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Murakami
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Murakami
8.2
Murakami is a long-running Melrose fixture known for build-your-own chirashi bowls and straightforward sushi at moderate prices. It leans more neighborhood workhorse than scene restaurant, with consistently fresh fish that keeps regulars coming back decades after opening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Build-Your-Own Chirashi Bowl, Salmon and Tuna Sashimi Combo, Spicy Tuna Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Decades-old sushi spot centered on customizable chirashi bowls and fresh fish.
Who should go: Regular sushi eaters wanting dependable fish without the scene.
When to visit: Weeknights or early evenings to avoid peak Melrose crowds.
What to order: Custom chirashi bowl, salmon sashimi, spicy tuna roll.
Insider tip: Use the chirashi format to sample premium cuts without overspending.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Melrose and nearby side streets; can fill up after 6pm but usually manageable with a short walk.
Dress code: Casual and unfussy—jeans, tees, and everyday outfits fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate; easy for solo diners to relax and for small groups to hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on foot traffic, occasionally longer during peak Melrose evenings.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick seating for both dine-in and takeout orders.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, tofu options, and customizable chirashi without fish.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly cucumber or avocado rolls and simple veggie sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes—sashimi, many basic rolls, and chirashi bowls can be prepared without soy sauce; request gluten-free tamari.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Good for a casual, low-pressure first date where conversation matters more than ambiance. It’s not a scene-y spot, so choose it if you want simple, fresh sushi over theatrics.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Even on busier nights, turnover is steady thanks to fast service and a large takeout crowd.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids comfortable with sushi or rice bowls. No special kids’ menu or amenities, but the casual setting works for family drop-ins.
Best For
Better for: Customizable chirashi bowls and consistently fresh fish at prices lower than trendier Melrose and WeHo sushi bars.
Skip if: You’re seeking omakase-level technique, premium cuts, or a design-forward dining room—this is a neighborhood standby, not a destination sushi experience.
Murakami
8.5
Murakami Sushi is a long-running Melrose fixture where customizable bowls and precise cut rolls anchor one of 90046’s most reliable sushi bars. Since 1997, it’s built a devoted following for high-quality fish, tightly executed rolls, and a cozy room that works as well for date night as it does for bar-seat solo dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna cut Roll, Rainbow Roll, OMG Roll
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Melrose veteran pairing customizable bowls with refined, high-end sushi rolls.
Who should go: Roll-focused sushi fans who value consistency and quality.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier walk-ins and relaxed pacing.
What to order: Spicy Tuna cut Roll, Rainbow Roll, OMG Roll.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter and let staff guide a roll-plus-bowl combo around your budget.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking dominates the Melrose stretch; expect metered spots and limited free residential spaces. Arrive early on weekends, as parking becomes tight after 7pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and a nice top are perfectly fine, but many diners lean slightly polished for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate. The room has steady energy, but you can still hold a normal conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for walk-ins during peak hours; faster if you're willing to sit at the sushi bar.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; immediate seating is common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes. Several veggie rolls and customizable bowls with tofu or vegetable-forward builds.
Vegan options: Limited but doable. A couple of vegan rolls and bowl configurations are available—ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Good options. Many rolls can be made gluten-free with tamari and modifications; avoid tempura add-ons.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The intimate room, consistent food quality, and moderate noise level make it an easy, low-stress first-date spot—cozy but not too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually. Walk-ins are common, especially on weeknights. For busy weekend dinners, be prepared to wait unless you're flexible with counter seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat. The space is small and designed more for adults, but older kids who enjoy sushi will be fine. No dedicated kids’ menu or play-friendly amenities.
Best For
Better for: Customization and consistency. Murakami excels at precise cut rolls, build-your-own bowls, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere ideal for dates and solo bar dining.
Skip if: You want omakase-level artistry or ultra-high-end fish cuts. This is a premium neighborhood sushi bar, not a tasting-menu destination.
Murakami
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Murakami Sushi is a long-running Melrose sushi bar known for its build-your-own chirashi bowls and omakase, where counter seats function like a relaxed chef’s table. Since the late 1990s, regulars have trusted the kitchen for customizable sashimi combinations and affordable omakase sets that highlight quality fish over theatrics. The space is compact and casual, but in-the-know guests treat the counter as a front-row seat to the nightly sushi show.
Must-Try Dishes:
Build-Your-Own Chirashi Bowl, Spicy Trio Chirashi, Omakase Nigiri Set
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A no-frills Melrose sushi bar where the counter doubles as an omakase-style chef’s table at everyday prices.
Who should go: Sushi fans who value fresh fish and customization over decor.
When to visit: Early evening on weeknights to snag prime counter seats.
