Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa in Santa Monica

4.6 (199) 1345 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

Categories

Sushi restaurant
Japanese restaurant

Location on the map

Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California, US

Phone: +1 310-393-3338
Site: http://sugarfishsushi.com/our-lo...

Opening hours

Monday:11:30 AM–10 PM
Tuesday:11:30 AM–10 PM
Wednesday:11:30 AM–10 PM
Thursday:11:30 AM–10 PM
Friday:11:30 AM–10 PM
Saturday:11:30 AM–10 PM
Sunday:12–9 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.6

199 Reviews for SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa 2024:

Review №1

2023-08-05 02:02:47

Overall: recommend. Its a chain so I was hesitant at first, but this ended up being a pretty great stop on our LA trip.Tip: the fish was quite cold (more than it should). Give it a couple minutes before taking a bite so its more room temperature. Youll get more flavor. Avoid using their soy sauce, its too salty.$35 for an Omakase menu is a good deal. Youll get to try different kinds of fish and dishes. The rice was perfectly executed, perfect texture, and great flavors.The downsides were the rolls. They werent interesting and didnt have that much flavor. I understand its a filling dish, but having something different could be nice.The environment was quite nice. Beautiful interior design.

Review №2

2023-09-14 11:39:41

We had the pleasure of experiencing the Trust Me menu at Sugarfish and it was nothing short of a gastronomic revelation. The standout feature of the menu was its ability to surprise and delight with every course. Unexpected combinations of ingredients danced on the palate, challenging preconceptions about what sushi can be.The service at Sugarfish was nothing short of exemplary. The staffs knowledge of the menu and their ability to guide diners through the experience was commendable. The Trust Me menu is a must-try for anyone seeking a memorable, palate-expanding dining experience. Coupled with impeccable service, its a culinary adventure that will linger in my memory for years to come.

Review №3

2023-09-30 13:20:16

Have been wanting to visit here for sometime and it did not disappoint. Great quality and fresh sushi! We got the Dont think, just eat Omakase which is good value for money as you get so much food - highly recommend!

Review №4

2023-09-06 21:09:45

Our recent visit to Sugarfish in Santa Monica left us in awe of their Trust Me menu. The restaurants modern ambiance sets the stage for a remarkable dining experience. The service was impeccable, with knowledgeable and attentive staff.The Trust Me menu was the star, featuring a delightful progression of dishes. Highlights included the impeccably seasoned edamame, exquisite sashimi, and artful nigiri. Each piece of sushi showcased perfect rice and top-quality fish.Sugarfish Santa Monica is a must-visit for sushi enthusiasts seeking an extraordinary culinary journey.

Review №5

2023-11-14 06:19:47

Always the most consistent and delicious sushi dinner - a fantastic price for the quality and quantity, with a perfect mix of flavors, textures and variety!! I love the Nozawa Trust Me and they are always able to accommodate safely for gluten free!

Review №6

2023-11-19 22:08:46

Best valued omakase in SoCal. Loved every piece of fish. Lobster nigiri was my favorite. Very popular place in Santa Monica and they don’t take reservations. Waited 30+ min for a table after 8.Staff was overworked which led to some confusing moments.

Review №7

2023-08-03 04:07:58

Review from a traveler:The sushi tastes very fresh. Some sushi rice might have a bit too much vinegar to my taste, but I did enjoy the meat and rest of them. I mistook uni(sea urchin) on seasonal menu for different fish but man that came as a pleasant surprise! It tastes fresh and not a single bit bitter at all. Would definitely recommend the dish if available. And why hasn’t sesame seasoning on salmon sushi become a thing? It’s a wonderful combo.The staff were attentive and helped each other out at the tables, despite the fact that their service fees are fixed on the bill, so props to their commitment.The environment is more western than Asian. I guess western guests would feel more at home in a sushi bar like this.Price was very reasonable in my opinion. I had sushi worse than this in many ways with similar price.

Review №8

2023-09-18 18:16:04

Such a lovely experience here! I ordered the Trust Me to simplify my evening, and trust me, it was outstanding! Sushi pieces with rice and handrolls came with the rice still slightly warm, and light & airy - heavenly. The fish was incredible - light, soft, so flavorful - melt in your mouth delicious. And the service was so friendly and knowledgeable. Wonderful wonderful evening here - I will be visiting again soon!

Review №9

2023-01-26 15:22:05

I like this style of sushi bars. Small, intimate and at the same time an awesome vibe and atmosphere.Had the Trust me-menu, which was great. Great selection of fish. Quality of the fish was perfect.You like sushi, then a stop at Sugarfish is a must.

