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Roppongi Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Roppongi Sushi
8.1
Downtown Japanese restaurant best known for sushi but also serving a hearty pork-broth ramen. Good for mixed groups where some want rolls and others want a warming bowl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Japanese Ramen (pork broth), Spicy Ramen, Tempura Udon
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Full-service Japanese dining with a solid ramen option downtown.
Who should go: Mixed groups wanting sushi and ramen together
When to visit: Lunch midweek or early dinner before peak
What to order: Pork-broth ramen; spicy ramen; a roll add-on
Insider tip: Bar seats move faster for solo diners at peak times.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along First Street is free but limited; nearby public lots behind the theater usually have open spots before 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual – jeans and a button-down or nice top fit the setting.
Noise level: Moderate – lively conversation buzz but still easy to talk across the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – vegetable rolls, miso soup, and tofu ramen available.
Vegan options: Limited – miso soup and veggie rolls can be customized upon request.
Gluten-free options: Partial – sushi options are adaptable, but ramen noodles contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – modern Japanese décor and attentive service create an easygoing atmosphere for a casual but polished first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes for lunch or early dinner, but reservations are recommended on weekends and Friday nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – kids who like noodles or simple sushi rolls are welcome; high chairs are available and staff are accommodating.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for mixed sushi-and-ramen groups and those wanting a sit-down experience over counter service.
Skip if: You’re looking for a specialty ramen bar with extensive broth or topping variations.
Roppongi Sushi
8.2
Downtown spot for nigiri, sashimi, and shareable specialty rolls with a steady happy hour. It’s the easy downtown move for a relaxed, conversation-friendly sushi date near the First Street action.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase nigiri flight, Hamachi jalapeño, Dragon roll
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Downtown sushi with dependable rolls and a popular happy hour.
Who should go: Couples wanting lively downtown energy
When to visit: Tue–Thu 7–8pm for smoother pacing
What to order: Nigiri flight; hamachi jalapeño; salmon sashimi
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu nigiri pieces when the chef has specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available along First Street, but fills quickly after 6pm; free public lots are one block east near the library.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and nice tops work fine; dressier attire fits the evening vibe.
Noise level: Moderate — upbeat background music but quiet enough for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially during happy hour crossover.
Weekday lunch: No wait or minimal; steady but not packed midday.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie rolls and cucumber/avocado options.
Vegan options: Limited — can accommodate 2–3 custom rolls on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes — tamari available; gluten-free soy sauce upon request, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — upbeat but not loud, with comfortable booths and a lively yet relaxed downtown feel that eases conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights; on weekends it’s best to call ahead or arrive before 6:30pm to avoid a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — kids are welcome but the energy skews adult, better suited for families with older children who enjoy sushi.
Best For
Better for: A livelier, social sushi night with dependable rolls and downtown energy.
Skip if: You prefer a traditional omakase or quiet, high-end sushi bar experience — this leans casual and fun over formal.
Roppongi Sushi
8.1
Downtown staple known for a broad maki lineup and reliable execution—from flame-seared classics to lighter, produce-forward rolls. Locals use it for casual sushi nights or a quick maki-and-miso lunch before strolling First Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lion King Roll, Rainbow Roll, Roppongi Special Roll
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Big, varied roll selection with dependable execution downtown.
Who should go: Casual sushi fans and First Street strollers
When to visit: Weeknights 6–7pm before peak dinner rush
What to order: Lion King; Rainbow; miso soup
Insider tip: Ask for half-and-half sauces on baked rolls to balance richness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available along First Street and nearby side streets; free public lots within a 2–3 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and polos fine, but many diners dress up slightly for evenings downtown.
Noise level: Moderate – conversational during early dinner hours, lively after 7pm.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seats turn faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several veggie rolls, tofu appetizers, and vegetable tempura available.
Vegan options: Limited – avocado, cucumber, and veggie rolls can be made vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Partially – gluten-free soy sauce available; most rolls can be adjusted to exclude tempura or sauces with wheat.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The sushi bar offers an easy, relaxed setting for conversation, and the roll presentation adds a touch of flair without being formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights; walk-ins may wait briefly during weekend peak hours, but turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with school-age kids; staff are accommodating and offer simple rolls or teriyaki options for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Broader roll variety and faster service than nearby sushi bars, making it ideal for casual nights or group outings.
Skip if: You’re seeking omakase or high-end sashimi cuts—this spot focuses more on approachable, creative maki.
Roppongi Sushi
8.0
Downtown standby for a wide roll lineup plus balanced nigiri at friendly prices. Lunch boxes and house-named specials make it an easy, repeatable pick.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roppongi roll, Cherry Blossom roll, Sashimi combo
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Broad roll list with reliable lunch sets downtown.
Who should go: Groups and everyday sushi regulars
When to visit: Tue–Thu 11:30–1:30 or after 7:30
What to order: Roppongi roll; Cherry Blossom; nigiri add-ons
Insider tip: Rolls run large—split one and add nigiri to explore more.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free two-hour street parking is available along First Street and in nearby public lots, though it fills quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and polos or neat tees are fine for lunch, button-downs fit better for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours—conversation is easy but expect a steady hum from groups and families.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during prime hours 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, except during Friday lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie rolls, cucumber and avocado options, and tofu appetizers available.
Vegan options: Limited—simple avocado or cucumber rolls and edamame, but sauces may contain fish products.
Gluten-free options: Partial—sashimi and some rolls can be prepared GF upon request, but soy sauce is not GF by default.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—comfortable booths, good pacing, and mid-range pricing make it a relaxed first-date setting without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Generally yes for weekday lunches and later dinners; weekends between 6–8pm can require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common, and the menu includes cooked rolls and tempura options suitable for kids 6 and up.
Best For
Better for: Reliable lunch combos, large roll portions, and group seating make it stronger for casual group meals than trendier sushi bars.
Skip if: You’re seeking omakase-style dining or rare fish selections—head to Hanabishi or Cured: Fish Bar instead.
Roppongi Sushi
8.0
Downtown standby for extensive rolls and balanced nigiri at friendly prices. Lunch boxes and house-named specials make it a practical, repeatable pick.
Must-Try Dishes:
Livermore Roll, Cherry Blossom Roll, Sashimi lunch set
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.9
What makes it special: Broad roll lineup with reliable lunch sets downtown.
Who should go: Groups and everyday sushi regulars
When to visit: Tue–Thu 11:30–1:30 or after 7:30pm
What to order: Livermore Roll; Cherry Blossom; sashimi combo
Insider tip: Rolls run large—split one and add nigiri to explore more.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street and small public lot parking along First Street; usually open spots within a block before 6:30pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and polos fine, business casual fits lunch meetings.
Noise level: Moderate – steady conversation possible even during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for tables; bar seats open faster.
Weekday lunch: No wait or brief 5-minute pause during peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several rolls and lunch boxes feature veggies or tofu.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 rolls can be customized without mayo or fish.
Gluten-free options: Yes – tamari available; rolls can be modified upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s a solid casual-date choice—comfortable layout, moderate lighting, and sushi presentation that feels polished without being too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Walk-ins are fine for lunch or early dinner; weekends after 7pm may need a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – staff is accommodating and there are cooked items and rice bowls suitable for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Consistent rolls, efficient service, and value pricing compared with trendier sushi spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking high-end omakase or chef-led experiences—head to Cured: Fish Bar instead.