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Azai Hand Roll Sushi

Name: Azai Hand Roll Sushi
Address: 8036 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048, Los Angeles, United States
Rating: 4.9

8036 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 · Sushi restaurant · 4.9/5 Google (1272 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

High-quality hand rolls and sashimi served fast at a counter-only spot, but a mandatory 16% service fee plus separate tip confuses value; great fish, divisive pricing.

Restaurant Summary

On West 3rd Street’s dining row, Azai reads as a sleek, counter-only hand roll bar where fish is sliced to order and rolls arrive in a swift cadence. Guests praise the crisp nori and fresh fish, and service often feels warmly personal. Some diners, however, call out the service-fee practice and mention staff asking for reviews; one guest put it as, "The food was great, but the way fees were handled felt off." Cooking here leans classic and ingredient-first rather than flashy, with bluefin in truffle ponzu, tidy nigiri, and a crowd-pleasing spicy tuna crispy rice. It suits those who value speed and freshness over ceremony; think a focused menu of elevated traditional hand rolls made right in front of you. Portions skew modest, so plan a few rolls plus a special for a fuller meal. Families can do fine: simple options like California and shrimp tempura rolls, cucumber and avocado temaki, and miso soup are kid-accessible. It is counter seating only, so strollers and very young kids may be tricky, but for school-age diners who like sushi, it works.

At a Glance

Fresh fish, crisp nori, and fast pacing
Friendly, attentive service with helpful recommendations
Mandatory 16% service fee plus separate tip causes confusion
Portions can feel small for the price
Some reviewers report in-person solicitation for five-star reviews

What Sets It Apart

counter-prepped hand rolls
fast service cadence
premium bluefin/truffle special

What People Love

That first crackle of nori on a just-rolled temaki
Thick-cut yellowtail and bluefin moments
Kind, hands-on hosting from the owner
Food arriving quickly without feeling rushed

Points of Concern

Mandatory 16% service fee plus suggested tip significantly raises total; transparency feels inconsistent to some diners
Occasional bland or over-sauced rolls noted by a minority
Counter-only seating can feel awkward when empty or tight for groups
Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (high five-star share, staff name repetition, solicitation mentions)

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$38-$58 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Build three rolls (yellowtail, blue crab, spicy tuna) plus one special for balance
Add miso soup or cucumber salad to stretch a light meal affordably

Perfect For

Quick sushi fix before or after shopping at The Grove
Solo counter meal with quality fish
Casual date where speed matters
Pre-show bite with consistent pacing

Location Insights

Area: Trendy Beverly Grove stretch of West 3rd Street with boutiques and casual-upscale eateries; draws locals and visitors.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit commercial corridor with steady foot traffic into evening.

Nearby: Near The Grove and Beverly Center; dense dining and shopping; limited street parking, valet common.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday17:00–22:00 Tuesday11:30–14:30, 17:30–22:00 Wednesday11:30–22:00 Thursday11:30–22:00 Friday11:30–23:00 Saturday11:30–23:00 Sunday17:00–22:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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