On a quiet stretch of Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, tucked into the ground floor of an office building, sits one of Los Angeles' most compelling sushi experiences. Iki Nori is a 12-seat hand roll bar that has earned a devoted following among sushi lovers who crave intimacy, quality, and value — three things that rarely coexist in LA's dining scene. With 4.5 stars on Yelp and praise from Time Out Los Angeles, this tiny gem from the team behind Iki Ramen is redefining what a hand roll bar can be.
If you haven't been yet, here's why Iki Nori deserves a spot on your short list — and everything you need to know before you go.
What Is a Hand Roll Bar?
A hand roll bar is a Japanese dining concept centered around temaki — cone-shaped sushi hand rolls made with crispy nori seaweed, seasoned rice, and fresh fish, assembled right in front of you. Unlike traditional sushi restaurants where rolls are prepared in the kitchen, hand roll bars are interactive, counter-style experiences. You sit at the bar, watch the chef work, and eat each roll within seconds of it being made — when the nori is at peak crispness.
The concept was popularized in LA by places like KazuNori, but Iki Nori has taken the format and elevated it with premium ingredients, a broader menu, and a more refined atmosphere.
The Iki Nori Experience
Intimate, Counter-Style Dining
With just 12 seats arranged around a sleek counter, every visit to Iki Nori feels personal. There are no back tables, no large group sections — just you, the chef, and some of the freshest fish in Hollywood. It's the kind of place where the chef remembers your last order and might slip you an extra piece of something special. The intimate setting creates a focused dining experience that larger sushi restaurants simply can't replicate.
Premium Nori from Kyushu, Japan
The "nori" in Iki Nori isn't just a name — it's a statement. The restaurant sources its seaweed directly from Kyushu, Japan, where some of the world's finest nori is cultivated. This premium nori has a distinctive crisp texture and deep umami flavor that sets Iki Nori's hand rolls apart from competitors using standard-grade seaweed. When a hand roll arrives at your seat, that first bite delivers an audible crunch that tells you everything about the quality.
Signature Sushi Rice
Great sushi starts with great rice, and Iki Nori prepares their sushi rice with a proprietary vinegar blend — the "Iki special vinegar" — that gives it a subtle sweetness and tang that perfectly complements the fish. It's a detail that most diners might not consciously notice, but it's the foundation that makes every hand roll and nigiri piece sing.
Menu Highlights: What to Order at Iki Nori
The Special Hand Roll Set ($48)
The Special Hand Roll Set is the signature experience. For $48, you get a curated selection of premium temaki featuring the day's freshest catches. Each roll is made to order, wrapped in that incredible Kyushu nori, and served at the perfect moment. It's a guided journey through the best of what's available that day — think of it as a hand roll omakase.
Sushi Omakase ($88)
For the full experience, the Sushi Omakase at $88 is one of Hollywood's best sushi deals. You get 10 pieces of premium nigiri — including toro (fatty tuna), uni (sea urchin), and A5 wagyu — plus two hand roll sets and a dessert. At most LA sushi bars, a comparable omakase would run $150-$250. At Iki Nori, you get exceptional quality in an intimate setting for under $100.
Standout Individual Items
- Toro Hand Roll — Rich, fatty bluefin tuna wrapped in crispy nori. The quality of the toro here rivals much more expensive establishments.
- A5 Wagyu Nigiri — Luxurious Japanese wagyu beef, lightly torched, over perfectly seasoned rice. Melt-in-your-mouth doesn't begin to describe it.
- Uni Nigiri — Creamy, briny, fresh sea urchin — a test of any sushi restaurant, and Iki Nori passes with flying colors.
- Scottish Salmon Sashimi — Silky salmon served with house-marinated salmon caviar and sesame seeds. The caviar adds a beautiful pop of texture and brininess.
- Toro Roll (6pc) — Included in the omakase, this premium fatty tuna roll showcases the quality of both the fish and the nori.
The Bar Program
Iki Nori isn't just a sushi bar — it's also a serious cocktail and spirits destination. The drink menu features craft cocktails designed to pair with sushi, Japanese craft beer, a curated sake selection, and an impressive lineup of authentic Japanese whisky. A negroni with a toro hand roll? That's a Hollywood evening done right.
From the Iki Ramen Team
Iki Nori was born from the same culinary philosophy that drives Iki Ramen, the acclaimed ramen and sushi restaurant with locations in Koreatown and Hollywood. The team, led by Chef Jeffry Undiarto (formerly of two-Michelin-starred n/naka), applies the same obsessive attention to ingredient quality and preparation that earned Iki Ramen its devoted following. Iki Nori sits just steps from the Iki Ramen Hollywood location on Sunset Blvd — making it easy to visit both in one evening.
The Hollywood Location
Located at 6464 W Sunset Blvd, Iki Nori sits in the heart of Hollywood. It's steps from the Pantages Theatre, making it an ideal pre-show dinner spot. The Hollywood Partnership has featured Iki Nori as a destination dining experience in the neighborhood.
Practical Details
- Address: 6464 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
- Phone: (213) 512-9552
- Hours: Mon–Thu 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM | Fri 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 11 PM | Sat 5 PM – 11 PM | Sunday Closed
- Seats: 12 (counter only)
- Price Range: $$ – $$$ (hand rolls $6–$14, sets $48, omakase $88)
- Reservations: Strongly recommended — only 12 seats fill fast
- Website: ikinori.com
Why Iki Nori Is Hollywood's Best Kept Secret
In a city where sushi restaurants charge $200+ for omakase and hand roll bars have become chains, Iki Nori offers something increasingly rare: genuine quality at a fair price in an intimate setting. The Kyushu nori, the proprietary rice vinegar, the A5 wagyu, the collaboration with Chef Yoji — every detail speaks to a team that cares deeply about the craft. As Time Out LA noted, Iki Nori "expands and improves upon the widely imitated hand roll bar menu first popularized by Kazunori."
With just 12 seats, Iki Nori will never be the most famous sushi bar in LA. But for those who've discovered it, it's become an essential part of their dining rotation. And really, that's what the best restaurants are — not the flashiest or the most Instagrammed, but the ones you keep going back to.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Iki Nori?
Iki Nori is a 12-seat hand roll and sushi bar in Hollywood, Los Angeles, located at 6464 W Sunset Blvd. From the team behind Iki Ramen, it specializes in premium temaki hand rolls, nigiri, and sashimi using nori seaweed sourced from Kyushu, Japan.
How much does Iki Nori cost?
Individual hand rolls range from $6–$14. The Special Hand Roll Set is $48. The Sushi Omakase is $88 per person and includes 10 pieces of nigiri (toro, uni, A5 wagyu), 2 hand roll sets, and dessert. Most diners spend $40–$90 per person.
Do I need a reservation at Iki Nori?
Yes, reservations are strongly recommended. With only 12 seats, the bar fills up quickly, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. Walk-ins are accepted when available.
What are Iki Nori's hours?
Monday through Thursday: 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM. Friday: 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 11 PM. Saturday: 5 PM – 11 PM. Closed Sunday.
Is Iki Nori good for a date?
Absolutely. The intimate 12-seat counter, attentive service, craft cocktails, and premium sushi make it one of the best date spots in Hollywood. Pair it with a show at the nearby Pantages Theatre for a perfect evening.
What should I order at Iki Nori?
For the best experience, get the Sushi Omakase ($88) — it's one of the best sushi values in Hollywood. If you want something lighter, the Special Hand Roll Set ($48) is perfect. Don't miss the toro hand roll, A5 wagyu nigiri, and pair everything with Japanese whisky or sake from their curated bar.