What to order: Build-Your-Own Chirashi Bowl, Spicy Trio Chirashi, Omakase Nigiri Set.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter, give the chef a budget, and let them freestyle an omakase progression.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Melrose and nearby side streets is your best bet; metered spots turn over quickly but can be tough during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; counter dining is relaxed, so jeans and tees are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate—small room buzzes during peak hours, but you can still hold a normal conversation at the counter.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on counter availability; solo diners are usually seated faster.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait, often immediate seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian rolls, vegetable tempura, and build-your-own chirashi with tofu and veggie add-ins.
Vegan options: Limited—simple veggie rolls and salads available, but most sauces contain mayo or fish-based components.
Gluten-free options: Yes—plenty of sashimi, nigiri, and chirashi combinations; gluten-free soy sauce available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Good for a low-key, casual first date if you want something affordable and conversation-friendly; less ideal if you're aiming for a dressed-up or romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's mostly walk-in driven. Counter seats fill up first, so arrive early for omakase-style dining.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who enjoy sushi; space is tight, so strollers and large groups with small children may feel cramped.
Best For
Better for: Affordable omakase and customizable chirashi bowls where quality fish and counter interaction beat most budget sushi spots in the neighborhood.
Skip if: You want a high-end, theatrical omakase experience with premium cuts and formal service—this spot stays casual and no-frills.
Murakami
8.5
Murakami is a long-running Melrose Avenue sushi bar known for customizable sashimi bowls and a tight menu of classic rolls and nigiri. Locals treat it as the reliable neighborhood choice for high-quality fish without full-on omakase formality, especially for casual dates or low-key celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
8 Items Bowl sashimi rice bowl, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Rainbow Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Customization-friendly sushi bowls and rolls anchored by consistently fresh fish.
Who should go: Sushi fans wanting quality without omakase formality.
When to visit: Weeknights for smoother pacing and easier parking.
What to order: 8 Items Bowl, spicy tuna crispy rice, chef’s choice nigiri.
Insider tip: Sit at the sushi bar and let the chefs build a custom bowl around your favorite fish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Melrose can be tight during peak dinner hours; aim for nearby residential streets after 6pm. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and a nice top fit right in, but the room supports slightly dressier looks for dates.
Noise level: Moderate; you can hold a conversation comfortably, with a mild dinner rush hum.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on groups and bar seating availability.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, though lunch service is more limited.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie rolls, tofu options, and customizable bowls with vegetables and non-fish toppings work well.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable rolls and build-your-own bowls without sauces containing mayo finishers.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many sashimi, nigiri, and basic rolls qualify; request gluten-free soy sauce and avoid tempura items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the relaxed sushi-bar atmosphere, fresh fish, and customizable bowls make it easygoing without feeling too casual. Conversation-friendly noise levels help keep the vibe comfortable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually — go early on weekends or choose bar seating for the fastest turnaround. Weeknights are much easier for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the space is small and geared more toward adults, but older kids who enjoy sushi or simple rolls will be fine. No dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: High-quality fish at approachable prices, fully customizable bowls, and a neighborhood-casual vibe that works for solo sushi nights or low-key dates.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full omakase experience, luxury ambience, or extensive specialty rolls — nearby higher-end sushi bars are better suited for those occasions.
Murakami
8.5
Murakami is a long-running Melrose Avenue sushi bar known for customizable sashimi bowls, classic rolls, and consistently good fish at below-omakase prices. Locals treat it as the neighborhood standby for casual dates, weeknight sushi, and low-key celebrations without sacrificing quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
8 Items Sashimi Bowl, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Chef’s Choice Nigiri Plate
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Customization-friendly sushi bowls and rolls built around reliably fresh fish.
Who should go: Sushi fans wanting quality without omakase formality.
When to visit: Weeknights for smoother pacing and easier parking.
What to order: 8 Items Bowl, spicy tuna crispy rice, chef’s nigiri.
Insider tip: Sit at the sushi bar and let the chefs build you a custom nigiri flight.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Melrose and nearby residential streets; can be tight after 7pm but usually doable within a few minutes of circling.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; jeans and a nice top are standard. Dates often lean slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate—comfortable for conversation, with a gentle hum during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes depending on peak hours; bar seats may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including veggie rolls, tofu bowls, and customizable sashimi-free bowls.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—avocado rolls, cucumber rolls, and build-your-own veggie bowls.
Gluten-free options: Good selection of gluten-free-friendly items; many bowls and nigiri are naturally GF when ordered without soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's relaxed, reliably tasty, and not overly loud, which makes conversation easy without feeling too formal or high-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes, especially on weeknights. On weekends expect a short wait, but bar seating often turns quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who enjoy sushi or bowls; limited space means strollers can be tricky during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: High-quality fish at casual prices, customizable bowls, and a cozy sushi-bar experience without omakase commitment.
Skip if: You’re looking for elaborate specialty rolls, dramatic plating, or a full omakase-style experience.