Review №10

2023-10-21 19:14:58

My wife and I do nice meals fairly regularly- $200+ dinner maybe once a month. This was the best meal we’ve had in a LONG time, and it was a $66 lunch.I had the “Trust Me” and she had the “Trust Me Light.” The food, presentation, and service were all 100% on point.I LOVE the no tipping policy- price your food so you can pay your people fairly. Bravo.We may come back to Santa Monica just so we can eat here again- FANTASTIC!

Review №11

2023-08-29 18:40:13

Food here is just an beautiful experience. Love the care they put in each dish. They have 4 Trust Me experience menus and some other extras dishes. I don’t like the noise background, it is hard to listen to people on your table. It does bring a youthful felling to the place. And I do think the service could improve, waitress are always rushing in a frenzy manner and I prefer my sushi to be calm and easy.

Review №12

2023-08-25 05:54:25

Nice place with excellent fresh sushi. The tasting menues are excellent!

Review №13

2023-06-21 05:56:48

First off, you MUST get the toro sampler ($34), which features 3 sets of 2 pieces of toro offerings - best item on the menu.We got the above alongside the Nozomi Trust Me, and subbed out the sea bream for an extra helping of salmon nigiri. Sapporo and sake rounded out the meal, and we left in great spirits. Definitely give this place a try!

Review №14

2023-04-01 20:56:23

Simple, fresh, and reasonably priced sushi. Some of the best fish I’ve had in recent memory. Interior is intimate and Japanese without being excessive. Highly recommend the omakase. Albacore and bluefin tuna nigiri were the highlights. Don’t come expecting anything other than sashimi, nigiri, cut rolls or hand rolls. The only other thing they offer is edamame.

Review №15

2023-10-01 05:26:56

Maybe its a personal comment, but its not traditional sushi, so Im not a big fan. The sushi rice is too warm imo, but the waiter told me that its the restaurant specialty, which I do believe him. Tho, too much rice, so its spay not in proportion. Fish is fresh and the texture of the rice is also good. Excellent service. Its like a bar atmosphere.

Review №16

2023-10-04 03:16:51

Was a bit late to pick up my order but they had it ready to go at the front. Pretty selection with fat cuts. Ok for the price

Review №17

2023-11-18 03:54:41

The best sushi Ive ever had! FYI, they only serve fish, and rightfully so!! Fantastic environment and fantastic service!!DON’T THINK. JUST EAT. TRUST MEOrder this, and thank me later!

Review №18

2022-08-09 05:07:57

Best sushi I’ve ever eaten. You should absolutely try the tasting menu. The toro handroll and yellowtail are must haves. Also the green tea goes nice with the dishes. In short: amazing sushi for an amazing price. The lines can be long (come early to avoid) but absolutely worth it

Review №19

2023-11-12 02:48:27

SUGARFISH in New York, Soho, sets the bar for amazing sushi. This SUGARFISH fell way short of that bar.The rice was poorly prepared and fell apart. Some of the fish melted in your mouth and deserved praise. Others tasted like a standard neighborhood sushi place.

Review №20

2023-03-29 16:25:18

Amazing as usual. Great minimalist decor and layout. Great atmosphere. Intimate, and fun. Traditional top tier Sugarfish service. Sushi is tasty and fresh. Hot green tea was perfect compliment. Those familiar with Sugarfish will know their set menu options; if it is your first time, they will check in upon seating and walk you through the three “Trust Me” set menu options. You can also simply order a La carte. City Parking structure just north of the restaurant on the same side of the street; 90 min free. Can get busy, for quick/immediate seating get there upon opening. 18% tip is included in the final bill. Trust me, 6 orders of Salmon handrolls, and two teas ran about 88 bucks out the door with the included tip. Look forward to next round!

Review №21

2023-08-27 21:40:33

Excellent sushi restaurant! The service was superb, and all of the food was prepared expertly. We did the Dont think just eat tasting menu which showcased the house specialities wonderfully. Best of all, SUGARFISH is excellent at accommodating food allergies and did not use any nuts at the time of our visit.

Review №22

2022-07-26 03:45:29

Wait was around 30-45 minutes long but we were seated quite quickly being a party of 5. Got seated outside with a heater.Sushi was amazing (had the trust me) and filling. Although the nigiri did not have wasabi in between the fish and rice, decent sushi for the price.

Review №23

2023-06-25 18:14:45

This was absolutely the best sushi I have ever eaten. I will dream about eating it again when I can travel to a city with a Sugarfish location. My husband and I are so happy we decided to eat here on the last night of our anniversary trip. It was the best quality meal and the most reasonably priced dinning experience of our whole trip. I don’t usually eat raw fish but I’m so glad I decided to be more adventurous. It did not disappoint!

