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Kaya Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Kaya Sushi
7.6
Kaya Sushi is a longtime Washington Boulevard fixture pairing neon-lit, music-forward energy with an expansive menu of rolls, sashimi, and cooked plates. It’s a go-to for locals who want a fun, slightly louder sushi night without heading deeper into the Westside.
Must-Try Dishes:
Popcorn Lobster Roll, Volcano Roll, Spicy Tuna Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A lively, long-running sushi spot with big rolls and a party-leaning vibe.
Who should go: Friends planning casual sushi, drinks, and a louder night.
When to visit: Evenings for full energy; earlier if you prefer it calmer.
What to order: Popcorn Lobster Roll, Volcano Roll, spicy tuna hand roll.
Insider tip: Ask about nightly roll or sake specials before you order; they change often.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface-lot parking in Marina Marketplace; usually available but fills during peak dinner hours. Additional street parking on Washington Blvd after 7pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Most guests lean relaxed, but weekend groups tend to dress trendier.
Noise level: Loud during peak dinner hours with music-forward energy; conversational but raised voices may be needed for larger groups.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger parties.
Weekday lunch: No wait; service is quick and tables turn fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of veggie rolls, tofu appetizers, and cooked vegetable plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—avocado, cucumber, and veggie rolls; clarify sauces.
Gluten-free options: Moderate options including sashimi, select nigiri, and some rolls if made without soy sauce; no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a fun, high-energy vibe. It’s lively and social, which works well for casual dates but not for intimate conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. Expect a short wait during prime dinner hours; small parties are seated quicker at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids or teens due to louder music and a later-night crowd. Early evenings work if you need a quieter, family-ready window.
Best For
Better for: Larger groups, upbeat dinners, and guests who want a long menu with creative rolls in a lively environment.
Skip if: You want quiet omakase, premium fish cuts, or a refined, intimate sushi experience—choose Sushi Enya or Irori instead.
Kaya Sushi
7.6
Kaya Sushi is a longtime Washington Boulevard fixture pairing neon-lit, music-forward energy with an expansive menu of rolls, sashimi, and cooked plates. It’s a go-to for locals who want a fun, slightly louder sushi night without heading deeper into the Westside.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Tower, Hongster Roll, Salmon Skin Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 6
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Lively, long-running sushi lounge with big rolls and a party-leaning vibe.
Who should go: Friends planning casual sushi, drinks, and a louder evening.
When to visit: Evenings for full energy; earlier if you prefer it calmer.
What to order: Spicy Tuna Tower, Hongster Roll, salmon skin hand roll.
Insider tip: Check for nightly roll or sake specials before committing your order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface-lot parking in Marina Marketplace is generally available, but fills during peak dinner hours; street parking on Washington Blvd is limited.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; guests often lean slightly trendy for evening outings.
Noise level: Loud during peak dinner hours with music-forward energy; conversation is workable earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes for small groups; longer for parties of 4+ if you walk in.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid vegetarian coverage with veggie rolls, tofu starters, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly veggie rolls without mayo; verify ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Several sashimi and basic roll options are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce alternatives may be available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works if you want something lively and casual, but the louder vibe may not be ideal for intimate conversation. Better for second dates or fun, low-pressure meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. Arrive before 6:30pm on weekends to avoid longer waits, or be prepared for a waitlist during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Families do visit earlier in the evening; high-energy atmosphere may be better suited for older kids or teens who don’t mind louder dining rooms.
Best For
Better for: Group outings, casual meetups, and sushi nights where vibe and energy matter as much as the food. Good for large roll selections and fun drinks.
Skip if: You want quiet, omakase-style precision or a refined sushi experience—Sushi Enya or Irori are better fits for that.