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Starfish Sushi
Master Critic Review
Starfish Sushi
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Quick Bites Champions
Small neighborhood spot delivering consistently fresh sushi at reasonable prices with generous portions. The popcorn lobster roll has become a local favorite, while the spicy tuna on crispy rice demonstrates solid technique without pretension.
Must-Try Dishes:
Popcorn Lobster Roll, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Pink Panda Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Exceptional value with chef-watching counter seating in cozy space
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners seeking fresh fish without high prices
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for easy parking and relaxed atmosphere
What to order: Popcorn lobster roll, pink panda roll, bento boxes
Insider tip: Outdoor patio seating is ideal for Los Feliz village walkability
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont Ave and side streets - typically easy to find spots except weekend evenings. Public lot half block away on Hollywood Blvd ($3 flat rate after 6pm)
Dress code: Ultra casual - jeans, t-shirts, athleisure all common. Neighborhood spot where locals come straight from errands
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - intimate space makes conversation easy, occasional kitchen sounds from open layout
Weekend wait: 15-25 min wait typical 6-8pm Fri/Sat, limited seating (~20 seats total)
Weekday lunch: Walk right in - lunch crowd minimal, best kept secret for quick midday sushi
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cucumber rolls, avocado rolls, veggie tempura, inari, edamame. About 8-10 options including creative veggie rolls
Vegan options: Limited but possible - cucumber rolls, avocado rolls (ask for no mayo-based sauces), veggie tempura, edamame. Staff accommodating with modifications
Gluten-free options: Challenging - most rolls use tempura or soy sauce. Can do sashimi and request tamari, but cross-contamination likely in small kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want low-pressure casual vibes - the intimate counter seating encourages conversation and watching the chef work is a natural icebreaker. Skip if you're trying to impress with upscale ambiance. Patio tables are more private than counter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's walk-in only. Weekdays and early dinner (before 6pm) you'll get seated immediately. Weekend prime time expect 15-25 min, but the Vermont Ave location makes window shopping nearby an easy wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - families are regulars here. Kids love watching sushi being made at the counter. Teriyaki chicken and California rolls are safe bets. High chairs available, space is tight but staff patient. Best for kids 4+ who can sit through a meal.
How does the quality compare to the price? Exceptional value - this is where quality-to-price ratio shines. Fish is noticeably fresher than other budget spots, portions are generous, and technique is solid. You're getting $15-20/roll quality for $8-12. Not Sugarfish, but dramatically better than grocery store sushi.
Is the outdoor seating worth it? Absolutely in good weather - the patio captures perfect Los Feliz village energy with Vermont Ave people-watching. More spacious than cramped interior, great for groups of 3-4. Covered but not heated, so winter nights get chilly.
Best For
Better for: Budget-conscious diners who won't compromise on freshness, neighborhood regulars wanting reliable quality, families needing casual atmosphere without judgment, anyone seeking generous portions and creative rolls without premium pricing
Skip if: You want trendy Instagram-worthy presentation, prefer traditional omakase experience, need extensive sake selection, want guaranteed seating without potential wait on weekends, or expect white-tablecloth service