0 Followers
The Brothers Sushi Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
The Brothers Sushi Santa Monica
8.9
Chef Mark Okuda's intimate omakase bar delivers exquisite seasonal courses with over 20 years of expertise, featuring dry-aged fish from global sources. The sophisticated space with antique knife collections beneath your feet creates an unforgettable high-end experience perfect for special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Omakase Course, Dry-Aged Bluefin Tuna, Hokkaido Uni Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Dry-aged fish program and chef's meticulous attention to detail
Who should go: Couples celebrating special occasions and sushi purists
When to visit: Weekend evenings for full omakase experience
What to order: Omakase course, uni, seasonal specialties
Insider tip: Book bar seats for best chef interaction
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Montana Avenue, usually available but fills up after 6pm on weekends. Nearby public lot on 14th Street ($3/hr evenings)
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual - no shorts or athletic wear. Most diners lean dressy for the upscale atmosphere
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - perfect for conversation. Omakase bar seats especially conducive to date night dialogue
Weekend wait: Reservations essential - book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend omakase
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch service - dinner only from 5:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - omakase is seafood-focused. Can request vegetable hand rolls but not ideal for vegetarians
Vegan options: Not recommended - the experience centers entirely around premium fish and seafood
Gluten-free options: Can accommodate with advance notice - sashimi-focused courses work well, bring your own tamari
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates or anniversaries. The intimate setting and high price point ($200+ per person) creates pressure for a first date. The shared omakase experience is romantic but requires 2+ hours commitment
Can I get a table without a reservation? Extremely unlikely - they only have 12 seats total and book out weeks in advance. Try calling day-of for cancellations, best chance is early week (Tuesday-Wednesday)
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for children under 12. The omakase format requires sitting still for 2+ hours, and there's no kids menu. The refined atmosphere is geared toward adult diners
Best For
Better for: Superior fish quality and aging program compared to other Santa Monica sushi spots. More intimate and personalized than Nobu Malibu, with better value despite high prices
Skip if: You want quick casual sushi, large group dining, or have dietary restrictions. KazuNori or Sugarfish better for accessible high-quality sushi without the commitment