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Sushi Uma
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Sushi Uma
7.9
Counter-service spot turning out bright, value-forward rolls and chirashi with generous toppings. Casual setup but eye-catching plating that pops on camera.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, Lion king roll, Hamachi jalapeño sashimi
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: Generous toppings and bright sauces for camera-ready bowls and rolls.
Who should go: Budget-minded sushi photographers
When to visit: Lunch 11:30–1:00 for freshest prep
What to order: Chirashi, lion king roll, hamachi jalapeño
Insider tip: Request torched finishes for extra texture and aroma.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly free street parking along Noriega and nearby side streets; can fill up around peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual attire perfectly fine—many guests come straight from the beach or park.
Noise level: Low to moderate—soft background chatter but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during prime hours since it's counter-service only.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, quick counter turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie rolls, tofu options, and cucumber/avocado combos.
Vegan options: Limited—some rolls can be modified; sauces may contain mayo or fish-based elements.
Gluten-free options: Partially—ask for tamari instead of soy sauce; cross-contact possible in prep areas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a casual lunch date or low-pressure dinner—bright food and relaxed pace but not an intimate or romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in counter service only; seats are first-come, first-served with quick turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—laid-back vibe and fast service suit families; younger kids enjoy the colorful rolls and casual seating.
Best For
Better for: Bright, photo-ready chirashi and value-forward rolls that look upscale without the fine-dining markup.
Skip if: You’re seeking omakase-style precision or a quiet, high-end sushi bar atmosphere—this is more casual and lively.
Sushi Uma
7.8
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Late-open casual sushi with extensive roll options and combo sets that make for easy value. Popular for quick maki fixes after park hours and straightforward favorites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rainbow Roll, Crunchy Shrimp Roll, California Roll Deluxe
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Big roll selection with long hours at wallet-friendly prices.
Who should go: Late-night roll fans on a budget
When to visit: After 9 pm for minimal wait and steady output
What to order: Rainbow Roll; Crunchy Shrimp Roll; Spicy Tuna Roll
Insider tip: Ask for light rice on maki to keep ratios balanced.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Irving or 19th Ave can be tight after 7 pm; look for side-street spots within a block or two. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Completely casual — locals drop in wearing hoodies or park gear after sunset walks.
Noise level: Low to moderate — small dining room with steady takeout traffic, but you can easily hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak; often immediate seating after 9 pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait; counter service is quick and steady.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie rolls like avocado, cucumber, and vegetable tempura are offered.
Vegan options: Limited — can request no mayo or sauce, but options are basic.
Gluten-free options: Minimal accommodation — soy sauce contains gluten; bring your own tamari if needed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual hangout than a formal first date — simple décor and quick turnover make it more practical than atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are the norm. Even on weekends, late-night slots usually have immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids comfortable with sushi rolls; no special kids’ menu but casual service and quick pacing make it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Late-night value sushi when other Sunset spots have closed — wide roll range and fast service.
Skip if: You’re after premium nigiri or polished ambiance — head to Ebisu or Zentarou instead.
Sushi Uma
7.8
AYCE-friendly sushi house west of 19th Ave with extended hours and a broad roll list. Best for casual groups chasing quantity plus a handful of well-executed nigiri standards.
Must-Try Dishes:
AYCE Nigiri, Baked Mussels, Dragon Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Late-hour, AYCE-friendly format with solid basics.
Who should go: Value hunters and late eaters
When to visit: Weeknights after 8pm for shorter waits
What to order: AYCE nigiri, baked mussels, dragon roll
Insider tip: Pace orders—AYCE has time limits and last-call rules.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Irving and 22nd Ave; fills up quickly after 7pm but easier after 9:30pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, and sneakers are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate—steady chatter from groups but still fine for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes typical for AYCE tables after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait—walk right in most afternoons.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—basic veggie rolls, cucumber maki, and avocado options available.
Vegan options: Limited—can assemble a few rolls but sauces and tempura batter often contain egg.
Gluten-free options: Partially—plain nigiri and sashimi are safe, but soy sauce and most rolls contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want casual fun over formality—bright lighting and AYCE pacing make it more friendly than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—first-come, first-served. Expect a short wait at peak dinner times, but turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids love the AYCE variety and quick service. Booth seating fits families comfortably.
Best For
Better for: Larger groups wanting value-driven sushi and extended hours west of 19th Ave.
Skip if: You’re seeking premium omakase or quiet ambiance—head to Koo or Ebisu instead.
Sushi Uma
7.8
AYCE-friendly sushi house west of 19th Ave with extended hours and a broad roll list. Best for casual groups chasing quantity plus a handful of well-executed nigiri standards.
Must-Try Dishes:
AYCE Nigiri Set, Baked Mussels, Dragon Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Extended-hour, AYCE option with solid basics.
Who should go: Value hunters and late eaters
When to visit: Weeknights after 8pm for shorter waits
What to order: AYCE nigiri, baked mussels, dragon roll
Insider tip: Pace your orders—AYCE has time limits and last-call rules.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Irving and 20th Avenue is usually available but can fill fast around dinner hours; metered spots until 6pm, free afterward.
Dress code: Casual; jeans and sneakers are common—no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate; buzz from groups and background music, but conversation is still possible.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait, often immediate seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, agedashi tofu, and tempura options available.
Vegan options: Limited—can request veggie rolls without mayo or sauce, but selection is small.
Gluten-free options: Partial—sashimi and some rolls are gluten-free if you bring your own tamari; kitchen uses shared fryers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic vibe; more casual and lively, better for group hangs or low-pressure meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are welcome, but expect waits during peak dinner hours, especially Fridays and Saturdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—spacious tables, quick service, and approachable rolls make it easy for families with kids of any age.
Best For
Better for: Groups looking for affordable AYCE sushi with consistent quality and late hours.
Skip if: You’re seeking refined omakase or quiet, intimate sushi dining—try Koo or Ebisu instead.