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    Sama Handroll

    4.7 (134 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

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    SAMA HANDROLL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Classy
    Moderate noise

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    Hand rolls
    Arthur E.

    Chill vibes and pretty good food. Went for a weekend dinner - place is at a quieter part of the Arts District, so some street parking can be had. Was seated immediately in the middle of the restaurant. The vibes definitely felt different than what I gathered from the Yelp pictures. Definitely more casual vibes vs date-y. Not bad though. They have shochu and sake cocktails, as well as a variety of beers. Ended up grabbing a couple beers while someone else had their Melon bar cocktail. Did have a taste of the cocktail, which was very watermelon-y (in a good way). Looked at the menu - shared appetizers were anywhere between $18-$28~ and seemed to feed 4 people fine - while handrolls were about $9~ on average. Ordered the tuna crispy rice, a yellowtaail serrano dish, as well as 5 handrolls (salmon, blue crab, albacore, spicy tuna, and yellowtail). The appetizers were spot on - has good flavor and the yellowtail weren't sad strips of fish. The roll fillings were all really good, but the nori was a bit chewy - which was a bit of a downer for me. Overall, was a fun, chill spot - particularly for the appetizers, with the handrolls needing crispier nori (either quality or how the nori is served).

    Ashley K.

    Came here for a dinner reservation to catch up with some old friends and was shocked to see that the place had so much seating available. We ordered a few items off the happy hour menu: brussel sprouts, crispy rice tuna, spicy edamame and pork belly. We also ordered the lobster dashi pasta and a few handrolls each. The flavors were definitely there and it was overall a good meal. I still think that its hard for anyone to compete with Kazunori when it comes to handrolls but the other dishes were tasty. I'm not sure if any one dish stood out, it would definitely be one of the appetizers as the pasta was a little too salty for my liking. They validate parking for 2 hours at the Aliso parking lot. Don't make the same mistake I did and pull into the "$5 parking". It's $5/30minutes. Service is friendly and very attentive. Food came out at a good pace as well.

    Dine LA lunch - 3 Handroll set  Solid.
    Libby R.

    Dine LA has a way of getting me to go out a tad bit more than usual. And seeing this menu, the location, and the price made it a lock for me. Arts District is a great location, and the fact that the parking is slightly less hard to find than in Downtown proper is a bonus. After a few passes, I was able to park right outside for a lunch bite. I saddled up to the bar to eat as there was a huge party sitting at the tables and I just wanted a quick stop. Service was good as I was able to see the staff making the food and they were attentive and checked in while they worked. First up was the spicy tuna on crispy rice. Solid. Next was the trio of handrolls. I really liked these and enjoyed the presentation. Because there was a bit of a delay (huge party, remember?) I was given a complimentary bite. The Seared and Salted was great and a nice way to hold me over while the staff got out of the weeds. Finally I had the mochi cake. I was not expecting much as I'm not a fan of mochi, but wow this was amazing. The highlight of a nice meal. This is a great spot and the layout is cool. I'm glad DineLA beckoned me to try as I will keep it on my rotation.

    Kelli H.

    Celebrated my sis' bday here and honestly couldn't have picked a better spot. Sama Handroll offers way more than just hand rolls, and it definitely shows. From the second we walked in, the place felt clean, modern, and inviting, with warm, genuinely hospitable service. We ordered a variety of dishes to try and no dish disappointed. Everything was fresh, high quality, beautifully presented, and came out impressively faaaaast. The crispy rice tuna was a favorite for me --tons of fresh tuna with the perfect crunch. The short ribs and green bean tempura also delivered and then some. Truly one of the best restaurant experiences I've had in a while--from the hospitality, to the food, to the attentive service. Everything felt easy, comfortable & well thought out...even the validated parking was a win. Would absolutely come back. IYKYK.

    Kelly H.

    My friends and I ordered the hand rolls: yellowtail, Toro, blue crab and salmon. The tuna crispy rice was crunchy and delicious. Service was great and ambience is relaxed.

    Pork Belly (Happy Hour)
    Mickey T.

