Sometimes, all you want is a bite of home — the kind that tastes like Japan even when you’re miles away. Ocean Sushi Deli delivers exactly that. From authentic onigiri to miso soup, and bento boxes that feel like a full-on culinary hug, this place had us hooked the moment we walked in.
The lunch specials are not to be missed — it’s the kind of deal that makes you forget about your afternoon meetings and just focus on the joy of good food. So good, in fact, we ended up going twice in one week. Yes, it was that irresistible.
The staff is genuinely friendly, attentive, and welcoming, making you feel like a regular even on your first visit. Fair warning: lunch hour is busy, but that’s just proof that this little gem is doing something right.
If you’ve been craving a taste of Japan, this is your spot — cozy, authentic, and utterly satisfying.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joe Capani Jr.
Friendly service, casual and relaxed atmosphere. Ate at tables outdoors - the snapper and donburi salmon were excellent. The free hot tea was delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michele Nizza
Love our little family-owned, sushi/teriyaki spot. Staff is incredibly friendly and the food is delicious. I don't eat sushi, but my kiddo tells me it's yummy. I love the donburri bowls, especially the beef bowl, made with rib-eye. Don't miss this quaint little restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kristin Orrantia
What a great little sushi place in Monterey. Food was fresh, fast and tasty. The atmosphere felt like being in someone's home - comforting. The breadth of the menu is something to behiold - it looks as if they will run out of wall space. Recommend.
Michael Tanzer
Good sushi by great people!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aino Raunio
Sooooo good food and lovely staff ❤️ can’t wait to visit again
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Justin Jordan
Got the tonkatsu bento. Tasted awesome! Everyone is nice here too.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
James
Go for the excellent Japanese food prepared by knowledgeable chefs. Service was friendly and prompt. I eat here whenever I’m in town. If you like Japanese food you will like Ocean Sushi Deli. Good value for the $$.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rebecca Jo
I have been coming here since I was a little kid, they are by far the best japanese restaurant on the central coast. I always order the same thing which is the pork tonkatsu bento box which comes with rice, soup and salad. They also have really good sushi rolls, I especially like the California roll and the cucumber roll. The staff is always super kind and the restaurant is always kept very clean! If your wanting some good sushi this is the place to go! 💯🍣🍱
Imagine walking into a sushi joint and being immediately strafed by dangling menus—floating overhead like bureaucratic jellyfish, harassing you with choice rather than offering it. You’re barely settled when a gaggle of Gen Z interlopers swoops in behind you, like extras sent to remind you of your own obsolescence.
The sushi itself? “Fine.” That death-rattle word. Hovering in the uncanny valley between above-average and below-average, it left no memory except the faint sting of disappointment. Atmosphere? Nonexistent, unless you count the fluorescent hum and the invasive proximity of strangers.
I left no tip. Not out of cruelty, but because the entire experience seemed to demand a gesture of negation. This place offers not dining but existential malaise disguised as dinner. If you value even a shred of ambiance or joy, avoid it.
kevin hamilton
Good goto spot for quick in and out food. I’d say 3.5 stars but not an option sonlean toward four instead of three
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Bob
Good, fresh food here. The menu is reasonably priced.
I got the unagi donburi (grilled bbq eel over white rice). It was really good. If you’re a fan of eel, go for this if it’s available. We also had a yakisoba, which was tasty as well. Also tried some mixed pickles, also good.
Service was pleasant. It’s a casual, order at the counter affair. Seating was slightly chaotic, it was lunchtime, but it seems to turn fast.
Having affordable sake is a plus.
If I lived nearby, I’d eat here often.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Jack J.
Total chaos disguised as casual dining. There’s no list, no signage, no system—just a crowd of confused people inside, trying to figure out whether they should grab a table or wait. Some guests just sit down at open spots, while others are suddenly told that people outside are ahead of them. Honestly the most confusing seating system I’ve ever encountered. When I asked how it works—just so I’d know for next time—the staff wouldn’t explain anything. One of them snapped, “That’s just how it is—because I said so.” No logic, no consistency, just attitude. And the food? Mediocre at best—nothing tasted fresh. I asked how to do it right next time, but honestly, there won’t be a next time. They also ask customers if they are local and give preferential treatment depending on the answer. Maybe they were so rude to me because they assumed I was a tourist?
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Jamison Altbach
I don't get to visit Monterey often - BUT when I do, I make Damn sure to eat a big meal at Ocean Sushi Deli. I was lucky enough to live in Japan for a few years when I was a younger man. This place is LeGiT. I can feel, smell and most importantly, Taste authentic Japanese flavors. I LOVE THIS PLACE. if you haven't been, you owe it to yourself and the ones you love to go. PEACE to All.
