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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Santa Monica's best

Japanese food

Japanese food that respects the craft of the cuisine instead of treating it like a generic fast-casual commodity.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
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Updated May 2026
01
Sushi Kanpai Santa Monica image 1
Sushi Kanpai Santa Monica image 2
Sushi Kanpai Santa Monica image 3
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Cozy sushi spot shines with fresh sashimi and seasonal shellfish like Hokkaido scallops. Spacious seating and a quiet vibe make dining intimate. Friendly staff add to the welcoming atmosphere for a top-notch Japanese food experience.

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 loved their happy hour, it was generous and ended at 6pm."

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
Miyako Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese spot offers fresh sushi and tasty bento boxes with scallop nigiri and spicy mayo rolls. Cozy, quiet vibe with cherry blossoms and neon signs makes it perfect for dates or casual dinners. Affordable prices add to its charm.

Sushi stands out with super fresh and beautifully cut sashimi. Bento boxes offer a good variety for dinner, featuring tasty rolls like scallop nigiri, sweet shrimp, and spicy mayo Miyako rolls.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and beautifully presented."

"I thought the ramen here was pretty good and spicier than I expected."

"The staff at this Local Spot are so nice and friendly."

Good to know

1

Miyako Restaurant closes at 9 PM.

2

Parking may be hard to find due to limited street parking.

3

Expect to pay around $20 per person for lunch.

03
Shunji Japanese Cuisine image 1
Japanese restaurant

Minimalist space with blonde wood counters and intimate seating offers a peaceful, elegant atmosphere with soft jazz and orchids. Legendary chef crafts a 26-dish omakase using 90% authentic Japanese ingredients. Close chef-diner interaction ensures a refined, traditional sushi experience.

An omakase meal includes 26 dishes showcasing traditional Japanese style sushi with about 90% ingredients sourced from Japan. The sushi reflects decades of expertise and meticulous attention to detail from a legendary chef.

People are saying

"The sake here is a testament to meticulous attention to detail."

"The omakase tasting experience here is unforgettable and refined."

"The fish here tastes incredibly fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least one week in advance for the omakase experience.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait if you arrive without a reservation.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is recommended for tips.

04
Katsu Bar image 1
Restaurant

Bright, lively spot with huge portions and a mini-library for book swapping. Katsu Sando shines with crispy chicken on Rosemary bread, offering fresh, flavorful Japanese dishes. Welcomes dogs with treats, creating a friendly, cozy vibe indoors and outdoors.

Katsu Sando stands out with juicy, tender chicken and a super crispy outside, especially on Rosemary bread. Plates like the katsu curry and rice bowl offer fresh, hot katsu with excellent flavor and value.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the katsu sandwiches, is perfectly fried and juicy."

"The katsu curry here is heavenly."

"These waffle fries are amazing, possibly better than Chick-Fil-A's."

Good to know

1

Katsu Bar has a parking lot with plenty of free parking.

2

You pay at the counter first and then receive your food.

3

They have lunch specials and accept credit cards.

05
Rabano image 1
Restaurant

Spacious, airy design with heated outdoor patio welcomes dogs and people watchers. Menu focuses on healthy, organic, vegan options with standout Japanese dishes like edamame wontons and Ahi Tuna Poke featuring garlic noodles and ginger wasabi dressing.

Edamame wontons stand out with a unique twist on a classic snack. The Ahi Tuna Poke comes with garlic noodles, fresh greens, and a ginger wasabi dressing that adds a sharp kick.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, tasty, and always good."

"I found the healthy foods here to be delicious and fresh."

"The Japanese food here is delicious and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Rabano offers a variety of dishes suitable for all tastes, including options for kids.

2

The kids menu includes a drink for a very reasonable price.

3

Rabano now offers breakfast burritos all day.

06
MARU SUSHI AND RAMEN image 1

Space blends Japanese decor with a cherry blossom tree and floral ceilings, creating a cozy, romantic vibe. The MARU Special Ramen shines with rich pork bone broth and fresh toppings. Outdoor terrace and bar offer a warm, laid-back izakaya atmosphere perfect for relaxing.

