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Uchi West Hollywood
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Uchi West Hollywood
9.1
James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole's non-traditional Japanese cuisine elevates business dining with creative sushi and seasonal omakase. The sophisticated atmosphere balances energy with professionalism, making it ideal for impressing clients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hama Chili, Gyutoro, Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: James Beard Award-winning chef creates innovative Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine
Who should go: Business professionals seeking impressive, creative dining experiences
When to visit: Happy hour 5-6pm or dinner reservations
What to order: Hama chili, gyutoro, signature omakase
Insider tip: Book the sushi bar for the most interactive experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking - recommend rideshare
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual - no shorts or flip-flops
Noise level: Moderate - perfect for business conversations and dates
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, book 2+ weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min wait, reservations recommended
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - creative vegetable sushi and plant-based dishes
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 options, chef can accommodate with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available, kitchen knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - sophisticated but not stuffy, impressive without being overwhelming, and the omakase creates natural conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult, especially evenings and weekends. Try calling day-of for cancellations or sit at the bar during off-peak hours
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 12+ due to sophisticated atmosphere and limited kid menu - families welcome but more adult-oriented
Best For
Better for: Creative Japanese fusion, business dining ambiance, Instagram-worthy presentation, and chef's innovative approach to traditional techniques
Skip if: You want traditional Japanese, budget-friendly options, or casual family dining with young children
Uchi West Hollywood
9.1
James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole elevates non-traditional Japanese cuisine with impeccable artistry and seasonal omakase experiences. The innovative approach to sushi and signature tastings creates an unforgettable culinary journey that captivates both newcomers and connoisseurs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hama Chili, Seasonal Omakase, Sake Social Hour
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 9
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: James Beard Award-winning chef creates innovative non-traditional Japanese masterpieces
Who should go: Serious food lovers seeking culinary artistry
When to visit: Dinner reservations essential, happy hour available
What to order: Seasonal omakase, Hama Chili, sake pairings
Insider tip: Book patio seating for intimate al fresco experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking - arrive 10 minutes early
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - no shorts or flip-flops, cocktail attire preferred
Noise level: Intimate - perfect for conversation without shouting
Weekend wait: Walk-ins unlikely - 2+ week reservation lead time
Weekday lunch: Not offered - dinner service only
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - creative vegetable nigiri and plant-based small plates
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 options including vegetable rolls and mushroom dishes
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available, GF menu upon request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for impressing but intense - better for 2nd+ dates when you want to wow someone who appreciates fine dining
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very unlikely - try bar seating after 9pm or join waitlist day-of, but expect disappointment
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended under 12 - sophisticated atmosphere and complex flavors better suited for mature palates
Best For
Better for: Innovative sushi artistry and Instagram moments - when you want cutting-edge Japanese cuisine over traditional
Skip if: You prefer classic sushi preparations, need quick service, or want casual family dining
Uchi West Hollywood
9.1
James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole's elevated non-traditional Japanese cuisine showcases innovative sushi rolls with impeccable technique. This Austin transplant delivers artful presentations like the Hama Chili and signature gyutoro that redefine contemporary sushi.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hama Chili, Gyutoro, Seasonal Omakase
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: James Beard Award-winning chef creates non-traditional Japanese masterpieces
Who should go: Sushi connoisseurs seeking elevated contemporary Japanese cuisine
When to visit: Happy hour daily 5-6pm for elevated tastings
What to order: Omakase, Hama Chili, Gyutoro
Insider tip: Sit at the sushi counter for direct chef interaction
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available $15-20, limited street parking - recommend ride share
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual - no shorts/flip flops, jackets welcomed
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly despite full dining room
Weekend wait: 30-45 min even with reservation, 90+ min walk-in
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait with reservation, 20-30 min walk-in
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - creative vegetable rolls and plant-based options
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options but chef can accommodate with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available, several GF rolls, inform server
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - impressive but not stuffy, sushi counter creates natural conversation, perfect for showing culinary sophistication
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at bar/counter during off-peak, but dinner reservations essential - book 1-2 weeks ahead for weekends
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens 14+ who appreciate fine dining - sophisticated atmosphere not ideal for young children
Best For
Better for: Innovative sushi techniques, Instagram-worthy presentations, impressing dates or clients, experiencing James Beard-level cuisine
Skip if: You prefer traditional nigiri-focused omakase, tight budget (expect $100+ per person), or want quick casual sushi
Uchi West Hollywood
8.5
James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole's Austin import brings non-traditional Japanese cuisine with signature tastings and creative sushi. The buzzing atmosphere combines Texas-sized portions with meticulous Japanese technique in a sleek wood-paneled space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hama Chili Yellowtail, Wagyu Hot Rock, Yokai Berry Salmon
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Fusion approach blending Texas boldness with Japanese precision
Who should go: Adventurous eaters seeking creative sushi twists
When to visit: 5-6pm happy hour for best value
What to order: Hama chili, hot rock selections, seasonal omakase
Insider tip: Sit at sushi bar for amuse-bouche and chef interaction
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking fills by 6:30pm, nearby garage $10
Dress code: Smart casual - designer jeans welcome, avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Energetic buzz - intimate conversation possible at tables, louder at bar
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seats sometimes available
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch - dinner service only from 5pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - dedicated vegetable section, creative mushroom and tempura options
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 modified rolls, vegetable tempura, edamame
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available, most sashimi safe, inform server for modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate lighting, shareable plates encourage conversation, impressive without being stuffy. Request booth seating for more privacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult Friday-Saturday. Best bet: arrive at 5pm opening or try bar seating. Weeknight walk-ins possible after 8:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere. Teens who appreciate food yes, under 12 better at lunch spots.
