The Downtown Arts District, with its vibrant history etched into every brick, steel, and wooden beam, has constantly evolved from its industrial beginnings to thriving culinary community hub. Adding another layer to its rich tapestry is the newly opened culinary sensation, Sama Sushi Handroll.
Symbolizing the next generation of great sushi spots in DTLA, led by Chef Lester Lai, infusing every bite with the passion of Japanese tradition. Upon entering, Sama’s open dining hall, designed by Kamus + Keller, is complimented by a 14-seat handroll, sushi and sashimi bar with front-row seating.
Just off to the right, diners sit side by side, witnessing Chef Lai’s mastery, illuminated by the same flames that sear tender cuts of Wagyu, Gyūtan, Negima, delicate Miso Cod, or flavorful Trumpet Mushrooms from the robata grill.
This hot spot is being embraced by the community, which leading to Sama quickly becoming a local favorite.
Already featured in the LA Arts District chronicles, praised by Infatuation, given rave reviews on Yelp, and highlighted by LA Taco and DTLA Weekly, food critics admit they love Sama mostly because it delivers a high-end experience without the fuss, focusing on authenticity with fusions from Los Angeles culture, Chef Lai’s unique heritage, culinary training, and world travels.
In Sama’s modern Izakaya setting, guests exist in umami harmony including many from Japan, who have commented that Sama reminds them of home.
Lester Lai is the Owner and Head Chef of SAMA Handroll LA. This venture is his breakout platform to utilize his skills, innovation, technique, personal flair, and flavors. At Sama, his goal is to create a high-end experience without fuss, focusing on authenticity with fusions from Los Angeles culture and Chef’s heritage in a modern Izakaya.
Accredited at Le Cordon Bleu, Las Vegas, Chef Lester started in his home kitchen in the 90s, inspired by his grandmother and mother in Arcadia, California. He moved to Hong Kong, where he developed a deep understanding of his roots and a love for Cantonese Culinary Culture.
He especially enjoyed making dumplings, practicing the intricate folds of wonton paper, a focus and technique that is now part of his mastery.
Lester’s diverse experience in Hong Kong sets him apart. He explored various cuisines, from a global menu at the Hong Kong Cricket Club to NY-style Italian at Posto Publico and Vietnamese small-plates at Chom Chom. He rose to executive chef at Guay in Hong Kong, crafting Spanish Tapas. In 2016, he returned to the US and took leadership positions at C3 Kitchens, Katsuya, Dario, and SBE, a globally renowned culinary and hospitality group.
“We are at the heart of the Arts District, in the Aliso Building. We are not your average handroll spot.”
Chef Lester Lai – Photo by Dezma One – Courtesy Sama Sushi Handroll
“We aim to bring a piece of Little Tokyo to the Arts District, offering the soul of Izakaya with LA flavor. We’ve received positive feedback from people originally from Japan, who say we remind them of home. We have great respect for Little Tokyo and its recent changes and want to see its essence live on.”
Sama Sushi Handroll offers a curated selection of dishes that showcase Chef Lai’s innovative approach, available across their brunch, lunch, and dinner services.
For a delightful lunch experience, the Chirachi bowl presents a vibrant array of salmon, hamachi, and bluefin tuna, complemented by hotate scallops, kaiso salad, sushi rice, sesame seeds, and negi.
Another excellent lunch option is the Wagyu Rib Eye Don, featuring tender wagyu rib eye, yakitori, rice, onions, and sesame seeds. These bowls offer a perfect balance of freshness and flavor.
Photo courtesy Sama Sushi Hand Roll
As the day transitions to evening, the menu expands to include more elaborate creations. For those who “like it raw,” Sama’s Ikura Don is a standout. This dish features three varieties of salmon roe, topped with a raw egg, a rare delicacy that ventures off the beaten path. The same goes for Sama’s seared toro, elevated with grated cured egg yolk and green onion.
Dinner at Sama exposed diners to the exquisite Sama Don, an indulgent creation with toro, blue crab, uni, ikura, jidori egg yolk, sweet soy, and a hint of wasabi.
Beyond the traditional handrolls like Spicy Tuna, Yellowtail, Bluefin, Toro Negi, Truffle Toro, and Salmon Skin, guests can savor the signature Sama Handroll.
Just like the rising sun… Sama Grill is HOT
Photo courtesy Sama Sushi Hand Roll
Sama devotes a section of the menu to robata-grilled delicacies like the succulent Lobster Dashi Pasta, featuring Maine lobster, house dashi, tomato cream, Parmigiano, and ramen noodles, and the flavorful Wagyu Yakimeshi, with diced wagyu shortrib, jidori egg, rice, onion, garlic, negi, sweet soy, carrots, and broccoli. To complement the meal, Sama offers plenty of cocktails, wines and sake, including a house Junmai. And for a sweet finish, especially on hot Sama days, Mochi Ice Cream is plentiful.
Chef Lester Lai and his team are always striving for excellence, and they encourage supporting friends and other industry peers in the vibrant DTLA community. Keep an eye out for exciting events like “DTLA First Sundays” and, of course, Chef Lester’s upcoming wedding! Sama Sushi Handroll is also available for private events.
Sama Sushi Handroll is located at 897 Traction Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90013. They are open Tuesday – Sunday from 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM. You can reach them by phone at 213-265-7047. Parking is available. www.samahandroll.la
