Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Shunji Japanese Cuisine in Santa Monica

4.7 (85) 3003 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States

Categories

Japanese restaurant
Asian restaurant
Sushi restaurant

Location on the map

Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California, US

Phone:
Site: http://shunji-ns.com/

Opening hours

Monday:Closed
Tuesday:5–8 PM
Wednesday:5–8 PM
Thursday:5–8 PM
Friday:5–8 PM
Saturday:5–8 PM
Sunday:Closed

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.7

85 Reviews for Shunji Japanese Cuisine 2024:

Review №1

2023-09-28 00:32:07

Very elegant and peaceful atmosphere with a very personalable staff. Took a few minutes of standing around to find the right door, but then we were set for the evening meal.Ive never had fish that tasted so fresh. Sea urchin may not be my jam, but the rest was insanely good.

Review №2

2022-11-02 18:40:38

Had an amazing some 3 hour Omakase culinary experience. So satisfying. Sashimi melted like butter in my mouth. Everything was pretty perfect for me. So lucky to be able to finally dine here.

Review №3

2022-03-15 08:24:52

One of the best sushi in town! Shunji San has been around LA for a long time. I love his traditional edomae style sushi with some creativity in the dishes. Definitely worth the visit!

Review №4

2017-12-31 04:50:30

Weve enjoyed both lunch and dinner omakase here. Shunjis hot kitchen dishes are unique and the highlight for me, with quality sushi to match. Great service, ambience and value.

Review №5

2022-08-25 06:51:05

Truffle ice cream. Not really a fan of truffles, neither is my wife, but we loved this dish. Second time here and this time for her birthday. What a treat! We were able to do the winter & now summer menu. Its funny how Chef Shunji coaxes complexity from what appears simply. Also, some of the best broths/dashi any restaurant Ive had. Winter had an amazing clam dashi while todays experience had a brilliant, complex & clean miso with a fumet from the evenings fish bones then topped with a sharpness of fresh scallion. The omakase experience is really top notch. I will continue to ruminate over this meal. Highly recommend the house sake of you enjoy a light, refreshing sake with Asian pear notes.

Review №6

2022-05-05 06:38:05

I honestly wish I could give a 4.5 but it doesn’t deserve 5 stars. Damn close but not quite. The Michelin is deserving based on the chefs service and precision.I’ve had several omakase’s, and this starts with a unique journey through 5 appetizers featuring some of japans more interesting oddities of the sea.The 14 piece omakase is what followed and would just say it was a 9/10. Just No specific piece wowed either of us. Solid nonetheless, but there’s some phenomenal Sushi in LA.Kind of a letdown with a $300 per person price point.

Review №7

2020-05-24 03:10:38

Sushi is super delicious. The best sushi that I ever had. I discovered this place during the pandemic. Definitely coming back once the pandemic is over to try their omakase.

Review №8

2017-09-27 17:24:55

Consistently the best sushi I have ever eaten. They also do seasonal dishes that change up the menu with some frequency. Attentive staff.

Review №9

2020-07-11 22:47:42

We have followed Shunji since we moved to LA in the 90s. He is the best. During this pandemic his delicious food is available for pickup. He let us eat ours in the parking lot on our Anniversary!

Review №10

2021-12-08 14:04:28

The entire Omakase experience was excellent. Great service and atmosphere.

Review №11

2022-01-28 20:07:09

Speechless!!!Phenomenal experience w top quality sushi!

Review №12

2019-03-14 05:57:53

Amazing food. The fish selection and prep is perfection.

Review №13

2020-04-12 21:35:31

Have only tried the take out sushi box given the current situation but still amazing! Cant wait to try dine in once the it opens back up.

Review №14

2019-03-28 01:04:30

Dinner menu is better than lunch menu. Great quality. Reservations for dinner advisable. Some walk ins available during lunch.

