Best Japanese Restaurants in Culver City (90066)
7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
8.4
A small, polished sushi-izakaya pairing careful nigiri and sashimi with inventive hot plates. It’s a splurge-leaning neighborhood spot where the fish quality leads and the kitchen backs it up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal nigiri selection, Omakase sashimi set, Scallop dynamite
What makes it special: High-end fish with an izakaya side of creative small plates.
8.3
An intimate hand-roll and kushiyaki counter from the JINYA group that focuses on warm temaki served moments after being rolled. The compact room and set menus make it feel like a guided tasting without losing neighborhood casualness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature hand roll set (3x3 or 4x4), Bluefin toro hand roll, Binchotan-grilled negima skewer
What makes it special: Temaki-first menu where each roll is built to be eaten immediately.
#3
Sunny Blue
8.2
A tiny omusubi/onigiri specialist that’s become a Westside staple, backed by very high review volume and steady ratings. The rice is well-seasoned and fillings range from classic to playful, making it a go-to for quick Japanese comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mentaiko omusubi, Spicy salmon omusubi, Kitsune udon
What makes it special: Onigiri-first shop with proven consistency at high scale.
#4
Uo Nigiri
8.1
An intimate omakase-leaning sushi counter led by owner-chef Yusuke Irie, a former fish wholesaler with strong sourcing chops. The vibe is simple and focused on pristine nigiri and seasonal cuts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s nigiri omakase, Chutoro and otoro flights, Seasonal uni bites
What makes it special: Fish-wholesaler-turned-chef delivering clean, market-driven nigiri.
Worthy Picks
#5
Tomi Sushi
7.9
A long-running Mar Vista standby for classic rolls and straightforward nigiri at fair prices. The draw is reliability—fresh fish, quick pacing, and a menu that stays comfortingly familiar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon avocado roll, Chirashi bowl, Yellowtail jalapeño
What makes it special: Dependable neighborhood sushi with a big menu and steady execution.
#6
Shojin
7.8
A fully plant-based, gluten-free Japanese restaurant that rethinks sushi through vegetables, tofu, and inventive sauces. It’s best for people who want sushi structure without seafood, in a calm, candlelit room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy ‘tuna’ crispy rice (tofu-based), Vegan sushi tasting set, Truffle soy ramen
What makes it special: Creative vegan sushi that still feels like a full Japanese meal.
#7
Sakura House
7.7
A small, nighttime-only yakitori and small-plates spot with a warm, low-key feel. Skewers come out well-seasoned and smoky, and the tight menu keeps quality steady.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon-wrapped asparagus yakitori, Chicken meatball stuffed mushrooms, Agedashi tofu
What makes it special: Yakitori-centric menu that feels like a local after-dark secret.