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SanSai Japanese Grill (Westwood)
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
SanSai Japanese Grill (Westwood)
7.6
SanSai’s Westwood location is a fast-casual Japanese grill where made-to-order rolls sit alongside teriyaki bowls, salads, and combo plates. It’s a reliable option for students and office workers who want customizable plates with a couple of sushi rolls on the side rather than a full sushi bar experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken and sushi plate, Baked salmon nigiri, Sushi burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A budget-friendly Japanese grill where you can tack on simple rolls to hearty combo plates.
Who should go: Students and locals needing quick, affordable Japanese meals
When to visit: Lunch rush or early dinner before the evening crowd
What to order: Chicken and sushi plate, baked salmon nigiri, sushi burrito
Insider tip: Build a combo with grilled proteins and a simple roll to get the best balance of value and variety.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Broxton and Glendon is usually the easiest; the Broxton public garage offers inexpensive first-hour rates. Evenings can tighten up near the movie theaters.
Dress code: Casual—ideal for students and office workers grabbing a quick bite. Gym clothes, jeans, and hoodies are all common.
Noise level: Low to moderate. You can comfortably chat without raising your voice, even during lunch rush.
Weekend wait: Minimal wait—5 to 10 minutes at most, often none.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though to-go orders may stack during peak UCLA class breaks.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie rolls, salads, and tofu-based plates.
Vegan options: Limited—salads and a few simple vegetable sides can work, but customization is often required.
Gluten-free options: Some bowls and grilled proteins can be made gluten-friendly, but soy-based sauces and rolls may contain gluten; ask for modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s fast-casual, brightly lit, and geared toward quick meals. Better suited for casual meetups or study breaks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t used here. Walk right in and choose a table; even at peak times seating turns quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple grilled proteins, mild sauces, and combo plates work well for kids. High chairs and space for strollers vary by time of day but are generally manageable.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable Japanese meals where you can pair grilled proteins with basic rolls in one stop—ideal when convenience and value matter more than specialty sushi.
Skip if: You’re seeking premium sushi, chef-driven rolls, or a more atmospheric dining experience—choose a dedicated sushi bar instead.
SanSai Japanese Grill (Westwood)
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
SanSai’s Westwood location is a counter-service Japanese spot where grilled salmon plates, tempura, and seafood bowls join teriyaki and salads. It functions as an everyday option for quick, affordable fish-focused meals a block off Westwood Boulevard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled salmon plate, Shrimp and vegetable tempura, Seafood udon or ramen
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: Fast-casual Japanese counter with plenty of grilled and fried seafood options.
Who should go: Students and locals needing a fast, budget-friendly seafood fix.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early dinners when lines are shortest.
What to order: Grilled salmon plate, shrimp tempura, a seafood-focused bowl or noodle soup.
Insider tip: Build a combo with one grilled seafood item and a side salad to keep things lighter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking and nearby village garages; easiest on weeknights and late afternoons.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; ideal for students and quick lunches.
Noise level: Low to moderate; easy to hold a conversation even during rushes.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes at most; counter-service moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though a brief line forms right at noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including tofu bowls, salads, and veggie tempura.
Vegan options: Limited; tofu plates and select salads can work with simple modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some grilled proteins and salads may be gluten-friendly, but no dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It's more suited for casual meetups than romantic first dates—great if you want something quick, affordable, and low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. It’s counter-service with open seating, so you can walk in anytime and find a spot except during peak lunch rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The menu works well for families, and the casual setup makes it easy for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable Japanese-style grilled seafood where consistency and speed matter most.
Skip if: You're seeking premium sushi, a full-service experience, or a more atmospheric setting for special occasions.
SanSai Japanese Grill (Westwood)
7.7
SanSai Japanese Grill’s Westwood location is a fast-casual Japanese counter where teriyaki plates share space with tonkotsu, miso, and spicy miso ramen. It’s a practical option for office workers, hospital staff, and students seeking a relatively lighter, customizable ramen-and-salad combo instead of a heavier tonkotsu specialist.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, Chicken Udon
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 6
What makes it special: Fast-casual Japanese grill where ramen can be paired with salads and plates.
Who should go: Lunch crowds wanting balanced ramen with protein and greens.
When to visit: Weekday lunches and early dinners to dodge peak lines.
What to order: Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, Chicken Udon combo.
Insider tip: Build a plate-and-ramen combo to stretch value and shareable portions.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Westwood Blvd and surrounding cross streets; spots turn over frequently during lunch but tighten after 5pm. Limited garage parking available in nearby structures.
