22 Best Sushi Bars in Santa Monica

“Sunday brunch was amazing. the smoked salmon eggs Benedict were some of the best we have ever had. the location is ideal definitely get an ocean facing room. The staff catered our every need. We haven't even checked out yet and I believe we're about to book our next stay.“

“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“

“I have been coming to Kanpai for over 15 years. They finally opened up a location in Santa Monica. The most important Takeaway about this restaurant is the wide variety of exotic Japanese sushi sashimi. They have incredible seasonal type shellfish, and a variety of fish that you will not ordinarily get at any other sushi restaurant. I highly recommend this restaurant to the real Japanese sushi enthusiast.“

“After recently returning from Japan, we were craving Japanese and specifically, izakaya. We ordered sushi, okinomiyaki, unagi hot pot, and skewers. The sushi was fresh and delicious. The unagi hot pot may have been the star of the show and the skewers were great. The value for the quality and flavor of food felt really good!“

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

“I stayed in Santa Monica for a while and every roll I ever ordered was delicious! I HIGHLY recommend the mango roll and the rockin roll roll . The staff is very kind and are quick . All I recommend is a bigger place with more seating, we almost missed out on delicious sushi bc all seats were taken when we arrived and there is no where to wait.“

“Some of the best sushi 🍣 you will get outside of Japan.“

“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.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really good and priceable food!“

“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.“

“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“

“⭐️My Go-To Sushi Spot Every Week!

🍣This sushi restaurant has been my weekly go-to for a reason. Their sushi rolls are generously portioned, and you can really taste the chef’s creativity in every combination. Each roll feels thoughtfully designed, not just thrown together.

🍜 Comforting Udon & Healthy Choices
Whenever I’m not sure what to eat, their seafood udon soup always hits the spot—warm, flavorful, and super satisfying.

🌱 For lighter meals, their fresh sashimi and the option to switch to black rice are perfect for anyone watching their diet.

🍤 Crispy Tempura
Lately, I’ve been hooked on their mixed tempura—it’s fried to crispy perfection without feeling heavy.

The owner and staff are also incredibly kind and welcoming, which makes dining here even more enjoyable.“

“The quality of the sushi was excellent. Every item me and my sibling ordered was on point, everything. The lobster rolls and volcano rolls were delicious. Additionally ordered cucumber salad which simply was an added benefits to clean the palate after every bite. Overall an excellent late lunch with quality food! My only criticism would be the fruit flies around the table, yet that’s easy to take care of. 😎“

“Food & service was over the top amazing !“

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

“great food and atmosphere!“

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

“I was staying with friends nearby in Santa Monica and ended up walking to this spot almost every day I was in town. It was that good!!

What truly stood out was how warm and welcoming the staff was. The front lady was so sweet, she even called me Queen ❤️ and it made the whole experience feel personal and comforting.

We kept coming back for their lo mein which was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly made every single time. And I have to say… their sesame chicken? Easily some of the BEST I’ve ever had. Saucy, crispy, and unforgettable.

If you’re in the Santa Monica area, definitely stop by. I ended up there more times than I planned, which says everything.“

“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.“

“I absolutely love this place. Every time I’ve brought my dog Harry Potter (which is every visit!), we’ve both been treated with such warmth and care. One of his favourite meals is the salmon and rice dish, and when we walked in today he got so excited because he knew exactly what was coming!

The management truly go above and beyond. They remember both my name and my dog’s name every time we visit, and they’re always incredibly kind and generous — on our last visit, it was a bit chilly and the manager even lent me his jacket. The food is consistently delicious and truly great value for the price. Highly recommend!“

“Nice service and good food 🍱“