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Wakamono
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Wakamono
8.2
Lakeview East Japanese restaurant pairing creative maki and sashimi with ramen, bento, and cocktails in a modern, softly lit dining room. Locals lean on it for date nights and reliable special-occasion sushi without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Trio Roll, Wakamono Roll, Maki Mexicano
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Modern Japanese spot where composed rolls feel more like entrées.
Who should go: Date-night couples wanting polished sushi and cocktails close by.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings or later weeknights for smoother pacing.
What to order: Spicy Trio roll, Wakamono roll, Maki Mexicano.
Insider tip: Reserve and ask for bar-adjacent seating if the dining room fills.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street and metered parking along Broadway and nearby side streets; can be tight after 6pm, no regular valet reported
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans ok, but many guests lean slightly dressy for date nights
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is possible at two-tops, louder during peak weekend hours
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait or short wait when open for daytime service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — veggie rolls, tempura, and some cooked appetizers available
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of maki and vegetable sides can be adapted
Gluten-free options: Some sashimi and select rolls can be prepared gluten-conscious on request (soy sauce contains gluten unless substituted)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the softly lit dining room, cocktails, and composed rolls make it a polished but relaxed first-date setting, especially if you book a two-top or bar-adjacent seat.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or later seatings; on weekends, walk-ins should expect a wait and are more likely to be seated at the bar or closer to peak-hour noise.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — older kids and teens do fine, but the room skews date-night and adult-oriented with limited space for strollers or restless toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Upscale neighborhood sushi dates, creative maki presented like entrées, and a more polished ambiance than casual roll-focused spots nearby
Skip if: You want omakase-style precision sushi, very quiet dining rooms, or strictly vegan/gluten-free menus with broad substitutions
Wakamono
7.7
Wakamono is a Lakeview East sushi bar and cocktail spot where specialty rolls, nigiri, and maki share space with a full bar and softly lit decor. It’s a classic neighborhood date choice, especially for couples who want solid fish, cocktails, and a room that feels more bar-like than formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wakamono Roll, Angry Caterpillar Roll, Hotel California Roll
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Cocktail-forward sushi bar with a long run as a neighborhood date standby.
Who should go: Couples wanting rolls plus drinks in a relaxed setting.
When to visit: Evenings after 8pm for a darker, more date-like atmosphere.
What to order: Wakamono roll, Angry Caterpillar roll, sashimi sampler.
Insider tip: Grab a pre- or post-dinner drink at the adjoining lounge to stretch the night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — metered spots on Broadway and residential side streets; can be tight after 6pm and on weekends, so budget extra time or consider rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most couples lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is doable at tables, but the bar area can feel energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during the 7–9pm peak, shorter earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait when open for lunch; hours can be limited, so check the schedule.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie rolls and maki options are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of vegetable-forward rolls; sauces and dressings may require clarification with staff.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — sashimi and some rolls can be prepared with tamari on request, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, cocktails, and relaxed bar-leaning atmosphere make it comfortable for conversation without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are commonly seated earlier in the evening or at the sushi bar, but expect waits during weekend peaks.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-oriented, especially later at night — older kids or teens are fine earlier in the evening, but there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Couples who want approachable sushi with cocktails in a cozy, date-night setting rather than a formal omakase experience.
Skip if: You’re seeking high-end, chef-driven sushi, very quiet ambiance, or an especially family-focused dining room.