Best Hidden Gems Heaven Japanese Restaurants in Mar Vista
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Sunny Blue
The first made-to-order onigiri shop in the U.S., open since 2010, shaping oversized rice balls fresh with every order.
Notable Picks
#1
Sunny Blue
8.1
A walk-up counter window shaping oversized onigiri to order since 2010—the first shop of its kind in the country, and the format hasn't drifted. The rice balls run bigger and bolder than traditional versions, with fillings like miso beef and spicy salmon built for a full lunch rather than a snack. It works as a no-fuss, cash-and-carry stop where the line moves fast and the price stays low.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Salmon, Miso Beef, Miso Mushroom
What Makes it Special: The first made-to-order onigiri shop in the U.S., open since 2010, shaping oversized rice balls fresh with every order.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A 17-year Mar Vista fixture where chef-owner Nick Nishi—who pioneered sushi happy hours at Chaya Venice—runs a tight izakaya focused on fresh fish from the chalkboard specials and Japanese small plates like Brussels sprouts and black rice risotto. The 5-7pm happy hour draws solo diners and regulars who sit at the bar, order omakase-style off the specials board, and leave with bills that feel like a different decade.
Must-Try Dishes:
Happy Hour Specials, Bento Box, Spicy Tuna Roll
What Makes it Special: Izakaya-style sushi bar with standout happy hour pricing and quality fish in Mar Vista
#3
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.