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Uzumaki
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Uzumaki
8.3
Head Chef Moto from the historic Chiba sushi bar brings modern minimalist aesthetics to this neighborhood gem established in 2017. The streamlined menu focuses on traditional nigiri and curated rolls with multiple omakase tiers starting at reasonable prices, featuring standouts like seared salmon belly with truffle and their signature baked crab handroll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked Crab Handroll, Seared Salmon Belly Nigiri, Uzumaki Plus Omakase Set
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Former Chiba chef's precise knife work and fish aging program in minimalist space
Who should go: Couples wanting quality omakase without full formal experience
When to visit: Lunch Tuesday-Thursday 12-2:15pm, dinner Tuesday-Sunday from 5pm
What to order: Uzumaki Plus set, baked crab handroll with soy paper
Insider tip: Walk-ins usually available; sit at small sushi bar for best interaction
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Clarkdale Ave, easier before 6pm. Small public lot behind building ($3 flat rate)
Dress code: Smart casual works perfectly - nice jeans and button-down, no need for full formal
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for conversation, minimal background music
Weekend wait: 30-45 min Friday/Saturday without reservation after 6:30pm
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable nigiri, cucumber rolls, and vegetarian omakase option available
Vegan options: Limited - cucumber roll, avocado roll, edamame. Chef can accommodate with notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available, most nigiri works, communicate to server about sauces
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate without being stuffy, impressive without breaking the bank. The sushi bar seating creates natural conversation flow, and $65-85 omakase sets show thoughtfulness without pretension.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially Tuesday-Thursday. Walk-ins usually get seated within 30 minutes. Weekends book up, but the 8-seat sushi bar often has room. Call ahead after 4pm to check.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and older - it's quiet and focused on the sushi experience. No kids menu, but they'll accommodate simple rolls. Recommend for ages 12+ who appreciate sushi.
How does the omakase work here? Three tiers: Classic (8 pieces, $65), Plus (12 pieces, $85), Premium (16 pieces, $125). No long commitment - finished in 45-60 minutes. Chef Moto explains each piece but keeps it relaxed.
What if my date doesn't like raw fish? They have cooked options - the baked crab handroll is a signature, plus shrimp tempura, unagi, and always a cooked fish special. Not limited to raw-only.
Best For
Better for: Quality omakase experience without the $200+ price tag or three-hour commitment. Chef Moto's knife work rivals high-end spots, but the vibe stays neighborhood-friendly. Best for dates who want impressive food in a relaxed setting.
Skip if: You want a lively, energetic atmosphere or large group dining. Also skip if you need extensive cooked menu options beyond sushi - this is focused and minimalist by design.
Uzumaki
8.4
Modern minimalist sushi counter serving traditional nigiri and creative rolls with pristine fish quality. Established in 2017, this neighborhood favorite delivers consistent omakase-style sets at accessible prices with attentive service in a clean, understated space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uzumaki Plus Omakase, Seared Salmon Belly Nigiri, Baked Crab Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Affordable omakase quality with exceptionally fresh fish in a no-frills setting
Who should go: Sushi lovers seeking quality without fine-dining prices
When to visit: Weeknight dinners to avoid weekend waits
What to order: Uzumaki Plus set with mixed nigiri and rolls, uni, unagi
Insider tip: Order baked crab as hand roll in soy wrapper for best texture
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on side streets, metered spots on Culver Blvd ($2/hr until 8pm), municipal lot 2 blocks east
Dress code: Casual comfortable - jeans and sneakers perfectly fine, though neighborhood crowd leans slightly polished
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - intimate counter seating means easy conversation, minimal background noise
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm, counter seats turn faster
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - cucumber roll, avocado roll, vegetable tempura, inari available but not the focus
Vegan options: Very limited - can accommodate with advance notice but fish is the centerpiece here
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications - tamari available, skip tempura/eel sauce items, notify server
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate counter seating encourages conversation, impressive quality shows good taste, $50-70pp keeps it relaxed not high-pressure, and omakase format gives you something to discuss between courses
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weeknights - arrive before 6:30pm or after 8pm for best odds. Weekends are tougher; counter seats (6 spots) turn over faster than tables if you're willing to wait 20-30 minutes. Call ahead day-of to check availability
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - intimate space, no kids menu, and omakase pacing doesn't suit restless eaters. Teenagers who appreciate sushi will enjoy it. Consider lunch service if bringing kids under 10
How long does dinner take? Plan 60-75 minutes for full omakase experience - faster than traditional fine dining but not a quick in-and-out meal
Do they accommodate shellfish allergies? Yes - chefs are experienced with substitutions, just inform when ordering. They'll swap in more tuna/salmon/yellowtail varieties
Best For
Better for: Quality-to-value ratio beats nearby competition - you get chef-selected omakase experience at neighborhood prices. Fish freshness rivals $150+ spots. Perfect when you want Sugarfish quality with more personal service and neighborhood warmth
Skip if: You want theatrical presentation or extensive sake/cocktail program - this is about the fish, not the show. Also skip if your group needs extensive vegetarian options or you're seeking trendy scene energy over quiet craftsmanship
Uzumaki
8.3
Modern minimalist sushi restaurant established in 2017 serving traditional nigiri and curated rolls in a sleek setting. Chef-driven omakase sets provide excellent value with fresh fish and artistic plating. The stripped-back design lets the quality fish speak for itself while maintaining approachable pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uzumaki Plus Omakase, Seared Salmon Belly Nigiri, Baked Crab Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Omakase quality at mid-tier pricing with minimalist Japanese aesthetic
Who should go: Couples and sushi lovers seeking quality without pretension
When to visit: Early evening weekdays or make weekend reservations
What to order: Uzumaki Plus set, salmon belly nigiri, miso soup
Insider tip: Complimentary parking available on Tilden Avenue
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Complimentary parking on Tilden Avenue - rare find in Culver City, street parking also available
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans fine, but the minimalist aesthetic attracts a slightly polished crowd
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - intimate conversations flow easily in the zen-like space
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, book ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, good for spontaneous visits
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - vegetable rolls and miso soup available, but fish is the focus
Vegan options: Very limited - cucumber roll and edamame, better options elsewhere
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice - tamari available, but cross-contact risk with soy sauce
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate without being stuffy, impressive without breaking the bank, and the omakase sets give you something to talk about between courses
Can I get a table without a reservation? Hit or miss on weekends, but weekday early evenings (5-6:30pm) usually have availability at the bar or small tables
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and up - the minimalist vibe and omakase pace don't suit younger children, no kids menu available
How does the omakase compare to high-end spots? You're getting 80% of the experience at 50% of the price - fish quality is excellent, presentation is beautiful, just less theatre and fewer rare cuts
Is it good for groups? Works best for 2-4 people - space is intimate and larger groups might feel cramped, plus the omakase experience shines with smaller parties
Best For
Better for: Best value omakase in Culver City - you get chef-curated quality without Sugarfish prices or Sushi Note exclusivity, plus free parking seals the deal
Skip if: Skip if you want extensive cooked options, large group seating, or traditional sushi bar banter - this is refined and quiet