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ZipPicks Awards
Best Japanese in Mid-Wilshire
Best Wings in Mid-Wilshire
Best Sushi Rolls in Mid-Wilshire
Master Critic Review
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill – The Grove
7.9
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill at The Grove combines serious sushi with the brand’s cult-favorite fried chicken and oxtail fried rice in a polished mall-adjacent setting. It functions as both a date-night option and a spot for groups who want rolls, cooked plates, and cocktails under one roof.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue Ribbon Roll, Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken Wings, Oxtail and Bone-Marrow Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Upscale sushi-and-grill hybrid known for fried chicken and rolls.
Who should go: Groups and couples wanting sushi plus big shareable cooked dishes.
When to visit: Dinner before or after shopping or movies at The Grove.
What to order: Blue Ribbon Roll, fried chicken wings, oxtail bone-marrow fried rice.
Insider tip: Ask about Social Hour deals if you’re flexible on early-evening timing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: The Grove’s main parking structure offers plentiful parking; first hour is often discounted with validation, but expect $6–$12 for typical visits. Valet is available near the restaurant entrance. Street parking on Fairfax/Beverly is limited and competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are acceptable, but most guests lean dressy-casual given the polished setting and date-night crowd.
Noise level: Moderate. The dining room has energy but still allows normal conversation without raising your voice, even during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation depending on mall traffic and events at The Grove.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a brief 5–10 minute queue, especially outside peak shopping hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of vegetable rolls, salads, tofu dishes, and cooked vegetable plates. Easy to build a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited but workable. Vegetable rolls, seaweed salad, and select cooked vegetable sides are available; confirm sauces to avoid hidden animal products.
Gluten-free options: Moderate accommodations. Sushi and sashimi work well—request gluten-free tamari and avoid breaded/fried items like the signature wings unless noted safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The upscale setting, approachable menu, and balanced noise level make it a strong first-date choice. It feels polished without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during lunch and early evenings, but dinner—especially on weekends—fills quickly. Walk-ins may face a wait, so reservations are recommended for prime hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy sushi or grilled plates. The atmosphere skews adult and date-night focused, so families with very young children may feel more comfortable during lunch.
Best For
Better for: A broad, all-in-one Japanese experience—quality sushi alongside signature cooked dishes like fried chicken and oxtail fried rice—making it ideal for mixed groups with varied tastes.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional omakase or a purely sushi-focused experience. Several nearby specialty sushi bars offer a more purist approach.
Hours
Monday12pm - 9pm
Tuesday12pm - 9pm
Wednesday12pm - 9pm
Thursday12pm - 9pm
Friday12pm - 10pm
Saturday11:30am - 10pm
Sunday11:30am - 9pm