Review №15

2019-06-09 18:35:17

Best sushi anywhere! Shunji is a true master! As a chef myself, I can appreciate everything Chef Shunji and his entire staff do. They strive to be the best, and they are. You will not find better rice or fish anywhere! It’s as good as it gets!(Been following Shunji since the infamous Hump days. What an honor to know such a master!)

Review №16

2020-02-02 18:01:43

Just a magical evening. It was my first omakase experience and Im thrilled it was at Shunji. The restaurant is quaint, but the quality of the food, the preparation, and the service are all some of the best Ive had at any restaurant. The omakase standard will take you through a range of flavors, and the actual sushi itself is divine. Also, get the tomato tofu which is chefs secret recipe! Thanks to everyone at Shunji for an amazing dinner experience. Last tip sit at the sushi bar so you can get a close up view of the preparation of each dish

Review №17

2022-06-27 11:27:04

This is my second time here. Consistent quality and variety of fresh fish. Their otsumami were good choices. Shari was also good quality of temp and red vinegar. I can recommemd to my sushi enthusiatic friends. Happy to be here again

Review №18

2017-01-05 14:12:38

Hands down the best sushi I have ever had but even outside of the sushi this place was incredible.I got two appetizers as well. I believe one was a tomato dish and the other had squid ink. Both apps were incredible. Ive never had anything that tasted or had the texture of those dishes. I love eating food that is creative and completely new to me and this place had food that did just that.Very expensive but worth every cent.

Review №19

2020-05-30 02:43:16

A wonderful birthday surprise! An absolute must- incredibly amazing, fresh sushi.

Review №20

2019-09-16 05:55:56

The food was beyond my imagination. Very well done! The tasting menu is worth the money. I would have gladly given 5 stars if the smell inside the restaurant was nicer. Also, the plastic wrapping on some ingredients deserves to be taken off away from the diners eyes.

Review №21

2020-04-12 00:24:45

Excellent takeout sushi dinner with appetizer bento box... easy pickup

Review №22

2014-10-07 18:43:30

So much hype about this sushi place. My husband and I decided to try it. We got the red snapper soup. first. The soup came really hot. I love that. The flavor was great. Not too salty the fish was perfect. Not rubbery at all. Then we ordered a few other sushi dishes that were phenomenal.

Review №23

2018-11-18 20:20:45

Shunji has some of the best sushi in LA for the price - probably the best on the west side. Their rice is perfectly cooked, the fish is super fresh and great quality, and each bite is perfectly sized. The building is unassuming but the interior is pretty nice, and the staff are great and kind.Lunch is a great value with a 12 piece sushi meal starting with soup and ending with an extra hand roll at $47. Id highly recommend giving Shunji a try if youre looking for something on the nicer side of sushi, around the price tier of Sugarfish but in a more traditional style.Id also highly suggest their tempura and tomato agedasgi tofu (which is not tofu at all but a very creative tomato dish served tofu style, which you will not find anywhere else).

Review №24

2023-01-11 03:11:23

My husband and I love Chef Shunji and his wife. We love dining at Shunji for the high art of food that we experience there.

Review №25

2018-01-14 20:34:54

This is your place if youre a sushi lover who wants an extravagant experience.The first time I was here we got a tasting menu which had a variety of very unique dishes. The next time we went we went for a more sushi focused menu, which I prefered.The tomato tofu is a must order. It changes lives.

Review №26

2017-01-04 00:05:38

Its like I was back in Japan. Very authentic great experience.

Review №27

2016-07-28 03:19:48

The best high end sushi deal in town, especially for lunch. Just do their 12 price lunch special. You will not be disappointed.They always use the freshest of fish and you will normally get a piece of toro every time.

Review №28

2018-10-16 09:21:57

What a pleasant surprise. We are always down for AYCE. Hollywood sushi is great. Rolls are great size. Fish is fresh. Staff is so nice. We found a new sushi spot! Two thumbs up.

Review №29

2019-11-24 11:15:27

Beautiful food. I still remember the meal we had here - delicious omakase with some really excellent, pristine sashimi and sushi! I love the way they prepared everything and in particular I still think of the way they handled the ankimo (monkfish liver) - my favorite there by far.