Review №24

2021-10-05 15:03:04

Nothing special except the price (I think it is reasonable since the restaurant is placed near long beach and I had worse in similar price). My pieces seemed and tasted to be handled by a person who is trying to imitate recipe/skills from a manual. Good to flex but do not expect much from the food. Low end of High end sushi bar.

Review №25

2023-09-27 05:40:37

Very very mid level sushis to be honest.And the set menus are more expensive than ordering them each on their own? Something that makes very very little sense to me.The atmosphere is nice.But they didn’t let a guy sit on his own for his reservation for a table for 2, made him wait outside for his partner. Which if they made to me I would have been extremely angry and left. Even watching the guy wait outside made me uncomfortable.

Review №26

2023-03-01 06:39:50

Excellent, high quality sushi for reasonable prices. Focused menu without many cooked options to accommodate non-sushi eaters - instead they do one thing and they do it very well. They have a number of omakase options that are worth getting for both price and variety. The rice was exceptionally well seasoned, making it some of the best nigiri sushi I have had outside of Japan (on par with some of the best places I have dined at in Vancouver). Service quality was also extremely high, with friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable front of house staff to match the kitchen staff. I woulf recommend this or any other Nozawa-run restaurant to anyone in the area.

Review №27

2021-11-03 01:28:10

Came here during the third wave. Wasn’t planning on coming here but found it on Google last minute when we were near Santa Monica. The staff was kind and informative that the chef/owner of the restaurant is well-known ans has a few locations. I knew based on the ambiance once I sat down that this was going to be great sushi. I ordered the THE NOZAWA TRUST ME and I’m so glad I did. As I am from Toronto, it is not often that I fresh seafood from the Pacific. The sashimi and salmon literally melts in your mouth and the amount of food was perfect. A tad more would’ve been excessive and less would’ve left me hungry. Would definitely recommend and make sure to listen to the staff when they recommend to add soy sauce or not.

Review №28

2023-09-17 04:23:17

Beautiful place with great sushi, thought it was worth the price, the rice was cooked well and fish so flavorful

Review №29

2022-05-26 03:48:25

Good sushi with an interesting tasting menu. Overall I expected a bit more for this price range, but you will not be disappointed with the taste or the size of the meal.

Review №30

2023-05-24 16:08:49

Delicious food and fun atmosphere! We did the Trust Me menu option. Even though I showed up hungry, I had a hard time finishing the course towards the end.

Review №31

2023-10-13 00:21:37

This is the real deal. Amazing fresh fish. Delicious sushi rice. Sane menu with no mayonnaise sauces or cream cheese. Service was slow, the tables were crowded close together, and the noise level was high.

Review №32

2022-07-24 07:59:01

I got the Nozawa Trust Me and tbh I expected better. Not too impressed but I guess I can’t ask for too much at this price point. What I didn’t like the most was how sticky the rice was, to the point of almost being slimy, and slightly too acidic for me. Their handrolls were quite good however.

Review №33

2023-11-17 20:32:04

Hands down the best sushi we ever had! Service was great and atmosphere was lovely! Would highly recommend! Thank you for a wonderful night!

Review №34

2023-06-19 19:10:25

Gorgeous location, but the wait staff kept forgetting us. They forgot our drinks and nigiri that was ordered along side the “trust me” menu.The food was okay, the rice was still too hot and threw off the texture of the pieces. We found bones and shells in our food as well.Overall, I don’t think I’d go back, the price isn’t worth the service or food we got.

Review №35

2017-05-23 02:54:17

We decided to try out sugar fish for the first time and I thought it was awesome. I ended up doing the Nozawa Lite option. The sushi was very fresh and and tasted great! Its a bit small but looks very modern. I would dine here again.

Review №36

2022-02-09 23:44:14

Some of the best sushi in LA. It is simple and pure cuisine. If rainbow and spider rolls are your thing, this isnt the place for those things. Dimly lit at night, get one of the tasting menus. They dont disappoint. It was a memorable dinner. I recommend.

Review №37

2023-10-02 21:44:40

Omakase for one was simple and clean. Very high quality fish. Would come back again for a quick bite next time Im in Santa Monica. Service was quick and friendly. 5 stars.

Review №38

2023-08-14 20:08:57

Swanky posh sushi and sashimi in a be-seen atmosphere. Authentic and high quality sushi offered via four set menus, or a La carte. Very friendly staff. Good parking in the nearby garage (right by front door to restaurant), and they validate!