    NOTE: Dined in on 8/5/25 during happy hour. They validate parking, or if you're lucky, you can find parking around that area of the Arts District. It's at the end of the main area of where restaurants are, next to Malbec. Was pretty quiet and chill when we arrived around 6. Service was lovely. It's funny... for a place that has handroll in its name, handrolls are probably the weakest part of the menu here. That being said, everything else we had was great! I'll go straight into a breakdown: Handroll flight (spicy tuna, salmon, yellowtail negi) - Tremendous value on the happy hour menu, but the biggest letdown was the nori (seaweed) and the rice. The fish itself was serviceable - probably on par with KazuNori or Yunomi or any of those other handrolls spots. But the rice texture was just so-so. It wasn't too dry or undercooked or anything like that, but it didn't have a satisfying bite to it. The nori was a bigger issue... it wasn't crispy and it did not tear easily. Both of which are critically important in a handroll, in my opinion. I would pass on this next time, but perhaps I would try the don flight instead! I'd like to see if the rice is any different there. Crispy Rice Tuna - I know this is a super basic item, but this can actually be really tasty if done well (see Kettner Exchange's version down in SD). This is actually a pretty good rendition! The rice worked better here than in the handrolls (not still not GREAT), and the layer of crispiness was noticeable, but not too hard or chewy. Tuna had a small kick and there's an avocado with a splash of eel sauce on top. Simple, but good and it's discounted during happy hour. Pork Belly - Honestly, not really worth it even with the happy hour discount. Small portions, not super melt-in-your-mouth or anything like that. It's decent, but nothing special and your money and stomach space is better spent elsewhere. It looks much better than it tastes. Beef tongue skewer - Not on the happy hour menu, but this is probably the best thing we had here. Super tender, melts in your mouth... I'd order a bunch of these next time, honestly. Or at least two haha. Subtle sweet glaze, but definitely doesn't take away from the flavor of the tongue itself. Little bit of yuzu kosho on top and a side of shichimi togarashi. Something that is best enjoyed when it is kept simple! Lobster dashi pasta - Could have done with a bit more tomato-y flavor and acidity, but generous lobster chunks in there, the noodles have a satisfying chew to them (much more like thick ramen noodles rather than pasta). It's got mostly a sweet and savory flavor profile, which might be a bit overwhelming for some people after a few bites. It's good to share, but I do not recommend ordering this for yourself as you might get tired of it partway through. Still worth trying, though! Overall, Sama is a great addition to the Arts District and I'm eager to return to try more items. It's just a shame that their handrolls are not that great! But don't let that deter you! You should still come to try all of their other delicious food.

    Don flight
    Yuri J.

    Happy hour (5-6:30pm) deals are AMAZING! Three handrolls for $12, crab handroll for $6, and a don flight for $18. Sushi was sooo fresh and light and flavorful. The don flight + extra handroll was filling and perfect portion. Order a side of Brussels sprouts to share! Happy there's another handroll spot in Arts District! Will come back for drinks and to try their lobster pasta!

    Daniel M.

    Sama Handroll is such an amazing little spot in the prime of the arts district! The food and ambiance is top notch + chef Lester and his team give the best guest experience and sitting at the food bar overlooking the cooking magic is its own kind of fun! Whether you are coming in with a large group, for date night or popping in solo it's catered for all dining wants! Highly recommend!!

    Toro negi
    Amy L.

    Things I loved. Tuna crispy rice, salmon carpaccio, beef tongue, chocolate ice cream maki. The crispy rice was perfectly cooked. It wasn't super hard where it'd get stuck to your teeth. Salmon was really good with the yuzu dressing they had. The beef tongue was interesting, I was a little skeptical because it was super thick but it was soft. The chocolate ice cream making was amazing. I would get this again but I'm a fan of chocolate cake with ice cream. You have to eat it fast so the ice cream doesn't melt. Be careful cause your teeth might hurt. For the handrolls, I liked how the seaweed was still crispy. The rice was a little too cold though so I prefer another handroll spot. Lobster dashi and the wagyu yakimeshi was too plain for me. It felt like it needed salt. It would be perfect for my mother since it was a little bland. But I guess that's preference. Service was good, I drank maybe 5 cups of water because it kept getting refilled. They also kept taking away the dishes when they noticed it was empty. Our food also came out at a decent rate. We'd finish one thing and another dish would come out. There is free street parking and also pay parking. Just note that its $5 every 30 minutes. Don't be tricked by the large $5 sign and ignore the little words on the bottom.

    Sunnie M.

    Great little sushi place. I was surprised they had very few customers, even for a Saturday night. The food was pretty good, but a bit expensive. Servers were attentive and plentiful. I do think you could find similar food quality for cheaper elsewhere, but I was satisfied with my meal.

    Brenda C.

