Sushi Dake
★★★★☆ 3.9 (372) • $$
"(Dined 10/28/2022 FR @ 1:30pm): Literally... sushi dake ("only")!I've driven by Sushi Dake countless times and always said to myself, "I need to try this place out". That day finally came on this "no-meat Friday" when a friend was in town for work, so we decided to have lunch together and simply caught up with each other. I could easily eat sushi every day which would become an expensive habit. Was this long-time coming worth it!?PURCHASEDry Asahi Beer 12floz Bottle ($5.95 x2): My friend opted for multiple smaller bottles instead of one large one.Dry Asahi Beer 21floz Bottle ($8.95): It was always a custom for me to drink a Japanese beer with my sushi whether it be Kirin, Sapporo, or in this case Asahi - kanpai https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=QZoMBAVMMYFhTBkOlOskOQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!2pc Tuna Sushi ($7.50): Fresh, meaty, and soft, this was tasty but a tad on the small size.Blue Crab Hand Roll ($9.95 x2): Filled with lots of crab, rice, and a smidgen of avocado all wrapped in a light soy paper, the crab was a tad dry and I wasn't a fan of the soy paper.Spicy Scallop Hand Roll ($9.50): Plenty of seasoned tiny scallop balls with barely a hint of spiciness and rice wrapped in seaweed, I enjoyed it but it needed more heat https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Yqf_HjuY_iy-qGMfhICPwg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!6pc Popper Cut Roll ($11.95): A deep-fried roll of spicy tuna, jalapeño, and cream cheese, this sushi-fied American bar food was surprisingly yummy along with its big portion size which made up for the only 6 pieces https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=fmdEMGADRsKdczBWv9NqeA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.8pc Rock N Roll Cut Roll ($14.95): Spicy California roll topped with spicy albacore, crispy onions, and a garlic ponzu sauce, this was a lovely roll with good portion size and noticeable spiciness this time https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=JfQNzxjvilt8VwntrBpVJQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.8pc Baja Fresh Cut Roll ($16.95): Yellowtail, jalapeño, spicy tuna, cilantro, and avocado, this Mexican-inspired roll was magnificent and full of spiciness https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=OLLb45OBM4ET37A2EpEgog&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.SERVICEImmediately greeted by both a gentleman behind the bar order counter and a hostess, we asked to sit outside on the front patio, we ordered beer which came out quickly along with two glasses of water, and were given a quick paper menu to place our order https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=qCqkK8wwrXAffrEMbeaYLg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. All the food came out at the same time a little more than 10 minutes later. After that, we were good to go until it was time for the check. Our water glasses were filled up a couple times and all was good - arigato!PARKING (FREE)They shared a medium-sized lot with a variety of small businesses in addition to separate lots for McDonalds and CVS, respectively (park in these two lots at your own risk). Otherwise, there seemed to be plenty of spots along the main drags of Verdugo and Olive Aves. - nuff said.ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCEA snug floorplan inside with a handful of booths and tables along one wall and front of house while the rest of the space was used for the order counter bar where you watched the chefs do their work. Minimal decorations covered the walls. As for the exterior, there were also a handful of tables/chairs. Inside, minimal natural lighting came through the covered & tinted front glass windows and door while dim electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. Outside, there was plenty of natural lighting. There was one muted TV while pop music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=qqG9jEeV5s_Rrvo93OoM8Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9VwATTIRETotally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.OVERALLSushi Dake was a rousing success and would definitely return! The food was great, the prices affordable, menu selection nicely varied, and the service was sufficient enough. Generally speaking, I couldn't find any serious issues. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $112.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS"
"Such a cute place, small but with enough seating. For two people, we ordered the 5 combo handrolls and it was a good snack between meals. The food came out in about 10-minutes with a cute trash bin to put the wrappers. My favorite was the salmon and chopped yellowtail.We will definitely be back to try more of their handrolls!"
"Just had the most amazing Omakase at this gem of a restaurant. The fish was so incredibly fresh with the most sublime flavors, prepared and presented so beautifully by Chef Yutaka-san. Joey and Akiko were very attentive and personable, helping to make this all such a special experience. My new favorite sushi spot and I cannot wait to be back."