Review №39

2022-10-15 18:56:34

Pros: Delicious Fresh Fish & Great ServiceCons: If you don’t have a reservation, plan to wait a long time or get turned down at the door.DON’T THINK. JUST EAT. TRUST ME that’s the course you HAVE to get!Overall, great environment with delicious sushi and excellent service! 🍣🍣🍣

Review №40

2023-09-25 05:23:02

Got the $35 tasting menu. It was tuna, salmon, crab handrolls and Toro handrolls. Nice portions, good quality, and decent price. Fun atmosphere and fast service. Would go again.

Review №41

2019-06-19 14:18:17

I had a fantastic meal here with my girlfriend. For the price we paid, the quality of the food was top-notch and great value for money. Everything was very fresh, from the various raw fish sushi to the crab and lobster handrolls.We especially enjoyed the salmon roe. They were really fresh and popped in the mouth with a clear and savoury goodness. A Ts-umami experience in the mouth indeed.A pity we didnt manage to try the sea urchin but that means wed have another reason to return in future. Thank you for the wonderful experience!

Review №42

2023-07-04 02:26:39

Great sushi! Did the tasting menu and enjoyed everything. Was able to get in quick and had fast service. Would give six stars for the no tipping policy and just including a service charge!

Review №43

2019-02-11 00:29:36

Freshest fish I have ever had! This place prides themselves on the simplest of sushi and doing it extremely well! The fish tasted so great and they seaweed was so crisp and delicious. They got the rice just the right temperature. They bring out your order in a course style meal which is nice have the rolls spaced out as you eat.

Review №44

2023-10-31 22:00:31

The sushi is still very good, service is good but it seemed they were a little understaffed.The light is quite dim which is a shame as its nice to see what one is eating.

Review №45

2023-04-16 11:41:07

Great spot for dinner, service felt a bit rushed at time but we did come in for dinner late so it was understandable. Great food, crab roll was the best part of their set menu.

Review №46

2021-09-07 20:29:20

This place is designed for you to get hand picked selection of goodies from Nice friendly staff. We took the Nozawa Trust Menu for two of us (we are light eaters) and that was plenty of food. We recommend this place !

Review №47

2019-03-26 06:42:35

Very fresh fish. You mist consume upon receiving it. Love the preset menu options to decide the course for you. I ordered the Nozuma. After a while, I do get tired of the nigir and hand rolls with all the rice. The pieces are wider than your traditional sushi place. No tipping required - similar to Japan. Enjoy!

Review №48

2021-09-10 15:30:35

Sugarfish has been on my list to visit when in LA for so long. Not only does it look aesthetically pleasing it was extremely delicious! The quality was unreal! Every bite was so amazing, it had me craving for more! I still dream of getting my hands on these till this day. Its definitely a must stop whenever I am in LA!

Review №49

2022-08-05 17:57:53

It is good and the fish are fairly fresh but not very impressive nor authentic as I would expect based on other google review.And I really don’t understand why they need to keep the restaurant so dim

Review №50

2021-08-11 19:18:52

Super fresh and melted in my mouth...also the servers were polite and kind (the table next to us had some really immature customers who were really rude but the servers handled it well). The only thing that I wouldve preffered not to have experienced was the remnant of fish scales in my dish, but I appreciate that it meant the dish was super fresh.

Review №51

2023-05-10 22:05:16

It was a lovely dinner, our anniversary. Loved the ease of ordering the fresh, delicious sushi.The service was spot on. Each course was timed perfectly with knowledge professional waitstaff.The only reason I rated it 4 stars was that it was a cold day and really wanted some warm food as well as sushi. I should have checked the menu before we went to dinner.We drank tea to warm up.

Review №52

2021-04-05 22:43:36

Sugarfish is already a very small place and they took COVID incredibly seriously. When we got our table, there was legit 10 people other than our two top in there, which made us feel very comfortable and safe.However, due to this, expect service to be a little slower and to get your order in pieces. Again, we liked this method as it gave us time to chat and pace ourselves. They ended up giving us scallops in place of something else, and that was easily the highlight of the meal - IMO. Will definitely go back and also check out their Pasadena location since I’m in that neck of the woods.

Review №53

2020-01-20 19:00:54

We were eating here last night, January 19. First time at this location, we use to go to their Beverly Hills location.The services are the same, best. Food is the same and that I like it! I may say a slightly difference on the tuna, but of course that makes perfect sense.Overall, I recommend SugarFish restaurants for the food quality, and excellent services.

