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ZipPicks Awards
Best Sushi Rolls in Santa Monica
Best Sushi in Santa Monica
Best Instagram Worthy Sushi in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Soko Sushi
8.9
Chef Masa Shimakawa's intimate sushi bar inside the Fairmont Miramar delivers refined Edomae-style technique with pristine fish flown in from Japan. The 12-course nigiri omakase showcases seasonal selections with house-aged rice and real wasabi, creating an elevated experience that rivals Tokyo's finest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bluefin Tuna Trio Roll, Hokkaido Scallop Nigiri, Shimakawa Special Maki
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Hotel hideaway with master chef from Hokkaido using traditional aging techniques
Who should go: Serious sushi aficionados seeking authenticity
When to visit: Weekend evenings for full omakase experience
What to order: 12-course omakase, aged bluefin, sea urchin
Insider tip: Request bar seating to watch Chef Shimakawa's knife work
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet $25, self-park garage $18 with validation, street parking scarce
Dress code: Business casual minimum, no shorts/flip-flops, most diners in evening attire
Noise level: Hushed intimate - perfect for conversation
Weekend wait: No walk-ins accepted, book 2-3 weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: Limited lunch service Thu-Fri only, reservation required
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - cucumber/avocado rolls, inari, vegetable tempura
Vegan options: Minimal - advance notice required for modifications
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available, omakase can be modified with 24hr notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent if you're both sushi lovers - intimate bar seating creates natural conversation, but the $200+ per person price point sets high expectations
Can I get a table without a reservation? Nearly impossible - they only have 14 seats total. Book on Resy at midnight when slots open 30 days out
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for children under 12 - no kids menu, quiet atmosphere expects dining etiquette, omakase takes 2+ hours
Best For
Better for: Traditional Edomae technique and rare aged fish you won't find at trendy spots - this is for purists who appreciate subtlety over fusion rolls
Consider Alternatives If: You want creative rolls, spicy mayo, or tempura-fried everything - try Sugarfish or KazuNori for approachable sushi instead
Hours
Monday5pm - 10pm
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 10pm
Saturday5pm - 10pm
SundayClosed