Best Sushi in Santa Monica
Updated May 17, 2026 · Ranked by combined rating and review volume
Santa Monica, with its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant culinary scene, stands as a premier destination for exceptional Japanese cuisine. When the craving for exquisitely fresh, expertly crafted sushi strikes, this coastal city truly shines, offering a remarkable spectrum from traditional omakase experiences to innovative hand roll bars and cozy neighborhood gems. To help you navigate this delicious landscape, we've meticulously curated the definitive list of the top 5 sushi spots in Santa Monica. Combining critical acclaim with enthusiastic diner feedback, this guide will lead you to unforgettable flavors, whether you're planning a chic date night or simply seeking a perfect, casual bite.
Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa delivers a consistently high-quality, traditional sushi experience in a chic, intimate setting. Their renowned "Trust Me" menu is a standout, offering a perfectly coursed selection of incredibly fresh fish and well-prepared items that leave diners raving about the flavor. The service is often praised as top-notch, making it a reliable choice for an excellent meal, whether you opt for omakase or à la carte.
KazuNori elevates the hand roll experience with its stylish, industrial-chic bar setting where fresh rolls are prepared right before your eyes. Diners consistently rave about the incredibly fresh fish, perfectly warm rice, and crisp seaweed that make their toro, salmon, and yellowtail hand rolls truly exceptional. The efficient service and made-to-order preparation ensure a fast, delicious, and engaging dining experience.
Hillstone stands out as an upscale American eatery known for its sophisticated atmosphere and impeccable service, making it a popular choice for a lively yet intimate dining experience. While their menu features classic American fare like ribs and French dips, patrons consistently rave about unique offerings such as the flavorful coconut shrimp rolls. The restaurant's beautifully appointed interior and energetic ambiance contribute to a top-notch dining experience, highly recommended for a special evening out.
Miyako Restaurant offers a delightful and photogenic dining experience with its cozy ambiance, adorned with cherry blossoms and retro Japanese art. This woman-owned establishment is celebrated for its incredibly fresh and beautifully presented sushi, with standout items like scallop nigiri, sweet shrimp, and their signature Miyako rolls. Beyond sushi, guests also praise the perfectly cut sashimi, delicious miso ramen, and an impressive selection of boba and sake, ensuring a diverse and flavorful meal.
Sushi Kanpai is a hidden gem in Santa Monica, cherished for its intimate setting and an extensive menu featuring both classic and exotic Japanese specialties. Chef Yoshi is renowned for crafting impressively large hand rolls, while the overall quality of ingredients for sushi, sashimi, and even ramen is consistently praised as exceptionally high. The friendly and attentive staff, coupled with a wide variety of seasonal shellfish and unique fish, creates a truly memorable and highly satisfying dining experience.
How we rank
Rankings use a Bayesian weighted score that combines each place's average rating with its number of reviews. A place with twelve glowing reviews ranks lower than one with hundreds of slightly less-perfect ratings — because a small sample size is noisier than a large one.
score = (v / (v + m)) × R + (m / (v + m)) × C
Where R is the place's average rating, v its review count, C the mean rating across all candidates, and m a minimum-review prior (we use 50). Descriptions are AI-synthesized from recent review snippets.