    I came here with my girlfriends and had a really great experience. First off the drinks were good. I got yuzu lemonade and also tried their mixed sake drinks, which were tasty as well. The food was amazing. Every item I ordered was delicious. Everything was seasoned perfectly and very enjoyable tastes. The ingredients tasted fresh. What stood out to me are the fish items - for example the hand rolls and the crispy tuna fish. The dishes do not taste basic and every flavor is unique. I've grown tired of other hand roll places because their flavors were lacking so I'm excited to find a new hand roll place with a good variety of items. Service was great and the manager was very attentive as well. Overall a great experience and will come back again~

    Desire N.

    The best Happy Hour in L.A. Sama Sushi is known for fresh, creative, and delicious sushi, creative flavor combinations, and friendly service. The food is known for its beautiful presentation. Specific happy hour highlights include discounted handrolls, such as the crab handroll for around $6, and deals on appetizers like the spicy tuna crispy rice. The don flight is $18. I am recommending to pair the happy hour food with their $8 cocktails. The happy hour is generally from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

    Food menu
    Jessica H.

    Happy to have another resturant in the Arts district. The prices weren't to bad. I ordered a few cut rolls, shrimp tempura and the brussel sprouts. I did enjoy watching the chefs prepare the sushi & grilled foods. They also have a bar area to make Japanese cocktails

    spicy tuna, spicy yellow tail, and salmon

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    Sama H.

    Thank you for the photos & your review!

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    Sama H.

    Amazing review & photos thank you so much for your support!

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    Sama H.

    Thank you so much we appreciate you!

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    Sama H.

    IYKYK- you're ordering right. Photos are top notch!

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    Amazing love the photos! Thank you for your support

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    Glad you enjoyed your visit with us, thank you for the photos!

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Sama Handroll

    Does this place offer happy hour?

    YES! Brand new happy hour menu from 5pm-6:30pm DAILY

    View All 2 Questions

    The Lucky Tiki

    The Lucky Tiki

    4.5
    (51 reviews)
    5.1 mi

    My partner and I recently went on a tiki bar roadtrip from Tacoma down to Palm Springs, and I think…read morethat Lucky Tiki might be my top spot out of the 10 or so locations we visited. Drinks: Really, really good. My absolute favorite was the boat drink with foam on top, but we split several others and I liked everything we tried. Vibe: Unmatched. There are several drinks on the menu with a theatrical presentation that gets the whole bar involved. The space is small, so you'll inevitably have your conversation interrupted by an alluring siren's call or some ceremonial rowers. This is a crucial part of the tiki experience for me. The bartenders all have their different spin and clearly are in it for the love of the game. We had a lot of fun chatting with the staff. Food: I ate 2 orders of soup dumplings and probably could have bodied down 5 more. They were ridiculously good, but prohibitively expensive.

    Some of my LA friends have frequented tiki bars for years, and after visiting Lucky Tiki recently,…read moreI finally get it. Tiki cocktails have expanded beyond rum into smokier tequila and mezcal drinks, which are more my speed. Lucky Tiki takes planning. You'll probably need a reservation weeks ahead and yes, they'll politely kick you out after 2 hours. These drinks are delicious and designed to ruin your decision-making skills. Worth it. Uber home, obviously. This spot is "hidden" in a bowling alley, and inside you'll find retro lighting and decor and tiki cocktails. One drink came with bubbles, another arrived flaming, and one to a soundtrack of thunder and lightning. It's part cocktail bar, part performance, and the staff is committed to the bit. They have two LA locations, which helps if one is booked.

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    Sailor at the Bar Entrance
    Sailor at the Bar Entrance
    Hard carved and painted Giant Tiki at Lucky Tiki
    Hard carved and painted Giant Tiki at Lucky Tiki
    Whatever floats your boat was also delicious.

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    Whatever floats your boat was also delicious.
    The Mulberry

    The Mulberry

    4.0
    (119 reviews)
    12.2 mi

    Pretty good meal overall!! The chicken wings had a really crisp exterior and a great crunch, but…read morethey did lean a little dry - but honestly felt like the trade off for getting them that crispy! The sauce helped bring some juiciness back and balanced it out. The bluefin tuna bibimbap was pretty enjoyable. The tuna tasted fresh and the textures worked well together, but the dish could have used a little more seasoning to make the flavors pop. The perilla was a great touch though. It added a slightly minty flavor that complemented the tuna without taking over the dish. The beef short rib was easily the standout. PERFECTLY cooked, incredibly tender, and seasoned just right. The richness of the meat paired so well with the lettuce wraps that it almost feels like they should automatically come with the dish. Service was good and everything came out smoothly. Would come back!

