Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Monica

Japanese salad spots

Made for those who seek out crisp, vegetable-forward dishes alongside their Japanese cuisine.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 1
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 2
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 3
View all
Japanese restaurant

Spacious interior features modern design and beautiful chandeliers with a calm, clean atmosphere ideal for relaxed dining. A robot waitress named Bella delivers food, adding a unique touch to the experience. The place attracts those seeking high-quality sushi in a cozy, inviting setting.

Lunch boxes come with a salad with ginger dressing that pairs well with teriyaki chicken and crunch roll. The udon salad offers a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.

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."

"The seaweed salad here is so flavorful and fresh."

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.

02
MARU SUSHI AND RAMEN image 1

Space combines Japanese decor with floral ceilings and a cherry blossom tree at the entrance, creating a cozy, charming atmosphere. Lighting enhances the setting, making it feel warm and romantic, especially on the outdoor terrace. The bar area offers an authentic izakaya vibe with a laid-back, friendly crowd.

Salads here include a salmon skin salad that is light and crispy with a rich, sweet, and sour sauce. It offers a healthy feel without losing flavor and comes alongside meals like the beef bulgogi bento box.

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 salmon skin salad's sweet and sour sauce conquered my taste buds."

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.

03
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.

Salads here include a daikon salad that stands out and a tomato ginger salad that feels simple and refreshing. The cucumber salad also appears alongside other dishes, offering a crisp option.

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 tomato ginger salad simple and refreshing."

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.

04
Tsukiji Sushi Sen image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Small, intimate restaurant with cozy authentic interior and a beautiful terrace creates a warm inviting atmosphere. Locals frequent the lively space, enjoying fresh sushi and smooth sake, while staff add personal touches like singing for celebrations. The vibe suits both date nights and family gatherings.

Salads here come with a crispy texture and a tasty ginger dressing. The salmon salad feels light and refreshing, and seaweed salad is also available.

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."

"The salad was crispy with a tasty ginger dressing."

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.

05
Rabano image 1
Restaurant

Spacious restaurant with open, airy design and natural lighting creates a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Heated outdoor patio welcomes dogs and offers a spot for people watching. Consistent focus on healthy, organic, and vegan options defines the dining experience.

Salads feature fresh ingredients and full flavors like in the southwestern and sustainable salmon salad bowls. Some salads, like the berry and goat cheese, require extra payment for meat, which comes in small chopped pieces.

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."

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

"I found the salads here to be delicious and healthy."

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
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.

Salads feature a variety of textures and flavors, like the half-raw tuna with crispy wonton strips and the refreshing sesame sauce on the tuna salad. The mackerel and potato salad stands out, while the Kabocha Salad offers a mousse texture served with crackers and lettuce.

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 loved the tuna salad with its refreshing sesame sauce."

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.

07
1212 Santa Monica image 1
New American restaurant

Large space with dog-friendly patio and live DJ music creates a loud, fun atmosphere that energizes the evening. Outdoor seating features fire pits enhancing the vibe. Music volume often challenges conversation but adds to the lively environment.

Salads feature well-seasoned proteins like salmon and blackened chicken. Dressings are light, and ingredients stay fresh and flavorful.

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."

"The server made excellent recommendations for the salad."

"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.

08
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.

Freshness stands out with the green salad here. The salad tastes quite good overall.

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 green salad here is so fresh."

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.

09
San Sai Japanese Grill image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, self-serve sushi spot offers budget-friendly prices and generous portions with a salad bar included. Atmosphere feels cozy with holiday decorations adding subtle charm. Food quality matches the price, featuring standout dishes like poke bowls and tempura plates.

Spicy sashimi and oriental salads stand out with fresh, bold flavors. Combo plates include two salads and rice, plus a salad bar offers variety alongside teriyaki dishes.

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 Japanese food here is delicious and always fresh."

"I found the teriyaki chicken salad to be not bad."

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.

10
The Albright image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seaside restaurant on a pier offers huge outdoor deck with scenic views and patio seating where dogs are welcome. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy with Bob Marley music and heaters keeping the space warm. Counter service uses buzzers for orders, creating a casual, relaxed vibe.

Salads feature fresh seafood like shrimp and prawns, often in Cobb or Caesar styles. They come out crispy, tasty, and carefully arranged, offering a simple but enjoyable option.

Poke bowl features mackerel with a noticeable spiciness but comes in a small portion with limited fish. Other Japanese dishes and the overall vibes offer a fun experience.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The Cobb salad was crispy, fresh, and carefully arranged."

"The Japanese food, especially the poke bowl, was delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

2

Expect long lines around noon; arrive early to secure a table.

3

Prices are effectively 10% higher due to a hidden fee.

Discover more

Santa Monica, California

Area guide
Loading Map...