30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Date Night Sushi in Culver City
Best Seafood in Culver City
Best Japanese in Culver City
Best Sushi in Culver City
Master Critic Review
Yunomi Handroll
8.4
Chef David Movsisian's Michelin-rated handroll specialist operates in The Culver Steps with a sleek industrial bar setting and just 24 counter seats. The focused menu delivers fresh handrolls made to order alongside quality sashimi appetizers, Japanese craft beer, and loose-leaf teas served in traditional tetsubin iron teapots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked Crab Roll, Negi Toro Handroll, Soft Shell Crab Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Michelin recognition for focused handroll-centric menu in modern industrial setting
Who should go: Couples wanting efficient yet refined sushi experience without reservations
When to visit: Lunch and dinner daily, use Yelp waitlist during peak
What to order: Handroll sets, baked crab roll, yellowtail serrano sashimi
Insider tip: Free parking nearby; arrive before 6pm to avoid waits
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking in The Culver Steps structure (2-3 hours validated), plus metered street parking on Washington Blvd
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top work perfectly for the counter bar vibe
Noise level: Low to moderate - intimate counter seating makes conversation easy despite open kitchen
Weekend wait: 30-45 min peak times (6-8pm), use Yelp waitlist to reduce wait
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - cucumber handroll and veggie sushi options, but menu is seafood-focused
Vegan options: Very limited - 1-2 vegetable rolls possible without modifications
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available, most handrolls and sashimi naturally gluten-free (confirm sauces)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the counter seating creates natural conversation flow, Michelin pedigree impresses without pretension, and 45-60 minute meal pacing keeps momentum. Just be aware it's quick-service style, not a lingering multi-course experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations, it's counter seating only (24 seats). Join the Yelp waitlist before arriving or show up before 6pm to minimize wait. Weekday lunches are easiest for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and older kids who appreciate sushi - counter seating and quick-bite format aren't ideal for young children. No high chairs or kids menu, but well-behaved tweens/teens will enjoy the interactive handroll experience.
How does this compare to Sugarfish or KazuNori? More craft-focused than KazuNori with Michelin credentials, smaller and more intimate than Sugarfish. Better for dates wanting the handroll specialty without the trust-me omakase commitment or price point of high-end sushi.
What's the actual damage for two people? $60-80 for two with handroll sets, one appetizer to share, and drinks. More affordable than traditional omakase but premium for fast-casual sushi.
Best For
Better for: Couples wanting Michelin-quality handrolls in a casual, no-reservation setting - better craft and technique than chain handroll spots, more intimate and date-appropriate than food hall sushi counters
Skip if: You want a long, leisurely dinner with multiple courses, need extensive cooked options or vegetarian variety, or prefer traditional table seating over counter service
Hours
Monday12pm - 9:30pm
Tuesday12pm - 9:30pm
Wednesday12pm - 9:30pm
Thursday12pm - 9:30pm
Friday12pm - 10pm
Saturday12pm - 10pm
Sunday12pm - 9:30pm