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Kombu Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Kombu Sushi
7.9
Vibes:
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Pet Friendly Paradise
Family Friendly Favorites
Family-owned neighborhood gem pairs fresh nigiri and creative signature rolls with an unexpected backyard patio and rotating classic films projected on the wall. The Nirvana Roll and truffle sashimi showcase chef creativity, while the dog-friendly patio and movie screenings create a distinctly Silver Lake vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nirvana Roll, Baja Salmon Fusion Roll, Truffle Sashimi
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Combines sushi counter artistry with outdoor movie nights and extensive vegan options rare in traditional sushi bars
Who should go: Casual diners wanting quality sushi without omakase prices or pretension
When to visit: Weekend evenings for patio dining with movie projections
What to order: Alaskan Roll, Pacific Roll, Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice Cakes
Insider tip: Arrive before 6pm for happy hour specials and prime patio seating under string lights
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - relatively easy to find on Sunset Blvd side streets, but plan for 5-10 min search during dinner rush
Dress code: Casual Silver Lake vibe - jeans and t-shirts totally fine, though some diners dress up for date nights
Noise level: Quiet to moderate indoors at sushi counter, livelier on patio especially during movie nights but still conversation-friendly
Weekend wait: 20-30 min wait for patio tables without reservation, sushi counter usually has immediate seating
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, walk-ins welcome
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including vegetable rolls, inari, and creative veggie nigiri beyond standard cucumber rolls
Vegan options: Yes - surprisingly strong with dedicated vegan rolls and the ability to customize most vegetable rolls without fish sauce
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available upon request, most nigiri and sashimi naturally gluten-free, staff knowledgeable about cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the backyard patio with string lights and movie projections creates natural conversation starters, prices won't break the bank at $40-60 per person, and the casual atmosphere removes pretension while still feeling special
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weeknights or if you're willing to sit at the sushi counter. For weekend patio dining during movie nights, either book ahead or arrive right at opening (5pm) to claim a spot
Is it kid-friendly? Very - the patio movie screenings are a hit with families, there's space for kids to move around outside, and the menu includes cooked options like teriyaki and tempura for pickier eaters. Best for ages 5+ who can sit through dinner
Do they take the dog? Yes - the patio is dog-friendly with water bowls available. It's become a neighborhood spot for dog owners, especially during weekend afternoons
What's the Instagram appeal? The truffle sashimi and Nirvana Roll are beautifully plated, but the real shot is the backyard patio at night with string lights and classic film projections creating an unexpectedly cinematic backdrop
Best For
Better for: Casual sushi dates with atmosphere and value - you get patio dining, movie entertainment, and quality fish without the $150+ omakase commitment or stuffy formality of high-end sushi bars
Skip if: You want traditional omakase or the absolute highest-grade fish - this is neighborhood-level quality that prioritizes creativity and vibe over Michelin-caliber technique. Also skip if you need guaranteed reservations for large groups (limited seating)
Kombu Sushi
7.8
Family-owned Silver Lake sushi spot with efficient lunch service and value-oriented specials. Contemporary yet relaxed setting offers gluten-free and vegan options, making it easy to accommodate dietary restrictions during business meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef's Choice Sashimi Plate, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Rainbow Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Lunch specials from 11:30-3 PM offer excellent value for quality sushi
Who should go: Budget-conscious professionals needing reliable Japanese lunch option
When to visit: Arrive by 11:45 AM to beat rush
What to order: Seven-piece chef's choice sashimi lunch special with miso soup
Insider tip: Patio seating provides quieter environment for conversations than indoor counter
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Sunset Blvd and side streets, typically easy to find during lunch hours. Meters enforced until 6 PM weekdays.
Dress code: Business casual standard - collared shirts and slacks work well, though neighborhood vibe allows for smart jeans. Avoid shorts and flip-flops.
Noise level: Moderate indoor, quiet outdoor - patio seating ideal for business conversations without shouting. Indoor counter seating has kitchen noise.
Weekend wait: 15-25 min without reservation on weekends, recommend booking ahead
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait before noon, 10-15 min during peak 12:30-1:30 PM rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable rolls, inari, avocado nigiri, and vegetable tempura available. Can modify most rolls.