Delicious sushi :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sometimes, all you want is a bite of home — the kind that tastes like Japan even when you’re miles away. Ocean Sushi Deli delivers exactly that. From authentic onigiri to miso soup, and bento boxes that feel like a full-on culinary hug, this place had us hooked the moment we walked in.
The lunch specials are not to be missed — it’s the kind of deal that makes you forget about your afternoon meetings and just focus on the joy of good food. So good, in fact, we ended up going twice in one week. Yes, it was that irresistible.
The staff is genuinely friendly, attentive, and welcoming, making you feel like a regular even on your first visit. Fair warning: lunch hour is busy, but that’s just proof that this little gem is doing something right.
If you’ve been craving a taste of Japan, this is your spot — cozy, authentic, and utterly satisfying.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Friendly service, casual and relaxed atmosphere. Ate at tables outdoors - the snapper and donburi salmon were excellent. The free hot tea was delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love our little family-owned, sushi/teriyaki spot. Staff is incredibly friendly and the food is delicious. I don't eat sushi, but my kiddo tells me it's yummy. I love the donburri bowls, especially the beef bowl, made with rib-eye. Don't miss this quaint little restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a great little sushi place in Monterey. Food was fresh, fast and tasty. The atmosphere felt like being in someone's home - comforting. The breadth of the menu is something to behiold - it looks as if they will run out of wall space. Recommend.
Good sushi by great people!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sooooo good food and lovely staff ❤️ can’t wait to visit again
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Got the tonkatsu bento. Tasted awesome! Everyone is nice here too.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Go for the excellent Japanese food prepared by knowledgeable chefs. Service was friendly and prompt. I eat here whenever I’m in town. If you like Japanese food you will like Ocean Sushi Deli. Good value for the $$.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have been coming here since I was a little kid, they are by far the best japanese restaurant on the central coast. I always order the same thing which is the pork tonkatsu bento box which comes with rice, soup and salad. They also have really good sushi rolls, I especially like the California roll and the cucumber roll. The staff is always super kind and the restaurant is always kept very clean! If your wanting some good sushi this is the place to go! 💯🍣🍱
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Imagine walking into a sushi joint and being immediately strafed by dangling menus—floating overhead like bureaucratic jellyfish, harassing you with choice rather than offering it. You’re barely settled when a gaggle of Gen Z interlopers swoops in behind you, like extras sent to remind you of your own obsolescence.
The sushi itself? “Fine.” That death-rattle word. Hovering in the uncanny valley between above-average and below-average, it left no memory except the faint sting of disappointment. Atmosphere? Nonexistent, unless you count the fluorescent hum and the invasive proximity of strangers.
I left no tip. Not out of cruelty, but because the entire experience seemed to demand a gesture of negation. This place offers not dining but existential malaise disguised as dinner. If you value even a shred of ambiance or joy, avoid it.
Good goto spot for quick in and out food. I’d say 3.5 stars but not an option sonlean toward four instead of three
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Good, fresh food here. The menu is reasonably priced.
I got the unagi donburi (grilled bbq eel over white rice). It was really good. If you’re a fan of eel, go for this if it’s available. We also had a yakisoba, which was tasty as well. Also tried some mixed pickles, also good.
Service was pleasant. It’s a casual, order at the counter affair. Seating was slightly chaotic, it was lunchtime, but it seems to turn fast.
Having affordable sake is a plus.
If I lived nearby, I’d eat here often.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Total chaos disguised as casual dining. There’s no list, no signage, no system—just a crowd of confused people inside, trying to figure out whether they should grab a table or wait. Some guests just sit down at open spots, while others are suddenly told that people outside are ahead of them. Honestly the most confusing seating system I’ve ever encountered. When I asked how it works—just so I’d know for next time—the staff wouldn’t explain anything. One of them snapped, “That’s just how it is—because I said so.” No logic, no consistency, just attitude. And the food? Mediocre at best—nothing tasted fresh. I asked how to do it right next time, but honestly, there won’t be a next time. They also ask customers if they are local and give preferential treatment depending on the answer. Maybe they were so rude to me because they assumed I was a tourist?
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
I don't get to visit Monterey often - BUT when I do, I make Damn sure to eat a big meal at Ocean Sushi Deli. I was lucky enough to live in Japan for a few years when I was a younger man. This place is LeGiT. I can feel, smell and most importantly, Taste authentic Japanese flavors. I LOVE THIS PLACE. if you haven't been, you owe it to yourself and the ones you love to go. PEACE to All.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
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