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Uoichiba Handroll Bar
Master Critic Review
Uoichiba Handroll Bar
7.8
Handroll specialist from Joint Seafood featuring dry-aged fish with distinctive umami depth in Citizen Public Market. The counter-service format focuses on temaki sets with fish aged in specialized cold cases. Limited bar seating creates an intimate but casual vibe for quick quality bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry-Aged Toro Handroll, Toasted Lox Roll, Temaki Set
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Dry-aged fish technique creates unique concentrated flavors
Who should go: Adventurous diners seeking umami-forward handroll innovation
When to visit: Lunch for best selection and shorter waits
What to order: Medium or large temaki set, daily special
Insider tip: Eat handrolls immediately for crispiest nori texture
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Citizen Public Market garage $3 first 90 min, street metered parking available on Washington Blvd
Dress code: Casual - counter service vibe, athleisure and jeans standard
Noise level: Moderate-high - food hall acoustics, easy conversation at counter but ambient buzz
Weekend wait: 15-25 min wait during peak dinner rush (6-8pm)
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait typical, faster if ordering ahead
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - cucumber and avocado handrolls available, mainly seafood-focused
Vegan options: Very limited - can request veggie handrolls without mayo-based sauces
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available, rice and nori naturally GF, watch for tempura items
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - counter seating is intimate but casual food hall setting lacks romance. Great for adventurous eaters who want quality without pretense.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Counter seating only, no reservations taken. Arrive off-peak (2-5pm) for immediate seating, or expect short waits during lunch/dinner rushes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for adventurous kids 8+ who like sushi - quick service keeps restlessness minimal. Skip for picky eaters, limited non-seafood options.
Best For
Better for: Dry-aged fish experience unavailable elsewhere in Culver City, quick quality lunch without tablecloth formality, trying innovative umami-forward preparations in casual setting
Skip if: You want traditional Edomae-style handrolls, need full table service and wine pairings, prefer milder fish flavors, or want extensive cooked/vegetarian options