Vegan options: Yes - explicitly offers vegan options including vegetable rolls without mayo-based sauces. Staff knowledgeable about modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free soy sauce available on request, sashimi naturally gluten-free. Alert server about cross-contamination concerns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a business lunch? Excellent choice. Efficient service gets you in and out in 45 minutes, lunch specials keep costs reasonable for expense reports, and patio seating provides professional atmosphere for confidential conversations. Just avoid 12:30-1:30 PM peak if timing is tight.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for lunch - arrive before 12:15 PM or after 1:45 PM for immediate seating. Dinner reservations recommended for groups of 3+, though bar seating usually available for walk-ins.
Is it good for solo dining? Very comfortable - counter seating lets you watch chefs work, service is attentive without being intrusive, and lunch specials make it budget-friendly for solo meals. Bring a book or phone, no awkwardness.
Do they accommodate large groups? Groups of 4-6 manageable with advance notice. Larger parties should call ahead - space is limited but they'll try to arrange seating during off-peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Kombu Sushi excels at efficient, value-driven business lunches where you need reliable quality without the premium pricing or wait times of higher-end sushi spots. The gluten-free and vegan accommodations make it easier to handle dietary restrictions than traditional sushi counters, and the patio provides a professional setting that neighborhood izakayas can't match.
Skip if: Choose elsewhere if you're seeking an upscale omakase experience, impressing a VIP client (head to Sushi Note instead), or need a lively social atmosphere for team celebrations. Also skip if you want creative fusion rolls - this is straightforward, quality-focused sushi without the Instagram-worthy presentations.
Kombu Sushi
7.9
Family-owned neighborhood sushi spot serves solid traditional rolls and fresh nigiri in a relaxed contemporary setting. The patio dining and movie projections create casual date ambiance, while gluten-free and vegan options accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dynamite Mussels, California Roll, Spicy Tuna on Rice Cakes
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Neighborhood staple balances quality and accessibility with diverse menu options
Who should go: Couples seeking reliable sushi without pretense or high prices
When to visit: Friday evenings on the patio with outdoor movie screenings
What to order: Blue Crab Roll, Dynamite Mussels, any baked specialty rolls
Insider tip: Private lot parking available—rare for Sunset Boulevard locations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Private lot available behind restaurant - major advantage for Sunset Boulevard. Street parking also possible but competitive during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual comfortable - jeans and nice top work perfectly. Neighborhood vibe means no pressure to dress up.
Noise level: Conversational - relaxed atmosphere allows easy talking. Patio especially quiet for date conversation.
Weekend wait: 20-30 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm. Patio fills first during movie nights.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait - can usually walk in and be seated within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive vegetarian rolls plus veggie tempura and inari options throughout menu.
Vegan options: Yes - dedicated vegan section with 8+ specialty rolls using creative vegetable combinations.
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available and kitchen accommodates requests. Many nigiri and sashimi options naturally GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for first dates - relaxed enough to ease nerves but special enough to show effort. Patio seating with movie projections provides natural conversation starters without awkward silences. Price point won't intimidate and quality shows you care.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights yes, weekends risky. Tuesday-Thursday walk-ins usually fine before 7pm. Friday-Saturday evenings strongly recommend calling ahead, especially if you want patio seating during movie nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - welcoming to families with children. Menu has accessible options like California rolls and chicken teriyaki. Movie projections keep kids entertained. Casual atmosphere means parents can relax. Best for ages 5+ who can sit through a meal.
What's the best seating? Patio hands down, especially during outdoor movie screenings. Request patio when making reservation. Indoor is pleasant but you'll miss the signature ambiance that makes this place special.
How does this compare to other Silver Lake sushi? More accessible than high-end spots like Sushi Note but significantly better than strip mall options. The sweet spot for neighborhood quality without the pretension or $200+ bills.
Best For
Better for: Kombu wins on value-to-quality ratio and accommodating diverse dietary needs in one place. The patio experience with movies creates memorable casual date atmosphere that fancier spots can't match. Private parking is unbeatable for this area.
Skip if: You want omakase-level sushi or adventurous fish selection - this is solid traditional, not cutting-edge. Also skip if you need quiet romantic ambiance on movie nights (projections draw families). Choose elsewhere for impressing serious sushi snobs.
