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Tsukiji Sushi Sen
Master Critic Review
Tsukiji Sushi Sen
8.3
Named after Tokyo's legendary fish market, this Main Street spot commits to sustainable seafood and daily hand-selection from four suppliers since 2012. The chutoro, engawa, and simaaji show off pristine quality in an environment that transports regulars to Japan with each beautifully plated course.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chutoro, Engawa Sushi, Planet Earth Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Maintained an A health rating since 2012 with daily fish selection
Who should go: Sushi purists seeking authentic Tokyo-style preparation on Main Street
When to visit: Dinner for the full experience, lunch for value bento
What to order: Whatever buttery otoro and uni are available that day
Insider tip: Sake pairings are exceptional — ask about rare Japanese selections
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street can be challenging - arrive 10-15 minutes early or use public lot on 4th Street ($8 flat rate). Valet not available.
Dress code: Smart casual - locals lean polished but not formal. Dark jeans with a nice top work perfectly. Avoid beachwear despite the location.
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - designed for date night dialogue without shouting. Soft Japanese music enhances the authentic atmosphere.
Weekend wait: 60-90 minutes without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm. Reservations strongly recommended and book up 2-3 weeks ahead.
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 10-15 minutes. Tuesday-Thursday lunch is your best bet for spontaneous visits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable nigiri, cucumber rolls, and Japanese pickled selections. Chef can customize omakase with advance notice.
Vegan options: Very limited - cucumber rolls and edamame. This is primarily a seafood-focused experience, not ideal for vegans.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce contains gluten but tamari available upon request. Rice and fish are safe but cross-contamination possible in shared prep areas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for first dates - the intimate lighting and authentic Japanese ambiance create natural conversation flow. The omakase format gives you something to discuss with each course. Budget $80-120 per person to avoid awkward check moments.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches are your only realistic walk-in window. Dinner requires reservations 2-3 weeks out on weekends, 1 week for weeknights. Bar seating sometimes available for parties of 1-2 without reservation - call day-of around 4pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 12+ who appreciate sushi. The quiet, refined atmosphere doesn't accommodate loud children well. No kids menu, but teriyaki and California rolls available. Consider lunch over dinner if bringing younger diners.
How long does dinner take? Plan for 90 minutes minimum if ordering omakase, 60-75 minutes for a la carte. The pacing is intentionally slow to honor Japanese dining tradition - not ideal if you're rushing to a show.
Is the omakase worth it? Absolutely - it showcases whatever pristine cuts arrived that morning and demonstrates why locals return weekly. Starting at $85, it's competitive pricing for this quality level. Skip it only if you have specific fish aversions.
Best For
Better for: Choose Tsukiji Sen over competitors when you want sustainable sourcing transparency, Tokyo-authentic preparation without the pretension, and reliable fish quality that locals trust year after year. The sake program outclasses most Santa Monica sushi spots.
Skip if: You want creative fusion rolls, a lively social scene, or budget-friendly sushi. Head to Sugarfish for consistency at lower prices, or Hama for inventive rolls and bigger groups. Also skip if you need last-minute weekend reservations - their booking window requires planning.