Hamakaze Sushi & Izakaya — Restaurant in Culver City

I was looking to find a sushi restaurant that could comfortably accommodate a party of 10-12 people for a last minute birthday celebration. It was difficult. One, because this was a last minute organization that needed to happen on a Monday night. A lot of sushi places are too small or don't take reservations. They also won't seat if the entire party isn't present.

Hamakaze was a perfect choice! Thanks to Yelp! Phew, saved the day once again.

Made the reservation on Sunday night. Needed to adjust that number on Monday and left a message during closed hours. They called me back at 4:30 (30 minutes before they opened for service). Efficient so far!

Arrived and they had the table set up nicely. They had arranged extra seats in addition to what I reserved. The restaurant wasn't too crowded at 8:30 on a Monday. Easily accommodated us.

The sushi was surprisingly up to par. The sake selection was yummy. We started with a rose tinted sake and it was refreshing and light.

The only hiccup to the night was they completely forgot to put in one of our guest's orders and tried to bring it out after dessert had arrived. They comped one roll and packed the other to-go for him, but he was unhappy. He originally asked them to cancel the hamachi, but the server lightly pushed being the chef probably already started making it and he succumbed. Said he'd have it for lunch tomorrow.

Desserts weren't awesome, but they would do. Complimentary warm chocolate cake for the bday and 2 cream puffs with raspberries which was light.

Parking: Plenty of free street parking. Look for the lighted "sushi" sign. They are about 1-2 blocks...

Was lost trying to find Fin's and stumbled on this wonderful sushi restaurant. Decided to give it and try and so glad I did! I love the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice app when I tried it the first time years ago at Katsu Izaka-Ya in WEHO, but while trying the same dish at many different sushi restaurants through the years, it was never the same until I tried Katsu Izaka-Ya in Manhattan Beach, then tonight...it was virtually the same! Turns out, they are related to the WEHO and MB restaurants, except prices here are very reasonable and at least at 6:00 on a Monday - no line to deal with! I was with a VERY picky sushi friend and she rarely sings the praises of a restaurant, but loves this one and mentioned her sushi was high quality. Service is also excellent! This will prob be my new sushi go-to. Can't belive I didn't know about them before. Go give them some love...you'll be...

Service was good. Food was okay. Value was poor.

I ordered an happy hour Bento Box for about $25. HH menu is supposed to be a deal, but it was disappointed. Other than the entre aka protein, you get 5 kinds of veggies sides: Cucumber salad, seaweed salad, green salad, vegetable tempura, fruits. I almost thought I ordered something vegan! Most of the bento box at other restaurants would at least offer some kinds of protein or carbs like gyoza or California rolls. All the food tasted fine but felt blend.

I left the restaurant hungry after spending over $30 at for happy hour food, and I...