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Sushi Hanashi
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sushi Hanashi
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Happy Hour Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Quick Bites Champions
This neighborhood favorite since 2013 serves generous portions of fresh nigiri and creative specialty rolls in a casual, no-frills setting. The warm greeting from the sushi bar, extensive sake selection, and happy hour pricing (3-5pm with a third off) make it a reliable local haunt where quality consistently delivers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Santa Monica Roll, Hanashi Roll, Salmon Sashimi Salad
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Huge fish portions on nigiri that locals return to weekly
Who should go: Sushi lovers seeking quality without fine-dining prices
When to visit: 3-5pm happy hour for one-third off entire menu
What to order: Lunch special: salad, 8-piece sushi platter, and hand roll
Insider tip: The California roll is surprisingly decadent with ultra-fresh crab
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Wilshire and side streets, metered until 6pm. Small lot behind building usually has 2-3 spots.
Dress code: Ultra-casual - athletic wear and flip-flops totally fine
Noise level: Quiet - intimate conversations easy at counter or tables
Weekend wait: 10-15 min for counter seats, tables may require 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: Immediate seating, busiest 12-1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - inari, avocado rolls, cucumber rolls, and vegetable tempura
Vegan options: Limited - cucumber roll, avocado roll (specify no mayo on certain rolls)
Gluten-free options: Moderate - sashimi and nigiri work, request tamari instead of soy sauce
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual/low-pressure dates - the counter seating creates natural conversation starters with the chef, but it's not romantic or impressive. Better for second or third dates where comfort matters more than wow factor.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations. Counter seats (8 spots) fill fastest during dinner rush, but table turnover is quick. Arrive before 6:30pm on weekends or hit happy hour 3-5pm for easiest access.
Is it kid-friendly? Surprisingly yes - casual vibe means no one cares if kids are a bit loud, and they'll make simple rolls like California or cucumber. The lunch special works well for adventurous kids 8+. High chairs not available.
Best For
Better for: Regulars who want generous portions and consistent quality without paying Malibu prices - this is your weekly neighborhood spot where the fish-to-rice ratio always impresses and happy hour pricing beats the chains
Skip if: You want omakase experience, date-night ambiance, or Instagram-worthy presentation - this is about substance over style, so head to Mori Sushi or Hama instead if atmosphere matters
Sushi Hanashi
7.8
Authentic neighborhood sushi bar serving decadent California rolls and fresh nigiri with warm hospitality since 2013. The intimate counter-style setting features extensive sake selection and generous lunch specials.
Must-Try Dishes:
Santa Monica Roll, Hanashi Roll, Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Regulars-focused sushi bar with chef greeting every guest personally
Who should go: Sushi traditionalists seeking authentic neighborhood experience
When to visit: Happy hour (3-5pm) offers third off prices
What to order: Hanashi 2 dine-in special, salmon sashimi salad
Insider tip: Extensive sake menu rivals much larger establishments
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Pico and side streets - meters until 6pm, free after. Small lot behind building holds 8 cars.
Dress code: Casual comfortable - counter seating means jeans and sneakers are perfectly fine
Noise level: Quiet intimate - easy conversation at counter, soft background music only
Weekend wait: 15-25 min for counter seats, arrive before 6:30pm to avoid wait
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - walk-ins usually seated within 5 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable rolls, inari, cucumber options plus vegetable tempura
Vegan options: Limited - cucumber roll, avocado roll, edamame, ask about rice seasoning
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce contains gluten, bring tamari or ask if available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - counter seating is intimate but lacks privacy, and watching the chef work is best appreciated when you're comfortable together. Great for showing you know hidden gems though.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Counter seating only (no tables), but walk-ins work well before 6pm or after 8pm on weekdays. Weekend prime time (6-8pm) expect 20+ minute wait - put name in and grab coffee next door.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for well-behaved kids 8+ who can sit at counter for 45 minutes. No high chairs or kids menu. The chef is patient but this is a quiet, adult-focused spot - better for family lunch than dinner.
Best For
Better for: Choose Hanashi when you want authentic neighborhood sushi without Marina del Rey prices, value happy hour deals, or that 'regulars know your name' vibe. The sake selection rivals restaurants 3x the size, and lunch specials are legitimately generous.
Skip if: Skip if you need private table seating, want elaborate modern fusion rolls, or prefer trendy scenes over traditional experiences. Also skip for large groups (8+ people) - counter seating maxes out at 14 total and they don't take reservations for parties over 4.