23 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“

“We had a great experience at our first time visit here. We celebrated my son's birthday and brought in a cake. The food was amazing except for the Alaskan salmon that they substituted from what we originally ordered. They have an all day happy hour on Monday to Thursday. The service was excellent and the servers even sang happy birthday when they brought out the cake. The place was nice and clean and it wasn't crowded when we dined. The only problem was the people on the next table were too loud and there was no wall dividing them to our table so the guy sitting behind my son's girlfriend keeps on bumping into her every time he moved. We will definitely go back here.“

“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!“

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

“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 🍣💜“

“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.“

“⭐️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.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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.“

“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 !“

“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!“

“great food and atmosphere!“

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

“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’m a foodie and I’m pretty picky. This is just small little place but the food is so tasty and the price is right. I had the shrimp and broccoli and a garlic sauce delicious and the egg flour soup they even have crispy noodles to put in it. And I have to say an egg roll should be crispy and they sure is. Go now!!!“

“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 🍱“