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ZipPicks Awards
Best Date Night Sushi in Culver City
Best Japanese in Culver City
Best Sushi in Culver City
Master Critic Review
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.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday12pm - 2:15pm, 5:30pm - 9:15pm
Wednesday12pm - 2:15pm, 5:30pm - 9:15pm
Thursday12pm - 2:15pm, 5:30pm - 9:15pm
Friday5pm - 9:45pm
Saturday5pm - 9:45pm
Sunday5pm - 9:15pm