Famous for its sprawling beach and lively streets, Santa Monica is one of the must-visit destinations in California. Over the years, this wonderful town never lost its beach town soul even after all the developments it underwent, including the establishment of luxurious beachfront hotels, high-end boutiques, and food destinations. One of the most enjoyable things about this lovely place is that you’ll get to experience the best of both worlds; expansive California beaches plus a fancy, city-within-a-city experience. There are a lot of things to experience and places to see that await your arrival, apart from a dip in the sea and luxurious accommodation. And if you’re a big fan of food trips, Santa Monica won’t disappoint. If ever you need dining recommendations, check out our list below of the top Japanese restaurants in Santa Monica, California, for a new flavor.
1. Takuma
Experience authentic Japanese dishes without going to the country itself by visiting one of the best Japanese restaurants in Santa Monica, Takuma. Named after its chef, Takuma brings a Japanese-style pub vibe to the West for locals to enjoy. When it comes to the look of the inside, everything about the diner is in great condition. With dim lighting and wood tables and chairs set up in an expansive room, the place has an intimate and warm environment, ideal for dates. As for the menu, expect similar kinds of beer-friendly bites including okonomiyaki, tonkatsu, chicken karaage, and more.
Takuma
Address: 2627 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403, United States
Website: Takuma
Opening hours: 6pm - 11pm (daily)
2. Sushi Roku
One of the favorite dining spots among both locals and visitors alike, Sushi Roku features the finest freshest fish dishes, caught from pristine waters around the globe. The food here is served using unique plating techniques to please the eyes of the customers. Everything about the dishes comprise a combination of traditional Japanese food and a splash of Californian innovation. True to its name, Sushi Roku provides different contemporary sushi servings with unique flavors that will surely make your mouth water with just the sight of it. Some of the dishes you shouldn’t miss are white lotus roll, Hakata ramen, and the sushi combo. For a better offer, you can choose to avail of its sushi family pack, where you can save money and indulge in different treats.
Sushi Roku
Address: 1401 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
Website: Sushi Roku
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 5pm - 10pm; Sun - Tue: 5pm - 9pm
3. Benihana
Experience Japanese cuisine like no other at the famous Benihana, Santa Monica. Situated a block away from Third Street Promenade nearby the scenic Santa Monica Pier, Benihana is an ideal place for casual and romantic dining. Apart from that, guests will have the pleasure of enjoying a live demonstration of their personal chef showing the art of teppanyaki while seated at shared hibachi grill tables. One of the best things about this restaurant is its extensive menu that features almost every Japanese delicacy that will surely satisfy your cravings. From mouth-watering steak and tender chicken to succulent seafood; you’ll have your stomach full in no time. And if you’re a big fan of sushi and sashimi, head to the upstairs sushi bar.
Benihana
Address: 1447 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
Website: Benihana
Opening hours:Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri: 11:30am - 11pm; Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 10pm
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4. SUGARFISH by Sushi Nozawa
One thing that regulars commend SUGARFISH by Sushi Nozawa for is its warm and inviting environment, which makes dining more enjoyable and pleasing. With a minimalist decor featuring connected wood tables and high chairs, grey and white wallings, and an open-type kitchen. it looks like an authentic Japanese restaurant. Inviting all sushi enthusiasts to SUGARFISH; there is a lot for you to relish here. It serves up insanely fresh fish paired with warm sweet rice which you’ll get hooked onto like every other customer who has eaten here before. Be sure to try its “Trust Me” omakase, which is the recommended section of the menu. For a more high-end and intimate experience, venture to the Nozawa Bar.
SUGARFISH by Sushi Nozawa
Address: 1345 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
Website: SUGARFISH by Sushi Nozawa
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm
5. KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar
A newly-opened offshoot of the sushi food chain of SUGARFISH, KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar is a promising Japanese dining spot in Santa Monica that offers some of the best food. Located downtown, this restaurant is solely dedicated to its founding sushi chef Kazunori Nozawa’s tasty hand rolls. Featuring a 24-seat sushi bar, styled with white tiles and polished wood, customers will have a comfortable and delightful dining experience at this restaurant. And if you’re looking for a quality, affordable, and fast-casual sushi encounter, KazuNori is the place to be.