    Cute spot, dark ambience. Makes for a decent date spot, I'd think. Food is elevated korean fusion…read morewhich is worth a try, but I wouldn't come back unless there's an occasion. Made a reservation 1 week out, and only 9:45pm was available for a Saturday for a party of 6. Kind of odd that last call for their regular menu is at that time; luckily a few of us got there before that time to put in orders in time. Drinks: - GF & Plum Soda $8.00: refreshing! would get this again - Flower Sour $17.00: my fave; slightly tart and fragrant - Baesuk White Negroni $17.00: barrel fragrant and like an old fashioned - Plum Martini $17.00: medicinal lol Food: - Aguachile $19.00: mid, imo. in kimchi broth so it has that fermented aftertaste. - Beef Short Ribs $49.00: yuuum. oh so tender but only 6 pieces. worth a try - Pork Spare Ribs $36.00: also super tender, 6 ribs. worth a try - Bluefin Tuna Bibimbap $29.00: a decent amt of tuna, i would get this again - Spicy Braised Black Cod $41.00: not very memorable, nor was it spicy. nice and flaky tho - Chilled Acorn Noodle $22.00: salty and lots of seaweed - Fried Chicken Wings $23.00: not oily and good flavor. crispy but wouldn't get again - Hotteok $16.00: came with a sake like ice cream and it was nice! worth a try Street parking is kinda tough on this side of Sawtelle, esp since it's across the popular sun nong dan

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    The Mulberry
    Salad, had too much white lettuce which was very bitter 7/10
    Salad, had too much white lettuce which was very bitter 7/10
    Acorn noodles

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    Acorn noodles
    The Obscure Distillery

    The Obscure Distillery

    4.5
    (213 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Stepping into the venue felt like crossing a threshold into a world that operated on a different…read morewavelength--and honestly, it was exactly the shift I didn't know I needed. It wasn't your typical corner haunt. There was an intentionality here that turned a simple evening out into a genuine education. The curation of spirits was nothing short of impressive, but what set the experience apart was the conversation. I arrived knowing the difference between a glass and a bottle, but left with a newfound appreciation for the nuances of rum, the craftsmanship behind a smooth whiskey, and the unexpected complexities hidden within a well-made vodka. Each pour came with a story, a history, and a level of expertise that transformed every sip into a lesson. The atmosphere was the perfect anchor for it all--utterly chill and devoid of the frantic, forced energy you find elsewhere. It was the kind of place where the music sits at just the right volume and the lighting invites you to actually linger. It was refreshing to find a spot that treats its craft with such respect while keeping the vibe completely grounded. I walked out feeling a little more cultured and a lot more relaxed. Consider this my official notice: I'll definitely be back.

    My friends and I recently visited Obscure, and overall we had a great experience…read more First, the venue itself is absolutely beautiful. From the moment you walk in, it feels like you've been transported somewhere else. Every room is thoughtfully designed, and the atmosphere is immersive and unlike anything we've experienced before. The storyteller was welcoming, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable. I really enjoyed learning about the history of alcohol and the stories behind each tasting. The cocktails were definitely on the stronger side, but you could tell they were crafted with high-quality ingredients. Unfortunately, our experience was somewhat tainted by our hostess. She came across as impatient and unwelcoming, which set the tone early on. When we first entered, we were each handed a small glass of liquid, and then she immediately walked away without explaining what it was or what we were supposed to do with it. We assumed it was a welcome drink, so we all took a sip only to discover it was actually a palate cleanser. A little guidance would have gone a long way. The next room had a beautiful bayou-inspired setting. While the historical information was interesting, I found myself wishing the experience leaned more into the mystical or magical themes that the venue seems to promise. One thing worth mentioning is the restroom setup. I don't mind coed restrooms, but there was no signage explaining that the restroom is shared with two open stalls. Some guests may appreciate a heads-up, especially those who might feel uncomfortable or triggered by that arrangement. After the tastings, you're taken outside. A few of us stopped to use the restroom first, and when we returned, our friend had already left the table and all of our drinks had been cleared away. We were disappointed because we hadn't finished them. Our friend had been told she couldn't take the drinks with her, but when we returned we could take them outside. She was told that they'd be there when we got back. We were disappointed. The outdoor portion of the experience also felt a bit rushed. We barely had time to enjoy our drinks, let alone take photos of the beautiful space. The beignets at the end, however, were absolutely delicious and a highlight of the evening! Finally, we were escorted to the members-only bar, which was stunning. It gave off major Harry Potter vibes with its hidden, magical atmosphere. One of my friends was still finishing her drink on the patio since we couldn't legally walk on the sidewalk with it. Our hostess told us she'd come back for us but she never did. After waiting quite a while, another staff member happened to walk by and kindly helped us. Once inside, everything turned around again. The bartender was warm, friendly, and helped us choose drinks off the menu. I ordered the piña colada, and while it was much stronger and different from the traditional version I'm used to, it was absolutely delicious!!! Despite some service issues and inconsistent communication, I would still recommend Obscure. The concept is unique, the cocktails are excellent, and the venue is truly one of a kind. I'm hoping our hostess was simply having an off day, because with more attentive service, this experience could easily be five stars.

