21 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.“

“Great food, deluxe sushi sampler is a deal that’s very hard to beat, pk3 roll is legendary (but could have crispier nori).

Staff is attentive, very friendly and helpful. Always feel welcome.

Extremely disappointed to see an ai generated image in the advertising outside. It doesn’t look like food, is gross and shows the owners are happy to cut corners where they can instead of taking a real photo of the food they make, or (even better) hiring a local photographer to hell them. A photo of a roll isn’t that hard to take, but seeing a gross ai picture is what will stop me from coming here again. I don’t want to find out what other corners the owners cut if a single photo for their lunch stand is a task too hard for them. Big yikes, Kanpai.“

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

“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.“

“Years ago our favorite sushi restaurant from the 80’s closed. Time flies, and as Santa Monica locals we have been looking for a sushi restaurant as a regular. We tried Mikomi and were SO happy. Our server Nathan was a delight, he is professional, friendly, consistent and grounded. Much appreciated his presence. The menu is vast and everything on it that we ordered so far is excellent. Looking forward to returning to try new things and reorder favorites!“

“great food and atmosphere!“

“Sunny Blue is the best! Can’t recommend it enough. All of the omusubis are amazing, but the salmon is my favorite. It’s also one of the most affordable spots on Main Street. And don’t skip the mochi — it’s SO good!“

“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.“

“Hi I loves it thanks again so much“

“Wonderful meal and great ambience and service. The attention to detail is incredible. We loved the seasonal peach Salad and baked cauliflower. The black cod we perfect and plated beautifully. The crispy Lobster tempura was the star of the night and the Toro and Hamachi sushi also excellent. Every dish was better than the last. Our server was great and all the staff have a great attitude and are so eager to please.. An exceptional experience!“

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

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

“Highly recommended ! We ordered Angel roll, California Mango, vegetarian, spider fantasy and gyoza and tea and everything was delicious! The waitress was very helpful and nice. The food was quick. Not overpriced :) the inside isn’t very comfy to sit for a long time but still good!“

“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“

“Had the #1 and it was so delicious! Definitely the most unique tasting hot dog I've ever had. Sweet and savory and beautifully presented. Customer service was fantastic and we didn't wait very long. We look forward to returning for another visit and another hot dog!!“

“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.“

“Beautifully designed space and fresh healthy ingredients! As a vegan I appreciate the yummy, healthy (not fried) tofu and all the veggie options! Easy pickup near my gym so will be back for sure on days when I’m too time crunched to cook! Ordered for pick up, it was ready very fast, but stayed to eat at the lovely tables by the windows. You could also sit outside on the nice street tables.“

“I noticed a difference in the freshness of the steam veggies as well as the tenderness of the chicken. Don't know if this is the result of suggestions I tried to pass regarding the vegetables, but regardless, this time around the veggies were steamed to perfection.“

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

“Nice service and good food 🍱“