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Sushiko
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Sushiko
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
A long-running kosher sushi destination on Pico known for broad menu range and consistent neighborhood demand. The fish quality is solid across nigiri and specialty rolls, and the kitchen’s reliability makes it a default pick for repeat dinners and group orders. Best when you want familiar, well-executed sushi without the omakase formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon avocado roll, Spicy tuna crispy rice, Sashimi combo
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Kosher sushi mainstay with reliable execution and range.
Who should go: Kosher diners and groups craving dependable sushi.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for smooth pacing.
What to order: Nigiri set, spicy tuna crispy rice, house rolls.
Insider tip: Stick to the classic rolls and nigiri for best consistency.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Pico can be tight during peak hours, but neighboring residential streets usually open up after 6pm. No valet, and no dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Most guests come in everyday wear; business casual fits naturally for work lunches.
Noise level: Moderate. Conversations are easy at a standard table, though larger groups can raise the room volume during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of veggie rolls, tempura options, and sides like edamame and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—simple veggie rolls available, but sauces often contain mayo or non-vegan ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—many items can be prepared gluten-free if you specify, but soy sauce substitutions must be requested.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual first dates. The room is comfortable, the pacing is steady, and the menu has enough variety to avoid awkward ordering moments, though it’s not an intimate, dimly lit setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes on weeknights and for lunch. On weekends, expect a short wait unless you arrive before 6:30pm or come in a smaller party.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common. The space is relaxed, service is patient, and there are safe kid-friendly items like veggie rolls, teriyaki plates, and tempura.
Best For
Better for: Consistent, kosher-friendly sushi with a broad menu and easy group seating—ideal when you want variety and predictability.
Skip if: You’re looking for premium omakase, high-end fish sourcing, or a more atmospheric date-night setting.
Sushiko
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
A long-running kosher Japanese mainstay on Pico that balances reliable nigiri and rolls with a broader cooked-menu bench. Fish quality stays steady for the neighborhood, and service is practiced at handling groups and repeat regulars. Best when you want classic, consistent Japanese comfort without omakase formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nigiri set, Spicy tuna crispy rice, House specialty rolls
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Kosher Japanese destination with a deep, dependable menu.
Who should go: Kosher diners and groups craving reliable sushi.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for smooth pacing.
What to order: Nigiri set, crispy rice, house rolls.
Insider tip: Stick to classic rolls and nigiri for peak consistency.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Pico and side streets; can be tight during peak dinner hours but usually manageable within a short walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—comfortable neighborhood attire is fully appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate during peak dinner hours; conversations remain easy at most tables.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes depending on group size; larger parties may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; ordering and seating are fast and efficient.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie rolls, salads, and cooked options.
Vegan options: Limited—several vegetable rolls and sides, but protein choices are restricted.
Gluten-free options: Yes—basic nigiri, sashimi, and some rolls can be made gluten-free; soy sauce alternatives available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid choice for a relaxed, low-pressure first date thanks to consistent food, comfortable seating, and an easygoing neighborhood vibe—better for casual connection than high-drama ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. Small groups are usually seated quickly on weekdays; weekends may require a brief wait, especially during early dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—very. Portions are manageable, the menu is broad enough for selective eaters, and the dining room handles families well.
Best For
Better for: Reliable kosher-friendly sushi and broad Japanese comfort dishes with consistent execution, especially for groups and repeat neighborhood dinners.
Skip if: You’re seeking high-end omakase, rare fish cuts, or a destination-style atmosphere—other spots specializing in premium sushi are better suited.
Sushiko
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
A long-running kosher sushi anchor on Pico that locals treat like a dependable weekly ritual, with well-portioned rolls and clean fish flavor. The menu balances classic California-style comfort with a few playful house combos, and execution stays steady even during rush windows.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna roll, Sushiko special roll, Salmon avocado roll
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Kosher sushi institution with reliable rolls and steady freshness.
Who should go: Kosher diners and roll loyalists.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner before peak rush.
What to order: Spicy tuna, house special roll, salmon avocado.
Insider tip: Ask for rolls cut tighter if you’re sharing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Pico can be tight during dinner hours; look for metered spots on adjacent residential blocks where available.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; typical Pico corridor attire is perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate during peak dinner hours; conversational but can get lively with groups.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes during prime hours, especially after Shabbat out times.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; steady but fast-moving traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie rolls and appetizer options.
Vegan options: Limited — a few rolls can be made vegan with substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — rice-based rolls are naturally GF, but ask about sauces and tempura; staff is used to accommodating requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a relaxed, low-pressure sushi spot with steady service; not ideal if you're seeking a quiet or upscale atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Generally yes — walk-ins are common. Arrive slightly before the dinner rush to avoid waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Families dine here often, and the menu has plenty of approachable rolls and sides for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Consistently portioned kosher rolls, fast service, and dependable weeknight dining at an accessible price point.
Skip if: You want high-end omakase, specialty nigiri, or a quieter date-night experience; consider a more upscale sushi bar for that.
Sushiko
8.3
A polished kosher sushi dining room that’s become a Pico-Robertson standby for couples who want a relaxed but grown-up night out. The menu runs from traditional nigiri to well-executed specialty rolls, and the room stays calm enough for conversation. Best when you lean into chef specials and keep the pacing slow.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s choice nigiri, Crispy rice with spicy tuna, Dragon roll
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Reliable kosher sushi with a true sit-down date-night rhythm.
Who should go: Couples wanting kosher sushi in a real dining room.
When to visit: Weeknights for the calmest ambiance.
What to order: Chef nigiri, crispy rice, specialty roll.
Insider tip: Ask what fish is best that day and order it as nigiri.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Pico and side streets is the norm; metered spots open up after 6pm but can be competitive. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most couples lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate—steady conversation is easy at two-tops, with only occasional peak-hour buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, longer during prime Shabbat-adjacent windows.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie rolls and cooked appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited—2–3 rolls and sides, but no dedicated vegan section.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many items are naturally gluten-free; tamari available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the calm dining room, slower pacing, and polished atmosphere make it easy to talk without it feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights are doable for walk-ins, but weekend dinners strongly favor reservations to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? More suited to adults and older teens; the ambiance is intentionally quiet and oriented toward couples and small groups.
Best For
Better for: Couples wanting a grown-up kosher sushi experience with consistent nigiri quality and a relaxed pacing.
Skip if: You want a loud, high-energy sushi spot, bargain-level pricing, or extensive vegan options.