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Guide to Downtown

Fish date spots

Made for those who want to impress a date with a shared appreciation for high-quality fish.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 1
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 2
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 3
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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.

Cozy, modern interior creates a relaxed but polished vibe ideal for lunch or dinner dates. Macarons ice cream stands out as a favorite dessert for couples.

Fish here is consistently incredibly fresh with high-quality cuts. Rolls like the spicy tuna are packed with fish, and dishes like yellowtail kama highlight the freshness well.

People are saying

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

"The sushi here is so fresh and beautifully presented for Date Spots."

"The fish here is so fresh and good."

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
Santa Monica Seafood Market & Cafe image 1

Seafood market combines fresh seafood displays with a lively oyster bar and casual dining space. Atmosphere balances bustling market energy with enough quiet for conversation. Offers a community hub vibe where people shop and eat in one place.

Feels like a hidden gem with a cozy vibe for casual date nights. Works well for quick bites or a relaxed first date.

Fish here stays fresh and high quality consistently. The grilled white fish comes out moist and flaky, and the menu offers varied choices like lobster rolls and fish tacos with generous portions.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The fish here is super fresh and delicious."

"The oysters here are the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the back of the market.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

3

Prices for fresh seafood are comparable to upscale restaurants.

03
LA PUREPECHA COCINA MEXICANA image 1

Small Mexican restaurant with spartan interiors and paper plate service offers a super casual and family-friendly vibe. Background music features Mexican tunes while TVs show local sports and events. The atmosphere feels welcoming but leans toward quick dining rather than lingering.

Great spot for a lunch date near the beach with a casual vibe. The Carnitas stands out as a favorite, and the menu includes California burrito and street tacos.

Fish tacos feature fresh fish with a good amount of spice and balanced flavors. Shrimp and fish burritos come flavorful and filling, paired with thick homemade tortillas.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is oozing with flavor and moisture."

"The fish tacos here have thick crusts and plump fillings."

"You have to try the Carnitas; my partner said it's the best ever."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a 1 plus 1 deal on tacos.

2

Specials are available Monday through Friday with $2 off select items.

3

Street parking is available, but can be hard to find.

04
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.

Inside feels cute and suits an intimate dinner well. It works for a budget-friendly date night or casual hangout with friends and family.

Fish here is incredibly fresh and tender, especially in the sashimi and nigiri. Unique items like the Aburi Shime Saba offer a cured flavor that pairs well with the raw fish.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"The Date Spots here have amazing corn ribs and pork belly tacos."

"The fish here is unbelievably fresh."

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.

05
The Curious Palate image 1
New American restaurant

Restaurant offers open-air seating with a calm, relaxing atmosphere that contrasts with nearby noisy spots. Space feels homey and curated, encouraging guests to unwind in a bright, spacious interior suitable for families.

Warm, welcoming atmosphere with a husband and wife team running the place. Offers delicious food that works well for a date night or a casual meal with family.

Fish dishes feature never frozen fish with the tacos standing out as incredible. The fish curry offers a special flavor that sets it apart.

People are saying

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

"The food here is superb, making it a great spot for a date."

"You have to try the fish tacos; they're incredible."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of the Santa Monica Place Mall.

2

The menu offers a variety of dishes at reasonable prices.

3

There are many vegetarian options available.

06
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.

Offers a cozy atmosphere ideal for couples. Serves as a nice spot for a date night with a partner.

Fresh fish stands out with very good quality and taste. Portions come generous and the menu offers a great variety including raw fish and sushi bowls.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"The fish here is so fresh and tasty."

"It's a nice place for a cute date night."

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.

07
LouLou Santa Monica image 1
French restaurant

Rooftop restaurant offers cool views of water and Ferris wheel with a club-like vibe created by a live DJ and percussionist. Atmosphere suits large groups and blends beachy elegance with lively energy.

Memorable date nights happen here with a warm atmosphere. It suits special occasions like graduations and romantic evenings.

Grilled fish comes out cooked perfectly with strong seasoning. Salmon pairs well with a bed of asparagus, and sides like Brussels sprouts and broccolini add bold flavors.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"The DJ played awesome international music and took requests."

"The fish here is perfectly cooked and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks, making it worthwhile.

2

Expect long wait times during busy events, like Valentine's Day.

3

The restaurant turns into a lively party after 9 pm with dancing.

08
Casa Martin | 3rd St Promenade image 1

Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, stylish atmosphere with live Mariachi music and outdoor seating on a promenade. The space feels warm and inviting, blending a laid-back vibe with exquisite decoration. Guests enjoy a mix of traditional dishes and notable margarita flights in a lively setting.

A great place for a date with a menu that includes a Vegetarian Tostada. Drinks come in simple servings like a plastic bottle of ginger ale.

Fish dishes include fish tacos that are loaded and flavorful, alongside a Garlic Fish option. Some fish preparations can be very salty, affecting edibility.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the fish tacos, is fantastic."

"It's a classy, sexy, and cool place for a date."

"The fish tacos here are loaded and very tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect an 18% automatic service charge on your bill.

2

Happy hour offers better value with a 2 taco special.

3

The average entree costs around $25.

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Downtown, Santa Monica

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