Handroll and Poke by Gohan — Restaurant in Glendale

I'm going to leave a full, detailed review to not only express how good the food and service is, but also to help the owners keep improving as a new small business! Try them out!

This neighborhood doesn't have a ton of sushi/poke anywhere near by, so when I saw the restaurant was open I decided to give it a shot. The store currently is primarily staffed by two people: the owner Gohan who makes most of the food, and a service staff member whom (I believe) is in some way family to Gohan. Walking in, the inside is typical of a new small business. The full menu displayed on TVs, bar-style seating and table seating, a small claw machine, sauces/soda fountain, etc.. The service staff member was super helpful and let me try sauces before making a choice of poke bowl.

The food is delicious! Good ingredients, fish tastes super fresh, and a good balance of flavors. With the different sauces it's possible to get many different flavor profiles depending on what you like. Lots of fish options as well.

It was so good that I've already been back twice for the sushi and another poke bowl.

Things that I would improve on: At the moment they can seat a maximum of ~20 people total. Likely they'll need more seating as they expand!

The interior is simple, and I can see them upgrading the interior as they expand. They likely used the paint from the previous tenants.

They execute really well on a limited menu, and that's what allows them to make such good food with two staff members. Likely as they expand, they'll more staff to handle more ingredients/customizations.

Final note: I think the business as-is is best thought of as a place to get quick quality poke/sushi. As they expand they could lean into the quick angle and become the Salad-and-Go of poke/sushi (I already see a lot of similarities in their business style). Word of mouth and good online reviews will be key for them as they expand in an area with crowded...

A Love Story You Can Taste in Every Bite!!

Handroll and Poke by Gohan isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a labor of love, and you can feel it from the moment you walk in. Run by a husband-and-wife team who pour their hearts into every roll, bowl, and smile, this place serves some of the most soul-satisfying sushi, poke, and rice bowls I’ve ever had. You’re not just getting food here—you’re being invited into their story.

Each dish is made with such intentionality, freshness, and care that it honestly makes you pause and appreciate what you’re eating. The fish is melt-in-your-mouth fresh, the rice is perfectly seasoned, and the flavors are balanced with the kind of thoughtfulness that only comes from people who truly love what they do. It’s rare to find food that feels like a warm hug—but this place delivers that and more.

Watching them work together behind the counter—smiling, focused, creating something beautiful for their guests—is so heartwarming. You can tell this isn’t just a business for them. It’s their dream. Their joy. Their way of serving the community.

I am a regular here now because places like this deserve to be overflowing with customers every day. If you’re reading this, please go support them. Bring a friend. Bring your family. Sit down, take a bite, and let it remind you that good people, good food, and good love still exist in this world.

P.S. - Don’t forget to try the amazing drinks here! They are so refreshing and healthy! My personal favorites are...

If I could give this place six stars, I would — one for each piece of fish I considered proposing to during my meal. The Poké bowl was so fresh I half expected the salmon to start swimming. The shrimp was tender, the spicy tuna had just the right kick, and the whole bowl felt like a sushi party in my mouth (and everyone was invited).

Now let’s talk about the handmade teas. I don't know what kind of wizardry they’re using back there, but it tasted like a hug from a forest spirit and a splash of zen in a cup. It might be the only tea that’s ever made me consider abandoning coffee.

The staff? Super friendly. The vibe? Chill but efficient. The food? So good I briefly forgot my name. I’ll definitely be back —...