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Roji Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Roji Sushi
8.6
Led by Chef Chano with over 25 years of fine dining experience, Roji serves freshly imported fish at approachable prices in a cozy, modern setting. The intimate space features both indoor dining and a relaxed patio, making it ideal for conversations. Strong omakase program balances traditional techniques with contemporary flair.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase Selection, Yellowtail with Truffle, Hamachi Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Expert sushi chef with 25+ years experience serving affordable omakase
Who should go: Couples seeking quality sushi in intimate setting
When to visit: Dinner hours Thursday-Saturday for best atmosphere
What to order: Omakase lets Chef Chano showcase seasonal selections
Insider tip: Sit at the sushi bar for personalized chef interaction
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont Ave and side streets - moderately difficult after 7pm on weekends. Small public lot on Hillhurst (2 blocks) charges $8 flat rate.
Dress code: Smart casual works perfectly - dark jeans and a nice top hits the mark. Skip the sneakers for date night.
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly - the small space stays surprisingly quiet even when full. Perfect for actual talking.
Weekend wait: 60-90 minutes without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm - reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins welcome - rarely a wait Tuesday-Thursday lunch service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable maki rolls, inari, edamame, and seasonal vegetable tempura. Chef can create vegetarian omakase with advance notice.
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 vegetable rolls available, but omakase program is fish-focused. Better vegan sushi options exist in the area.
Gluten-free options: Yes with modifications - tamari available for soy sauce, most sashimi works. Call ahead for omakase to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate without being stuffy, conversation-friendly noise level, and the sushi bar seating gives you something to watch if conversation lulls. Price point is impressive-but-not-intimidating ($40-60pp).
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible Tuesday-Thursday before 7pm or if you're willing to wait 60+ minutes on weekends. The 8-seat sushi bar sometimes has walk-in spots. Best bet: call 30 minutes out to check.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - tiny space, no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere. Teens who appreciate good sushi will love it. Consider for family dinner with kids 12+.
How does the omakase compare to higher-end spots? Chef Chano's technique rivals $200+ omakase experiences, but at $85-110 price point. Fish quality is excellent though not as exotic as ultra-premium spots. Best value omakase in Los Feliz.
Is the patio worth requesting? Yes for casual dinners - more relaxed vibe, LA evening weather, better for groups of 3-4. Choose indoor sushi bar for date nights and to watch Chef Chano work.
Best For
Better for: Choose Roji for: approachable omakase prices, intimate date atmosphere, personalized chef interaction, and quality-to-price ratio. Chef Chano's experience shines without the pretension of fancier spots.
Skip if: Skip if you want: trendy scene energy (try Sushi Note), bigger group space (Katsuya), pure traditional experience (Sushi Gen), or if you need guaranteed walk-in seating. Also skip for vegan dining.
Roji Sushi
8.3
Chef Chano brings over 25 years of fine dining experience to this cozy modern sushi bar near Figaro Bistrot. Fresh imported fish arrives daily at affordable prices, with both traditional omakase and inventive specialty rolls drawing neighborhood regulars to their inviting patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef's Omakase, Specialty Signature Rolls, Fresh Nigiri Selection
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Master chef with 25+ years experience serving approachable omakase
Who should go: First-time omakase diners and seasoned sushi lovers alike
When to visit: Friday or Saturday late night on the patio
What to order: Omakase experience, fresh daily nigiri specials, signature rolls
Insider tip: Dog-friendly patio makes it perfect for casual neighborhood dining
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont Ave and side streets - moderately difficult after 7pm on weekends. Small public lot on Melbourne Ave (2 blocks) charges $8 flat rate.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top work perfectly. No need to dress up unless you want to.
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly - cozy interior stays quiet even when full, patio has gentle ambient street noise
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation on Friday/Saturday after 7pm. Bar seats usually available with 10-15 min wait.
Weekday lunch: No wait - walk-ins welcome, though they're primarily dinner service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options including vegetable tempura rolls, avocado-cucumber combinations, and inari. Chef accommodates preferences.
Vegan options: Limited but doable - cucumber rolls, avocado rolls, vegetable tempura (specify no egg wash). Call ahead for best experience.
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available on request, most sashimi/nigiri options work. Chef understands cross-contamination concerns for serious allergies.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely - it's one of Los Feliz's best date spots. The patio creates intimate ambiance without feeling stuffy, prices won't destroy your budget ($40-60pp), and the omakase gives you something interesting to talk about. Quiet enough to actually hear each other.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights yes, weekends risky. Bar seating (8 seats) is your best bet for walk-ins - you'll get the same quality and can watch Chef Chano work. Friday/Saturday dinner, definitely book ahead or arrive right at 5:30pm opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Surprisingly yes for a sushi bar - the patio is casual and dog-friendly, so kids are welcome. They'll make simple rolls (cucumber, California). Best for ages 8+ who can sit through a meal. Early dinner (5:30-7pm) before date-night crowd arrives.
How does the omakase compare to high-end spots? You're getting chef-quality technique at neighborhood prices ($50-75 vs $150+). Less theatrical presentation than Sushi Note or Q, but the fish quality and knife work rival them. Perfect introduction to omakase without intimidation or sticker shock.
Is it worth going if I don't like raw fish? Yes - they have excellent tempura, cooked specialty rolls, and teriyaki options. Chef Chano's technique shines in the cooked items too. That said, if you're strictly anti-seafood, there are better neighborhood options.
Best For
Better for: Approachable omakase experience at honest prices, intimate neighborhood atmosphere, quality-to-value ratio on fresh fish, couples seeking conversation-friendly date spot without pretense
Skip if: You want trendy Instagram-worthy plating, need extensive non-sushi options, prefer high-energy social scenes, or want traditional Japanese formality. Also skip if you're looking for cheap quick sushi - this is quality-focused, not fast-casual.
