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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Santa Barbara

Japanese food

You seek out Japanese cuisine that prioritizes the integrity of the ingredients above all else.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Silvers Omakase image 1
Silvers Omakase image 2
Silvers Omakase image 3
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Restaurant

Small, intimate sushi counter with handcrafted Japanese dinnerware and artisanal finishes creates an elegant, modern atmosphere. Warm, approachable vibe with thoughtful personal touches and carefully curated sake pairings enhances the dining experience.

Food shows masterful craftsmanship with every dish meticulously designed and crafted. Carefully selected sake pairings enhance the harmonious and dynamic dining experience.

The sushi here offers an authentic and refined experience that feels close to being in Japan. The omakase is masterful and world class, setting a high standard for Japanese food on the Central Coast.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is expertly crafted and presented with meticulous attention to detail."

"The sake here is served in a beautiful, intimate setting."

"The sushi here is the freshest I've ever experienced."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

The menu changes daily, reflecting seasonal ingredients and chef creativity.

3

Omakase experience is traditional and focuses on the chef's selection.

02
Yoichi's image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, minimally decorated space offers a quiet, intimate atmosphere with jazzy Studio Ghibli music setting a unique tone. Guests experience fresh, high-quality sushi and thoughtful kaiseki courses that highlight authentic Japanese flavors. Reservations are essential due to the table-side, personalized service in this cozy setting.

Food here is inventive and artfully arranged, showcasing authentic Japanese cuisine with impeccable quality. Service is attentive and knowledgeable, enhancing the fine dining experience.

Offers an 8 course kaiseki with soup, appetizers, sashimi, grilled dishes, nigiri, and dessert. Serves high-quality sushi with a sashimi variety rarely seen in the US. The omakase feels thoughtful and distinct in each course.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

"The fine dining here shows incredible care in each artistic and tasty dish."

"The Japanese food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is required due to the restaurant's small size.

2

Yoichi's is open only Thursday to Sunday.

3

The dining experience is a unique kaiseki style with multiple courses.

03
Sushi Teri - Santa Barbara Japanese Restaurant image 1

Small sushi restaurant offers a casual, relaxed atmosphere with comfortable outdoor patio seating featuring space heaters. The vibe is intimate and pleasant, attracting locals seeking fresh, high-quality sushi at reasonable prices.

Food arrives quickly and stays fresh. Expect affordable prices and delicious dishes like teriyaki chicken and short ribs.

Sushi here offers great quality with reasonable prices and minimal wait times. The menu features delicious sushi, poke, teriyaki chicken, short ribs, and ramen with fresh vegetables and spices.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The fresh seafood, especially the shrimp tempura, was the best I ever had."

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and mostly on the street, which can be challenging.

2

Expect minimal wait times, especially on weekdays.

3

Prices are reasonable, especially for the quality of sushi offered.

04
Happy Cat Eats image 1
American restaurant

Outdoor seating with stunning beach views and sun umbrellas creates a casual, friendly atmosphere. The space is small but not crowded, featuring games like corn hole and a sand pit for entertainment. Music plays loudly, adding energy to the otherwise relaxed vibe near the pier.

Food here is consistently quick and easy with a focus on being delicious and affordable. The menu offers a variety of options that satisfy different tastes while maintaining great quality.

Sushi Sando features crispy rice bread with fresh fish and seaweed salad inside. Fish tacos, tempura chicken sandwich, and crispy bao trio offer a variety of Japanese-inspired flavors with solid portion sizes.

People are saying

"I loved the outdoor seating right across from the beach."

"The food here is delicious and unique."

"The sushi sando here is outstanding, truly one of the best."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait.

2

The restaurant has outdoor seating and a kidโ€™s menu.

3

Parking is limited, but a parking deck is two blocks away.

05
101 Deli image 1
Restaurant

Family-owned deli offers affordable prices and a clean, hole-in-the-wall setting. Menu includes breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and sushi with fresh, vibrant ingredients. Atmosphere suits quick stops for takeout or casual lunches.

Simple mom and pop style offers affordable and great food with a straightforward menu.