Review №54

2020-03-01 21:10:18

Pro tip, go alone and sit at the bar to avoid a wait! Not the best sushi in the world but I love the consistency, warm rice, and ponzu sauce. Great service and a fast meal if you just go with one of their sets.

Review №55

2021-12-19 15:48:28

Best sushi I’ve ever had.Expensive, yes, but worth the ~experience+ Bay Scallops cut roll was divine+ unagi sushi was my favorite!!-BF got the Nowaza Trust Me. He loved it, but was still hungry after both our visits.Would recommend maybe 2/3 cut rolls for those big eaters.Downside was the vibe. Felt kinda of pretentious. Would have enjoyed more if I saw some more smiling faces!!PS 16% gratitude already included

Review №56

2019-10-24 05:11:32

We had a great time eating at SugarFish. The wait was a little long but it was busy and totally worth it. Minor downsides are the interior acoustics (its hard to hear other people over the noise stemming from audio reflecting of hard surfaces inside) and the very low dimmed lighting. That aside the sushi here is amazing and very affordable!

Review №57

2023-03-29 04:44:05

Solid sushi establishment with consistent quality and service! I love dining in here but the take out experience was also pretty amazing with a cute little box with fish foil printed on the cover.

Review №58

2019-10-09 02:39:45

Classic simplicity with incredible freshness! If you want some of the best sushi, Sugarfish is the go to destination. There is a reason for the long wait during prime meal hours but well worth it.

Review №59

2023-11-15 16:45:42

Not a vegetarian friendly place. Only 2 options and they weren’t great. Love the no-tipping policy.

Review №60

2022-07-03 16:02:16

Absolutely phenomenal. The tasting menu was well worth it and the sake is reasonably priced. Our waiter was also exceptionally nice and treated us very wellCant go wrong with Sugarfish

Review №61

2023-04-06 14:59:37

Amazing sushi. Everything we tried was such an interesting and complex set of flavors that I had to be very delicate with my soy sauce application.The ambiance was quiet and cozy, nestled in a small storefront you might easily miss if you arent looking for it. Plus, its spitting distance from the pier, so you can make a day of it if you like!If you fancy yourself a sushi affixionado, I highly recommend trying this spot out.

Review №62

2019-11-23 02:05:59

Not many places have this quality sushi for that prices. I loved it, good place for lunch.I tried the omakaze that costed around 50 USD. They serve you the freshest fish and seafood available that day, paired with a Sapporo its amazing. Definitely lives up to the hype.

Review №63

2023-09-19 14:26:34

My 1st time there, I wasnt disappointed. Servers were helpful, efficient, and friendly! Only 1 thing, I wish there music wasnt so loud as every table was trying to have conversations.

Review №64

2021-04-29 04:53:14

Top notch quality sushi and sashimi. This place is amazing and a must check out if you havent yet.

Review №65

2023-08-17 19:04:27

Feels like an upscale conveyor belt sushi spot. Very limited menu and they are in a hurry to turn tables. The staff was friendly and very efficient.

Review №66

2018-03-02 02:48:09

Amazing sushi. We got the Trust Me and the Nozawa Trust Me, which were both definitely worth the price. Pictures don’t do the food justice. Would definitely recommend for anyone looking for top-tier sushi.

Review №67

2023-08-10 04:41:51

Very good food, excellent service, and not too expensive at all. For LA, definitely great cost-benefit. Would recommend!

Review №68

2019-11-20 02:35:41

This place is amazing!!! I have a pretty strict no sushi unless I can get to the ocean rule. Since I was visiting the Los Angeles area I did a thorough search for sushi places before my trip. This place absolutely does not disappoint! Every rave review is well deserved. I would do a bit of research first and make sure you are okay with their preparation (I overheard some people with concerns while I was there - the rice isnt hard packed and they prefer it is eaten as presented). The fish was fresh and their Trust Me option was a perfect amount and a great balance. I added an albacore belly when this was done based on a recommendation and that was great as well.. just maybe one bite too much.

Review №69

2019-05-28 03:52:28

This place is great and close to the Santa Monica pier. The service and food are amazing and its very reasonably priced. If youre in the mood for fresh sushi, I would recommend one of their 3 feed me options.. oh and the savingnon Blanc washes it down pretty well too :). They dont take reservations so try to go early (i.e. off side of peak eating times) or be prepared to wait for a bit.

Review №70

2023-11-11 03:56:07

So good! Went with the Trust Me, loved it!

Review №71

2022-02-15 05:06:56

By far the best I have ever had. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Great ambience. Made me a customer for life.

