The history of sushi began around the eighth century in Asia, and it has ever since been an indisputable trademark of Asian cuisine that has rapidly spread all over the world. Sushi refers to a dish of vinegar-infused rice with different toppings and fillings, including but not limited to raw fish. Asians have taken the sushi-making process to the rank of art, and they need years to perfect their skills. Luckily, today we can savor this tasty dish anywhere in the world, and California is no exception. Join us as we explore some of the best sushi restaurants in Santa Monica, which combine authentic Asian ingredients and recipes and give them a Californian twist.
1. Noma
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Noma is a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar located on Wilshire Boulevard, in Santa Monica. Their menu includes a variety of baked, fresh, and tempura rolls, noodles, sushi, and maki. Their specials include Unagi Don, Black Truffle Salmon, and Garlic Lover’s Albacore. Guests can start off with a cold or hot appetizer, and then try one of the many finger-licking delicacies on the menu. There are also some vegetarian-friendly options on the list.
Noma
Address: 2031 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
Website: Noma
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri: 11:30am - 10:30pm; Sat: 12pm - 10:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 10pm
2. KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
At KazuNori clients can order for delivery or dine in the restaurant. With several locations in New York and Los Angeles, the KazuNori in Santa Monica prides itself with an unwavering commitment to quality. They use only fresh ingredients and serve handmade products. The menu includes sashimi, hand rolls, and the famous sake drink. Clients recommend the Salmon Sashimi, the Bay Scallop Hand Roll, and the Lobster Hand Roll.
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar
Address: 120 Broadway #104, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 10pm
3. Kimuya
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If it’s Happy Hour, there’s no better place to be than at Kimuya. They have an excellent selection of drinks and food, and their Happy Hour happens daily between 04:00 pm and 11:00 pm, and all day Saturday and Sunday. Their menus include anything from appetizers, salads, and sushi to tempura specials and dessert. Make sure you check out their selection of Tempura ice creams.
Kimuya
Address: 2830 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
Website: Kimuya
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 04:00pm - 11:00pm; Sun: 04:00pm - 10:00pm
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4. Sushi Roku Santa Monica
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Sushi Roku in Santa Monica is one of the top sushi restaurants in California, combining the taste of traditional sushi with a touch of Californian innovation, for an exquisite fine dining experience. The restaurant serves a mix of hot and cold appetizers and a selection of exotic entrees, and is literally steps from the beach.
Sushi Roku Santa Monica
Address: 1401 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: Sushi Roku Santa Monica
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 10pm; Thu: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 05:30pm - 10:30pm; Fri: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 11:00pm; Sat: 12:00pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 11:30pm
5. Sushi King
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re in Santa Monica and craving sushi or wanting to get a taste of authentic Asian cuisine, head over to Sushi King on Wilshire Boulevard. Clients who have tried their dishes love their Yellowtail, Sashimi, Sweet Shrimp, and Monkfish Liver.
Sushi King
Address: 1330 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, California, 90403
Website: Sushi King
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 5:30pm - 10:30pm; Sun: 5:30pm - 10:00pm (closed on Mon)
6. Nonstop Sushi & Sake Bar
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Nonstop Sushi & Sake Bar is ideal for clients that want to order online and just go and pick up their order, or those looking for an all-you-can-eat alternative. Some of the hits on their menu include the Jessica Alba Roll (yes, you read it right), the Popcorn Lobster Roll, the Obama Care Roll, and the Baked Salmon Roll. They also serve salads, combos, noodles, and dessert rolls.
Nonstop Sushi & Sake Bar
Address: 2645 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Website: Nonstop Sushi & Sake Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 10:00pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 11:00pm; Sun: 12:00pm - 09:00pm
7. Sugarfish
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Sugarfish doesn’t take reservations, but you won’t regret waiting for a table. Their menu, although rather simple, only uses the highest quality ingredients, put together to recreate traditional Japanese dishes with a modern twist. Guests get to choose between three core options called Trust Me, which include different kinds of sushi, sashimi, rolls, and edamame.
Sugarfish
Address: 1345 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: Sugarfish
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm
8. Sushi Hanashi
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica is home to Sushi Hanashi, another top choice for Asian food in Santa Monica. Dining at Sushi Hanashi is an experience from beginning to end; the food is delicious and always fresh, the prices are affordable, and the owners are extremely attentive to their clients’ needs. Some of their most-ordered dishes include the Santa Monica Roll, the Hanashi Roll, and the Red Blossom Roll.
Sushi Hanashi
Address: 1928 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Website: Sushi Hanashi
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 10:30pm; Sat: 01:00pm - 10:30pm; Sun: 01:00pm - 10:00pm
9. Tsukiji Sushi Sen
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Tsukiji Sushi Sen prides themselves with top-quality, sustainable fish and excellent service. They serve appetizers, salads, soups, rice bowls, sushi, sashimi, and a long list of rolls. Some of the most ordered dishes include the Popcorn Lobster Roll, the Shrimp Tempura Roll, and the Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna.
Tsukiji Sushi Sen
Address: 2915 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Website: Tsukiji Sushi Sen
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 11pm
10. Mon Roll House Sushi
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
With Mon Roll House Sushi, Asian cuisine aficionados can savor a variety of delicious dishes wherever they want, as the restaurant offers on-site dining, takeout, and delivery options. They only use high-quality fresh ingredients and present them in a modern interpretation of classic, traditional Asian dishes. Their menu includes anything from maki, sashimi, sushi, and soups to appetizers, vegetarian options, tropical fusions, and desserts.
Mon Roll House Sushi
Address: 1509 4th St., Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: Mon Roll House Sushi
Opening hours: 11:30am - 09:30pm (daily)
A taste of Santa Monica's Asian cuisine with a twist
The history and tradition of authentic Asian cuisine has spread all over the world, and Santa Monica is no exception. Here, both locals and travelers can try finger-licking sushi, sashimi, maki, and rolls, all crafted with the finest ingredients, following traditional recipes, but with a modern twist. Check out these top restaurants in Santa Monica, California, to see (and taste) for yourself.
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