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Gari Sushi
Master Critic Review
Gari Sushi
8.3
Gari Sushi is a tiny, mostly BYOB sushi bar on Fullerton where the chef turns out carefully made maki and nigiri to a small number of tables. Service skews personal, and the focus is on fresh fish and creative rolls rather than décor or a long drink list.
Must-Try Dishes:
King Kong Roll, Godzilla Roll, Sexy Chic Roll
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: A tiny neighborhood sushi bar where the chef and staff keep things intimate and fish-focused.
Who should go: BYOB sushi fans who like low-key, personal service.
When to visit: Early evenings or later weeknights to avoid the tiny-space crunch.
What to order: King Kong and Godzilla rolls plus a few chef’s-choice nigiri.
Insider tip: Call ahead for small-group seating; walk-ins can be tough when it’s full.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Fullerton with limited free side-street parking nearby; spots can be scarce during peak dinner hours and there is no valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sweaters are common, but many guests lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Low to moderate — intimate room where you can comfortably hold a conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation due to the very small dining room.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait when open for lunch; note that hours may be dinner-focused on many weekdays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection of veggie rolls and cucumber/avocado maki; nigiri options are limited but staff can guide substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited — a few veggie rolls and simple maki can be prepared without mayo or sauces on request.
Gluten-free options: Several items are naturally gluten-free and tamari may be available on request, but cross-contact is possible in such a small sushi bar.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate, low-key room and personal service make it well-suited for a quiet, conversation-forward first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are possible, but the small space fills quickly. Call ahead or arrive early evening to improve your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids or teens who enjoy sushi; the tight seating and quiet vibe are less ideal for very young children or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Personal, chef-driven sushi in a tiny, BYOB setting where attentive service and careful maki/nigiri execution matter more than décor.
Skip if: You want a large dining room, a full bar and cocktail program, or big-group seating without advance planning.