Review №72

2023-08-11 11:40:00

Food was fresh and tasty. Very limited menu, no regular sushi rolls. Need to be a true raw fish lover

Review №73

2022-07-20 21:17:29

Best sushi I have had in last 3 years. Simple, sophisticated, super fresh. I got the $39 NOZAWA TRUST ME menu for lunch.

Review №74

2018-09-24 02:11:05

I wish I could give an extra star for this place. It was - no exaggeration - the best sushi I have ever had. It is absolutely worth your while to go out of your way to come here. If you dont know what to get, do the Trust Me fixed menu and then add an order of Unagi. Also, I love how they do not allow tipping. It makes payments much more straightforward.

Review №75

2023-09-14 21:03:14

Crowded sushi place. Fish is so fresh it melts in your mouth. The Trust Us menu option came thru and was plenty enough!

Review №76

2021-09-28 15:44:31

Beautiful box display and great bites! Wish there were more vegetarian options. Would love a cucumber avocado role in the trust me box! Also requested gluten free, and it did not come with gluten free soy sauce, which was disappointing (especially because of the price). The other bummer was that the legend on the box was difficult to understand.

Review №77

2017-01-11 01:05:49

Came here for my free birthday meal during lunch time, the place was packed, but I got a bar seat right away since I was dining alone. There were other solo diners there too. The trust me is a good amount of food for lunch. I also got the uni, which was delicious. Service was prompt and friendly.

Review №78

2023-03-15 03:48:39

We tried the omakase menu and were blown away! Amazing sushi for a great price. Would definitely be back!!

Review №79

2023-05-29 20:25:32

Always fresh, great service, and you can’t go wrong with the Nozawa Trust Me.

Review №80

2022-11-20 23:54:56

We had lunch there and ordered the Trust me lite combo and a couple of hand rolls. All the fish was very fresh and well portioned. I left feeling pretty full, but next time I think Ill do the next combo size up. Overall the flavors were delicious, well worth what we paid.

Review №81

2023-04-16 17:21:28

Really good place quality-price, loved the experience and the sushi at sugar fish. Would go back again for sure.

Review №82

2019-08-31 06:51:11

Great experience! - fish is fresh af, trimmed flawlessly, unique sushi rice is next level, good value......yes there is a wait; patience is a virtue. Will definitely be back!!

Review №83

2023-07-26 06:54:10

This is my number 4 location of sugar fish. Santa monica store is a little bit more expensive the other stores. But its good as the other stotes.

Review №84

2018-05-13 17:37:43

Sugarfish has great pacing! My favorite thing about the sushi is that the rice comes out slightly warm. The Trust Me pre-sets are perfecto.

Review №85

2023-04-03 19:13:49

Great food. Great service. The fish was some of the best I’ve had.

Review №86

2019-11-19 23:42:38

Delicious Authentic Sashimi and Sushi at a great location near the beach. The best thing about the menu is the section that tells us to “Trust” them on what to order. This takes a lot of the difficulty of researching and asking around on what to order, and allows us to have more time to enjoy the time there.

Review №87

2022-01-07 07:35:53

The fishes were so fresh and delicious. Service was excellent too

Review №88

2021-07-30 04:21:28

I have eaten a lot of sushi, but never this fresh tasting before. I ordered the Trust Me selection and it was very good.

Review №89

2023-11-05 20:43:02

Unique takeout experience and SUPER delicious/high quality sushi. Would eat it again and again

Review №90

2022-06-29 19:39:53

Great crab rolls! Will get alakarte next time because the omakase was too much food 😅

Review №91

2023-03-30 19:01:14

VERY pricey, but multi courses leaving you hungry for more. Great for special occasions and couples!

Review №92

2023-04-24 02:02:39

Basically sushi only place, no kitchen items. Went with 3 people. Every order came separately at different times. They put sesame on the salmon for some reason. No wasabi on the fish (should be some between fish and rice). Rice was very loose and not properly pressed so it would fall apart as soon you pick it up. The hand roll was a small cylindrical roll. Hand rolls are almost always in a cone shape. The salmon also tasted mushy and not fresh. It should have more structure and have less water retention.Overall very disappointing and some of the worst “sushi” i’ve had. This place is not for people who enjoy an authentic sushi experience. Good luck.

Review №93

2019-03-27 08:36:55

Fresh fish, excellent service, reasonable prices.Just steps from street performers and the energy of Santa Monica Downtown.Packed small dining room was very busy and loud. Better for celebrating than a couples dinner out. Table next to us were on a first date and had a hard time hearing each other.

Review №94

2023-09-12 04:52:46

My most favorite sushi place ever. We go here every time we are in town.