Review №30

2019-03-25 17:42:29

This is the place you want to go to, whether you have a special occasion, or crave for the true Japanese cuisine, or healthy & tasteful dishes, to treat yourself and your loved ones or vip with sophisticated Japanese course menu which is called “Omakase”, the creation of the owner chef, Shinji Nakano, and impeccable services to treat you as if nothing but the most important person of the world.However, this place is also very wallet friendly if you want to just have a casual lunch with excellent quality of Japanese dishes or dinner with your spouse, friends or business associates.The atmosphere is always quiet and warm-welcoming at home feelings, every single plate is always flavorful with fresh healthy ingredients with excellent treatment of Shunji’s creative magic.Overall, it’s guaranteed both your stomach and spirits will be happy and content when you leave the place.Always reservation is recommended.

Review №31

2016-10-03 04:22:50

We had the sushi omakase for the first time here and it was overall wonderful. good chef, attentive servers, good quality sushi, nice atmosphere. it was open ended omakase so with about 21 pieces, an appetizer and a small dessert, its about $150 pp. next time we will have to try the shunji omakase because during the meal we saw the pretty dishes chef shunji was making for other guests. they wont mix omakase types in the same party so just fyi.

Review №32

2022-12-31 06:23:17

Impossible to overstate what an amazing experience we had here. If you can afford it, go. You will not be disappointed.

Review №33

2017-11-16 03:34:49

Great sushi lunch special for just under $50. I believe it came with twelve pieces of nigiri, a handroll and miso soup. The pieces are smaller than most places, so dont come starving.

Review №34

2023-08-05 01:29:18

Could not find entrance. No signage. Is it open?

Review №35

2023-11-04 03:47:09

Deserves 3 Michelin stars.

Review №36

2022-02-01 07:33:52

The prices are higher than in sushi restaurants of the same quality. The service could be better, but that is a point of concern every time.

Review №37

2019-09-06 17:54:45

Cant really call it a restaurant. Its more of an experience. Chef Shunji takes you on a culinary journey that intrigues both sight and taste. Definitely 1 in a million spot.

Review №38

2023-10-06 10:53:18

Delicious, understated and exceptionally FUN...

Review №39

2017-06-15 08:52:52

Amazing kaiseki experience. Beyond just the sushi the unique creative plates shunjis had to offer made for an amazing dining experience. Will return for a different seasonal menu.

Review №40

2020-03-23 01:00:01

Takeout lunch box was outstanding! Great to support local business during this very difficult time for restaurants - check their Instagram for current lunch specials.

Review №41

2020-02-29 03:36:18

This place is amazing, wont waste time waxing on because others have said it better than me...special, special jewel on the outskirts of Little Osaka. Superlative in every way!

Review №42

2023-06-10 06:54:38

An amazing sushi dining experience!

Review №43

2018-05-15 18:34:01

I would never think brown rice and sushi went together but they did it masterfully. Agedashi Tomato tofu was mind blowing. Such an interesting dish

Review №44

2023-04-22 06:11:12

Worst Japanese restaurant I have ever had in my life.

Review №45

2019-04-15 10:15:52

Went to this stop by mistake but Im as o glad I did! Soooo good! The staff is super friendly & the environment makes you never want to leave! Definitely coming back

Review №46

2020-02-15 03:26:15

Best sushi omakase lunch in the city. Michelin star rated. Sit at the sushi bar instead of a table.

Review №47

2020-07-18 00:34:16

Ahhhh.... Shunji. If you want to go to Tokyo for sushi but cant, Shunji is almost like being there in person. Without the 12 hour flight.

Review №48

2017-03-18 03:24:25

Unique xperience. Not your typical sushi restaurant. You must come here with an open mind and adventurous palate.

Review №49

2018-11-28 05:57:41

Around $100 - $200 per person. very good! Small and cozy place.