Best For
Better for: More creative and playful than traditional spots like Matsuhisa, better value than Nobu, more technique-driven than trendy rolls at Katsuya
Skip if: You want authentic edo-mae sushi (try Sushi Ginza Onodera) or need a quick meal (this is a 2+ hour experience)
Uchi West Hollywood
9.1
James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole's contemporary Japanese temple showcases non-traditional cuisine with elevated preparations and impeccable service. The seasonal omakase and signature tastings deliver bold flavors through dishes like hama chili yellowtail and crispy pork belly with Japanese pumpkin.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hama Chili Yellowtail, Zero Sen Temaki, Seasonal Omakase
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: James Beard Award-winning chef's creative non-traditional Japanese cuisine
Who should go: Adventurous diners seeking elevated Japanese
When to visit: Happy hour 5-6pm or weekend dinner reservations
What to order: Omakase, hama chili, crispy pork belly
Insider tip: Valet parking available on Santa Monica Boulevard
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15 on Santa Monica Blvd, limited metered street parking fills quickly after 6pm
Dress code: Smart casual to business - no shorts or athletic wear, most diners in nice jeans or dress pants
Noise level: Moderate - energetic but conversation-friendly, quieter than typical LA hotspots
Weekend wait: 2-3 weeks advance for prime times, walk-ins unlikely
Weekday lunch: 1 week advance recommended, bar seats sometimes available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - creative vegetable preparations including mushroom nigiri and seasonal vegetables
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 modified dishes possible, notify when booking
Gluten-free options: Yes - servers knowledgeable about modifications, bring own tamari recommended
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate lighting, shareable plates encourage conversation, impressive without being stuffy. Bar seating great for first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely for dinner - book 2-3 weeks ahead. Best walk-in chances: bar seats at 5:30pm opening or after 9pm weeknights.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and up who appreciate adventurous food. No kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere may not suit young children.
Best For
Better for: Creative Japanese fusion that pushes boundaries - choose Uchi over traditional sushi bars for unique flavor combinations and non-traditional preparations
Skip if: You want traditional nigiri/sashimi focus or need options under $100 per person - try Sugarfish or KazuNori instead
Uchi West Hollywood
8.8
James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole's modern Japanese powerhouse delivers non-traditional cuisine with theatrical flair. The bustling space pulses with energy while servers present inventive dishes that push boundaries beyond conventional sushi expectations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hama Chili Yellowtail, Wagyu Hot Rock, Gyutoro with Blowtorch
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Creative fusion approach that respects tradition while innovating boldly
Who should go: Adventurous diners seeking theatrical Japanese dining
When to visit: Happy hour 5-6pm for value-driven tastings
What to order: Signature tastings, hot rock wagyu, seasonal crudo
Insider tip: Sushi bar seats offer amuse-bouche and chef interactions
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, self-park in garage $8 with validation, street parking extremely limited after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - jeans acceptable if elevated with nice top/shoes, many dress for the scene
Noise level: Energetic buzz - manageable for conversation but gets loud peak hours (8-10pm)
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seats sometimes available in 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min during business lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - creative vegetable nigiri and rolls, plus hot dishes like brussels sprouts
Vegan options: Limited but thoughtful - 3-4 dedicated options, chef can modify several dishes
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available, many naturally GF options, servers well-versed in modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice if you both enjoy adventurous food - the theatrical presentation creates natural conversation starters, though the energy level means it's better for fun dates than intimate ones
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely for prime dinner times - try for bar seats (first-come basis) or arrive right at 5pm opening. Weekday lunch usually works without reservation
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young children - no kids menu and the adventurous menu may challenge picky eaters. High chairs available but the vibe skews adult
Best For
Better for: Creative fusion rolls and hot dishes that transcend traditional sushi - choose Uchi over purist spots when you want innovation and theater with your meal
Skip if: You prefer traditional edomae-style sushi or want a quiet, contemplative omakase experience - try Sushi Ginza Onodera or n/naka instead