Hama Sushi

For decades, residents and visitors alike have flocked to the vibrant shores of Venice, California, drawn by its unique blend of artistic spirit, beach culture, and diverse culinary offerings. Nestled right in the heart of this iconic community,

Hama Sushi

This article is specifically crafted for local users within the California region, aiming to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes Hama Sushi such a beloved institution. We will delve into its iconic Venice Beach location, explore the diverse array of culinary services and dishes it proudly offers, highlight its unique features and the aspects that make it shine, and detail its popular promotions. Additionally, we’ll provide essential contact information, ensuring that planning your visit is as seamless as possible. Ultimately, we’ll conclude by articulating precisely why Hama Sushi is perfectly suited for locals seeking an authentic, high-quality, and thoroughly enjoyable dining experience that truly captures the spirit of Venice.

Hama Sushi is prominently located at 213 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291, USA. This prime address places it directly on Windward Avenue, a historic street that serves as a gateway to the famous Venice Beach Boardwalk. Being "on the circle of Windward/Main street, a block from the famous Venice Boardwalk," provides Hama Sushi with exceptional visibility and makes it a highly accessible destination for both locals and tourists exploring the area.

The strategic position in the heart of Venice means that the restaurant is easily reachable from various parts of Los Angeles. For those driving, Hama Sushi offers convenient parking solutions: "Free 2 Hour Valet Parking service for all lunch patrons Mon-Fri" is a significant perk in a bustling beach community. Additionally, valet parking is available for dinner patrons. This ease of access, whether by car, on foot from the boardwalk, or via ride-sharing services, contributes significantly to Hama Sushi's appeal, allowing patrons to enjoy their dining experience without typical urban parking concerns. Its enduring presence since 1979 solidifies its status as a cornerstone of the Venice culinary scene.

• Authentic Sushi and Sashimi: Hama Sushi is renowned for serving "the freshest, most authentic sushi creations." This includes a wide array of nigiri and sashimi options like Tuna, Yellowtail, Salmon, Halibut, Red Snapper, Sea Urchin, Toro, and more.
• Innovative Sushi Rolls: Beyond traditional offerings, Hama Sushi boasts a creative selection of specialty rolls. Popular choices include the Venice Roll (spicy tuna and cucumber topped with seared tuna, avocado, jalapeños, and red onions), Yummy Roll, Rainbow Roll, Shiso Lemon Roll, Green Devil Roll, Philadelphia Roll, Dragon Roll, and more unique options like the Strawberry Roll and Surf & Turf Roll.
• French-Inspired Fusion Cuisine: In addition to traditional Japanese fare, Hama Sushi offers "French inspired fusion cuisine dishes," providing a unique culinary blend. This includes entrees like Miso Cod, Beef Teriyaki, Salmon Teriyaki, and Tuna Peppercorn Steak.
• Appetizers and Starters: A diverse selection of appetizers is available, including popular items like Edamame (classic, butter garlic, spicy), Shishito Peppers, Kara-Age (Japanese fried chicken), Fried Calamari, Soft Shell Crab, and the highly recommended "cooked mussel starter dish" (Baked Mussels with dynamite sauce).
• Tempura Dishes: Guests can enjoy various tempura options such as Shrimp Tempura, Vegetable Tempura, and Combo Tempura.
• Udon Noodles: The menu features comforting Udon noodle soups like Veggie Tempura Udon, Shrimp Tempura Udon, and Beef and Onion Udon.
• Salads: Fresh salad options like Green Salad, Wakame Salad, and Avocado Salad are available.
• Extensive Sake Selection: Hama Sushi offers a variety of sake, including their "house sake" which is "served out of a bamboo thing that is just awesome," contributing to a unique and memorable drinking experience. They also offer a range of Japanese beers.
• Happy Hour: A very popular feature, Hama Sushi offers a daily happy hour with discounted food and drink specials (details in the dedicated section).
• Take-Out and Delivery: For added convenience, the restaurant offers "Take-Out/Phone & Online Orders" and is available through "Delivery Apps."
• Catering to Special Occasions: Described as "Good for special occasions," the restaurant is a fitting venue for celebrations like birthdays.

