Sama Hand Roll / Grill
Our verdict
Sama Hand Roll / Grill is worth booking for a lively Arts District meal built around hand rolls, grill items, and izakaya-style plates rather than a formal tasting menu. At about $40 per person, it is strongest for solo diners, dates, and small groups who want counter energy and modern Japanese cooking without a long, high-ceremony format.
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The menu
What to order
- Creative hand rolls
- Grilled skewers
- Sashimi
- Izakaya-style hot dishes
Who should choose it, and who should skip it
Frequently asked questions
Is Sama Hand Roll / Grill worth the price?
Yes, if you want a casual modern Japanese meal at around $40 per person in Los Angeles. The price makes sense for a meal built around creative hand rolls, grilled skewers, sashimi, and izakaya-style hot dishes in a lively, intimate setting.
Can I eat at the bar at Sama Hand Roll / Grill?
Yes, the 14-seat hand roll bar is a core part of the setup. The open kitchen and small-room format are central to the experience, especially if you want the meal to feel direct and focused.
What should a first-timer know about Sama Hand Roll / Grill?
Expect a small, casual Japanese spot in Los Angeles with a lively, modern feel, an open kitchen, and respectful, welcoming service. The highlights are creative hand rolls, grilled skewers, sashimi, and izakaya-style hot dishes.
Is lunch or dinner better at Sama Hand Roll / Grill?
Both are possible on operating days. Sama Hand Roll / Grill is closed Monday, then serves 12–2:30 PM and 5–9 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday, with evening hours extending to 10 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
What should I order at Sama Hand Roll / Grill?
Start with creative hand rolls, then add grilled skewers or sashimi if you want a fuller meal. The menu strengths also include izakaya-style hot dishes, so ordering across those categories is the clearest way to experience the restaurant.
Is the tasting menu worth it at Sama Hand Roll / Grill?
The information highlights modern Japanese hand rolls and grill items rather than a tasting-menu format. If you are choosing Sama Hand Roll / Grill, focus on the creative hand rolls, grilled skewers, sashimi, and izakaya-style hot dishes.
Is Sama Hand Roll / Grill good for a special occasion?
Yes, for a low-key special occasion in Los Angeles, especially if you want a small, lively, modern Japanese spot rather than a formal dining room. The 14-seat hand roll bar, open kitchen, and intimate atmosphere give it a sense of occasion without making it feel stiff.
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- Lively
- Modern
- Trendy
- Industrial
- Intimate
- Date Night
- Casual Hangout
- After Work
- Group Dining
- Solo
- Special Occasion
- Chefs Counter
- Open Kitchen
- Design Destination
- Standalone
- Craft Cocktails
- Sake Program
- Sustainable Seafood
- Local Sourcing
- Street Scene
- A La Carte
- Counter Dining
- Small Plates
- Cocktails
- Sake
Current opening hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 12–2:30 PM, 5–9 PM
- Wednesday
- 12–2:30 PM, 5–9 PM
- Thursday
- 12–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM
- Friday
- 12–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM
- Saturday
- 12–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM
- Sunday
- 12–2:30 PM, 5–9 PM
Hours can change for holidays and private events. Last verified .
A small, casual Japanese spot in Downtown LA’s Arts District with a 14-seat hand roll bar, open kitchen design, and a lively, modern atmosphere focused on respectful, welcoming service.















