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ZipPicks Awards
Best Sushi in Culver City
Best Japanese in Culver City
Best Sushi Rolls in Culver City
Master Critic Review
Shojin
7.9
Plant-based Japanese cuisine built on shojin-ryori tradition, where organic and macrobiotic ingredients are shaped into sushi rolls and small plates using classical technique rather than imitation shortcuts. The tasting menu format and white-tablecloth quietness make it a reliable date-night pull for mixed dietary tables—non-vegans routinely leave impressed. Expect moderate-to-high pricing with portions calibrated for a multi-course pace, not volume.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dynamite Roll, Dragon Roll, Crispy Potato Dumplings
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: LA's first vegan sushi restaurant, where Hiroshima-born chef Jun Matoshiro crafts entirely plant-based, gluten-free Japanese cuisine using organic and macrobiotic ingredients.
Who should go: Plant-based diners seeking refined Japanese technique without compromise
When to visit: Early weeknights for intimate seating; opens 5:30 Mon-Thu
What to order: Start with the Stuffed Shiitake Mushrooms, share a few signature rolls like the Dynamite and Dragon, then commit to the monthly omakase for the full experience.
Insider tip: The omakase menu changes monthly and runs $78 per person — it's the best way to experience the kitchen's range beyond the à la carte rolls.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Washington Blvd and Centinela Ave—plentiful and easy to find even on Saturday nights, not a congested stretch
Dress code: Upscale-casual—the vibe is white-tablecloth with jazz playing, so nice jeans and a decent top fit right in, but no one will stop you in sneakers
Noise level: Quiet and intimate—soft jazz in the background, easy to hold a conversation, described as almost genteel
Weekend wait: Book ahead—small space gets busy on weekends; walk-ins have reported waits up to 2 hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Entirely plant-based menu—every dish is vegetarian by default, including sushi rolls, ramen, tempura, and monthly tasting menus
Vegan options: 100% vegan restaurant—the entire menu is plant-based with no animal products; organic and macrobiotic ingredients throughout
Gluten-free options: Dedicated gluten-free kitchen—the full menu is prepared without gluten-containing ingredients
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — one of the best date spots in Culver City. Dim, intimate lighting with carefully arranged two-seater tables in a cozy dining room that creates real privacy. The noise level is low with soft jazz playing, making conversation easy. The upscale-casual vegan omakase experience feels special without being stuffy. Request one of the small tables in the rear dining room for maximum intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No — Shojin is reservation-only. Book through their website (no phone reservations). They hold your table for only 15 minutes and seat only complete parties. For groups of 5 or more, you must email at least one week in advance. Bring a credit card — they don't accept cash. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead if plans change.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children — the intimate, dim-lit atmosphere is geared toward adults. High chairs are available, but there's no dedicated kids menu, and the prix fixe vegan Japanese format may not appeal to picky eaters. Families with older kids (10+) who enjoy adventurous food do dine here successfully, especially for celebrations. Best suited for teens and up.
Is it good for groups? Limited — the Culver City location caps parties at 7 people. Groups of 5 or more must email at least one week in advance to arrange seating. Smaller parties of 2 get 90 minutes; parties of 3-4 get up to 2 hours. No private dining room has been confirmed at this location. For larger gatherings, you'd need to look elsewhere.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — there's a back patio described as well-appointed, maintaining the same upscale ambiance as the interior. It's a pleasant option in warm weather, but the patio closes seasonally during colder months with no fixed reopening date. Call ahead to confirm availability if outdoor seating matters to you.
Best For
Better for: A romantic vegan fine-dining experience—intimate room, jazz soundtrack, shared plates, and a monthly tasting menu make it ideal for date nights and celebrations
Consider Alternatives If: You want traditional fish-based sushi or a quick in-and-out meal—everything is plant-based and courses are served one at a time at a leisurely pace
Hours
Monday5:30pm - 10pm
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday5:30pm - 10pm
Thursday5:30pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 10pm
Saturday5pm - 10pm
Sunday5pm - 9pm