0 Followers
Raiz Kitchen Sushi Bar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Raiz Kitchen Sushi Bar
8.4
Raiz Kitchen Sushi Bar is a compact Fullerton spot pairing bright, modern rolls with a short list of cooked share plates. The menu leans toward composed specialty maki and playful starters, pulling in neighborhood date nights and small groups who want more energy than a traditional sushi counter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Medusa Roll, Black Monster Roll, Poke Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: A modern sushi bar where creative rolls and snacks feel built for casual nights out.
Who should go: Friends craving fun maki, cocktails, and upbeat service.
When to visit: Evenings after 7 when the bar and music pick up.
What to order: Medusa and Black Monster rolls with poke tacos to start.
Insider tip: Check for weekday drink or roll specials that keep totals in check.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking on and around Fullerton; metered spots nearby and availability becomes tight after 6:30pm. No regular valet service reported.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for evenings out.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is possible at tables, but the room gets louder as the night progresses.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait when open during daytime hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several veggie maki and appetizers, plus customizable rolls on request.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable rolls and sides; sauces and mayo-based components may contain egg.
Gluten-free options: Some rolls can be prepared gluten-free if you skip soy sauce/tempura; notify staff to confirm substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the space is compact and upbeat without feeling formal, and shareable rolls make it easy to keep the meal light and conversational.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes for small parties — walk-ins are seated earlier in the evening or at the bar; expect a wait on weekends after 7pm.
Is it kid-friendly? More suited to adults and small groups; older kids and teens are fine, but there are no dedicated kids’ menus or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Creative specialty rolls, upbeat social energy, and casual group outings with cocktails.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional sushi counter experience or an extensive omakase/chef’s-choice menu.
Raiz Kitchen Sushi Bar
8.4
Raiz is a cheffy Logan Square sushi bar where high-quality nigiri, signature rolls, and playful bites like poke tacos bridge classic Japanese technique and New American plating. A compact, dark-toned room and strong cocktail program make it feel more like a small-plate seafood bar than a traditional neighborhood sushi joint.
Must-Try Dishes:
Zesty Islander Roll, Crunchy Tuna Bites, Poke Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Modern sushi rolls and crudos served in a moody, cocktail-friendly space.
Who should go: Sushi fans who like chef-y rolls and craft cocktails.
When to visit: Later weekend evenings for a buzzy bar and full energy.
What to order: Zesty Islander Roll, Crunchy Tuna Bites, Poke Tacos to share.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter if you can; it is the best way to watch the kitchen assemble specials and ask for off-menu nigiri.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spaces on nearby arterials and side-street parking that becomes scarce after 6pm. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for cocktails and date nights.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak evenings — conversation is possible at the counter, tougher near the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; the counter sometimes turns faster.
Weekday lunch: Not typically applicable — primarily a dinner-focused spot; when open earlier, waits are uncommon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie rolls and appetizers, plus customizable maki on request.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable rolls and sides; confirm sauces and garnishes with staff.
Gluten-free options: Select nigiri and sashimi are workable; some sauces and fried items contain gluten — ask for modifications and tamari.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the moody lighting, compact room, and cocktail program create an intimate, slightly buzzy feel that works well for a first or second date, especially at the sushi counter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often — small parties can sometimes snag counter or bar seats if you’re flexible and arrive early; expect a wait at peak weekend hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Only somewhat — the space is small and vibe is adult, better suited to teens and up rather than young children; no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Creative signature rolls, chef-driven bites, and a cocktail-forward, date-night atmosphere rather than traditional sushi-only dining.
Skip if: You want quiet, spacious seating, extensive vegan or gluten-free sushi options, or classic, minimalist sushi without New American twists.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday4pm - 9pm
Wednesday4pm - 9pm
Thursday4pm - 9pm
Friday4pm - 10:30pm
Saturday4pm - 10:30pm
Sunday4pm - 9pm