Review №50

2014-10-17 03:55:42

Sat at the bar. Sushi after sushi. Very fresh. Delicious. I will go back again and again.

Review №51

2019-05-01 15:01:04

Omakase, it was delicious. Creative dishes, beautiful presentation in a lovely setting.

Review №52

2019-01-05 23:00:06

Amazing amazing fish quality and super interesting warm dishes (particularly the agedashi tomato)

Review №53

2020-11-22 17:11:40

Food is great. Restaurant a little hard to find and find a place to wait while they bring the food out.

Review №54

2019-09-17 00:05:11

Good fresh sushi but so expensive. Left hungry and poor.

Review №55

2018-08-20 05:20:20

Freshest Wild Caught Fish!! Food is unbelievable, I was blown away.

Review №56

2022-05-11 23:20:19

I cant put into words how good everything was! so worth it!

Review №57

2023-07-16 18:45:57

Very fancy

Review №58

2017-06-09 06:48:30

Fantastic, Delicate, Creative, Friendly. Not much in LA can even compete.

Review №59

2019-10-10 03:25:26

Worth 6 stars at least - make sure you get the original sake as well!

Review №60

2019-02-18 19:15:29

Fantastic! Amongst the very best we have had, period.

Review №61

2019-12-28 06:40:28

Exquisite! Loved it, and will definitely go again.

Review №62

2019-03-29 16:53:03

Food is great but too expensive to my taste.

Review №63

2015-11-16 19:58:23

The best meal I have ever had.

Review №64

2017-05-26 08:05:40

Excellent Japanese. great taste and atmosphere

Review №65

2019-06-10 18:56:02

Great food with great pairing wine.

Review №66

2017-10-23 06:36:17

It was super nice lunch.

Review №67

2019-03-17 17:01:36

Was amazing the best Ive had

Review №68

2017-08-18 23:33:37

Tomato agedashi tofu not to be missed

Review №69

2020-03-20 11:22:04

Best Sushi in LA

Review №70

2019-08-17 22:33:09

It was realy good there

Review №71

2019-02-28 07:18:56

The best

Review №72

2019-06-08 17:14:48

Tasty!

Review №73

2021-10-13 05:57:12

Always good !

Review №74

2019-04-25 21:53:10

Simply the best@

Review №75

2020-01-04 14:13:44

An incredible experience.

Review №76

2019-09-14 01:59:28

Treat yo self

Review №77

2018-06-07 02:34:23

Good

Review №78

2018-03-24 05:44:17

Amazing

Review №79

2019-09-26 22:54:58

Best sushi

Review №80

2017-05-06 17:13:03

Great sushi

Review №81

2020-07-26 23:43:38

Best of best.

Review №82

2017-04-15 02:38:43

Went for a birthday dinner a few years ago. We chose the omakase course, but the amount was not enough, so we added a lot, and the total bill for 2 adults and 1 small child was over $400 (without tip).I heard it was delicious but expensive.it was ok.Nice interior, good atmosphere and good customer service,The food is delicious except for the small amountIt was good.I was happy to receive a very nice dessert plate for my birthday at on house.Later, I had the opportunity to sit with an acquaintance of the owner.I was surprised at about $100 per person.I think it was the service.It is an honest impression that I always say that I should go more comfortably at this level.(Even if I eat at a pretty good restaurant in my hometown Kyoto, its about the same)However, it is a wonderful restaurant, so it is recommended for dinner on a special day.Asanebo, the owners older brothers shop,I used to go there a lot when I was younger and its pretty good.Every time we went, Mr. Eikichi Yazawa, who was living in Los Angeles at the time, was there, and his beautiful wife served wine to us strangers sitting at the counter.I have good memories.Lunch is satisfying and quite affordable.

Review №83

2016-11-08 09:39:30

A restaurant where you can eat authentic Japanese cuisine in LAYou can taste the owners original sake

Review №84

2019-01-11 03:53:09

Great

Review №85

2019-08-13 18:46:08

😜delicious Japanese food