preparations? Yes - the soft shell crab roll and nigiri demonstrate proper handling and freshness. This isn't omakase-grade, but it's reliable neighborhood-sushi quality with no fishy off-flavors.
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable lunch value with combo deals that include soup, salad, and generous portions. Family dining where everyone can order affordably. Regulars who want consistent quality without pretense or upcharges.
Skip if: You want creative specialty rolls, omakase experiences, or date-night ambiance. If you're seeking Instagram-worthy presentations or chef innovation, head elsewhere. This excels at straightforward execution, not culinary theater.
Yen Sushi & Sake Bar
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Casual neighborhood sushi spot in an Albertsons shopping plaza offering fresh fish at accessible prices. The fusion menu includes Korean touches alongside traditional Japanese offerings, with generous portions making it a practical choice for Los Feliz locals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, Salmon Roll, Rainbow Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Best value-to-quality ratio in the neighborhood with convenient parking
Who should go: Families and budget diners wanting fresh sushi under $15/person
When to visit: Lunch for affordable combinations
What to order: 8 Piece Sushi Combo with Spicy Tuna Roll delivers excellent variety
Insider tip: Located in Albertsons lot so parking is never an issue
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free abundant parking in Albertsons shopping center lot - easiest parking of any sushi spot in Los Feliz
Dress code: Completely casual - athletic wear and t-shirts common in this strip mall setting
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation in this low-key neighborhood spot
Weekend wait: 10-15 min typical, rarely exceeds 20 min even on busy nights
Weekday lunch: No wait - walk right in during lunch hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable rolls, avocado rolls, inari, and vegetable tempura available
Vegan options: Limited - vegetable rolls without mayo-based sauces, edamame, seaweed salad
Gluten-free options: Moderate - sashimi and basic rolls work, but most sauces contain soy sauce (bring tamari)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - the strip mall setting lacks romantic atmosphere. Better for casual third dates or when you're already comfortable with someone and prioritizing good value over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, easily - they don't take reservations and rarely have significant waits. Just walk in.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, generous portions, familiar options like California rolls and teriyaki chicken. Kids under 10 will feel comfortable here.
How fresh is the fish? Surprisingly fresh for the price point - they move volume quickly which helps, though don't expect premium-grade fish you'd find at $$$$ spots. Solid quality for under $15/person.
Is it good for takeout? Yes - convenient location with easy parking makes pickup simple, and their generous portions travel well. Better takeout option than dine-in if atmosphere matters to you.
Best For
Better for: Best value proposition in Los Feliz - you're getting fresh fish at prices 30-40% below competitors, plus the parking convenience is unmatched. Choose this when budget matters or you're feeding a family.
Skip if: You want a special occasion feel, date night ambiance, or omakase-level fish quality. The strip mall location and basic decor won't impress anyone - go to Sushi Note or Kabuki instead if atmosphere is part of your dining experience.