Dress code: Casual. Come as you are—students, staff, and office workers all blend in.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch; generally easy to hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on campus traffic; rarely a long wait.
Weekday lunch: Short line at peak lunch rush but moves quickly; typically under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including veggie bowls, salads, and customizable plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—salads and some bowls can be customized by removing proteins and sauces.
Gluten-free options: Some grilled proteins and salads are naturally gluten-free, but ramen and most sauces contain gluten; cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meet-ups than formal dates; it’s a fast-casual setup with counter service, ideal for low-pressure lunches or quick dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is first-come, first-served, and tables usually turn quickly even during lunch rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—bright, casual dining room with manageable portions and mild flavors. Good for families with kids ages 5+.
Best For
Better for: Health-leaning ramen bowls and balanced plate combos at a lower price point than full-service Japanese restaurants in Westwood.
Skip if: You’re seeking a specialty ramen shop with richer tonkotsu, long-simmered broths, or a more atmospheric dine-in experience.
SanSai Japanese Grill (Westwood)
7.5
SanSai Japanese Grill in Westwood is a fast-casual counter for teriyaki plates, bowls, yakisoba, and basic rolls at student-friendly prices. Portions are generous and made to order, making it a practical everyday option when you want something warm and filling without committing to a full-service restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak and Chicken Plate, Chicken Bowl, Salmon Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Fast-casual Japanese grill with big portions and customizable bowls.
Who should go: Budget-minded diners needing fast rice bowls, salads, and sushi.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early dinners between errands and classes.
What to order: Steak and chicken plate, chicken bowl, salmon bowl.
Insider tip: Use combo plates to sample teriyaki, tempura, and California rolls.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Westwood Blvd and adjacent side streets; generally manageable on weekdays but tighter during peak lunch hours.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, gym wear, and student attire are all normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate; you can hold a conversation easily except during peak lunch rush.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes, mostly for ordering rather than seating.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait, though brief lines form at peak noon hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, tofu bowls, and veggie rolls are available.
Vegan options: Limited—salad bases and veggie sides can work, but sauces may not all be vegan.
Gluten-free options: Some grilled proteins and bowls can be adapted, but cross-contact is likely in a fast-casual setup.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's counter-service, casual, and geared toward quick meals rather than atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations are taken, and seating turnover is fast. You’ll almost always find a spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—straightforward bowls, mild flavors, and quick service make it easy for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Large, affordable portions and quick, customizable plates compared to pricier Japanese sit-down options nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for high-end sushi, specialty rolls, or a more traditional Japanese dining experience.
SanSai Japanese Grill (Westwood)
7.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
SanSai Japanese Grill in Westwood Village is a fast-casual counter where charbroiled teriyaki plates share space with simple rolls and sushi combo boxes. It’s a practical option for nearby workers and students who want something filling and relatively fresh without committing to a full-service sit-down meal. Sushi here is straightforward rather than nuanced, but portions are generous and pricing remains accessible.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi Special Box (10-piece Nigiri), Steak and Chicken Plate, California Roll and Chicken Plate Combo
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: Fast-casual teriyaki spot that also turns out made-to-order sushi.
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners needing quick rice bowls and basic rolls.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early dinners between UCLA classes and errands.
What to order: Sushi Special Box, Steak and Chicken Plate, California Roll combo.
Insider tip: Use combo plates for strongest value and flexible salad choices.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Broxton and Glendon is possible but competitive; the Broxton public garage usually has reliable paid spots.
Dress code: Casual; come as you are for campus errands, quick meals, or low-key lunches.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch; generally easy to hold a conversation at most times.
Weekend wait: Minimal; fast-casual counter means lines move quickly even during busy periods.
Weekday lunch: Short line during UCLA rush, often under 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—teriyaki tofu plates, veggie rolls, salads, and rice bowls are available.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and tofu items can be adjusted, but options are basic.
Gluten-free options: Partially—grilled proteins and salads are workable, but sauces and rolls may contain gluten; ask for no-sauce or substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s counter-service and built for convenience rather than ambiance. Better suited for casual meetups or quick meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t needed or offered. Seating is usually available except during the heaviest lunch window.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple plates, mild flavors, and quick service make it easy for families with younger children.
Best For
Better for: Large, budget-friendly combo plates and fast, reliable service for students and nearby workers.
Skip if: You’re looking for specialty sushi, higher-end fish quality, or a sit-down experience—other Westwood options will serve you better.