20 Best Japanese Restaurants in Santa Monica

“This was my second time at Shunji and since it was so consistent, I thought I should give it a shout out. You may miss it if you aren’t paying attention, nestled behind a non-discrete door on Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica, Shunji Japanese Cuisine is a Michelin-starred gem that redefines the art of sushi dining. Chef Shunji Nakao is a legend and this intimate restaurant offers an omakase experience that is as unforgettable as it is refined.

The heart of Shunji’s allure lies in its sushi, which showcases decades of expertise as one of Los Angeles’ sushi pioneers. Each piece of nigiri is a testament to his meticulous attention to detail, with fish sourced primarily from Japan to ensure unparalleled freshness. Shunji’s (somewhat new Santa Monica location) is a departure from its former chili bowl-shaped home on Pico Boulevard, embraces a minimalist aesthetic that keeps the focus on the food and quaint experience. The space is divided into two small rooms, each with a blonde wood counter that seats just seven, creating an atmosphere of exclusivity and intimacy. Soft jazz hums in the background, and a wall of orchids adds a touch of elegance, celebrating the restaurant’s decade-long legacy. The service is impeccable, with staff (one Shunji’s wife) moving gracefully to anticipate every need, from refilling sake glasses to presenting dishes on stunning ceramic plates.

Shunji is more than a restaurant; it’s a destination The sushi is exceptional, the ambiance serene, and the overall experience a masterclass in hospitality.“

“This place is awesome! I’m so confused as to why there’s not more people in here right now. The staff is so friendly and were welcoming from the moment I walked in! The food was incredible, and even rivals what I have had in Japan. Stop here if you can!“

“Best sushi and miso soup we've had so far!“

“Glad Hurry Curry has reopened after closing their Sawtelle location. if you are new and don't know what to order, try the chicken cutlet curry and the Chicken pasta with Alfredo sauce. The curry is bold and savory. make sure to request picked vegetables for the curry. the chicken pasta is also rich and savory. both dishes complement each other without repeating the same experience. the portions are large so bring friends or bring home plenty of portions for leftovers.“

“great food and atmosphere!“

“After attending an event across the street, lunch was the next item on the schedule. Not wanting to venture far, I appreciated Mikomi's proximity to where I was and appreciated their lunch special offerings. They have a spacious interior, so our table of two didn't wait at all for a mid-weekend lunch and we got the last booth facing the main street.

I originally eyed the bento boxes, but got won over by the chirashi lite ($23.95), which also comes with a small salad. It came with rice, seaweed salad, tamago, shrimp, masago, and four kinds of mixed sashimi (with 2 pieces each). Really refreshing and filling, just enough that I had nothing left over but enough for me to be full!

If you share your photos on Yelp or Google, you can also supplement your meal with some ice cream or ramune. Since I was full, I opted for the ramune.

There are public parking structures within walking distance with the first 90 minutes free, or you can find metered street parking, or get regular street parking if you go further. Mikomi is towards the tail end of 3rd Street Promenade, so it's also a nice walk away from shopping and the beach and pier!“

“First discovered musabi’s in Hawaii and was excited to find this spot in Santa Monica. The shop is small with no seating, but the food is the real draw. Great selection, fresh and flavorful, and perfect for a quick snack. Love the Santa Monica vibe, a fun place to grab a bite before heading to the beach“

“Found this restaurant in March and just returned for Mother’s Day dinner xoxoxo Great quality food and drinks, very pleasant staff!!! Authentic Japanese food items plus a touch of personality of its own makes their menu awesome and unique. We will come back for many many more.“

“Luv, Luv Luv this place! Everything was fantastic!“

“I have travelled to Japan 10x in 2 years, this is on par if not better food wise than any trip to Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto. The authenticity as it relates to the space, the chefs, even the toilet makes me feel like I’m thousands of miles away. You’d be doing yourself a disservice not coming here.“

“Hi I loves it thanks again so much“

“Great sushi place. Did one of the several course tasting options.“

“What an absolute gem of a sushi house!

Great location right by the prominade
Seats were comfy and the atmosphere was wonderful
The waitress was very kind and attentive.

And the sushi, omg the sushi.
I had the tsunami fushion and it was delicious. A brilliant and original combination of flavors, just the right portion, and it looked like a work of art.

Very reasonably priced as well!

Thank you Mon Roll, will definitely be back 🍣💜“

“Sausage has a texture that snaps and breaks apart as you sink your teeth in it. Explodes with flavours that complements each other well. Bonito flakes and Japanese mayo adds a simple and effective Japanese fusion twist on the classic hotdog.“

“Sweetfin Poke in Santa Monica delivered exactly what I was craving—a super fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal without the heaviness. I stopped in for a late lunch and built my own bowl with spicy tuna, bamboo rice, avocado, pickled shiitake mushrooms, crispy onions, and their creamy togarashi sauce, and every bite was spot-on. The fish tasted incredibly fresh, the toppings were vibrant and varied in texture, and the portions were generous without being overwhelming. The space itself is bright and minimal, and the service was quick but friendly—they helped me navigate the menu and offered great suggestions. I also grabbed one of their sparkling yuzu lemonades which was the perfect balance of tart and refreshing. It’s clear Sweetfin takes pride in quality ingredients and thoughtful combinations, and it’s the kind of place you can go multiple times a week without ever getting bored.“

“Manager KI Bae is a true Service oriented Manager, his attention to detail, customer service was beyond exceptional. His genuine sincerity is a true testament there is still individuals that care about their performance. The entire staff was great and the main reason why we frequently attend the Santa Monica location“

“This is a delicious place for dinner, snack, treats, or Boba! I'm so glad we found it! The staff were friendly, the restaurant was clean and the food was fresh and came out quickly! All utensils and plates are eco friendly too. The price was also family friendly.“

“The line moved fairly quickly, and the busy crowd did not take away from the quality of service i received. The place was very clean, and the food was DELICIOUS... We were greeted and helped by Guadalupe, a short little mexican jumping bean with thick black hair and a kind face... she greeted us with a smile and was very informative with the menu. I got the teriyaki chicken plate.“

“Nice service and good food 🍱“

“Great fresh food. Large portions and friendly staff.“