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Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeCaliforniaLos Angeles CountyLos AngelesCentral LAJapanese Restaurant in West 3rd StreetAzai Hand Roll Sushi
Azai Hand Roll Sushi ico

Azai Hand Roll Sushi

8036 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA

4.0
I would be giving you a disservice if I wasn’t honest about this. It’s not five stars.Sometimes when a business has only five star reviews (which we all trust it) just turns out to be great facade.I got sushi here a long time ago, and it always bothered me that I never left a true review.My sister just flew in from the East Coast and I wanted to take her to the best sushi restaurant in Los Angeles. This is not it. It was a bad experience and a total regret that this is where I took her to.It’s also not like normal sushi place - it’s hand rolls only and counter service only.It’s not great, but it also works if you just want something quick and on the go. Definitely not for anything special. - Victoria Marie
Azai Hand Roll Sushi Overview Intro Photos Location Reviews

Azai Hand Roll Sushi Introduce

For Californians in the bustling heart of Los Angeles, the quest for convenient and straightforward sushi can be a daily pursuit. Located at 8036 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA, Azai Hand Roll Sushi offers a unique approach to the traditional Japanese favorite, focusing exclusively on hand rolls and operating with a counter-service model. This establishment caters specifically to those seeking a quick, on-the-go sushi experience in a clean and pleasant environment.

Azai Hand Roll Sushi is distinguished by its direct, no-frills approach: it's a hand roll only, counter-service spot. While some diners have expressed mixed opinions on the flavor profile of the sushi itself, often describing it as "bland and underwhelming" or "not great," the positive aspects consistently highlighted are the exceptionally nice and friendly staff, and the clean, simple, and pleasant space. It's not positioned as a destination for a "special" occasion or an elaborate dining experience, but rather as a functional option when you "just want something quick and on the go." For those familiar with Los Angeles' diverse food scene, understanding this niche is key to appreciating Azai Hand Roll Sushi for what it offers: a friendly, efficient, and clean stop for a fast sushi bite.

Location and Accessibility

Azai Hand Roll Sushi is conveniently situated at 8036 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA. This address places it squarely on West 3rd Street, a vibrant and well-known thoroughfare in Los Angeles, popular for its eclectic mix of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. For Californians navigating the city, this location offers practical accessibility.

West 3rd Street is a major artery, making Azai Hand Roll Sushi easily reachable by car or ride-sharing services from various prominent parts of Los Angeles, including Beverly Grove, West Hollywood, and the Miracle Mile area. Its central position within the 90048 zip code ensures it's a convenient dining option for many residents living and working in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Regarding parking, a common consideration in busy urban areas, West 3rd Street typically offers a mix of metered street parking. As with any popular street in LA, finding a spot might require a bit of patience, but the high volume of foot traffic and commercial activity often means there are options available, albeit potentially paid. The concept of "on the go" and "quick" service at Azai Hand Roll Sushi suggests that customers are often in and out, which can also help with parking turnover. Its accessible location makes it a practical stop for those looking for a fast meal in a popular part of the city.

Services Offered

Azai Hand Roll Sushi focuses on a streamlined and specific service model, prioritizing speed and simplicity, especially for those on the go.

  • Counter Service Only: This is a defining feature of Azai Hand Roll Sushi. Customers order and receive their food directly at a counter, making the process quick and efficient. This model is ideal for individual diners or small groups looking for a fast meal without the formalities of traditional table service.

  • Hand Rolls Only: As the name suggests, the menu is exclusively focused on hand rolls. This specialization allows them to hone their craft in this particular style of sushi, catering to those who specifically seek the fresh, wrapped experience of a hand roll.

  • Quick Service: The counter-service model inherently facilitates quick preparation and delivery of food, making it a suitable option for those with limited time or who desire a fast meal. It's specifically noted as working "if you just want something quick and on the go."

  • Dine-In (Counter Seating): While counter service, patrons can still dine on-site, typically at a counter, which can be a pleasant and simple experience, especially for solo diners. The space is described as "simple, very clean, and pleasant."

  • Takeout Option: Given its "on the go" nature and counter service, Azai Hand Roll Sushi is inherently well-suited for takeout orders, allowing customers to grab their hand rolls and enjoy them elsewhere.

  • Friendly Staff Interaction: A consistent highlight is the "extremely nice and friendly" staff. This positive interaction enhances the quick-service experience, making it more welcoming and enjoyable.

It is important for potential customers to note the "hand rolls only" and "counter service only" model to align their expectations with the restaurant's specific offerings and operational style.

Features / Highlights

Azai Hand Roll Sushi is characterized by several key features and highlights, emphasizing its unique approach to the sushi experience, particularly for those in Los Angeles seeking efficiency and simplicity.

  • Hand Rolls Only Specialization: This is the defining feature. By focusing exclusively on hand rolls, Azai offers a specialized menu for those who enjoy this particular, often more casual, form of sushi. This allows for streamlined preparation and a distinct dining concept.