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    Divine Paradox
    Divine Paradox
    Upon entering
    Upon entering
    The scenic bar

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    The scenic bar
    The Green Room

    The Green Room

    4.6
    (686 reviews)
    11.7 mi
    $$$

    We really enjoyed our Friday evening here! It's a beautiful bar/restaurant with quite the view of…read morethe surrounding area; the decor is open and upscale and it's great! The service was friendly and pleasant and prompt, and our food and wine were great. Absolutely will recommend and return!

    As a lover of speakeasies and craft cocktails, The Green Room has been on my list for a while. What…read morebetter time to go than on my anniversary! Echoing what everyone else has been saying - the service is SO slow. It was about 45 minutes before we were able to order our second drink and our water glasses were empty. They have so many runners bringing the drinks out but only a few servers and, from the looks of it, one bartender (on a Saturday night - what?!). The server was saying he was trying to find a manager to help out but they were nowhere to be found. Clearly management is fine with these service times since they're still making $$$. The drinks were delicious, and I loved that there were heaters on the patio (though they did get very hot at times). Our server was so kind and brought us a celebratory drink. I do wish there were more explanations with the beverages, especially for the Paid Vacation as most people will not realize you're supposed to bite into the buzz button for the tingly sensation. I would come back, but need some time for my wallet to recover first, haha!

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    Three Wishes Cocktail
    Three Wishes Cocktail
    Parmesan Proscuitto Croquette
    Parmesan Proscuitto Croquette
    TGR Patio

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    TGR Patio
    Thunderbolt

    Thunderbolt

    4.4
    (265 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    Matt B. and I are living with my parents these days, and one of the benefits of this arrangement is…read morethat we can leave the house quite easily after the kids go to bed. We decided to get a drink to celebrate Father's Day, only to strike out at the first two bars we tried--I guess a lot of places are closed at 9:30 on a Sunday. This is how we ended up at Thunderbolt, a buzzy bar in Echo Park, just far enough away that we'd never made our way over. I loved it immediately. Thunderbolt has the friendly, comfortable atmosphere of a neighborhood bar and the hip aesthetic and high-level cocktails of a millennial boozer destination. (Not that young people can't or shouldn't hang out here, but it seems especially geared toward people like us, who drank at Walker Inn a decade ago.) We ended up sitting next to a guy who regularly drives up from Palos Verdes. I guess the place gets pretty busy, but it was ideal on a Sunday night. Happening but not crowded, with just enough space at the bar for us to grab two seats together. The bartender was great, super helpful and welcoming. He also made excellent drinks. Thunderbolt is one of those bars with an encyclopedic illustrated book for a menu. Not a long menu, just a detailed one, with a lot of information available about each drink. We got a Liquid Picnic and a Barcelonnette--just one round to close out the weekend. Both were delicious. The Liquid Picnic was a smooth, savory gin martini made with London dry gin, tomato, citron, vermouth, rosemary, and black pepper. I learned from the book that it used clarified tomato water. (There was also further reading about the clarification process.) The Barcelonnette was a mezcal sour with Suze, passionfruit, and lime, the foam made without egg white through some geeky mixologist process. Thunderbolt is not our neighborhood bar, but we plan to go back when we can to check out the rest of the menu. It's a wonderful place, well worth a jaunt on the freeway.

    Was charged three times, totaling hundreds of dollars, and waiting for the pending transactions to…read moredrop (or stay :/) in 3-5 business days is no fun. We can't all be made of money, but this shouldn't have happened.

    Photos
    Thunderbolt
    Thunderbolt
    Thunderbolt

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    Sama Handroll - japanese - Updated July 2026

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