Kombu Sushi
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Pet Friendly Paradise
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Family-owned since 2016 and named after their rescue Shiba Inu, Kombu serves contemporary Japanese fare including specialty rolls, udon, and izakaya plates with extensive vegan options. The dog-friendly patio and outdoor movie screenings create a relaxed neighborhood vibe for casual sushi dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nirvana Roll, Baja Salmon Fusion Roll, Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Dog-friendly patio with extensive vegan sushi selection and outdoor movies
Who should go: Families, pet owners, and budget-conscious sushi fans
When to visit: Lunch specials weekdays 11:30am-3pm or weekend dinner
What to order: Nirvana roll, baja salmon fusion, lunch specials, vegan rolls
Insider tip: Parking available behind restaurant; outdoor movie nights in summer
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant - neighborhood street parking also available
Dress code: Super casual - t-shirts and sneakers perfectly fine
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation indoors, very relaxed on patio
Weekend wait: 15-30 min for patio tables, minimal wait indoors
Weekday lunch: No wait - walk-ins welcome
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - extensive selection including specialty veggie rolls
Vegan options: Outstanding - dedicated vegan menu with creative rolls and plates
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available, rice-based dishes, staff knowledgeable
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second or third dates. The patio is charming but the dog-friendly vibe and family atmosphere make it more relaxed than romantic. Great if you both love dogs.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially weekday lunch and early dinner. Weekend evenings may have short waits for patio seating but indoor tables usually available.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - families are regulars here. All ages welcome, outdoor space for kids to move around, and approachable menu options beyond adventurous sushi.
Can I bring my dog? Absolutely - the patio is dog-friendly and the restaurant is literally named after their Shiba Inu. Water bowls provided.
How does the lunch special work? Weekdays 11:30am-3pm - combination plates with miso soup and salad at budget-friendly prices. Best value on the menu.
Best For
Better for: Choose Kombu over typical sushi spots for the extensive vegan selection, dog-friendly patio, and neighborhood charm. Best budget sushi option in Silver Lake with creative rolls you won't find elsewhere.
Skip if: Looking for omakase-style sushi, date night romance, or premium sashimi selection. This is casual neighborhood sushi, not a high-end experience.
Kombu Sushi
7.6
Family-owned sushi spot serves familiar Japanese rolls and nigiri in a contemporary Silver Lake setting with patio seating. Reliable execution and accommodating service make it a neighborhood staple for casual sushi cravings, though creativity and presentation remain conventional compared to newer arrivals on the same stretch of Sunset.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rainbow Roll, Baked Salmon Roll, Poke Bowls
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Accessible neighborhood sushi with gluten-free and vegan options
Who should go: Families and casual diners wanting reliable sushi rolls
When to visit: Lunch and dinner daily; patio dining available
What to order: Rainbow roll, baked salmon, gyoza appetizers
Insider tip: Automatic service charge added to bills for living wages
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Sunset Boulevard and side streets - typically easier before 6pm. Small lot behind building with 8-10 spaces (first-come basis). Meter enforcement until 8pm weekdays.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood spot - jeans and t-shirt perfectly fine. Most diners in athleisure or everyday casual.
Noise level: Conversational - intimate dining room stays quiet even when full. Patio has street noise from Sunset but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 15-25 minutes Friday/Saturday 6-8pm without reservation. Call-ahead seating available but not full reservations.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seated immediately. Lunch crowd peaks 12:30-1pm but turns quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - full vegetarian roll selection including avocado, cucumber, pickled radish combinations. Vegetable tempura and edamame starters.
Vegan options: Yes - explicitly labeled vegan rolls (5-6 options) using tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Staff knowledgeable about fish sauce in dressings.
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available upon request, rice-based dishes naturally GF. Kitchen aware of cross-contamination but no separate prep area. Tempura contains gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Works for casual first dates where you want conversation without pretense. Quiet enough to talk, affordable enough to keep pressure low. Skip if you're trying to impress - atmosphere is functional rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take traditional reservations, only call-ahead seating (30-60 min advance). Walk-ins usually seated within 20 minutes peak times. Patio tables first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs available, patient staff, simple rolls kids actually eat. Families are regulars here. Gets busy with families 5:30-7pm weekends. Crayons provided.
