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SUGARFISH
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
SUGARFISH
8.0
Chef Nozawa's legacy continues with this no-frills approach to traditional sushi where warm rice and pristine fish take center stage. The Trust Me menus eliminate decision fatigue while delivering a curated progression of the day's best selections.
Must-Try Dishes:
Trust Me Lunch Set, Toro Hand Roll, Daily Special Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Nozawa-style warm rice and no-modifications philosophy
Who should go: Purists seeking traditional sushi without fusion
When to visit: Early lunch to avoid long waits
What to order: Trust Me lunch special, add toro hand roll
Insider tip: No reservations but turnover is efficient
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging, nearby public lots $8-15, valet not available
Dress code: Casual - anything from workout clothes to business attire fits
Noise level: Moderate to lively - quick turnover creates energy but conversation possible
Weekend wait: 45-90 min typical, arrive before 5:30pm or after 8:30pm
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min peak hours (12-1:30pm), minimal wait otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - cucumber and avocado rolls only
Vegan options: Not recommended - fish-based broths in most items
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications - request no soy sauce, stick to sashimi
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - the efficient service and counter seating prioritize eating over lingering conversation. Better for established couples who appreciate quality sushi.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it's walk-in only. Best strategy: arrive at opening (11:30am lunch, 5:30pm dinner) or use the text waitlist system during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly - no kids menu, no modifications allowed, and the purist approach may not appeal to young palates. Better for teens who already enjoy sushi.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Nozawa-style sushi at lower price point than high-end omakase, consistent quality across locations, efficient service when you want great sushi without the ceremony
Skip if: You want creative rolls, prefer cold rice, need extensive modifications, or looking for a leisurely dining experience with ambiance
SUGARFISH
8.4
Chef Kazunori Nozawa's streamlined sushi concept delivers the 'Trust Me' experience with warm rice, fresh neta, and no-nonsense presentation. This location consistently executes the signature style that made Nozawa a legend, offering remarkable quality at accessible prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Trust Me Special Roll Set, Albacore Belly Handroll, Daily Omakase Rolls
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Nozawa's revolutionary warm rice technique at democratic prices
Who should go: First-timers and regulars seeking consistent excellence
When to visit: Weekday lunch for shorter waits
What to order: Trust Me set, toro handroll, edamame
Insider tip: Skip the soy sauce - each piece is perfectly seasoned
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street metered parking ($2/hr until 9pm) or public garage on 2nd Street ($3 first 90 min)
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, jeans and nice shirt perfectly fine
Noise level: Moderate buzz - easy conversation at tables, slightly louder at sushi bar
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 60 min on Saturdays
Weekday lunch: 5-15 min max, often immediate seating before 12:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - cucumber, avocado, and veggie rolls available
Vegan options: Very limited - edamame, cucumber roll, seaweed salad only
Gluten-free options: Yes - can substitute tamari, avoid Trust Me sets (has one roll)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - intimate enough to talk, interesting enough to break ice, and the Trust Me format removes ordering pressure. Just avoid the sushi bar for dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations. Best strategy: arrive at 11:45am or 5pm sharp, or put name on list and grab a drink nearby while waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes but better for kids 8+ who eat sushi. No kids menu, limited non-sushi options, and the efficient service means shorter meal duration.
Best For
Better for: Consistency and value - you'll get the same excellent experience every visit at prices 30% below comparable quality elsewhere
Skip if: You want creative specialty rolls, all-you-can-eat, or to customize your sushi with spicy mayo and tempura crunch
SUGARFISH
7.5
Nozawa's streamlined sushi concept delivers warm rice and pristine fish in preset menus at fixed prices, eliminating decision fatigue. The no-tipping policy and efficient service create an accessible entry point to quality traditional sushi.
Must-Try Dishes:
Trust Me Set, Nozawa Signature, Daily Special Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 6.9
What makes it special: No-choice omakase at neighborhood prices
Who should go: Sushi beginners and efficiency seekers
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid wait times
What to order: Trust Me set, add daily special nigiri
Insider tip: No modifications but allergies accommodated
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging, nearby public lots $8-15, valet not available
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, beachwear to business casual all fine
Noise level: Moderate buzz - counter seating quieter than tables
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: 5-15 min wait, best at 11:30am or after 1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - cucumber and avocado rolls only
Vegan options: No - all rice seasoned with non-vegan ingredients
Gluten-free options: Yes with modifications - can substitute tamari, skip certain items
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if they're low-maintenance - no reservations means potential wait, fixed menu removes awkward ordering dynamics, counter seating can feel intimate
Can I get a table without a reservation? First-come first-served only - arrive before 6pm weekdays or right at opening on weekends to minimize wait
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids - no kids menu, raw fish focus, efficient service expects quick dining. Better for teens who like sushi
Best For
Better for: Consistent quality without pretense - better value than high-end omakase, more authentic than fusion spots, perfect when you want good sushi without decisions
Skip if: You want creative rolls, need extensive vegetarian options, prefer choosing individual pieces, or expecting luxury omakase experience
SUGARFISH
8.6
Chef Nozawa's legacy lives on through Trust Me-style sets featuring warm rice, perfectly seasoned fish, and their famous ponzu sauce. Since opening, this location has maintained the no-frills excellence that made Sugarfish an LA institution with reliable quality at approachable prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Trust Me Set, Albacore Sushi, Blue Crab Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 9.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Nozawa-style sushi democratized for everyday dining
Who should go: First-timers wanting quality without intimidation
When to visit: Early dinner avoids 90-minute waits
What to order: Trust Me set, add daily special nigiri, edamame
Insider tip: Order ahead on app to skip the perpetual line
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 5pm, nearby public lot $8 flat rate evenings
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, beachy attire common
Noise level: Moderate buzz - easy conversation at counter or tables
Weekend wait: 60-90 min typical, 30 min with app pre-order
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min walk-in, instant with pickup order
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cucumber, avocado, and inari options available
Vegan options: Very limited - basically just cucumber rolls and edamame
Gluten-free options: Partial - can request no sauce, but limited options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if casual - the Trust Me format removes ordering pressure and keeps things flowing. Skip if trying to impress with ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come first-served or order ahead on the app for pickup/faster seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably - simple menu works for kids who eat sushi, but no kids menu. Counter seating might be challenging with toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Consistent quality without the fuss - beats pricier omakase spots for reliability and approachability
Skip if: You want creative rolls or tempura - head to Kazunori for hand rolls or splurge on Nobu for scene
SUGARFISH
8.2
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Chef Nozawa's legendary Trust Me-style sushi brings traditional preparation with warm rice and pristine fish at accessible prices. The minimalist space focuses attention on the beautifully simple nigiri presentations, while the no-tipping policy and efficient service create a refreshingly straightforward experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Trust Me Set, Albacore Sushi, Blue Crab Roll
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Best quality-to-price ratio with cult following since 2008
Who should go: Sushi beginners and budget-conscious purists
When to visit: Early dinner beats notorious wait times
What to order: Trust Me set menu for first-timers
Insider tip: Order takeout to skip hour-plus waits