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Local picks

Japanese food and sushi in Santa Barbara

Fresh slices of sashimi and carefully prepared rolls are the only things on the mind.

Based on 727 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.

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.

Sushi here features a unique blend of two black vinegars in Toyama rice, creating a delightful taste that pairs beautifully with each fish. The experience includes a personal touch of watching the chef prepare the sushi, with flavors that highlight umami and dashi.

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 top-notch, fresh, and packed with flavor."

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.

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.

Offers a Kaiseki menu with eight courses including soup, appetizers, sashimi, grilled dishes, nigiri, and dessert. Serves high-quality sushi that appeals to sushi lovers.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

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

"The sushi here tastes super fresh and is 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.

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.

Delicious sushi and outstanding rolls come at reasonable prices here. The spot offers quick service and a casual vibe, making it convenient for a great sushi meal.

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."

"The sushi here is really fresh and delicious."

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
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.

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.

Fresh and delicious sushi comes with excellent quality and a great variety of handrolls and sashimi. The portions offer good value and the prices remain competitive.

People are saying

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

"I decided this would be my new favorite sushi spot."

"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.

05
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.

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.

Sushi here features the Sushi Sando with crispy rice as the bread, filled with fresh fish and seaweed salad. Every bite of this sandwich is outstanding and comes in a great portion size.

People are saying

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

"The Sushi Sando was outstanding, truly one of the best sandwiches."

"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.

06
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.

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.

Freshness stands out with sashimi salad and sushi platters made from quality fish. 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."

"I loved the great harbor view right by the water."

"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.

07
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.

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

Great quality sushi includes options like the Hungry roll, chosen based on personal preferences. Sushi comes alongside sandwiches and snacks, offering variety beyond just sushi.

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."

"The fish in the sushi rolls is so vibrant."

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.

08
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.

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.

Sushi features fresh seafood and an extensive menu with standout items like Jumbo Scallop and yellowtail. The nigiri and sushi taste great with attentive service enhancing the experience.

People are saying

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

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

"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.

09
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.

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.

Freshness stands out with very fresh and tasty sushi. The menu offers a good selection at fair prices, including unique rolls and a notable Mackerel Special. Service is consistently excellent and friendly.

People are saying

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

"The staff here is so cheerful and helpful."

"I would come here every day for the sushi."

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.

10
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.

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.

Freshness stands out with fresh sashimi and top quality sushi. Rolls like the Mesa Roll and 007 offer flavorful, well-balanced options in a cozy, intimate setting.

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.

11
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.

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.

Sushi here is fresh and beautifully plated, with a wide menu that covers both classic nigiri and creative rolls. Each piece offers a savory mix of flavors and includes local and exotic marine options.

People are saying

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

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

"The sushi here is so fresh and well-portioned."

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.

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