0 Followers
Yunomi Handroll
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Yunomi Handroll
8.2
A modern handroll specialist in the Arts District that keeps things crisp, clean, and well-paced. The fish-to-rice ratios are tight, nori is properly crackly, and sets land with a satisfying progression. The room is casual-buzzy, making it easy for repeat lunches or low-key dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue crab hand roll, Scallop hand roll, Spicy tuna hand roll
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Handroll sets with crisp nori and precise fish-rice balance.
Who should go: Handroll lovers and casual sushi regulars.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for short waits.
What to order: Blue crab, scallop, spicy tuna hand rolls.
Insider tip: Go for a set—best value and flow.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Traction Ave can be tight during peak hours; nearby paid lots at ROW DTLA and Mateo St usually have space.
Dress code: Casual and polished—jeans, tees, and lightweight jackets fit the Arts District vibe.
Noise level: Moderate-buzzy; you can hold a conversation but expect a lively counter rhythm.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes depending on peak; solo diners are seated fastest.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, often seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options like cucumber or avocado handrolls, but the menu is seafood-heavy.
Vegan options: Very limited; only basic veggie rolls qualify.
Gluten-free options: Handrolls can be gluten-free if you avoid soy sauce and certain marinades—ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's relaxed but still feels intentional. The counter setup keeps the pacing smooth and allows easy conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's primarily walk-in. Arrive early evening or go solo for the fastest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids who like sushi will be fine, but the tight counter setup isn’t ideal for strollers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: Faster, crisper handrolls with lighter pacing than many Downtown sushi spots; great for solo dining or casual dates.
Skip if: You want a long omakase-style experience or broader nigiri/sashimi options—this is a focused handroll bar.
Yunomi Handroll
8.3
A modern Arts District handroll specialist that keeps execution crisp and paced. Fish-to-rice ratios are tight, nori stays crackly, and set menus land with satisfying progression. Casual-buzzy energy makes it easy for repeat lunch or low-key dinner runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue crab hand roll, Scallop hand roll, Spicy tuna hand roll
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Handroll sets built around crisp nori and clean balance.
Who should go: Handroll fans and casual sushi regulars.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for shortest waits.
What to order: Blue crab, scallop, spicy tuna rolls.
Insider tip: Go with a set for best value and flow.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on adjacent blocks is available but fills quickly during peak Arts District hours; nearby paid lots are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—most guests come in relaxed fits, but the space suits a slightly polished look.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzy but controlled, with enough clarity for normal conversation at the counter.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on peak flow; counter seats turn over steadily.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal or no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Light but workable—vegetable and avocado-forward rolls are available.
Vegan options: Very limited—nori and rice-based rolls without fish are possible but not substantial.
Gluten-free options: Manageable—most handrolls are naturally gluten-free; avoid soy sauce unless you bring or request GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its counter-style pacing, crisp execution, and casual-buzzy energy create a relaxed but engaging setting with no long lulls.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Arrive early for dinner if you want immediate counter seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids who enjoy sushi will be fine, but the counter format and tight room aren’t ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Sharper handroll technique and well-paced sets compared to nearby fast-casual sushi options; ideal for solo dining or quick-but-quality meals.
Skip if: You want a long, formal omakase or a wide à la carte sushi selection—this is focused, fast, and handroll-specific.
Yunomi Handroll
8.6
In the Arts District, Yunomi pairs creative hand rolls and modern izakaya snacks with a sake- and cocktail-friendly room that feels built for nights out. The rolls lean generous, with fatty cuts, crunchy textures, and sauces that stay balanced rather than overloaded.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yunomi Special Hand Roll, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Yellowtail Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Stylish Arts District hand roll bar with creative fillings and strong drinks.
Who should go: Roll lovers wanting a buzzy night-out setting.
When to visit: Prime evenings or late nights for full energy.
What to order: Yunomi special, spicy tuna crispy rice, yellowtail hand roll.
Insider tip: Start with a shorter set, then add rolls à la carte as favorites emerge.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Arts District; expect to circle. Nearby paid lots on Traction Ave and Mateo St typically run $8–$15.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests lean stylish—jeans are fine, but pair with something polished.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation, but the room carries energy during peak nights.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily a dinner-focused spot; early evenings on weekdays usually have minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie rolls, crispy rice variations, and sides work well.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 rolls can be adjusted, plus a few vegetable-forward sides.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—many rolls can be made GF when ordered without soy sauce options; check with staff for substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting, design, and hand-roll pacing make it feel interactive and fun without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes—especially early evening on weekdays. Weekends require patience; walk-ins may wait but the bar is usually more accessible.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. It’s more of an adults-leaning night-out environment; older teens may be fine, but young children may feel out of place.
