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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Santa Monica

Japanese food and sashimi

Made for those who prioritize the precise cut and quality of sashimi above all other Japanese dishes.

Based on 727 Opinions
+724
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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.

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.

Wide variety of exotic Japanese sushi sashimi stands out here. The eel sashimi offers a unique taste, complemented by flavorful sauces.

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 the wide variety of exotic sashimi here."

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
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.

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.

Slices come shockingly fresh and beautifully arranged, especially the sweet shrimp fried to crispy perfection. The 12-piece combo pairs well with a choice of California or spicy tuna roll, offering unbeatable 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.

03
Miyako Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, traditional Japanese restaurant with cozy atmosphere featuring cherry blossoms, neon signs, and retro art. Quiet and intimate setting suits dates or casual dinners. Known for fresh, affordable sushi and reasonably priced bento boxes.

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.

Fresh sashimi arrives cut just right, neither too thin nor too thick. Options include grilled salmon and various sushi rolls alongside the sashimi.

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 sashimi here is so fresh and cut perfectly."

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.

04
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 1
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.

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.

Happy hour offers good-sized sashimi portions at $5 or $7. Lunch specials include a full plate with four pieces of sashimi and nigiri plus a roll for $24.

People are saying

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

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

"You can get a full plate with sashimi for very low prices."

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.

05
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.

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

Sashimi comes thick, fresh, and buttery with beautiful presentations. Plates often include edible flowers and various sauces for added flair.

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 sashimi here is so fresh and melts in your mouth."

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.

06
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.

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.

Bluefin Tuna sashimi stands out with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and beautiful presentation. Other highlights include mackerel, scallop, and toro sashimi, all served fresh with a special seaweed soy sauce.

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.

07
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.

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.

Sashimi here is exceptionally fresh and served with perfect seasoning. The quality stands out clearly in the lunch specials.

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.

08
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.

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.

Freshness stands out with consistently high-quality fish. Amberjack, yellowtail, and tuna sashimi show bold flavors. Scallop adds a delicate touch to the sashimi bowl.

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

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.

09
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.

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

Freshness stands out with the sashimi plate offering a variety of cuts. Options include switching to black rice for dietary preferences, though quality varies with some pieces like yellowtail found inedible by some.

People are saying

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

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

"The sashimi here is amazingly fresh."

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.

10
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar image 1

Small sushi bar with U-shaped counter seating creates a casual, lively atmosphere where diners sit side by side facing chefs. The space feels intimate but tight, with limited room and fixed stools. Energy stays upbeat with dim lighting and background music enhancing the informal vibe.

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.

Albacore and salmon sashimi stand out for their excellent quality. Hand rolls include varieties like sea bream and toro sashimi, served with prompt and professional service.

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."

"I found the sashimi here to be the most delicious I ever ate."

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.

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Santa Monica, California

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