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Japanese soup spots in Santa Monica

You want a bowl of Japanese soup in a space that feels settled and calm.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
MARU SUSHI AND RAMEN image 1
MARU SUSHI AND RAMEN image 2
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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.

Broth in the seafood ramen is rich and flavorful. Miso soup comes with the beef bulgogi bento, pairing well with the meal. Both soups offer good depth and balanced taste.

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 ramen soup here is rich with thick bone broth."

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.

02
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.

Soups come piping hot and hearty with generous portions. Options like traditional pork soup, seolleongtang, galbi-tang, and tofu soup with mushroom deliver authentic, warming flavors.

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."

"The traditional pork soup was especially great and hearty."

"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.

03
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.

Miso noodle soup offers a rich, savory flavor. The beef noodle soup comes in a hot stone pot, keeping it warm and enhancing the taste.

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 mushroom soup here is $35, which is quite expensive."

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.

04
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.

Miso soup comes with tofu and seaweed and appears in both the omakase and sashimi sets. The mushroom miso soup in the omakase is a premium option. Clam soup also features in the sashimi platter.

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 soup here is so fresh and delicious."

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.

05
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.

Spicy seafood soup stands out with fresh seafood and bold flavors. Clam chowder comes with an option to add extra shrimp, enhancing its richness.

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."

"This spicy seafood soup is packed with fresh seafood."

"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.

06
Silverlake Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant with bar-style bench seating and a simple interior design creates a casual, grab-and-go vibe. Outdoor seating offers views of street performers and live blues music, adding a relaxed atmosphere. The space tends to be busy with limited seating, especially for families.

Rich broth carries the handmade noodles and a generous chunk of pork belly. Spinach adds an unusual vegetable touch, and the extra spicy option delivers real heat.

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

"I found the soup delicious and rich."

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.

07
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.

Free miso soup is offered on arrival. The seafood udon soup is warm and flavorful, a solid choice when undecided. The chicken ramen soup has noodles only and feels like poor value.

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.

08
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.

Dumpling soup stands out with its rich flavor, while miso soup offers a lighter option. Soups here complement other dishes like teriyaki combos and salads.

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.

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Santa Monica, California

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