Any insider tips for Shunji Japanese Cuisine?

Book Chef Miki's counter at $250 if Shunji's $280 seats are full

What should I order at Shunji Japanese Cuisine?

Trust the $295 omakase — it's the only option

When should I visit Shunji Japanese Cuisine?

Reserve 2 weeks ahead, dinner only Tuesday-Saturday

Who should go to Shunji Japanese Cuisine?

Special occasion diners seeking LA's finest sushi

Any insider tips for Sunny Blue?

Limited seating - plan for takeout or outdoor bench

What should I order at Sunny Blue?

Try miso mushroom, curry chicken, and spicy tuna

When should I visit Sunny Blue?

Weekday lunch to avoid weekend waits

Who should go to Sunny Blue?

Beach-goers, health-conscious eaters, on-the-go crowd

Any insider tips for Miyako Restaurant?

The ramen broth is among Santa Monica's best — order half-size

What should I order at Miyako Restaurant?

Premium sushi combo when they're cutting fresh bluefin tuna

When should I visit Miyako Restaurant?

Weekday lunch for $5 specials and bento deals

Who should go to Miyako Restaurant?

Families and groups wanting both sushi and cooked options

Any insider tips for Sushi Hanashi?

The California roll is surprisingly decadent with ultra-fresh crab

What should I order at Sushi Hanashi?

Lunch special: salad, 8-piece sushi platter, and hand roll

When should I visit Sushi Hanashi?

3-5pm happy hour for one-third off entire menu

Who should go to Sushi Hanashi?

Sushi lovers seeking quality without fine-dining prices

Any insider tips for JINYA Ramen Bar?

Outdoor firepit seating books fast on cool evenings

What should I order at JINYA Ramen Bar?

Tonkotsu Black, add crispy chicken, takoyaki appetizer

When should I visit JINYA Ramen Bar?

Weeknights before 6:30pm to avoid crowds

Who should go to JINYA Ramen Bar?

Groups, ramen enthusiasts, casual diners seeking atmosphere

Any insider tips for Yoshinoya?

Under-$5 menu offers best value in Santa Monica

What should I order at Yoshinoya?

Original Beef Bowl with vegetables, chicken teriyaki

When should I visit Yoshinoya?

Anytime for fast service under 10 minutes

Who should go to Yoshinoya?

Budget diners, quick lunch crowd, comfort food seekers

Best Japanese Restaurants in Santa Monica (90405)

6 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Essential Picks

#1 Shunji Japanese Cuisine

9.3

$$$$ Ocean Park

Vibes: Luxury Dining Elite Date Night Magic Hidden Gems Heaven

Michelin-starred omakase experience from LA sushi veteran Chef Shunji Nakao, showcasing seasonal fish sourced primarily from Japan. The intimate 12-seat minimalist space features two counters with blonde wood, where each nigiri reflects decades of edomae expertise.

Must-Try Dishes: Aged Tuna Nigiri, Blackthroat Seaperch, Toro Hand Roll

What makes it special: Michelin-starred omakase from a Matsuhisa original chef with two-decade mastery

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Notable Picks

#2 Sunny Blue

8.1

$ Main Street

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Hidden Gems Heaven Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Healthy Haven

California's pioneering omusubi specialist crafts Japanese rice balls fresh daily with unexpected fillings like curry chicken and spicy salmon. The eco-conscious counter-service spot transforms grab-and-go into an art form with rice balls wrapped in crispy nori.

Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Curry Omusubi, Spicy Salmon Omusubi, Miso Beef Curry

What makes it special: First and only dedicated omusubi shop in Southern California since 2010

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Worthy Picks

#3 Miyako Restaurant

7.9

$$ Ocean Park

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Comfort Food Classics Hidden Gems Heaven

Woman-owned neighborhood sushi spot delivering reliable Japanese comfort for 20 years with approachable omakase and family-friendly bento boxes. The cozy izakaya atmosphere attracts regulars who appreciate fresh fish at reasonable prices.

Must-Try Dishes: Chef's Omakase, Rainbow Roll, Tonkotsu Ramen

What makes it special: Diverse Japanese-Korean menu with premium fish at neighborhood prices

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#4 Sushi Hanashi

7.8

$$ Mid-City

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Happy Hour Hotspots Solo Dining Sanctuaries Quick Bites Champions

Authentic neighborhood sushi bar serving decadent California rolls and fresh nigiri with warm hospitality since 2013. The intimate counter-style setting features extensive sake selection and generous lunch specials.

Must-Try Dishes: Santa Monica Roll, Hanashi Roll, Salmon Sashimi Salad

What makes it special: Huge fish portions on nigiri that locals return to weekly

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#5 JINYA Ramen Bar

7.7

$$ Main Street

Vibes: Trendy Table Hotspots Group Dining Gatherings Outdoor Dining Oasis Family Friendly Favorites

Contemporary ramen chain serving 20-hour simmered tonkotsu broths with handcrafted noodles in sleek modern space. The heated outdoor patio with firepit creates lively atmosphere for customizable bowls and crispy fried chicken.

Must-Try Dishes: Tonkotsu Black Ramen, JINYA Bun, Japanese Fried Chicken

What makes it special: Firepit-centered patio creates social ramen experience near beach

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#6 Yoshinoya

7.5

$ Pico

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Late Night Legends

Legacy Japanese fast-food chain serving signature gyudon beef bowls since 1899 with speedy service and eco-friendly packaging. The no-frills counter-service format delivers affordable comfort food for quick meals.

Must-Try Dishes: Original Gyudon Beef Bowl, Tokyo Fried Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

What makes it special: 125-year legacy recipe with secret sauce known to only three people

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