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Soko Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Soko Sushi
8.9
Chef Masa Shimakawa's intimate sushi bar inside the Fairmont Miramar delivers refined Edomae-style technique with pristine fish flown in from Japan. The 12-course nigiri omakase showcases seasonal selections with house-aged rice and real wasabi, creating an elevated experience that rivals Tokyo's finest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bluefin Tuna Trio Roll, Hokkaido Scallop Nigiri, Shimakawa Special Maki
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Hotel hideaway with master chef from Hokkaido using traditional aging techniques
Who should go: Serious sushi aficionados seeking authenticity
When to visit: Weekend evenings for full omakase experience
What to order: 12-course omakase, aged bluefin, sea urchin
Insider tip: Request bar seating to watch Chef Shimakawa's knife work
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet $25, self-park garage $18 with validation, street parking scarce
Dress code: Business casual minimum, no shorts/flip-flops, most diners in evening attire
Noise level: Hushed intimate - perfect for conversation
Weekend wait: No walk-ins accepted, book 2-3 weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: Limited lunch service Thu-Fri only, reservation required
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - cucumber/avocado rolls, inari, vegetable tempura
Vegan options: Minimal - advance notice required for modifications
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available, omakase can be modified with 24hr notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent if you're both sushi lovers - intimate bar seating creates natural conversation, but the $200+ per person price point sets high expectations
Can I get a table without a reservation? Nearly impossible - they only have 14 seats total. Book on Resy at midnight when slots open 30 days out
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for children under 12 - no kids menu, quiet atmosphere expects dining etiquette, omakase takes 2+ hours
Best For
Better for: Traditional Edomae technique and rare aged fish you won't find at trendy spots - this is for purists who appreciate subtlety over fusion rolls
Skip if: You want creative rolls, spicy mayo, or tempura-fried everything - try Sugarfish or KazuNori for approachable sushi instead
Soko Sushi
9.1
Master sushi chef Masa Shimakawa delivers an extraordinary omakase experience from an intimate storeroom setting at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. The restaurant honors the 2,000-year tradition of narezushi with impeccable technique and the finest fish from Hokkaido and beyond.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef's Omakase, Hokkaido Scallop Nigiri, Toro with Aged Soy
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Chef Masa's Hokkaido heritage brings rare fish preparations to Santa Monica
Who should go: Serious sushi connoisseurs seeking authenticity
When to visit: Weekend dinners for the full omakase journey
What to order: Omakase tasting, seasonal specials, aged sake pairings
Insider tip: Request bar seating to watch Chef Masa's knife work
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet at Fairmont Miramar $18, self-parking $12 with validation, limited street parking on Ocean Ave
Dress code: Smart casual to business - no shorts or flip-flops, most diners dress up for the experience
Noise level: Quiet and intimate - perfect for conversation, hushed reverence for the chef's craft
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - books 2-3 weeks out for prime omakase slots
Weekday lunch: Not offered - dinner service only starting at 5:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extremely limited - omakase is fish-focused, can request vegetable nigiri with advance notice
Vegan options: Not recommended - the experience centers on premium seafood
Gluten-free options: Yes with advance notice - chef can prepare with tamari and modify certain courses
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent if they appreciate fine dining - the intimate bar seating and shared omakase experience creates natural conversation, though the $300+ per person price point sets high expectations
Can I get a table without a reservation? Nearly impossible - only 14 seats total and regulars book weeks ahead. Try calling day-of for cancellations or arrive at 5:30pm sharp for potential bar spots
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for children under 12 - the reverent atmosphere, 2+ hour seating, and sophisticated preparations are better appreciated by teens and adults
Best For
Better for: Authentic Hokkaido fish preparations you won't find elsewhere in LA, watching true knife mastery up close, sake pairings that rival Japan
Skip if: You prefer creative fusion rolls, want a lively atmosphere, need options under $200 per person, or don't eat raw fish
Soko Sushi
8.7
Intimate 8-seat omakase counter inside Fairmont Miramar Hotel where Chef Masa Shimakawa delivers a masterclass in traditional technique. The exclusive setting and meticulous presentation of each piece creates an Instagram-worthy theatrical dining experience with playful wall murals adding artistic flair.
Must-Try Dishes:
Masa's Dream Box Omakase, Hokkaido Scallop Nigiri, A5 Wagyu Sushi
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: LA's most exclusive 8-seat sushi counter in luxury hotel setting
Who should go: Omakase enthusiasts seeking intimate chef interactions
When to visit: Tuesday-Saturday dinner for full experience
What to order: Trust the chef - Masa's Dream Box omakase
Insider tip: Reserve all 8 seats for private group experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet at Fairmont Miramar $18, self-parking $15 with validation
Dress code: Smart casual to business - no shorts, lean upscale for hotel setting
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for conversation with only 8 seats
Weekend wait: Reservation required - no walk-ins for 8-seat counter
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch - dinner service only
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - chef may accommodate with advance notice
Vegan options: Not recommended - omakase format centers on fish
Gluten-free options: Yes with advance notice - chef can modify with tamari
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent if they appreciate fine dining - intimate 8-seat setting creates memorable experience but can feel intense for casual daters
Can I get a table without a reservation? No - with only 8 seats, advance reservations are essential, book 2-3 weeks ahead minimum
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for children under 12 - intimate counter setting and 2+ hour omakase pace better suited for adults
Best For
Better for: Most intimate chef interaction in LA with personalized attention at 8-seat counter vs 20+ at other omakase spots
Skip if: You want variety and à la carte options - this is chef's choice only with set progression