Saru Handroll Bar

Saru Handroll Bar keeps things refreshingly straightforward. It’s a sushi bar, where you eat handrolls. Simple as that. Here, the temaki aren’t topped with caviar, foams, or gold flakes pumped through a dry ice machine and spit out in the shape of a daisy—the high-quality seafood speaks for itself. 

This Russian Hill spot (formerly Saru Sushi Bar) prescribes to the idea of “less is more” (down to the minimalist design), so you’ll get in and out in less time it takes to find a parking spot on Polk. There are no reservations. Walk in, slide into your assigned bar stool, and pencil in your order onto the paper menu—for LA transplants, this is when KazuNori déjà vu will set in. Neatly rolled temaki will cross the sleek wooden countertop, and then it’s time to enjoy them to the soothing sounds of people biting into perfectly crispy nori.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

But don’t get too lost in meditative thought, since you’re going to need to decide how you want this temaki journey to go. Order off the a la carte menu, which covers everything from delicately fried shrimp tempura and eel to uni, or go with the set of three, four, or five that change up occasionally. The five-set is the path to fish-fueled heaven. It gets you full, but not too full. And there’s room to add on more handrolls by the piece. 

The next time you need to fulfill your sushi quota for the month, pull up to the bar. This meal is a minimalist's dream. It might inspire you to clean out your closet and wear the five same tees forever.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Set of 5

It really is choose-your-own-adventure in terms of the number of handrolls to get for your meal. If you believe in self autonomy, order a la carte. But like we said, we prefer the set of five. What fish are featured changes, but will likely include salmon, tuna, or yellowtail with a smattering of green onions. Simple perfection.