  • Counter Service Model: The "counter service only" setup contributes to a quick and efficient dining experience. It's ideal for individuals or small groups looking for a fast meal without the wait times often associated with full-service restaurants.

  • Quick and "On the Go" Suitability: The restaurant is specifically noted as working well "if you just want something quick and on the go." This highlights its utility for busy individuals or those needing a fast bite while out and about in Los Angeles.

  • Extremely Nice and Friendly Staff: A consistent and strong positive highlight from customer reviews is the staff's demeanor, described as "extremely nice and friendly." This positive human interaction significantly enhances the customer experience, making visits pleasant despite any other concerns.

  • Simple, Clean, and Pleasant Space: The physical environment is consistently praised for being "simple, very clean, and pleasant." This offers a comfortable and hygienic setting for a quick meal, which is highly valued by diners.

  • Value for a Quick Meal (with caveats): While some reviews found the food "underwhelming," the concept is positioned as functional for a quick bite. This suggests a perceived value for speed and convenience rather than for a gourmet experience, making it suitable for its intended purpose.

It's important for potential customers to note the feedback regarding the taste of the sushi itself, which some found "bland and underwhelming." Therefore, the primary highlights revolve around the service, cleanliness, and the speed/convenience of its hand roll, counter-service model.

Promotions or Special Offers

Based on the provided customer reviews for Azai Hand Roll Sushi, there is no explicit mention of specific promotions, special offers, or happy hour deals. The reviews focus more on the operational model (hand rolls only, counter service), the quality of the staff and space, and general feedback on the food's flavor.

Given its "quick and on the go" and counter-service model, Azai Hand Roll Sushi's primary value proposition appears to be its efficiency and straightforwardness, rather than discount-driven promotions. However, common practices for similar quick-service establishments in Los Angeles might include:

  • Lunch Combos or Sets: While not stated, some hand roll bars might offer lunch-specific combos where a set number of hand rolls are offered at a slightly reduced price compared to ordering them individually. This would cater to the midday crowd seeking a quick, complete meal.

  • Loyalty Programs: Occasionally, quick-service spots might have digital or card-based loyalty programs where customers earn points or receive a free item after a certain number of purchases.

  • Delivery Platform Deals: If Azai Hand Roll Sushi partners with major food delivery services (e.g., Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub), they might participate in promotions run by these platforms. These can include reduced delivery fees, percentage off certain orders, or special bundle deals, which change frequently and are managed by the third-party apps.

Since no specific promotions were mentioned in the feedback, it is advisable for Californians interested in Azai Hand Roll Sushi to:

  • Call the restaurant directly at their provided phone numbers to inquire about any current specials they may not widely advertise.

  • Check their listings on popular food delivery apps, as any platform-specific deals would be visible there.

  • Visit in person, as sometimes in-store specials are displayed only at the counter.

The core "offer" from Azai Hand Roll Sushi appears to be its convenient, quick, and friendly hand roll experience for a fast bite.

Contact Information

To experience Azai Hand Roll Sushi for a quick and friendly hand roll meal, or for any inquiries, here’s how you can get in touch:

Address: 8036 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA

Phone: (424) 644-7522

Mobile Phone: +1 424-644-7522

As a counter-service establishment, direct calls might be the most effective way to inquire about their menu or any specific questions you may have before visiting.

Conclusion: Why Azai Hand Roll Sushi is Suitable for Locals

For Californians, particularly those in the bustling landscape of Los Angeles, Azai Hand Roll Sushi on W 3rd Street carves out a specific niche that makes it suitable for certain local needs and preferences. While it may not be the top choice for an elaborate or high-end sushi experience, its particular strengths make it a practical and appealing option for a specific kind of craving.

The primary appeal for locals is its focus on being "quick and on the go." In a city where time is often of the essence, a counter-service, hand roll-only establishment offers unparalleled efficiency. This makes it an ideal spot for a fast lunch break, a rapid dinner before an event, or simply when you need a quick, satisfying bite without the commitment of a full sit-down meal. Its speed aligns perfectly with the fast-paced lifestyle of many Angelenos.

Furthermore, the consistently praised "extremely nice and friendly" staff significantly enhances the customer experience. Even for a quick interaction, positive human connection is highly valued. Knowing you’ll be greeted warmly and served efficiently by pleasant individuals can make all the difference, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for repeat visits. The "simple, very clean, and pleasant" space also contributes to a comfortable experience, ensuring a hygienic and agreeable environment for a quick stop.

While some reviews noted the sushi flavor as "bland and underwhelming," it's clear Azai isn't positioning itself as a gourmet destination but rather as a functional and convenient option. For locals who understand this distinction and are simply looking for a fresh, fast, and friendly hand roll fix, Azai Hand Roll Sushi fits the bill perfectly. It’s a reliable spot for those moments when simplicity and speed are prioritized, making it a valuable addition to the diverse casual dining scene in Los Angeles.

Azai Hand Roll Sushi Photos

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Azai Hand Roll Sushi Location

Azai Hand Roll Sushi

8036 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA

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