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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Santa Monica

Sushi spots

A craving for fresh, precise slices of fish demands nothing less than the real thing.

Based on 579 Opinions
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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 Hokkaido scallops in a quiet, intimate setting. Spacious seating and a welcoming staff make dining relaxed and personal. Clean, pristine interior adds to the high-quality experience.

Fresh, flavorful sushi features a wide variety of exotic Japanese sashimi and seasonal shellfish like Hokkaido scallops. The omakase offers beautifully presented dishes with authentic, high-quality ingredients.

People are saying

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

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

"The sushi here is always so fresh and good!"

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
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 1
Japanese restaurant

Spacious interior with modern design and beautiful chandeliers creates a calm, clean atmosphere. Fresh nigiri and a variety of rolls offer quality sushi at fair prices. A robot waitress named Bella adds a unique touch to this cozy, inviting spot.

Quality sushi comes with fresh nigiri and a nice variety of rolls and sashimi. Prices stay fair, especially during happy hour with good-sized portions.

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 sushi here is so fresh and well prepared."

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.

03
Shunji Japanese Cuisine image 1
Japanese restaurant

Minimalist space with blonde wood counters offers an exclusive sushi experience. Chef Shunji Nakao crafts authentic Japanese sushi with 90% imported ingredients. Soft jazz and orchids create a peaceful, elegant atmosphere where chefs engage closely with diners.

Sushi here reflects traditional Japanese style with about 90% of ingredients sourced from Japan. Chef Shunji Nakao's meticulous attention to detail shows in every piece, including unique items like shirako sushi.

People are saying

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

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

"The sushi here is traditional Japanese style, showcasing decades of expertise."

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
Miyako Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese spot offers fresh sushi with scallop nigiri and spicy mayo rolls. Cozy vibe with cherry blossoms and neon signs makes it perfect for dates. Affordable bento boxes add value for casual dinners.

Sushi here is super fresh and beautifully presented. The scallop nigiri, sweet shrimp, and rolls with avocado and spicy mayo stand out for their high quality and distinctive flavors.

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 sushi here is super fresh and beautifully presented."

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.

05
Tsukiji Sushi Sen image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Small, intimate spot with a cozy interior and a beautiful terrace sets a warm mood. Sushi is incredibly fresh with thick sashimi and crispy tempura. Locals enjoy smooth sake while staff add charm by singing for celebrations.

Sushi here is incredibly fresh and beautifully prepared with thoughtful presentation. The sashimi is thick and melts in your mouth, while hand rolls are perfectly seasoned and tempura stays crispy.

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 sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

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
MARU SUSHI AND RAMEN image 1

Space blends Japanese decor with a cherry blossom tree and floral ceilings for a cozy vibe. Sashimi shines with super fresh slices and a 12-piece combo offers great value. Warm lighting and an outdoor terrace create a romantic atmosphere perfect for relaxing.

Sashimi stands out with super fresh slices and a beautiful presentation that looks great in photos. The 12-piece sashimi combo and California roll offer unbeatable value with high-quality fish and crispy sweet shrimp.

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 sushi here is super fresh and a great value."

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
Sushi King image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, cozy sushi bar offers authentic Japanese ambience with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Fresh fish comes in generous portions, served quickly by attentive Japanese chefs. Staff are professional, making the experience both intimate and high-quality.

Fresh fish arrives in generous portions, prepared quickly without losing quality. Attentive Japanese chefs serve sushi in a laid-back vibe with outstanding, professional staff.

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 sushi here is incredibly fresh and melts in your mouth."

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.

08
Noma Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Spacious sushi spot offers fresh nigiris in a cozy, retro Showa-style setting. Guests enjoy watching chefs craft dishes while relaxing to modern jazz. Perfect for casual or special dinners with a calm, inviting vibe.

Sushi here is fresh and authentic, focusing on simple, high-quality nigiris and sashimi. The omakase offers a set with appetizers, miso mushroom soup, a 10-piece sushi set, hand roll, and tamagoyaki for $65.

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 outstandingly fresh."

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
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar image 1

Small sushi bar offers big fresh hand rolls with sea bream and toro. Casual vibe shines through U-shaped counter seating and upbeat energy. Affordable prices match the high quality in an intimate, lively setting.

Hand rolls stand out with big, fresh portions like sea bream and toro sashimi. Prices stay affordable while maintaining high quality and consistent deliciousness.

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 sushi here is so fresh, it makes a huge difference."

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.

10
Sushi Hanashi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy sushi spot serves fresh sushi with top-tier nigiri in a calming, authentic setting. Friendly staff enhance the casual atmosphere while ice-cold Sapporo complements creative rolls and sashimi.

Fresh sushi with generous portions and creative combinations stands out here. Nigiri and sashimi plates offer top tier quality and authentic flavors.

People are saying

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

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

"The sushi here is so fresh and flavorful."

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.

11
Kappo Miyabi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Minimalist design with traditional Japanese elements creates a calm, elegant space. Fresh fish and exceptional sashimi highlight the sushi menu. Open kitchen and sushi bar seating add lively, interactive energy to casual or intimate meals.

Fresh fish and balanced sushi rice stand out here. The menu offers a mix of classic and adventurous sushi with exceptional sashimi quality. Seating at the sushi bar adds to the experience.

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 sashimi here is melt-in-your-mouth great and 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.

12
RIZE THAI SUSHI image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small space with beautiful decor creates a quiet vibe. Sushi features a good fish to rice ratio and a variety of maki on the $18 platter. Affordable prices make it easy to enjoy authentic sushi and Thai dishes without overspending.

Sushi offers a good ratio of fish to rice with more fish than rice and includes lots of vegetables. The $18 platter provides a variety of maki at a reasonable price.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazing and tasty."

"The lunch special here is an unbeatable deal."

"I thought the sushi here was some of the best I've ever had."

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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Santa Monica, California

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