Looking for an edible adventure that will have your kids in awe rather than saying ‘ew’? Enter conveyor belt sushi joints where you grab your food as it passes by on its own little moving platform. Half the fun is stopping a plate before it’s about to whiz by! You’d be surprised how open kids are to trying new things when it arrives via bullet train. Read on for our top picks and jump aboard the self-serve sushi express!
photo: Yuri K via Yelp
Magic Touch Bullet Train Sushi
Sushi ordered from a booth via table-side iPads and delivered by miniature “high-speed” bullet trains directly to your seat? Um, yes please! Parents will love the built-in hot green tea spout right at their table and kids will love, well, the “trains” of course whizzing around the restaurant on double-decker beltways with plates of high-quality sushi on board. Come hungry (sushi tacos anyone?) and leave feeling like you and your family blasted into the future of sushi dining!
11900 South St.
Cerritos, CA 90703
Phone: 562-402-5177
Online: facebook.com/magic-touch-bullet-train
photo: Edith M. via Yelp
Gatten Sushi
Family-friendly is what this revolving sushi joint is all about where you’re bound to get greeted at the door with enthusiastic exclamations, and even a song or two if you’re lucky. Not sure if your picky toddler is going to fully embrace their first Philadelphia roll? No problem! Gatten offers rolls and sushi selections in 3-piece portions making it much easier to try new things (and makes it easier on the wallet as well!). For those that crave the conveyor belt experience but aren’t fans of raw fish, there is also plenty on the menu to satisfy the non-sushi sect. Ramen for the win!
1530 W. Artesia Blvd.
Gardena, CA 90248
Phone: 310-436-0076
Locations also in Monterey Park, Granada Hills & Cerritos
Online: gattenusa.com
photo: Lito O. via Yelp
Blue C Sushi
In the heart of Hollywood at Sunset near Vine, Blue C sushi has rotating plates that are color coded for easy price identification while the contemporary décor lends the place a modern, cheerful ambiance. Inspired by and modeled after the colorfully dynamic Tokyo subway lines, these conveyor belts use digital tracking technology that allows the staff and chefs to closely monitor every item out for selection. You won’t have to worry that your junior sushi brigade will select anything with subpar quality as chefs receive an alert when it’s time to refresh any particular dish! Located next door to ArcLight Cinemas, it’s a perfect excuse to grab a quick bite (don’t forget to order the blue cotton candy for dessert) before catching the latest family flick on the big screen.
6374 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Phone: 323-391-2241
Also located in Newport Beach
Online: bluecsushi.com
Sushi Sumo
For those wanting to try the conveyor belt sushi thing but aren’t ready to go all in, this place is a happy compromise. With both table and waiter service and a revolving belt of freshly made plates in the middle of the restaurant, you and your little fishies can have the best of both worlds, along with some of the friendliest service around. Snag a couple of smaller portioned items from the conveyor as appetizers and order traditional sushi platters table-side for the main meal. This place becomes quite the party spot after 8 p.m. so if you’re bringing the littles, probably best to make it an early evening.
1831 W. Redondo Beach Blvd.
Gardena, CA 90247
Phone: 310-576-0499
Online: sushisumogardena.com
Let us know if we missed any of your favorite serve yourself spots! And if you’re looking for regular old sushi restaurants, check out our list of local favorites for kids.
—Jenifer Scott
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