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SUGARFISH | Marina del Rey
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
SUGARFISH | Marina del Rey
8.2
SUGARFISH’s marina location follows the brand’s strict set-menu approach, turning out “Trust Me” sequences of nigiri and cut rolls built around high-quality fish and warm rice. It’s a dependable choice for guests who want a streamlined sushi experience without navigating a long menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Trust Me Set, Nozawa-Style Toro Nigiri, Albacore Sashimi with Ponzu
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A set-menu sushi experience built around the signature Trust Me format.
Who should go: Dinosaurs who like consistent, no-decisions-needed sushi sets.
When to visit: Off-peak lunches or early dinners to avoid long waits.
What to order: Trust Me set, toro nigiri, albacore sashimi with ponzu.
Insider tip: Order the Trust Me and add extra toro or uni à la carte if available.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free structure parking at Waterside; usually easy except during prime weekend dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — clean, simple outfits fit the brand’s minimalist vibe.
Noise level: Moderate — chatter from the dining room but quiet enough for easy conversation.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes during peak hours since there are no reservations.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, often seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — a few veggie rolls and rice-based sides.
Vegan options: Not ideal — most sets and dishes rely on fish or non-vegan components.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some nigiri and sashimi are naturally GF; request GF soy sauce and avoid sauced items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the quiet, orderly format and consistent pacing keep the experience smooth and low-stress, ideal for easy conversation without menu decisions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — SUGARFISH does not take reservations. Arrive early or during off-peak windows to avoid a wait, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — older kids who like simple sushi may enjoy it, but the set-menu format can be limiting for picky eaters and there's little space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Consistent, high-quality fish with no menu guesswork — great for guests who want dependable sushi without splurging on omakase.
Skip if: You prefer chef interaction, creative rolls, or customizable orders — the fixed-format Trust Me sets may feel too rigid.
SUGARFISH | Marina del Rey
8.3
SUGARFISH’s marina location follows the brand’s strict set-menu approach, turning out Trust Me sequences of nigiri and cut rolls built around high-quality fish and warm rice. It’s a dependable choice for guests who want a streamlined sushi experience without navigating a long menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Trust Me Set, Tuna Sashimi, Blue Crab Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Set-menu sushi experience built around the signature Trust Me format.
Who should go: Guests wanting high-quality sushi without menu decision fatigue.
When to visit: Off-peak lunches or early dinners to avoid longer waits.
What to order: Trust Me set, tuna sashimi, Blue Crab hand roll.
Insider tip: Go with a Trust Me, then add a favorite hand roll to finish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large shopping-center lot at Waterside with free parking; spaces fill during peak dinner hours but turnover is steady.
Dress code: Clean casual to smart casual; jeans, casual tops, and light layers all feel appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate; you can comfortably hold a conversation, though peak hours bring steady dining-room buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes depending on time, especially between 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; seating is often immediate or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—some vegetable rolls and a few non-fish starters.
Vegan options: Very limited—simple cucumber or veggie rolls only; most dishes rely on fish or dressings with fish-based elements.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—many nigiri pieces are naturally gluten-free; ask for gluten-free soy sauce and avoid sauced items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its clean, minimal setting and consistent pacing make it a low-stress choice, especially if you want something reliable and not overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—SUGARFISH largely operates on a walk-in basis. Expect waits during prime dinner hours, but lunch and early evenings tend to move quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat; older kids who enjoy sushi will be fine, but the focused set-menu format and quieter dining style aren’t ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Consistent, high-quality nigiri with warm rice and a no-decisions-needed set menu that appeals to sushi purists and date-night diners alike.
Skip if: You prefer customizable sushi orders, elaborate rolls, or a more festive, cocktail-forward scene—other marina spots offer more flexibility.
SUGARFISH | Marina del Rey
8.4
The original SUGARFISH outpost takes the Nozawa Group’s omakase-style boxes and streamlined roll selection to the marina, focusing on high-quality fish and warm rice over elaborate sauces. It’s the go-to in 90292 when you want set-menu sushi with a few excellent hand and cut rolls and don’t mind waiting for the crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Trust Me set, Nozawa-style Toro Hand Roll, Salmon Cut Roll
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-volume, set-menu sushi powered by the Sushi Nozawa Group’s traditional approach.
Who should go: Fans of omakase-style boxes who prioritize fish quality
When to visit: Late lunches or early dinners to avoid the heaviest waits
What to order: Trust Me box, toro hand roll, salmon cut roll
Insider tip: Go with the preset Trust Me menus rather than piecing together à la carte rolls.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking is available in the Admiralty Way retail complex; validation covers a portion but expect to pay $4–$8. Street parking is limited and fills quickly during dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and clean sneakers are perfectly fine, but many diners lean slightly polished for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate—steady conversation buzz but still easy enough to talk without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes for small parties during peak hours, even with call-ahead; lines form early.
Weekday lunch: Usually 0–15 minutes; busy but manageable flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate—vegetable cut rolls and a few simple rice dishes are available, but most set menus remain seafood-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited—nori, rice, and basic vegetable rolls, but not enough for a full vegan meal.
Gluten-free options: Yes—sushi and sashimi are naturally gluten-free if you request gluten-free tamari; avoid the standard soy sauce and select rolls with no sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's polished but unfussy, with consistent food and a comfortable noise level. The set-menu format keeps the experience smooth and gives you more time to talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—SUGARFISH operates mostly on a walk-in system. Arrive early or mid-afternoon to minimize waits; peak weekends can mean a 30–50 minute queue.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids who enjoy simple sushi will be fine, but the menu is limited for younger children and the space can feel crowded during prime time.
Best For
Better for: High-quality fish and consistent set menus at a reasonable price point compared to trendier omakase bars in the area.
Skip if: You want creative rolls, elaborate sauces, or a long stay—SUGARFISH focuses on simplicity, quick service, and traditional technique.