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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Santa Monica

Japanese food and authentic spots

You want Japanese food that stays true to its roots without any unnecessary frills.

Based on 813 Opinions
+810
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Updated May 2026
01
Sushi Kanpai Santa Monica image 1
Sushi Kanpai Santa Monica image 2
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Sushi restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with spacious seating and a clean, pristine interior. The vibe is relaxed and personal, often quiet with few diners, creating an intimate setting. Staff and chefs contribute to a welcoming feel, complementing the high-quality sushi experience.

Dishes combine authentic Japanese flavors with some western touches. Ramen stands out as notably authentic compared to other spots. Sushi also delivers a genuine taste true to traditional styles.

Fresh, flavorful sushi features a wide variety of exotic sashimi and seasonal shellfish like Hokkaido scallops. Ramen is fantastic, and mini donburi bowls with Unagi and Salmon Ikura offer filling options.

People are saying

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

"This Lunch Spot has fantastic ramen and delicious donburi bowls."

"I thought the Japanese food here was delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 50% off on all hand rolls until 6 PM.

2

Reservations are required to meet a $50 per person minimum on weekends.

3

Parking is available in a small lot behind the restaurant.

02
Sushi King image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, cozy sushi bar offers authentic Japanese ambience with an intimate feel and local vibe. Atmosphere stays relaxed and friendly despite often being crowded. Sushi features fresh, high-quality fish served in generous portions with traditional preparation.

Authentic Japanese ambience sets the tone with authentic Japanese chefs working the sushi counter. Sushi offers authentic Japanese sushi made with high quality ingredients.

Fresh and generous portions of sushi come quickly without losing quality. Attentive Japanese chefs prepare excellent sushi in a laid-back setting with professional and courteous service.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and melts in your mouth."

"The sushi here is so authentic, it feels like you're in Japan."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and high quality."

Good to know

1

Reservations are strongly advised due to high demand.

2

Sushi King tends to be quite crowded, especially on weekends.

3

Expect long wait times if you arrive without a reservation.

03
Noma Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Spacious sushi restaurant with Japanese-style decor and a retro Showa-era atmosphere. The vibe is cozy and relaxing, featuring modern jazz and instrumental music that complements the classic wood finishes. Guests watch chefs at the sushi bar while enjoying a calm, inviting environment suited for casual or special dinners.

Spacious interior creates an authentic Japanese atmosphere. Sushi is fresh and prepared in a simple, traditional style.

Sushi here stands out for its freshness and authentic simplicity. The omakase offers a solid variety including appetizers, miso mushroom soup, a 10-piece sushi set, hand roll, and tamagoyaki, all served with attentive service.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the omakase, is so fresh and beautifully presented."

"The seafood here is so fresh, especially in the omakase."

"The sushi here is so fresh and authentic."

Good to know

1

Noma Sushi does not accept reservations and is walk-in only.

2

The restaurant has a system for managing the waiting list.

3

Parking is limited, but there is a large parking area behind the restaurant.

04
Jincook Santa Monica image 1
Korean restaurant

Traditional Korean decor creates a cozy and authentic atmosphere with lacquered tables and Raden wall decorations. The space feels comfortable and roomy but can be a bit loud due to music and dish carts. It fills up quickly and attracts those seeking high-quality Korean food in a casual setting.

Hearty dishes like seolleongtang, galbi-tang, and bibimbap deliver authentic Korean soul food. Portions are generous and flavors stay true to traditional recipes.

Specialty katsu selections stand out with rich flavor and satisfying texture. The Pork Katsu Curry offers a pleasant surprise with its bold taste.

People are saying

"I found authentic Korean soul food here."

"It's a great date spot with amazing vibes and good music."

"The katsu curry here is a pleasant surprise and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak dinner hours on weekends.

2

Parking is available in a small lot behind the building.

3

Prices are higher than average for Korean food in the area.

05
Shirubฤ“ image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Long, narrow space with open kitchen and intimate bar seating offers a cozy, authentic vibe. Lighting creates a romantic atmosphere that highlights the antique sake cups and skilled chefs at work. The setting feels distinct from typical izakayas, blending minimal decor with thoughtful design.

