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Maru Sushi and Ramen

331 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, Santa Monica, CA 90401
$
Sushi Rolls

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Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)

Maru Sushi and Ramen 7.6
Downtown Santa Monica ✓ Verified
Late-night friendly spot combining fresh sushi rolls with steaming bowls of ramen in a casual setting. Open until midnight daily, it's become the go-to for satisfying both sushi and noodle cravings without breaking the bank.
Must-Try Dishes: Volcano Roll, Salmon Lover's Roll, Spicy Tuna Tempura Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.6 Service: 7.3 Consistency: 7.4 Food Quality: 7.8 Atmosphere: 6.5 Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: One of few spots serving sushi past 11pm daily
Who should go: Night owls and budget-conscious diners
When to visit: Late night when other spots close
What to order: Roll combos, ramen and roll special, karaage
Insider tip: Best value is the dinner combo with miso soup included
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking after 6pm ($2/hr until 10pm), small lot behind restaurant fills quickly
Dress code: Come as you are - anything from gym clothes to casual Friday
Noise level: Lively buzz - fine for conversation but gets louder after 10pm
Weekend wait: 15-25 min typical, rarely over 30 min
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie rolls, inari, edamame, veggie ramen available
Vegan options: Limited - cucumber/avocado rolls, request no mayo
Gluten-free options: Challenging - tamari available but cross-contamination likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - low pressure, affordable, and you'll know by midnight if there's a second date
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations - just walk in, rarely more than 20-min wait even on weekends
Is it kid-friendly? Yes until 9pm - high chairs available, kids love the ramen, gets more adult crowd after 10pm
Best For
Better for: Late-night sushi cravings, quick affordable meals, when everywhere else is closed
Skip if: You want omakase experience, celebrating special occasions, or need pristine sushi quality
Maru Sushi and Ramen 7.8
Downtown Santa Monica ✓ Verified
Recently opened family-run spot combines quality sushi with hearty ramen bowls at approachable prices. The cherry blossom-decorated patio and generous portions create a welcoming atmosphere for casual Japanese comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes: Chirashi Bowl, Mango Crunch Roll, Black Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 8 Consistency: 7.3 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 7.6 Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Rare combination of quality sushi and ramen
Who should go: Diners wanting variety without high prices
When to visit: Dinner for full menu availability
What to order: Chirashi bowl, any specialty roll, tonkotsu ramen
Insider tip: Patio seating has cherry blossom ambiance
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking with 2-hour meters until 9pm, public garage 2 blocks away ($3 first 2 hours)
Dress code: Casual - anything goes, from workout clothes to date night attire
Noise level: Moderate - lively but conversation-friendly, patio quieter than inside
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, arrive before 6pm or after 8:30pm for shorter waits
Weekday lunch: No wait usually, peak 12:30-1:30pm might be 10-15 min
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable sushi rolls, veggie ramen, edamame, tempura options
Vegan options: Limited - veggie rolls without mayo, specify vegan broth for ramen
Gluten-free options: Partial - sashimi and certain rolls safe, no GF ramen noodles available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the cherry blossom patio creates romance while the casual vibe takes off pressure. Share sushi rolls and each get ramen for a fun, interactive meal under $80 total.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights. Weekend dinners fill up but they don't take reservations - show up early (before 6pm) or late (after 8:30pm) to minimize wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs available, kids love watching sushi prep at the bar, ramen bowls are shareable, and the patio gives wiggle room. Kids menu has teriyaki bowls and California rolls.
Best For
Better for: Getting both quality sushi and ramen without choosing between two restaurants. More affordable than specialized sushi bars, fresher than typical ramen chains.
Skip if: You want omakase-level sushi or authentic regional ramen styles. Head to Tsujita for serious ramen or Sushi Bar for high-end nigiri instead.
Maru Sushi and Ramen 7.8
Wilshire District ✓ Verified
Late-night Japanese comfort spot masterfully balances fresh sushi with soul-warming ramen bowls until midnight daily. The casual atmosphere and diverse menu make it downtown's go-to for satisfying both sushi and noodle cravings without breaking the bank.
Must-Try Dishes: Miso Ramen with Chashu, Rainbow Roll, Salmon Lover's Set
Scores:
Value: 8.7 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 6.8 Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Open until midnight serving both sushi and ramen
Who should go: Night owls and budget-conscious sushi lovers
When to visit: After 10pm when other spots close
What to order: Ramen and roll combo, all-you-can-eat lunch special
Insider tip: Daily happy hour 3-5pm includes $5 basic rolls
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Strip mall parking lot free after 6pm, metered street parking until 8pm ($2/hr)
Dress code: Come as you are - totally casual, college crowd in sweats to office workers
Noise level: Bustling but manageable - booths better for conversation than bar seating
Weekend wait: 20-30 min peak hours, walk-in only no reservations
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min for AYCE lunch rush around 12:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie rolls, tempura, inari sushi, veggie ramen option
Vegan options: Limited - cucumber/avocado rolls, edamame, specify no egg in ramen
Gluten-free options: Minimal - sashimi and rice bowls, no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual 3rd+ dates - bright lighting and fast-casual vibe lacks romance, but great for late-night post-movie dates
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, no reservations taken - rarely more than 30 min wait even Friday nights, best odds after 9pm or before 6pm
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs available, kids love the ramen, casual enough for messes, though gets louder after 10pm
Best For
Better for: Late-night cravings when everywhere else is closed, feeding a group on a budget, quick satisfying meal under $15
Skip if: You want omakase-quality fish or Instagram-worthy presentation - head to Sushi Park or Sugarfish instead