Best For
Better for: A more curated, nightlife-ready hand-roll experience with stronger cocktails and atmosphere compared to casual roll counters.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional sushi bar or need extensive vegan or gluten-free options.
Yunomi Handroll
8.0
Yunomi Handroll is a counter-style sushi bar devoted to handroll sets built around warm rice, crisp nori, and generous fillings. The room is dim and compact, with a steady pace of guests cycling through for focused, relatively quick dinners built on a short list of well-executed rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature handroll set, Blue crab hand roll, Soft-shell crab or negitoro hand roll (seasonal)
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A compact Arts District counter focused on tightly made, seaweed-crisp handrolls.
Who should go: Casual sushi fans wanting quality handrolls without full omakase.
When to visit: Early evening before peak waits for counter seats.
What to order: Classic handroll set, blue crab roll, soft-shell crab or negitoro.
Insider tip: Use the waitlist or reservations and sit at the counter for best pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Traction Ave and side streets is limited; expect metered spots and moderate competition after 6pm. Nearby paid lots within a 2–4 minute walk are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Most guests arrive in relaxed Arts District attire, but polished streetwear or neat casual outfits fit best at the counter.
Noise level: Moderate. The room is small and active but still allows easy conversation, especially for solo diners or pairs seated directly at the counter.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes without a reservation depending on peak hours; the counter turns quickly but the line forms early.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal to no wait; walk-ins are common and well accommodated.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable; a couple of vegetable-based rolls and sides are available, but the menu is primarily seafood-driven.
Vegan options: Very limited; only basic vegetable rolls qualify and options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Moderate options; rice and fillings are naturally gluten-free but soy sauce contains gluten—ask for tamari and avoid tempura-style items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for low-pressure, casual dates. The counter format promotes easy conversation and a shared dining rhythm, but the quick pacing makes it better for shorter dates rather than long, lingering dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes. The handroll format turns over quickly, and early or off-peak hours usually allow walk-ins. For prime dinner times, join the waitlist online to minimize line time.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat, for older kids or teens who enjoy sushi. The compact, counter-focused layout and quick pacing aren’t ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, high-quality handrolls with crisp nori and warm rice served at optimal temperature. Ideal for solo diners and pairs who want focused sushi without committing to a full omakase.
Skip if: You want a long, seated dinner, extensive sushi variety, cooked entrées, or a quieter, more spacious environment. Opt for a full-service sushi bar instead.
Yunomi Handroll
7.9
Yunomi Handroll is a focused counter where warm rice, crisp nori, and generous fillings are built to order right in front of you. It’s a more casual take on the chef’s table idea: guests sit along the bar, talk directly with the team, and work through curated handroll sets at a steady, personalized pace.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue crab hand roll, Negitoro hand roll, Soft-shell crab roll
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A dim, compact handroll counter where chefs assemble each roll to order right across the bar.
Who should go: Solo diners or pairs who love focused, handroll-only sushi.
When to visit: Early evening to avoid waits and secure counter seats.
What to order: Blue crab hand roll, negitoro roll, soft-shell crab special.
Insider tip: Sit near the middle of the counter and pace your orders so nori stays ultra-crisp each round.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Traction Ave and nearby blocks is possible but fills quickly after 6pm; paid lots around the Arts District typically run $8–$15 for the evening.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests come in relaxed attire suitable for a quick counter meal.
Noise level: Moderate — the narrow room has steady energy, but you can comfortably hold a conversation at the counter.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes, depending on peak hours; walk-ins are common but expect a short queue.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait or immediate seating, especially right at opening.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few veggie-forward rolls may be available, but the menu is predominantly seafood.
Vegan options: Very limited — most items rely on fish or mayo-based components; vegan diners will find few suitable choices.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — most handrolls are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and certain marinades may contain gluten; ask the team for substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, food-focused dates — the counter setup encourages conversation and shared pacing, though it’s more relaxed than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Yunomi is primarily walk-in based. Arriving within the first hour of service or later in the evening improves your chances of immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — older kids who enjoy sushi will be fine, but the narrow counter, quick pacing, and limited menu may not suit younger children.