Sushi includes options like the Hungry roll, recommended based on preferences. The menu also features breakfast burritos alongside sandwiches, soup, and snacks.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the fish in the rolls, is so vibrant."

"The people at this Lunch Spot are so friendly and welcoming."

"I enjoyed the food here; it was great."

Good to know

1

They offer breakfast burritos, sandwiches, soup, sushi, snacks, and beverages.

2

The food is affordable with good prices.

3

The family-owned establishment is very clean.

06
Edomasa Sushi Bar & Restaurant image 1

Small Japanese-style restaurant offers a calm, authentic vibe with a no-frills atmosphere that feels comfortable and homey. It attracts diners looking for generous sushi portions at affordable prices, with a menu reflecting genuine Japanese ownership and influence.

Food here is authentic Japanese cuisine with a clean, fresh taste and high quality ingredients. The deluxe sushi offers a great variety and portion size at a good price.

Fresh and delicious sushi stands out with excellent quality sashimi and authentic Japanese dishes. The Bento box offers great value, and prices remain very reasonable for the quality served.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"This is my favorite sushi spot in town."

Good to know

1

Edomasa is open late until 10:30 PM.

2

The restaurant is family-owned and emphasizes quality service.

3

Edomasa offers a variety of sushi and Japanese dishes.

07
Santa Barbara Fish Market image 1

Seafood market offers fresh local fish with a variety of oysters, uni, and poke. Outdoor patio seating provides a beautiful ocean view to enjoy meals. Atmosphere feels lively and inviting, with early hours and quick sell-outs indicating high demand.

Freshness stands out with seafood's fresh taste that feels authentic and unprocessed. Patio space offers a relaxed spot to enjoy a variety of delicious options that are consistently good and filling.

Sashimi and nigiri feature bluefin tuna at great prices. Sushi includes Hamachi and Uni, with fresh uni enjoyed best without soy sauce or wasabi but can have them added.

People are saying

"I found the seafood here to be super fresh, tasting like it was still from the sea."

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The Japanese food, especially the uni, is so fresh and sweet."

Good to know

1

Sea urchin availability depends on stock, so call to confirm before visiting.

2

Certain products are only available early in the morning.

3

They offer to-go food such as seared fish and poke.

08
Seoulmate Kitchen image 1

Restaurant inside a busy food court with noisy atmosphere and multiple TVs. Offers Asian fusion dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi melts with craftsmanship in preparation. Welcoming vibe with passionate staff and a spot known for its matcha drinks and unique flavors.

Creative Korean dishes blend traditional flavors with a twist, featuring Bulgogi Melt and Kimchi Arancini as highlights. Meats match traditional Korean BBQ quality, served hot and spicy with fresh, flavorful presentation.

Bento Boxes feature Bulgogi and pork belly options with small cups of commercial kimchi on the side. Staff explain the menu clearly and recommend dishes like the matcha and pork belly bento.

People are saying

"The matcha drinks here are beautifully presented and top tier."

"The bibimbap here is top tier, with a perfect crispy rice."

"The melt sandwich and meatballs here are so flavorful."

Good to know

1

The stone bowl bibimbap is available for dinner service starting at 3 pm.

2

The restaurant is located inside a food court, affecting wait times and noise levels.

3

Expect crowds during peak hours, especially for dinner.

09
O NIGIRI & SUSHI image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with cozy vibes and intimate seating including a sushi bar facing the street. Warm, family-oriented atmosphere feels inviting and casual. Known for fresh, beautifully presented sushi and a menu with diverse Japanese options.

Food features delicious sushi and fresh ingredients with a focus on great service from the staff and sushi chef.

Sushi features fresh seafood and an extensive menu with items like jumbo scallop and shrimp tempura rolls that are lightly crispy. The atmosphere feels warm and service is attentive.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and tastes amazing."

"The sushi and rolls here are so fresh and beautifully presented."

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is so fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has been open for over 20 years.

2

The menu offers a wide variety of sushi options.

3

The original owner has returned to manage the restaurant.

