Sogo Roll Bar

Dinner at Sogo Roll Bar was a lovely way to discover a new hand roll spot with a tasty menu in Los Angeles, California

I was shocked by how two months flew by before I saw Matt for dinner and conversation. It was the original intent to go off the list of suggestions that we’d heard during dinner at F&Bar, which is how I found out about Solarc Brewing and we dined at Union Pasadena.

As it was his turn to pick, I was excited that he suggested Sogo Roll Bar.

Getting a fantastic parking space in front of Homestate (Remember, yellow curbs are free parking after 6pm and free all day on Sunday), I breezed into Sogo and spotted Matt at the bar.

After calming down for a bit after traffic (seriously – what is up with people driving in Los Angeles these days), I was delighted that he pre ordered a bottle of KYOTO WHITE YUZU ALE (Japan – Extra Special Beer (ESB) – 5.2% ABV Belgium White Ale) for me. Literally, he said that I would love it because he was enjoying it – and it was true.

That’s the benefit of dining with someone that has such a similar taste profile as you – you can close your eyes and have them order exactly the right things from the menu. It’s a cultivated art that is honestly, an honor.

We shared the KURU EDAMAME (black edamame, sea salt) before settling on more small appetizer bites.

The SNAPPER SASHIMI (snapper with yuzu-it) and the ALBACORE KARI KARI SASHIMI (brandy, garlic ginger ponzu & crispy onions) arrived on the bar before us. I wanted to choose an arrangement of fish that is not normally seen on menus around town.

Anything with yuzu in it, I love. This time, I was able to ask the bar for an additional side bowl of yuzu – which was heaven in my mouth. I was so happy. This was my favorite of the two.

For a main course, we both ordered the FOUR ROLL SET (snapper, yellowtall, salmon & spicy tuna).