So Many Rolls, So Little Time…
If one thing’s certain, it’s that the Westside of Los Angeles is home to sandy beaches, amazing surf and stellar sushi. Whether you prefer traditional nigiri and sashimi or enjoy creative rolls with tasty twists, dining near the ocean means having access to some of the best seafood in the city. In addition to the fancier and more expensive spots, there are also some low-key joints that are sure to surprise you. From Santa Monica to Marina Del Rey, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots on the Westside of LA for sushi, sashimi and sake! Best Sushi Westside LA
Noma Sushi
Located off of Wilshire, Noma Sushi is a small, hole-in-the-wall sushi spot that serves incredibly fresh and flavorful nigiri. If you’re able to snag a spot, the sushi bar is a great place to watch the chefs in action while sipping on some hot sake. In addition to being incredibly fresh, the nigiri and sashimi pieces here are generous, giving you a great bang for your buck. The cucumber salad is a refreshing and shareable appetizer that also works as a palette cleanser.
Location: Santa Monica
Wabi on Rose
If you’re familiar with Venice, you know all about the stunning restaurant of Wabi on Rose near Ocean Park and Venice Blvd. The plush pink booths on the patio are adorned with flowers and greenery, and the interior matches the vibe with eye-catching floral wallpaper. Order the Lychee on Rose, a refreshing spritzer that pairs nicely with a fresh sashimi platter. When it comes to rolls, the Tiger King is a fresh and flavorful combination of salmon, mango, avocado, tuna, sesame sauce, lemon juice and crispy garlic chips.
Location: Venice
Best Sushi Westside LA
Hide Sushi
Sawtelle is full of authentic and renowned Asian markets and restaurants, but despite its name, Hide Sushi is far from being a hidden gem. In fact, this unassuming and casual sushi spot is incredibly popular due to its quality and commitment to the art of Japanese cuisine. Best of all, compared to other sushi spots in Los Angeles, the prices are incredibly fair. Seating is on a first come, first served basis; you can’t make a reservation, but you should have some luck if you come early.
Location: Sawtelle
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Sushi Enya
After making a name for itself in Little Tokyo, Sushi Enya has since opened up two more locations in Pasadena and Marina del Rey. Considering owner and Chef Kimiyasu Enya trained in Japan for more than 10 years, the best way to dine at Sushi Enya is to enjoy a traditional omakase experience. The standard omakase menu features 15 courses for $180, but you can also order your choice of nigiri at your leisure.
Location: Marina del Rey
Best Sushi Westside LA
Hama Sushi
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Hama Sushi has been a Venice hotspot since 1979. This legendary sushi joint is situated a block from the Venice boardwalk, allowing you to grab a bite before hitting the beach. Pair some cold sake with spicy edamame and soft shell crab for starters. There are also tons of specialty rolls to choose from, but if you like spice, the Red Devil roll has a major kick that you won’t soon forget. Hama Sushi also offers a wide array of sashimi, ranging from halibut to red snapper and yellowtail belly.
Location: Venice
The Pearl Dragon
Located right outside of Palisades Village on Sunset Blvd, The Pearl Dragon serves amazing sushi while focusing on sustainability. This local hot spot has been serving Pacific Palisades for more than 20 years, making it a staple in the community. Local favorites include the various crispy rice creations and yellowtail carpaccio with ponzu and jalapeño, but the menu also features cooked items like teriyaki salmon and kalbi beef short ribs. Specialty cocktails like the cucumber martini are also worth a sip.
Location: Pacific Palisades
Best Sushi Westside LA
KazuNori
KazuNori offers a unique experience in the heart of downtown Santa Monica. The rolls are all made-to-order and served warm, resulting in a one-of-a-kind dining experience that introduces patrons to the true art of the hand roll. If you can, snag a spot at the counter to watch the hand-rolling process. From salmon and toro to crab, there are tons of fresh fillings to choose from as well as set menus that vary in size.
Location: Santa Monica
Kappo Miyabi
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If you’re looking for an extensive sake list and a traditional omakase experience, Kappo Miyabi is the place to go. This elegant yet cozy restaurant is great for both lunch and dinner, and there is both indoor and outdoor seating. The omakase is a popular selection here due to the quality of the fish and traditional serving style, but the menu also features grilled goods and authentic Japanese appetizers like seaweed salad, Japanese potato salad, and ankimo (monkfish liver).
Location: Santa Monica
Best Sushi Westside LA
Sugarfish
Pretty much every LA local knows about the famous sushi boxes from Sugarfish. While you can dine in person, Sugarfish is great for getting takeout and hitting the beach for a sushi-centric picnic. Sugarfish offers four different boxes that range in size and sushi. While you can make customizations, you can also order a variety of nigiri and sliced hand rolls a la carte if that’s more your style. This celebrity hot spot only serves the highest-quality fish, and everything from the scallop nigiri to the melt-in-your-mouth albacore is worth the hype.
Locations: Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, Manhattan Beach
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
