0 Followers
SUGARFISH
Master Critic Review
SUGARFISH
8.5
Chef Nozawa's minimalist Trust Me concept strips sushi to its essence with warm rice, pristine fish, and house-made ponzu. This location in a tucked-away courtyard offers the chain's signature simplicity with consistently excellent execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Trust Me Set, Daily Tuna Special, Yellowtail with Ponzu
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: No-nonsense approach focuses purely on fish quality
Who should go: Purists seeking consistent traditional excellence
When to visit: Weekday lunch avoids the inevitable lines
What to order: Trust Me set, add uni, daily special
Insider tip: Park in structure behind for easy access
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free structure behind the courtyard, enter from El Molino - much easier than street parking which fills up quickly
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, from workout clothes to business casual all fits
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - perfect for conversation without shouting
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: Walk right in before 12:30pm, 15-20 min wait after
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cucumber, avocado, and veggie hand rolls available
Vegan options: Very limited - only veggie rolls without modifications
Gluten-free options: No - soy sauce is essential to their preparations, no substitutions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - quick service keeps conversation flowing, shared Trust Me sets are natural ice breakers, and the no-fuss approach removes pretension
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations at all - it's first come, first served. Best strategy is arriving at opening or during off-peak hours like 2:30pm or 5pm
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for adventurous eaters 8+ who like sushi - the simple preparations and fast service work well, though no kids menu or high chairs available
Best For
Better for: Consistency and value - you'll get the same excellent quality every visit at a fair price, unlike pricier omakase spots with variable experiences
Skip if: You want creative rolls or extensive options - head to Matsuri or Osawa for elaborate preparations and larger menus