Umi by Hamasaku is a Japanese izakaya and sushi restaurant at The Point in El Segundo. The concept was derived from revered Japanese staple Hamasaku in West LA. Umi by Hamasaku is located on the southeast section of The Point.
I recently invited a friend to join me for Happy Hour. The Point has a large dedicated lot and parking is free. To make it easier to converse, we elected to sit in their outdoor patio. It was a bit windy that day and the wall protected us from the wind. The restaurant may allow dogs as one customer in the patio brought her terrier.
Given the rent they must pay, I was rather surprised that the prices were extremely affordable. Oysters on the half shell are only $1 each, non-seafood appetizers are $3 each, and hand rolls are only $4. Beverages are $3 each – Sapporo or Blanche de Chambly draft beer.
The oysters were fresh and with pricing that low, I was quite pleased with the presentation. The plate was attractively presented with two sauces on the side as well as fresh lemon and chopped jalapeno over ice.
They have three sliders available and we opted for the salmon and the katsu. Umi used sashimi grade salmon with fresh kale, apples, and cilantro aioli, and wrapped it around grilled brioche slider buns. The slider had a diverse set of textures and nice slightly sweet and slightly salty experience. The katsu sliders were equally delicious.
Unlike a traditional oyster shooter made with cocktail sauce, Umi made a Japanese version with sake and white ponzu scallion and it was quite smooth.
Umi’s and rolls are served in a cylindrical format and were quite tasty. Varieties available include salmon, spicy tuna and albacore ginger.
Umi extends their Happy Hour experience into the weekend by offering it on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The happy hour price on their mimosa is only $3!
I’ve been to Umi for lunch and was quite happy with what I had. They have a Bento Lunch with a choice of mains such as grilled mackerel and pork katsu. Additional sides include karaage chicken, specialty sashimi, hand roll, salad, miso soup, and rice.
Other items that caught my eye
- Truffle Tuna Burger with pickles, truffle aioli, tomato, red onion, cheese, wasabi ketchup, gem lettuce, and onion sprouts on fresh brioche.
- Fox hand roll with baked crab legs, dynamite sauce, soy paper, tempura flake
- Tahiti Big Eye Tuna
Happy Hour at Umi by Hamasaku is a no brainer. The prices are below market for the South Bay and the quality is top notch.
Umi by Hamasaku, 860 S Sepulveda Blvd #116, El Segundo, CA 90245; 310.524.9980
umibyhamasaku.com