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Mikomi Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Mikomi Sushi
8.1
This 2025 newcomer brings 18 years of sushi expertise from Monrovia to Santa Monica with an expanded menu featuring exclusive specialty rolls and ramen. The modern space offers both sushi bar and table seating perfect for business groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mikomi Special Roll, Yellowtail Carpaccio, Tonkotsu Ramen
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Newest location with Santa Monica-exclusive menu items
Who should go: Groups wanting variety beyond just sushi
When to visit: Weekday lunch hours 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
What to order: Mikomi special roll, salmon carpaccio, lunch combos
Insider tip: Happy hour deals available on select items
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking plus nearby public lots ($8-12), gets tight during lunch rush
Dress code: Business casual - professionals in office attire at lunch, more relaxed evenings
Noise level: Moderate - lively lunch crowd but conversation-friendly
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical, call ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min peak times (12-1pm), minimal otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable rolls, tempura, inari options
Vegan options: Limited - cucumber/avocado rolls, edamame, seaweed salad
Gluten-free options: Yes - sashimi, nigiri without soy sauce, tamari available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates - sushi bar seating encourages conversation, not too loud or formal
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches usually fine after 1:30pm, weekend dinners risky - use the bar seating as backup
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - high chairs available, teriyaki and tempura options for picky eaters, quick service
Best For
Better for: Business lunches with variety-seeking groups - ramen option sets it apart from sushi-only spots
Skip if: You want traditional omakase experience or ultra-premium fish - this is more accessible comfort sushi
Mikomi Sushi
7.9
Family-owned since 2007, this new Santa Monica outpost brings their signature high-quality Japanese cuisine with an exclusive menu featuring specialty rolls alongside ramen and traditional dishes. The generous portions and attentive service create a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dragon Roll, Chirashi Bowl Special, Santa Monica Exclusive Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Exclusive Santa Monica menu items not found at other locations
Who should go: Families and casual sushi enthusiasts
When to visit: Early dinner to beat the rush
What to order: Combination platters, specialty rolls, ramen
Insider tip: Try the lunch specials for exceptional value
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street metered parking until 9pm ($2/hr), nearby public garage on 2nd Street ($3 flat rate after 6pm)
Dress code: Come as you are - casual beach attire to business casual all welcome
Noise level: Lively but manageable - families with kids create energy but conversation flows easily
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, call-ahead waitlist available
Weekday lunch: Walk right in before 12:30pm, 10-15 min during rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - full vegetarian roll section plus appetizers like agedashi tofu
Vegan options: Limited - cucumber/avocado rolls, edamame, seaweed salad can be made vegan
Gluten-free options: Moderate - sashimi, nigiri available, tamari on request, no dedicated fryer
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - the family atmosphere and bright lighting are welcoming but not particularly romantic. Great for getting to know someone over reliable food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, weekends risky. They take walk-ins but Friday/Saturday after 6:30pm often has 30+ minute waits. Call 30 minutes before arriving to join waitlist.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs, kids menu with chicken teriyaki and tempura, patient staff, and crayons available. Many families with kids 3-12 during early dinner hours.
Best For
Better for: Generous portions at fair prices, accommodating to modifications, and consistently fresh fish without the pretension of high-end spots
Skip if: You want innovative omakase, intimate date ambiance, or trendy Instagram-worthy presentations - this is comfort sushi done well, not cutting-edge cuisine
Mikomi Sushi
8.0
Family-friendly sushi spot delivers fresh, traditional preparations alongside creative rolls at accessible prices. The warm service and generous portions make it a reliable neighborhood favorite for both dine-in and takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice, Rainbow Roll, Salmon Teriyaki Bento
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Best value sushi in downtown Santa Monica
Who should go: Families and casual sushi lovers
When to visit: Weekday lunch specials until 3pm
What to order: Lunch bento boxes, spicy tuna crispy rice
Insider tip: Online ordering skips the wait
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking $2/hour until 8pm, nearby public garage $8 flat rate after 5pm
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, families in t-shirts and shorts common
Noise level: Moderate to lively - families create buzz but conversation is easy
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical, faster with online ordering
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 10-15 min during rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive veggie roll selection, inari, and tempura options
Vegan options: Yes - avocado, cucumber, veggie rolls clearly marked
Gluten-free options: Limited - can modify rolls without tempura, tamari available on request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than romantic ones - the family atmosphere and bright lighting make it relaxed but not intimate
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays, weekends seat within 30 minutes. Bar seating often available immediately
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs, kids menu with teriyaki bowls, patient staff, and crayons provided. Kids under 5 eat free on Tuesdays
Best For
Better for: Families wanting quality sushi without the premium price - portions are larger and prices 30% lower than upscale competitors
Skip if: You want an intimate omakase experience or ultra-premium cuts - head to Sushi Sasabune instead
Mikomi Sushi
8.0
Family-owned since 2007, this new Santa Monica outpost brings 17 years of experience with an exclusive menu featuring specialty ramen alongside traditional sushi. The warm service and diverse offerings from teriyaki to sukiyaki make it a neighborhood favorite for all ages.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Chirashi Bowl, Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice, Tonkotsu Ramen
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Unique Santa Monica menu not available at other locations
Who should go: Families seeking variety beyond just sushi
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for attentive service
What to order: Combo plates, specialty rolls, ramen on cold days
Insider tip: Happy hour 3-6pm includes discounted rolls and appetizers
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot fills quickly, metered street parking available on Wilshire, free after 6pm
Dress code: Casual - anything from workout clothes to business casual works
Noise level: Moderate to lively - families with kids common, comfortable conversation volume
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical, call-ahead available for parties of 4+
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 10-15 min during rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable rolls, tempura, inari, and veggie ramen available
Vegan options: Limited - avocado/cucumber rolls, edamame, veggie tempura (ask about batter)
Gluten-free options: Some options - sashimi, rice bowls without sauce, tamari available on request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than romantic ones - bright lighting and family atmosphere make it relaxed but not intimate
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights, expect 20-30 min wait Friday/Saturday after 6:30pm. Bar seating often available faster
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs available, kids menu with teriyaki bowls and tempura, patient staff used to families
Best For
Better for: More variety than typical sushi spots - the ramen and cooked dishes give non-sushi lovers real options
Skip if: You want omakase or high-end sushi experience - this is comfort Japanese food, not fine dining
Mikomi Sushi
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Family-owned spot since 2007 offers extensive menu beyond sushi including ramen and teriyaki at wallet-friendly prices. The colorful specialty rolls photograph beautifully while the new Santa Monica location brings unique menu items not available at their other branches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rainbow Roll, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Signature Ramen
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Most affordable option with exclusive Santa Monica menu items
Who should go: Families and budget-conscious diners
When to visit: Happy hour weekdays for best deals
What to order: Rainbow roll, crispy rice, chicken teriyaki combo
Insider tip: Online ordering skips wait during peak hours