How long does dinner typically take? 45-60 minutes for casual meal. Kitchen paces well - appetizers arrive quickly, rolls within 15 minutes of ordering. No pressure to leave but turns tables efficiently during rush.
Do they have a full bar? Beer and wine only - decent sake selection and Japanese beers (Sapporo, Asahi). No cocktails or hard liquor. BYOB not permitted.
Best For
Better for: Reliable neighborhood sushi when you want familiar rolls done competently without fuss or high prices. Best for dietary accommodations (vegan/GF clearly marked), families with kids, and solo diners who want counter seating. Automatic living wage charge means no tipping math.
Skip if: You want omakase-style creativity, premium fish quality, or date-night ambiance. If you're seeking inventive rolls or sushi as culinary experience rather than casual meal, head to Sushi Enya or Sushi Note instead. Also skip if you need full bar or want to impress visiting food snobs.
Kombu Sushi
7.8
Family-owned since 2016 and named after the owner's Shiba Inu, this casual neighborhood spot combines fresh sushi with a contemporary patio atmosphere. Dog-friendly with movie screenings on outdoor nights, Kombu offers solid specialty rolls and extensive vegan options in a relaxed, unpretentious setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja Salmon Fusion Roll, Spicy Tuna Rice Cakes, Dynamite Mussels
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Named after owner's rescue Shiba Inu, offering neighborhood charm with extensive vegan sushi options
Who should go: Families, casual diners, dog owners seeking outdoor seating
When to visit: Lunch opens 11:30am daily, patio for weekend afternoons
What to order: Specialty fusion rolls, lunch bento boxes, vegan roll selections
Insider tip: Outdoor patio features movie screenings; Happy Hour 3-6pm offers best value
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Sunset Blvd and side streets, typically easy to find. Metered during business hours, free evenings/weekends. Small lot behind building fits 6-8 cars.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood spot - jeans, t-shirts, athleisure all perfectly fine. No dress code.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation indoors, livelier on patio during movie nights but still comfortable for talking
Weekend wait: 15-25 min wait Friday/Saturday 6-8pm without reservation, patio fills first
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins seated immediately, rarely any wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - 8+ vegetarian rolls plus veggie tempura, edamame, extensive selection
Vegan options: Very strong - 6+ fully vegan rolls (avocado, cucumber, asparagus-based), vegan sauces available, clearly marked on menu
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available on request, many sashimi options, staff knowledgeable about cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second/third dates. Relaxed vibe takes pressure off, but not particularly romantic - more neighborhood hangout energy. Patio on non-movie nights offers best date atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm). Weekend prime time (6-8pm) you'll likely wait 20 minutes. They don't take reservations for parties under 6, so walk-in is standard.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu available, high chairs provided, casual atmosphere where noise isn't an issue. Popular with families 4-7pm. Cucumber rolls and teriyaki chicken please picky eaters. Coloring sheets available.
Can I bring my dog? Yes - patio is dog-friendly with water bowls provided. Named after owner's Shiba Inu, so genuinely welcoming to well-behaved dogs. Busy on weekend afternoons with the dog crowd.
Is the Happy Hour worth it? Absolutely - 3-6pm daily gets you $2 off specialty rolls and $5 sake/beer. Best value in Silver Lake for quality sushi. Select rolls only but includes most popular options.
How does it compare to Sushi Stop nearby? Kombu has better atmosphere and vegan options; Sushi Stop has slightly fresher fish and faster service. Choose Kombu for the patio experience and plant-based dining, Sushi Stop for quick traditional sushi.
Best For
Better for: Best neighborhood sushi spot for vegan/vegetarian diners, dog owners wanting outdoor dining, families seeking casual atmosphere, budget-conscious diners hitting Happy Hour. More relaxed and welcoming than typical sushi restaurants.
Skip if: You want omakase-level fish quality, romantic upscale ambiance, innovative haute cuisine preparations, or you're in a rush (service can be slow when busy). Also skip if you dislike fusion rolls - menu leans creative over traditional.