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Sushi 101
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Sushi 101
7.8
A takeout-first sushi counter built for quick neighborhood meals and delivery. Rolls are straightforward, portion sizes are friendly, and the kitchen keeps a consistent hand on the classics. Best when you want no-fuss sushi that’s fast, affordable, and reliably fresh for the tier.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna roll, Salmon teriyaki bowl, California roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Fast, budget-friendly sushi with dependable basics.
Who should go: Takeout regulars and quick lunch seekers.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for fastest pickup.
What to order: Spicy tuna roll, salmon bowl, classic maki.
Insider tip: Add a simple nigiri pair to upgrade a roll order cheaply.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Pico and surrounding side streets; usually open spots before 6pm but can tighten during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; ideal for quick stops and takeout runs.
Noise level: Low to moderate; most guests are picking up, so conversations are easy if you dine at the small counter.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for pickup; dine-in counter may fill briefly but turns over fast.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; orders move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie rolls and bowls available.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 vegetable rolls and simple sides qualify.
Gluten-free options: Partial — sashimi and some rolls can be made GF; soy sauce substitutions recommended.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s more of a grab-and-go counter than a sit-down experience. Best for casual meetups rather than romantic openings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — no reservations needed. Seating is minimal, so expect to rely on takeout during busier stretches.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals — simple rolls and bowls work well for younger diners, though the limited seating means it’s better for takeout with kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive sushi that’s fresher than typical budget-tier options and ideal for quick local meals.
Skip if: You want omakase-level fish quality, extensive nigiri variety, or a proper sit-down atmosphere.
Sushi 101
7.8
A takeout-first Japanese sushi counter built for fast neighborhood meals and delivery. Rolls are straightforward, portions are friendly, and freshness is consistent for the tier. Best when you want no-fuss sushi that’s quick and affordable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna roll, Salmon bowl, Classic maki set
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Fast, budget Japanese sushi that stays reliably fresh.
Who should go: Takeout regulars and quick lunch seekers.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for fastest pickup.
What to order: Spicy tuna roll, salmon bowl, maki.
Insider tip: Add a nigiri pair to upgrade cheaply.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Pico can be tight during peak hours, but you can usually find a spot within 1–2 blocks; no dedicated lot.
Dress code: Totally casual — come as you are, from gym clothes to work attire.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mainly takeout traffic, so conversations are easy.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes depending on takeout volume, but rarely a real wait.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; food is prepared quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable rolls and tofu options.
Vegan options: Limited — veggie rolls are the main choice, but confirm sauces.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area; request gluten-free soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s a takeout-centric counter with minimal ambiance. Better for casual, low-stakes meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come and rarely full; most guests grab takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — quick service, simple rolls, and low noise make it fine for younger kids, though space is limited for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable sushi that’s reliably fresh for the price point — ideal for quick meals and consistent takeout.
Skip if: You want ambiance, premium nigiri, or a sit-down sushi experience; opt for Minori or Yen Sushi instead.
Sushi 101
7.8
A compact, counter-focused ramen stop operating out of the Sushi 101 space, built for quick bowls and takeout rhythm. The tonkotsu and spicy miso lean hearty and familiar rather than experimental, with reliable broth depth for the neighborhood. Best when you want a fast, warming ramen fix on the Pico-Robertson corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, Crunchy Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Straightforward tonkotsu-driven ramen with a fast neighborhood counter vibe.
Who should go: Locals craving quick ramen without leaving the corridor.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or easy takeout runs.
What to order: Tonkotsu ramen, spicy miso ramen, crunchy garlic tonkotsu.
Insider tip: Order spicy on the side first—heat level runs assertive.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Pico and adjacent residential blocks is usually the move; meters turn over often but can be tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual—most guests come in everyday wear or work-from-home attire.
Noise level: Moderate; counter layout means light kitchen noise, but conversation is still easy.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on takeout flow.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—usually one or two vegetable-forward ramen or sides.
Vegan options: Minimal—broths trend animal-based, so options are sparse.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free noodles; customization is limited.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More functional than atmospheric; great for a casual meet-up but not ideal if you want a longer, sit-down date vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service only, so seating is first-come and generally available with short turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who enjoy ramen; limited space and counter seating make it less suited for strollers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: Fast, comforting ramen when you need something quick and consistent without leaving the Pico-Robertson corridor.
Skip if: You want specialty broths, long menus, or a more immersive ramen experience—larger, dedicated ramen houses will deliver more range.
Sushi 101
7.8
A compact, takeout-first Robertson counter that keeps roll cravings simple and reliable. The kitchen leans classic—clean rice, familiar fillings, and quick turnaround—making it a practical neighborhood staple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy salmon roll, Cucumber crab roll, Albacore onion roll
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Fast, dependable rolls built for neighborhood takeout.
Who should go: Quick sushi fix seekers.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner.
What to order: Spicy salmon, albacore onion, cucumber crab.
Insider tip: Ask for extra ginger and wasabi—great for takeout balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Robertson is usually available but can fill during corridor rush; meters out front are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are—most people stop in during errands or pickup runs.
Noise level: Low—this is a compact counter spot built more for takeout than dine-in chatter.
Weekend wait: Short waits, typically 5–10 minutes for roll prep depending on ticket volume.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait beyond standard prep time.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—simple veggie rolls like cucumber, avocado, and mixed-vegetable combos are always available.
Vegan options: Limited—veggie rolls work, but sauces and extras may contain non-vegan ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Partial—basic fish and veggie rolls can be GF if you bring your own tamari; cross-contamination possible in a small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—this is more of a quick grab-and-go counter than a sit-down setting with atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t part of the setup. Limited dine-in seating is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals—simple rolls work well for younger diners, but space is tight and better suited for brief stops.
Best For
Better for: Fast, classic rolls at budget-friendly prices—ideal for routine sushi cravings or quick solo meals.
Skip if: You want specialty rolls, creative sauces, or a full dine-in experience; nearby sit-down sushi rooms will fit those needs better.
Sushi 101
7.8
A casual, kosher-friendly sushi counter that works surprisingly well for a simple date when you want quick order flow and consistent rolls. The strengths are in approachable favorites and clean, no-drama execution. Treat it as an easy night you can pair with a walk or dessert nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna roll, Salmon avocado roll, Tempura shrimp roll
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Fast, dependable Robertson sushi with a big roll lineup.
Who should go: Couples wanting a low-lift sushi date.
When to visit: Weeknight evenings to avoid the rush.
What to order: Spicy tuna, salmon avo, shrimp tempura roll.
Insider tip: Order a fresh whole roll set instead of picking from the case.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Pico and adjacent residential blocks; easiest before 6pm. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual date-night comfortable — jeans and a simple top are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate; counter flow keeps it lively, but you can still hold a relaxed conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak rush, mostly for larger orders.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; orders move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie rolls, avocado-focused options, and simple sides.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable rolls and salads, but not a full vegan spread.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many sashimi and basic rolls can be made GF; soy sauce swaps available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a low-key, pressure-free first date with quick pacing and easy conversation. It’s not fancy, but it keeps things relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate counter-style, so walk-ins are the norm. Peak dinner hours may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like sushi or simple rolls; less ideal for very young children since seating is limited and counter-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Quick sushi dates where consistency, speed, and approachable rolls matter more than theatrics or chef-driven menus.
Skip if: You want upscale ambiance, omakase-level precision, or a long, lingering sit-down experience.