Best For
Better for: A faster, more casual chef’s-counter experience with crisp handrolls made right in front of you — ideal for solo dining or a quick, high-quality sushi fix.
Skip if: You want a long omakase progression, broader sushi selection, or a quieter, more traditional chef’s table environment.
Yunomi Handroll
8.1
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Trendy Table Hotspots
Yunomi Handroll is a counter-focused sushi bar on East 3rd Street where warm rice, crisp nori, and made-to-order handroll sets keep service moving at a steady clip. It works well for one-on-one or very small business lunches when you want something sharper than a typical grab-and-go spot but still relatively efficient.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue crab hand roll, Spicy albacore crispy rice, Negitoro hand roll
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A focused handroll counter where everything is made to order at the bar.
Who should go: Sushi-loving colleagues who prefer counter dining and speed.
When to visit: Midday right at opening to minimize waits and secure seats.
What to order: Signature handroll set, blue crab roll, spicy albacore crispy rice.
Insider tip: Keep meetings tight—there’s a time limit on seats during peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on E 3rd St and nearby side streets is limited during lunch hours; meter availability improves slightly after 1pm. Several paid lots sit within a 2–4 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual; most diners come in work attire or polished casual. Suits are not required, but avoid overly relaxed gymwear.
Noise level: Moderate; counter layout keeps sound contained, and it’s easy to hold a focused one-on-one conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on peak hours, as the handroll counter fills quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait if you arrive close to opening; a short 5–10 minute queue develops around 12:15pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—there are a couple of vegetable-forward rolls, but the menu skews heavily toward seafood.
Vegan options: Very limited—only a basic cucumber roll fits vegan guidelines.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—many rolls can be made gluten-free if you avoid soy sauce; staff can accommodate but there is no fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only for a casual, quick-paced date. The counter format is intimate but not lingering, and the structured flow makes it less ideal for long conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Yunomi is primarily walk-in. Arrive early at lunch to grab counter seats, or plan for a short queue during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the counter setup and quick service cadence are better suited to adults or older teens who enjoy sushi.
Best For
Better for: Faster, more focused handroll sets than most sushi counters downtown, ideal for efficient business lunches that still feel elevated.
Skip if: If you need a long meeting-friendly table, broad menu variety, or vegan/vegetarian depth, choose another Arts District spot.
Yunomi Handroll
8.0
Yunomi sits on a busy Arts District stretch and reimagines the hand roll bar as a moody, sake-fueled date spot, with counter seats wrapped around chefs building just-made rolls and crispy rice bites. It’s buzzy and dim rather than hushed, ideal for couples who want energy, music, and shared plates more than a formal omakase ceremony.
Must-Try Dishes:
Five-hand-roll set, Baked crab hand roll, Spicy albacore on crispy rice
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 6.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: A dimly lit Arts District hand roll bar where buzzing energy and counter seats turn sushi into a lively night out.
Who should go: Couples who like music, sake, and conversation over formality.
When to visit: Prime hours 7–9pm when the bar and room are buzzing.
What to order: Hand roll set, baked crab hand roll, spicy albacore crispy rice.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter for the fastest pacing and to watch rolls assembled seconds before you eat them.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Traction Ave and neighboring blocks is limited after 6pm; paid lots nearby on E 3rd St and S Alameda St usually have open spaces.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean trendy—dark denim, button-ups, and casual dresses fit the room’s energy.
Noise level: Loud but manageable; music-forward atmosphere means you can talk, but expect a lively background hum.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak hand roll rush.
Weekday lunch: N/A — venue focuses on dinner; early evening weekdays typically 10–20 minute waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A handful of rolls and small plates work, including cucumber, avocado, and some crispy rice variations.
Vegan options: Very limited; most rolls rely on fish, mayo-based sauces, or nori rice combinations not designed for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications; some sauces and crispy rice items contain gluten, so communicate restrictions clearly to staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want an energetic, music-forward date. The counter seating and fast-paced hand roll service make conversation easy but lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for smaller parties, but expect waits during prime hours. Counter seats turn faster, so walk-ins often get placed there first.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the moody lighting, bar-style seating, and late-night energy are better suited to adults or older teens.
Best For
Better for: A more energetic and design-forward atmosphere than most hand roll bars, with stronger sake options and a social, late-night feel.
Skip if: You prefer a quiet, traditional sushi experience or need robust vegan/gluten-free options—other Arts District counters handle those needs better.