Review №95

2023-05-06 22:57:22

Surprisingly good for a chain!! We got 2 different sets and they’re both delicious. We walked in on Sunday at 12:30 and weee seated right away.

Review №96

2023-06-13 06:03:58

Hands down the best sushi Ive had in my life. It was so good I hadnt ever thought about taking pictures. Core memories.

Review №97

2017-12-12 17:28:10

I’ve had amazing sushi but I’ve never had anything like this before. I’m still blown away. They REALLY know what they’re doing. I recommend just getting the “trust you” or whatever it’s called and letting them do their stuff! They are experts in the craft. 12/10 will probably go back again tomorrow.

Review №98

2022-08-23 01:40:05

Excellent fish and great atmosphere. Not much else to report.. lol

Review №99

2023-09-15 15:54:35

Baby changer looks like a fridge lol. Awesome food. Definitely lives up to the hype.

Review №100

2022-05-31 04:45:36

Both dine-in and takeout are awesome! Sushi is always so fresh and delicious. Highly recommend the bento boxes delivered.

Review №101

2023-05-22 04:36:00

The sushi here is ALWAYS fantastic. The service is excellent. I just loathe how close together the seating is. Its not private at all.

Review №102

2022-09-18 03:39:29

First time visiting, ordered the Trust Mre. Freshest fish cuts Ive had worth every penny. They must be catching the fish while were waiting for each serving.Love the no tipping system too, and instead adds a percentage fee. Whether it shows theyre confident or it helps them guarantee quality, it works.

Review №103

2022-10-16 05:04:22

Sucks for kids, no me u to accommodate kids, not even California rolls. They offered a bowl of rice and it was like a scoop of sweet and salty rice. Gross! Their sushi options are VERY limited and the waitress called it traditional rolls only which is not the case. They had nothing spicy go offer like Siracha or any other sauce. Our waitress was not customer service oriented and was very snobby in my opinion. She accidentally dropped water on our table and didnt bother to come clean it, she apologized and went on with her business. Horrible experience for being my first time bringing out of town family here. I wouldnt recommend it or bring anyone else to this restaurant or any of their other locations.

Review №104

2022-09-09 00:46:47

Most of the reviewers never had real authentic sushi if they call this authentic.. while the taste of the nigiri was ok, the rice just feel apart too easily. For the price Id expect some authenticity but this is just not it.Service was pretty good.

Review №105

2022-08-26 18:19:55

Amazing sushi! The menu is a great way to discover sushi you would probably not spontaneously order but have this delicious fatty taste that only great fish has. Staff overall very nice, but one guy kept on removing our plates while we were obviously not yet done and we had to ask him to stop twice.

Review №106

2023-01-10 04:45:40

Horrible, indifferent, obtuseness of the staff’s including the manager’s behavior to their customers. We couldn’t dine, we couldn’t takeout, we couldn’t have it delivered. We ended up losing our appetite after numerous attempts to get their attention by phone nor in person talk with the manager. I don’t care how good others say their sushi is. Service sucked and everything was a turn off afterwards. There are so many other great places to go. In the end, we went to Sushi Roku, which was fabulous!

Review №107

2017-02-16 07:01:45

This is hard because this is my favourite sushi place in the world. Ive been a customer for over 6 years and love the food.Where the place lacks and it is getting worse is good service, WiFi and queue management. For someone living in Australia, the last 2 are a must have. WiFi so I can post the pictures of the amazing sushi and make everyone jealous and queue management because waiting 2 hours every time I want (can) go is frustrating.

Review №108

2023-01-09 23:29:48

Great sushi, finally went and I see why so many people say that sugarfish is so good!One point is a feel like everything is done for you to be in and out as quickly as possible.I understand that that would be the point in a rush, early dinner but we were one of the last tables. This takes away from the whole experience.

Review №109

2020-01-03 05:54:22

This place has consistently fresh omakase. Theres never a time I regret coming here. Go for the Trust Me dish as it will give you the chefs choice of the most delicious morsels of fish.

Review №110

2018-04-24 22:58:30

Fantastic sushi that never fails to impress. My go to sushi spot for a great omakase at a reasonable price. I cant stop recommending this spot to all my friends and family. Dont hesitate to try this top notch sushi spot

Review №111

2022-06-15 15:42:27

The Trust Me is such a shockingly good value. Ive never had sushi anywhere near as good as this for the price. The fish is all really fresh and each piece is very well flavored and prepared.The refusal to provide extra ponzu sauce really rubs me the wrong way, but the fish is good and cheap enough that I come back despite that obnoxious policy. If it werent for that, Id give this place five stars.