Cozy atmosphere creates an authentic dining experience with genuine flavors and traditional touches.

Bluefin Tuna sashimi stands out with a magical seaweed soy sauce. Creative dishes like dan dan udon and corn ribs add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"The Japanese food here, especially the sashimi, is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"I found the Japanese food here to be truly authentic and unlike anything else."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Sunday with food and drink specials.

2

Most happy hour menu items are about $5 cheaper than regular prices.

3

They offer both early and late-night happy hour specials.

06
Kappo Miyabi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Minimalist design blends traditional Japanese elements with modern charm in a serene, elegant space. Open kitchen adds interactive dining energy while booths provide privacy. Atmosphere suits both casual and intimate meals with a calm, authentic vibe.

Elegant and serene ambience creates an immersive setting with authentic Japanese elegance and modern charm. The menu offers high-quality izakaya dishes true to traditional flavors.

Sushi here features balanced rice and very fresh fish, with options from classic to adventurous. The Seafood Udon stands out with big shrimp, mussels, clams, and a pork broth that adds rich flavor.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

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

"The sushi here is so fresh and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

The Omakase experience offers a curated selection of sushi and sashimi.

2

A 22% service charge is automatically added to the bill.

3

Expect to pay around $35-$50 for udon dishes.

07
Takuma IZAKAYA JAPANESE image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, contemporary space offers a cozy, low-key atmosphere with a calm, inviting vibe ideal for quiet dinners and thoughtful conversation. Patrons enjoy authentic Japanese flavors alongside warm sake, making it suitable for after-work meet-ups and intimate gatherings.

Flavors stay true to traditional Japanese cooking with authentic down-home style. The cuisine offers a genuine taste that reflects classic recipes and ingredients.

Fresh and authentic Japanese dishes go beyond sushi here, featuring okonomiyaki, karaage, and yellowtail sashimi. Bento boxes like the Yakiniku Beef offer well-prepared portions with good value, complemented by a solid sake selection.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazing, especially the fresh fish."

"This lunch spot's karaage chicken is crispy and tender."

"I found the flavors to be authentic and amazing."

Good to know

1

Limited parking is available in front of the restaurant.

2

Metered parking is available on Wilshire and side streets.

3

The menu includes snacks, salads, sashimi, hot dishes, and desserts.

08
Sushi Hanashi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi restaurant offers a cozy, casual atmosphere with a calming vibe and friendly staff. Fresh fish pairs well with ice-cold Sapporo, and menu includes classic and unique rolls alongside top-tier nigiri and sashimi. The space feels authentic and personal, creating a sense of being in Japan.

Sushi here offers authentic sushi in a small restaurant environment. Prices stay affordable compared to other spots.

Fresh sushi and top tier nigiri stand out here. The menu features generously portioned rolls and creative combinations, plus great ramen and bento options.

People are saying

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

"I found the sushi here to be authentic and affordable."

"Their seafood udon soup is warm, flavorful, and satisfying."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 30% off on most items, except Sundays.

2

Street parking is easily available near the restaurant.

3

The portion sizes are large, often enough for one person.

09
Papi Tacos & Churros image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant indoor/outdoor seating and constant Mexican music creates a fun and lively atmosphere. The space features stunning artwork and pretty lights, offering a cozy and clean environment. The vibe stays busy but chill, attracting those who appreciate halal Mexican food.

Halal options include authentic birria tacos and burritos with rich, traditional flavors. Mexican street food offerings deliver genuine taste and a delicious, authentic experience.

Ramen here features rich consomme broth and toppings that complement the flavor well. The noodles differ from traditional ramen, leaning more toward udon or other types rather than classic ramen noodles.

People are saying

"I thought the birria tacos were the best Mexican food I ever had."

"I found the authentic tacos to be incredible and flavorful."

"The ramen here is packed with flavor and truly unbeatable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is 100% halal.

2

There is no restroom available for customers.

3

Four street size tacos with avocado cost $22.

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Santa Monica, California

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