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar
Address: 120 Broadway #104, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
Website: KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 10pm
6. Noma
Experience the taste of Japan right in the neighborhood of Santa Monica at Noma, where delicious dishes are served to customers’ delight and pleasure. One of the hidden gems of the city, Noma, is a Japanese restaurant that offers all the authentic dishes you can think of, from delectable sushi dishes to meat and produce. Each dish is remarkably presented, ideal for posting to your social media accounts. Apart from offering quality service, one of the things you’ll come to love about this sushi house is its friendly atmosphere and its spaciousness. In case you decide to give Noma a visit, make sure to try its omakase specials.
Noma
Address: 2031 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403, United States
Website: Noma
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri: 11:30am - 10:30pm; Sat: 12pm - 10:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 10pm
7. Kimuya
One of the locals’ favorites, Kimuya Sushi Restaurant & Bar, is famous for its fresh and inspired Japanese delicacies served in a relaxed and inviting environment. Conveniently located near downtown, Kimuya is ideal for first-timers since it offers a plethora of Japanese dishes to choose from, including gyoza dumplings, deep-fried oysters, sushi roll, and thick udon noodles. For customers who are a big fan of rice, the restaurant’s beef teriyaki dinner with miso soup and chicken teriyaki bowl served atop sushi rice are heavenly. And when craving something spicy, albacore delight with spicy mixed fish is the food to order. To complete your meal, pair your sushi with a Japanese beer.
Kimuya
Address: 2830 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403, United States
Website: Kimuya
Opening hours: 4pm - 8pm (daily)
8. Nonstop Sushi & Sake Bar
Are you one of those people who can eat Japanese food all day? If yes, then we know just the right place for you. Nonstop Sushi & Sake Bar in Santa Monica is the answer to your dream of non-stop sushi. One of the things that make Nonstop Sushi & Sake Bar different from the others is that you won’t need to worry about empty plates. With its all-you-can-eat sushi promo, you’ll surely have your fill of all flavors without worrying about the cost. Its sushi varies from simple California rolls to octopus nigiri sushi; you can make your platter of joys as colorful as you like. Cooked options are also diverse, from appetizers, combo dinners to noodles and side dishes.
Nonstop Sushi & Sake Bar
Address: 2645 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States
Website: Nonstop Sushi & Sake Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm
9. Sunny Blue
Tucked into a small space on Main Street in Santa Monica, Sunny Blue is an eco-friendly Japanese store that serves the best omusibi (Japanese style rice balls) in town. For customers looking for Japanese dishes perfect for a quick lunch or snack-on-the-go, this charming street-food restaurant is an ideal place to check out. Rolling the tastiest rice balls made with different seasonings as well as great sauces to use as dips, Sunny Blue offers this tasty Japanese snack for a reasonable price. Although the place is small in size, the hands-on experience it offers makes up for it.
Sunny Blue
Address: 2728 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States
Website: Sunny Blue
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
10. Ninjin
Boasting a cozy setting perfect for relaxing and relishing a meal, Ninjin Japanese Restaurant offers both Japanese and Korean cuisines that will surely please your eyes as well as your tummy. Ideal for romantic dates and group gatherings, this restaurant provides customers the best of freshly prepared dishes. From appetizers that include edamame, baked mussels, and miso soup to an array of flavorful sushi rolls, including low-calorie ones, you won’t run out of new treats to try. Throughout the week, Ninjin’s chefs make it a top priority to prepare something new and unique for customers to feast on. The Happy Hour menu is also something to look forward to, with its menu of drinks like sake, wine, and beer.
Ninjin
Address: 607 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
Website: Ninjin
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 9pm; Sat: 12pm - 9pm; Sun: 5pm - 9pm
Indulge in new flavors at Santa Monica
Whether you’re looking for your next adventure or food destination, Santa Monica is always a great option to experience the best of both. Explore all there is that this charming town has to offer, including the white sandy beaches, the sunny weather, and food options that never end. And if you haven’t tried international dishes, this is your chance. Widen your food palette by checking out some of the top Japanese restaurants in the city.
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