Rich pork bone broth defines the MARU Special Ramen, packed with double chicken, char siu, black garlic oil, pickled bamboo shoots, and corn. Sashimi arrives super fresh and beautifully plated, with a 12-piece combo paired with California or spicy tuna rolls offering great value.

People are saying

"The Japanese Food, especially the bento boxes, had a great variety and large portions."

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

"The Seafood Ramen broth was flavorful and comforting."

Good to know

1

The bar is open until midnight for late-night drinks.

2

There is a public parking lot nearby with 90 minutes of free parking.

3

The restaurant is open until 12 midnight, making it ideal for late-night snacks.

07
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 1
Japanese restaurant

Spacious interior with modern design and beautiful chandeliers creates a calm, clean vibe. High-quality sushi shines with fresh nigiri and a standout omakase option. Robot waitress Bella adds a unique touch to this cozy spot for Japanese food lovers.

High-quality sushi features fresh nigiri and a variety of rolls, including a notable omakase option. The menu also includes veggie ramen and crispy katsu, offering both sushi and cooked dishes.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazing, especially the fresh, well-prepared sushi."

"The lunch special here is a huge, affordable plate."

"It's a perfect spot for a romantic date night."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features items priced around $5 to $7, with good-sized portions.

2

The lunch special costs $24 for a full plate, including a nice roll and sashimi.

3

The restaurant and bathrooms are clean and well-maintained.

08
Hurry Curry of Tokyo - Santa Monica image 1

Cozy outdoor seating with warm heaters creates a welcoming vibe. Rich Japanese curry shines with medium spice tonkatsu and sushi-style rice. Vegan options add variety for those seeking flavorful, hearty meals.

Japanese curry here has a rich sauce with balanced spice and flavor. The medium spice tonkatsu curry stands out, served with short grain sushi style rice that complements the dish well.

People are saying

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

"I found the Japanese curry here to be the best I've ever had."

"I found the Japanese curry to be the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Hurry Curry of Tokyo offers vegan and vegetarian options on their menu.

2

Parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

3

The restaurant is fast casual, so no need to dress up.

09
Tsukiji Sushi Sen image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Small, intimate spot with a beautiful terrace and cozy vibe suits dates and families. Fresh sushi and miso ramen shine on the menu, paired with smooth sake. Staff offer phenomenal service and personal touches like singing for celebrations.

Fresh sushi arrives beautifully plated and thoughtfully prepared. The menu includes miso ramen and edamame, with phenomenal service that is attentive and kind.

People are saying

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

"It's a cozy, sweet neighborhood spot with a relaxing, inviting atmosphere."

"It's a great, casual spot for a night out."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2 to 5pm with great prices on appetizers and drinks.

2

The restaurant offers a lunch special bento box during happy hour.

3

Seating is available both indoors and outdoors, accommodating larger parties.

10
Sushi King image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, cozy sushi bar offers authentic Japanese ambience with an intimate feel. Fresh, high-quality fish is served in generous portions by attentive chefs. Atmosphere stays relaxed and friendly even when crowded, making it a great spot for genuine Japanese food lovers.

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.

11
Shirubฤ“ image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Long, narrow space with intimate bar seating creates a cozy vibe. Bluefin Tuna sashimi shines with magical seaweed soy sauce. Romantic lighting highlights antique sake cups and skilled chefs, blending minimal decor with thoughtful design.

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."

"You have to get the corn ribs; they're amazing."

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

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.

12
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar image 1

Small sushi bar buzzes with energy and offers big fresh hand rolls like sea bream and toro. Seating is tight with fixed stools around a U-shaped counter, creating an intimate lively vibe. Prices stay affordable, making it a solid choice for casual Japanese dining.

Hand rolls stand out with big, fresh portions like sea bream and toro sashimi. Sushi offers high quality at affordable prices, making it a solid choice for consistent, delicious Japanese food.

People are saying

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

"The food here is so fresh, you can really taste the quality."

"The fish here is so fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges a flat 16% fee and does not accept tips.

2

Expect a wait time of around 30 minutes during peak hours.

3

The seating area is small, which can be uncomfortable during busy hours.