10
Sushi Bar 29 image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant with an open kitchen and chalkboard specials offers a casual, lively vibe that suits couples and groups. Lighting is dim, creating a cozy atmosphere without loud noise. Sushi is fresh and flavorful, served quickly with affordable prices and easy parking nearby.

Food arrives promptly and tastes consistently delicious. The menu includes desserts that match the quality of the main dishes, all offered at a good value.

Fresh and flavorful sushi stands out here, with a Mackerel Special that rivals high-end spots. The menu offers affordable sushi rolls and tasty sides like spicy edamame coated in a flavorful sauce.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is fresh and executed beautifully."

"The staff here is so cheerful and helpful."

"The food here is delicious and tasted very good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with lunch specials available.

2

Parking at the restaurant is easy and accessible.

3

Expect a very short wait time even during rush hours.

11
Sushi Go Go image 1
Sushi restaurant

Outdoor seating overlooks harbor views with boats and mountains, creating a chill atmosphere ideal for watching people. The space is small and modest, with limited seating and no indoor tables. Sushi is known for its freshness and quality, often praised for real wasabi and top-notch seafood.

Food offers great sushi quality despite the small space. Dining outdoors provides a beautiful harbor view that complements the meal.

Freshness stands out with sashimi salad and sushi platters that maintain good quality. The menu offers an unbelievable sushi selection including unique items like popcorn sushi and sushi burritos with salmon and tuna.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be really fresh and tasty."

"The sushi here is so fresh and delightful."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has limited seating, so expect a wait during peak hours.

2

The menu does not list prices, so be prepared for potentially high costs.

3

Sashimi prices are reasonable compared to other sushi places.

12
Sakana Sushi Bar & Japanese image 1
Japanese restaurant

Narrow layout with close tables creates an intimate setting. Atmosphere feels awesome and lively with great vibes. Menu offers inventive sushi and a wide sake list, blending traditional and creative options.

Fresh Japanese food shines with well-portioned dishes and good presentation. The extensive menu offers creative options that satisfy even picky eaters.

Sushi here is fresh and beautifully plated, with a menu offering both traditional and creative combinations. The variety includes local and exotic marine options, catering to all tastes from classic nigiri to adventurous rolls.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and well-portioned."

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented."

"The bar seating offers amazing service from the sushi chefs."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure seating during peak hours.

2

The menu features a wide variety of sushi rolls and sashimi options.

3

Expect a premium price range for high-quality sushi offerings.

13
Kyoto Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Authentic Japanese decor includes tatami rooms that offer a traditional dining experience with floor seating. Atmosphere varies from quiet and charming in private rooms to loud and lively when groups gather, especially college-age parties. Comfortable armchair-style seating in hallways contrasts with the more intimate tatami areas.

Food features excellent quality and great taste with good portions consistently served.

Sushi comes in a varied selection with neat presentation and fresh quality. Meals include miso soup at no extra charge, and dishes like chicken katsu and teriyaki top sirloin are cooked to order with attention to detail.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, especially the tuna and yellowtail."

"The seafood here is so fresh, especially the tuna and yellowtail."

"The food here is so fresh and delicious, especially the sushi."

Good to know

1

There is ample parking available in the free lot.

2

Expect shorter wait times than previously reported during busy hours.

3

An 18% gratuity is automatically added for parties of 8 or more.

14
Ichiban Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Tatami seating creates an intimate, cozy atmosphere with a simple, basic decor. The place draws a local crowd and fills up during dinner hours, offering a large, consistent menu with fresh sushi and traditional dishes. Easy parking and a casual strip mall setting make it accessible and reliable for lunch or dinner.

Food shows a mix of tasty, well done dishes and a noticeable decline in quality over time. Orders often arrive all at once and very fast, with some pressure to order quickly.

Sushi here features fresh, high-quality fish with flavorful, well-balanced rolls like spicy tuna and Philadelphia. The menu includes creative dishes and reliable classics, served in a cozy, intimate atmosphere with attentive service.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and beautifully prepared."

"The sushi here is so fresh and top quality."

"The food here was tasty and well done."

Good to know

1

There was easy parking available for pickup.

2

The online ordering process was super easy.

3

The menu at Ichiban Sushi was reasonably priced.

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