• Landmark Status & Longevity: Established in 1979, Hama Sushi is a "landmark restaurant" and "one of the first sushi restaurants on the westside," boasting over 45 years of continuous operation. This longevity speaks volumes about its consistent quality and local appeal.
• Lively and Community-Oriented Atmosphere: Described as a "surprisingly chill bar, with big televisions and a community atmosphere," Hama Sushi offers a vibrant and welcoming environment. It’s a place where "party animals" can gather, yet also a "casual setting" for locals and newcomers alike.
• Excellent Happy Hour: The happy hour is a significant highlight, attracting many patrons with "great happy hour deals" on both food and drinks, making it an excellent value proposition.
• Highly Praised Sushi Quality: Customers consistently commend the sushi for being "just as I remember it and better," and the "sushi sampler plate was just what I wanted," indicating fresh and satisfying options.
• Unique House Sake Presentation: The "house sake" is a standout feature, praised for being "awesome" and served "out of a bamboo thing," adding a distinctive element to the dining experience.
• Delicious Cooked Mussel Starter: The "cooked mussel starter dish is delicious," pointing to the quality and appeal of their non-sushi appetizers.
• Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff: Reviews highlight the "knowledgably and friendly staff," with mentions of meeting the "lovely woman" owner, Esther, fostering a warm and personalized dining experience.
• Diverse Menu: The blend of "traditional Japanese cuisine with unique fusion dishes" including French-inspired elements, ensures a wide appeal beyond just sushi purists.
• Outdoor Seating: While not explicitly stated in all reviews, the mention of a "Happy Hour Patio Bar Top Only" suggests outdoor seating availability, a desirable feature in Venice.

Hama Sushi is well-known for its attractive "Happy Hour" offerings, which are a significant draw for locals and those seeking value. While the specific times may vary slightly, recent information indicates:

• Daily Happy Hour: Hama Sushi offers happy hour specials. One review states "Happy Hour Patio Bar Top Only 5pm-7pm" and another suggests "Happy Hour from 4pm to 7pm daily." It's best to confirm the exact hours and areas (e.g., patio bar top only, or full restaurant access to happy hour menu) upon arrival or by calling ahead.
• Discounted Food Items: During happy hour, you can find "great happy hour deals" on various food items. This includes popular sushi rolls like California Roll ($10.00), Spicy Tuna Roll ($10.00), and Veggie Roll ($8.00). Appetizers like Edamame ($4.50), Baked Mussels ($7.50), Kara-age ($9.50), and Soft Shell Crab ($15.00) are also often part of the happy hour menu. The "spicy scallop roll on Hama's happy hour menu" is also specifically recommended.
• Drink Specials: Happy hour also features discounts on beverages. While specific prices for all drinks aren't detailed in the provided reviews, the presence of "big televisions and a community atmosphere" often points to appealing drink specials to go along with the food. The "house sake" is particularly highlighted.
• Lunch Specials with Free Parking: For weekday lunch patrons, Hama Sushi offers "Free 2 Hour Valet Parking service for all lunch patrons Mon-Fri" during their lunch hours (typically Monday-Friday, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.). This is a significant perk for those visiting during the day.

These promotions make Hama Sushi an even more appealing choice for those in California looking for high-quality sushi and a vibrant atmosphere at a great value. It’s highly recommended to check their official website or call directly for the most up-to-date happy hour menu and hours.

To experience the authentic sushi, lively atmosphere, and great deals at Hama Sushi, here's how you can reach them:

• Address: 213 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291, USA
• Phone: (310) 396-8783

Feel free to call them to inquire about their happy hour specials, make reservations for larger parties (though often not needed), or get the latest on their menu offerings. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready to assist you.

For residents of California, particularly those who frequent the dynamic and ever-evolving Venice Beach scene, Hama Sushi is unequivocally a perfect fit. Its status as a "landmark restaurant" established in 1979 speaks volumes about its enduring quality and deep roots within the community. Located prominently on Windward Avenue, just a block from the famous boardwalk, Hama Sushi offers easy accessibility, enhanced by the convenient perk of free valet parking for weekday lunch patrons—a true bonus in Venice.

What truly makes Hama Sushi ideal for locals is its ability to cater to a variety of occasions and preferences. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, seeking a lively spot for after-work drinks, or simply craving some of the freshest sushi on the Westside, Hama delivers. The combination of "authentic sushi creations" and unique "French inspired fusion cuisine" ensures a diverse menu that appeals to traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike. Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the food, from the "delicious cooked mussel starter dish" to the satisfying "sushi sampler plate."

Beyond the culinary delights, the atmosphere at Hama Sushi is a significant draw. It manages to be a "surprisingly chill bar, with big televisions and a community atmosphere" – a rare balance that makes everyone feel welcome, from "party animals" to those simply enjoying a quiet meal. The friendly and knowledgeable staff, including a wonderful owner like Esther, contribute to a genuinely warm and inviting environment that encourages repeat visits. The highly popular daily happy hour provides excellent value on both food and drinks, including the memorable "house sake" served in a unique bamboo vessel, making it an affordable luxury for regular patrons.

In essence, Hama Sushi isn't just a place to eat; it's a part of Venice’s living history and a vibrant hub for its community. It’s where quality meets conviviality, where delicious sushi is paired with a truly welcoming vibe. For Californians seeking a reliable, high-quality, and fun sushi experience with decades of proven success in a prime location, Hama Sushi is highly recommended and a place where you'll "keep coming back!"

Hama Sushi

213 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291, USA