Roji Sushi
8.6
Chef Chano brings over 25 years of fine dining experience to this modern sushi bar where tradition meets innovation. Freshly imported fish from Tokyo's Toyosu Market arrives twice weekly, ensuring peak quality for both classic nigiri and boundary-pushing signature rolls. The open sushi counter transforms each meal into theater as skilled chefs craft edible art while guests sip handcrafted cocktails and explore curated sake selections.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase Nigiri, Roji Roll, Super Crunch Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Expert sushi chef with 25+ years experience preparing fish flown in from Tokyo twice weekly
Who should go: Sushi lovers seeking quality omakase at approachable prices
When to visit: Weeknights for relaxed counter seating, weekends for lively atmosphere
What to order: Omakase for first-timers, Roji Roll for signatures, fresh seasonal sashimi
Insider tip: The patio offers dog-friendly dining with the same quality fish
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - Vermont Ave has meters ($2/hr until 8pm), side streets easier after 7pm. Nearby paid lot on Hillhurst ($8 flat rate)
Dress code: Casually polished - dark jeans and a nice top work, but you'll see everything from date night dresses to upscale streetwear
Noise level: Intimate conversation-friendly - music present but never overpowering, counter seating quieter than tables
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation after 7pm (they don't take reservations for counter seats - first come basis)
Weekday lunch: No lunch service - dinner only starting at 5:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable tempura, avocado rolls, inari, cucumber sunomono, and veggie nigiri (asparagus, shiitake, tomato)
Vegan options: Limited - can accommodate with advance notice (vegetable rolls, edamame, pickled vegetables) but fish-centric menu
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes - tamari available on request, most nigiri/sashimi safe, but cross-contamination possible in shared fryer
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the counter seating creates natural conversation flow as you watch chefs work, lighting is flattering, and omakase gives you something to discuss between courses. Price point ($60-80pp) shows effort without seeming excessive.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Counter seats are walk-in only (6-8 spots, best bet arriving right at 5:30pm). Tables require reservations on weekends but you can sometimes snag one on weeknights if you arrive before 6:30pm. Bar area also accepts walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens (14+) than young kids - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere, and raw fish focus. If bringing younger children, stick to weeknights before 7pm and order cooked items like tempura and teriyaki.
How does the omakase work here? Chef's choice tasting ($75) - typically 12 pieces of nigiri plus a hand roll, progressing from delicate white fish to richer tuna/salmon. Takes 45-60 minutes, counter seating only. Tell the chef any preferences upfront.
Is it too fancy for casual dinner? No - despite the quality, it's relaxed Los Feliz vibes. You'll see locals in jeans at the bar. Save the formal energy for more traditional omakase spots.
Best For
Better for: Choose Roji over chain sushi for twice-weekly Toyosu fish at similar prices, over traditional omakase spots when you want approachable atmosphere with counter theater, and over trendy fusion places when you prioritize fish quality over Instagram spectacle
Skip if: You want traditional quiet omakase ceremony (too lively), need extensive cooked options beyond tempura, require guaranteed seating without planning ahead, or want all-you-can-eat value over curated quality
Roji Sushi
8.6
Modern sushi bar led by Chef Chano with 25+ years of fine dining experience, bringing high-level nigiri and creative specialty rolls to Los Feliz Village. Fresh fish sourced daily paired with minimalist design creates an elevated yet approachable experience where tradition meets contemporary technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase Nigiri, Super Crunch Roll, King Salmon Sashimi
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Chef Chano's 25 years of experience delivers restaurant-quality fish at neighborhood prices
Who should go: Sushi enthusiasts seeking elevated quality without omakase pricing
When to visit: Weeknights for bar seats, Friday-Saturday for the scene
What to order: Omakase Nigiri for chef's best cuts, Super Crunch Roll, any crudo special
Insider tip: Outdoor patio has fantastic vibes on warm evenings
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont Ave and side streets, easier after 8pm. Municipal lot on Hollywood Blvd (2 blocks) $8 flat rate
Dress code: Elevated casual - nice jeans and button-down works, but you'll see cocktail attire on weekends
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - perfect date night acoustics with soft ambient music
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation after 7pm, bar seats usually available
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins welcome, no wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable tempura, avocado roll, cucumber roll, plus seasonal vegetable nigiri
Vegan options: Limited - 2 rolls (cucumber, avocado), request no sauce modifications on veggie options
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available, most nigiri safe, ask about tempura alternatives
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate lighting, conversation-friendly noise levels, and impressive without being stuffy. Bar seating works if you want casual, tables if you want traditional. Price point shows effort without breaking the bank.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights yes, arrive before 7pm. Weekends risky - book ahead or grab bar seats which turn over faster. Tuesday-Thursday are your best walk-in bets.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and older kids who appreciate sushi. No kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere. If you're bringing younger children, go early (5-6pm) before date night crowd arrives.
How does the omakase compare to high-end spots? You're getting 80% of the quality at 50% of the price. Chef Chano's sourcing and knife work rival Beverly Hills spots, but portion sizes are slightly smaller and less theatrical presentation.
Is the outdoor patio worth requesting? Absolutely in good weather - it's the Instagram moment everyone's chasing. Heated and covered, but best March-October. Request it when booking, fills up fast on Friday-Saturday.
Best For
Better for: High-quality nigiri without omakase commitment, neighborhood charm with destination-worthy fish, approachable date nights where quality impresses without pretension
Skip if: You want all-you-can-eat volume, need a full kids menu, prefer traditional sushi bar formality, or want the Nobu-level theatrics and presentation