13
Kappo Miyabi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Minimalist design with traditional Japanese elements creates a calm, elegant space. Sushi offers fresh fish and balanced rice, while Seafood Udon shines with big shrimp and rich pork broth. Open kitchen adds lively energy, and booths ensure privacy for intimate meals.

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 food here is a work of art, truly a feast for the senses."

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

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.

14
Noma Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Spacious sushi spot offers fresh sushi and a Showa-era vibe with cozy, wood finishes. Guests enjoy modern jazz while watching chefs craft meals. Perfect for casual or special dinners with attentive service and authentic Japanese flavors.

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."

"It's convenient, with plenty of parking available in the back."

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.

15
1212 Santa Monica image 1
New American restaurant

Large space with a dog-friendly patio and live DJ music creates a loud, fun vibe. Fresh hamachi sashimi and spicy tuna roll deliver strong Japanese flavors. Fire pits add warmth but music can make talking hard.

Sashimi stands out with its fresh, flavorful taste, especially the hamachi. The Spicy Tuna Sushi roll and oysters also offer strong Japanese flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful, fresh, and delicious."

"Our Brunch server Robert was very attentive and accommodating."

"Rico was so attentive and gave great recommendations for Japanese food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

All-night happy hour is available on Mondays, offering great deals.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events like the Super Bowl.

16
Takuma IZAKAYA JAPANESE image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, contemporary space offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for quiet dinners. Enjoy authentic Japanese dishes like okonomiyaki and yellowtail sashimi. Warm sake pairs well, making it ideal for after-work meet-ups and intimate gatherings.

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."

"It's a quiet place to really enjoy your meal and chat."

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.

17
Sushi Hanashi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy spot serves fresh sushi and top-tier nigiri in a calming, authentic setting. Friendly staff enhance the casual vibe while ice-cold Sapporo complements creative rolls and hearty ramen. Experience a true taste of Japan with generous portions and personal service.

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.

18
Jincook Santa Monica image 1
Korean restaurant

Traditional Korean decor with lacquered tables creates a cozy vibe. Specialty katsu dishes deliver rich flavor and great texture. The lively space fills fast, perfect for casual dining with bold taste options.

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.

19
Silverlake Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen spot offers creamy tonkotsu broth with hearty meat and medium spicy options like Blaze ramen. Casual vibe shines with bar-style seating and simple decor. Outdoor seats provide views of live blues music and street performers, creating a lively, relaxed scene.

Ramen here features a creamy broth with generous meat portions and a flavorful tonkotsu style. Options like the classic and Blaze ramen offer medium spicy choices with chicken, all at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so rich, creamy, and full of flavor."

"The ramen food here is rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced."

"The ramen broth here is rich, creamy, and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Limited seating is available for those waiting for takeout orders.

3

Street meter parking is recommended a few blocks away.

20
San Sai Japanese Grill image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi spot offers budget-friendly prices and generous portions with a salad bar. Cozy vibe with holiday decorations adds charm. Try the spicy sashimi salad and poke bowl for standout Japanese flavors.

Spicy sashimi salad and poke bowl stand out as flavorful choices. Teriyaki combo plates, tempura shrimp, potstickers, and miso soup add variety beyond sushi.

People are saying

"The poke bowl here is so fresh and delicious."

"The soup here is delicious and affordable."

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

Good to know

1

San Sai Japanese Grill is a self-served restaurant.

2

The combo cost about $13 and includes two salads and rice.

3

The portion sizes are generous for the price.

21
RIZE THAI SUSHI image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small space with beautiful decor creates a quiet vibe. Sushi features fresh salmon and balanced rice, while miso and Won Ton soups are exceptionally flavorful. Affordable prices and a cash or digital payment happy hour make it a practical choice.

Sushi offers a good ratio of fish to rice with fresh salmon and lots of vegetables. Miso soup and Won Ton Soup stand out as exceptionally flavorful. The $18 lunch platter provides a variety of options at a reasonable price.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazing and tasty."

"The lunch special here is an unbeatable deal."

"The salmon here is amazingly good and melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 20% off the check but requires cash payment.

2

Parking is available in front of the restaurant on the right side.

3

The nearest ATM is not within walking distance for cash payments.

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