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.“

“Amazing Japanese restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious and full of flavor. The atmosphere was warm, relaxing, and very inviting, making the whole dining experience even better. Everything we tried was fresh and well prepared. Definitely a place we would happily visit again and recommend to anyone looking for great Japanese food.“

“Hi I loves it thanks again so much“

“My dinner at Kanpai Sushi in Santa Monica was nothing short of extraordinary. Chef Yoshi is a true master sushi chef. While he may not be new to the craft, his skill, precision, and deep understanding of traditional sushi brought me back to a time when sushi was simply done right.

In fact, Chef Yoshi could probably serve me a shoelace, and it would be the best thing I’ve ever eaten.

Everything was exceptionally fresh. The wasabi had a vibrant freshness that elevated every bite, and the ginger practically melted in my mouth. I sampled as much toro as I could possibly eat, along with an incredible selection of fish that showcased Chef Yoshi’s mastery and attention to detail.

The Kumamoto oysters were so delicious they made me want to kiss my fingers and thank the heavens. The uni was phenomenal and remains one of my favorite bites of the evening. However, the biggest surprise was the seared salmon belly. It was my first time trying salmon prepared that way, and it absolutely blew my mind.

Instead of ending the meal with dessert, I finished with a hand roll that combined fresh tuna and crispy shrimp tempura, topped with eel sauce. The contrast of cool, fresh tuna and warm, crunchy shrimp tempura created an unforgettable bite and was a complete game changer.

I’ve been eating sushi since I was 18 years old, and now well into my 50s, I can confidently say this is the best sushi restaurant I have ever experienced. Beyond the incredible food, the staff was attentive, professional, and genuinely respectful throughout the entire evening.

I have officially found my favorite sushi spot.

Thank you, Chef Yoshi. I’ll be back very soon.

— Linda“

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

“I just wanted to share my amazing experience at Mon Roll House because they truly deserve it. I’ve been coming here every Saturday and Sunday for the past 2 months, and honestly, it has become one of my favorite places.

From the very beginning, the staff have been so friendly, kind, and welcoming. They don’t just treat you like a customer—they treat you like family. Every time I walk in, I feel comfortable, cared for, and genuinely happy to be there.

The food is absolutely incredible—truly one of a kind. As a chef myself, I really appreciate good quality food, and I can honestly say everything here is always fresh, full of flavor, and made with so much care. You can really taste the quality and passion in every dish, and it never disappoints no matter how many times I come back.

What makes this place even more special is the atmosphere. It’s warm, inviting, and just gives you that feeling of home. That’s why I keep coming back every weekend.

I highly, highly recommend Mon Roll House to anyone looking for not just great food, but also a place where you feel valued and welcomed. This place is really special to me, and I’ll definitely keep coming back ❤️“

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

“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!“

“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 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.“

“⭐️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. 😎“

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

“Food & service was over the top amazing !“

“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!“

“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.“

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

“This review is long overdue: One of my favorite places to dine in Santa Monica! Tasty food. Friendly service. I love their new weekend menu and n/a Nina-Colada. My friend had the steak and baby back ribs, which tempted me to go non-Vegan for the occasion. It's one of the best places to bring your canine friend with their covered outdoor seating, and view of the Fairmont across the street. It's my birthday month, so I'm hoping to go back soon, and bring my other friends.“

“Nice service and good food 🍱“