30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Date Night Sushi in Los Angeles
Best Ramen in Los Angeles
Best Japanese in Los Angeles
Master Critic Review
RVR
8.6
Travis Lett’s Japanese-leaning tavern folds hand rolls, gyoza, and charcoal-grilled plates into a dim, high-energy space that reads effortlessly romantic. Not strictly a sushi bar, but the hand rolls and raw bites make for a stylish, shareable date.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cod Tempura Handroll, Tuna Handroll, Crispy Pork Belly Gyoza
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A buzzy Venice izakaya where standout hand rolls meet moody design.
Who should go: Design-minded couples sharing small plates
When to visit: Book 30 days out; arrive after 8:30pm for walk-in odds
What to order: Cod tempura handroll; tuna handroll; pork gyoza
Insider tip: Counter seats have the best view of the hand-roll station.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available at the front ($15) and limited street parking on Abbot Kinney after 7pm—plan to walk a few blocks on busy nights.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale; dark denim or a dressy shirt fits the scene. Jackets not required but stylish attire is expected.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively; music and chatter build after 8pm but two-person conversation is still manageable at the counter or side tables.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation after 7pm; bar and counter seats often open later in the night.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—dinner only. Early seatings (5–6:30pm) have minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable hand rolls, miso soup, and grilled veggie skewers.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 small plates can be made vegan on request; most sauces contain dashi or soy-based ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Partial – gluten-free soy sauce available; most hand rolls can be adapted but fried items use shared fryers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the dim lighting, shared small plates, and subtle background music create a relaxed but elevated first-date vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly – they hold a few counter and bar seats for walk-ins after 8:30pm, but expect a wait during peak weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—menu leans adult and the atmosphere turns bar-like after 8pm. Teens comfortable with sushi might enjoy early dinner.
Best For
Better for: More stylish and energy-driven than typical sushi bars; ideal for dates who value ambiance and design as much as food.
Skip if: You want a quiet omakase or traditional sushi experience—head to Sushi Enya or Q for that level of focus.
Hours
Monday5pm - 11pm
Tuesday5pm - 11pm
Wednesday5pm - 11pm
Thursday5pm - 11pm
Friday5pm - 11pm
Saturday11am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 11pm
Sunday11am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 10pm