Review №112

2022-07-01 06:05:30

Wow wow wow! This was some of the best sushi I’ve had outside of Japan! I did the trust me sampler and I am so glad I did because it was the perfect amount of food and excellent menu items. Each sashimi and nigiri and hand roll was fresh with excellent ingredients. The fish was great and not fishy in a bad way at all. The seaweed itself was crispy in the best way possible. The rice was without a doubt from Japan, as soon as you tried it you could tell that it was Japanese rice.The service was excellent and on top of it which I definitely appreciate it. The ambience was also great, it was not too loud but also didn’t feel like a super fancy restaurant, but definitely clean and will designed.

Review №113

2023-09-09 12:27:28

Hands down, best sushi in town. So good and fresh!

Review №114

2022-09-16 14:24:45

We came in excited to eat some of the best sushi. We were rewarded with epic beautiful pieces of fish.When we asked if the chefs choice on the menu would be enough for two. We were told it was not so we got another plate similar to chefs choice to augment the first order.The fish kept coming and it was obvious from how it was laid before us that the other servers were a bit disgusted by how much food the two of us were getting served.Just order the sushi chefs choice for two and add on at the end. Thats my advice. The server was completely unapologetic though we left half of the dishes uneaten.It was sad. Thats why 3 stars.The food is 5 stars.

Review №115

2022-08-11 00:14:40

Im a huge fan of sugarfish, having been eating in NY locations for over 3 years.But was a bit disappointed with this LA location - trust me typical consistency and quality were not on pair with my previous experiences. Fish quality was good, but rice was warmer than usual and pieces that have sauce were just a bit off.

Review №116

2023-01-30 06:14:13

Nothing extraordinary to look for here unless you just want above par sushi on a limited selection and priced fairly. Great location between 3rd street and the Ocean if youre cruising the sidewalk. Expect to wait to get in at night, because eating and enjoyment shouldnt be something you rush.

Review №117

2023-01-01 20:34:50

Amazing sushi! Very unique form other sushi places. I always order the trust me or the nozawa trust me which has two extra courses. The only thing is that you can’t make a reservation. You have to wait

Review №118

2022-05-10 19:48:34

Folks were right, melts in your mouth. Ordered the Nozawa Trust Me and it was more than enough for one person. I was super stuffed at the end. I loved the simplicity and focus on quality. Fresh fish served on warm rice. The fish-rice ratio was perfect. I was there solo and sat at the bar -- wait staff were super attentive and helpful. The plates were brought out at the perfect pace. Definitely plan to return on future trips to LA

Review №119

2022-04-21 21:07:53

Excellent and interesting sushi. They have really good prix fixe type options at different price points - we had 3 different of these at the table and all were excellent. The menu is small and is truly just sushi - no cooked foods - so be prepared for that. Good sake and wine options as well. I loved it.

Review №120

2023-02-09 14:44:41

Very nice place. The concept of the restaurant is that you buy a set of sashimi, sushi and rolls. Everything is extra fresh and tasty. The staff is friendly and attentive. Also, sake is very nice. Highly recommend for visiting.

Review №121

2022-01-20 04:21:31

Amazing taste and fish was so fresh! Would definitely repeat

Review №122

2022-05-26 14:15:14

Ive done various version of the Trust-Me Delivery order and every time its been an amazing culinary experience. Never thought Id seriously consider I may have a sushi addiction till I had their Sushi. recommend highly enough.

Review №123

2023-10-03 00:59:27

Nice atmosphere pricey but about what you would expect for downtown Santa Monica

Review №124

2022-06-16 07:05:04

Its ok nothing special, my wife likes it so I take her. The fish is decent. Salmon is their best option and consistent, everything else depends on the chef in the back and the fish. Not a good place to go if you have kids, they have nothing there that is kid friendly. Overall not my style but my wife likes it a lot so 4 stars.

Review №125

2019-12-12 07:32:46

Absolutely delicious! Highly recommend the Trust Me chef selection menu. Everything was fresh and came to the table fresh as it was being prepared.

Review №126

2023-02-20 17:28:59

I love their menus, specially for one personYou can try most of their rolls and sushi,Their special rolls was tasty. Definitely try some of them.They are not on the main menu.

Review №127

2023-02-03 21:39:49

In the heart of the commercial district on Santa Monica, this SugarFish is a mid-sized sushi only izakaya. It is darkly lit with a mellow vibe but still has a bit of a buzz, so its good for an after work meal or drink (there is a small bar as well). The best menu options are the TRUST ME selection...it was well assorted and priced. But note, this is a SUSHI ONLY place...so no yakitori, no teriyaki chicken, etc...

Review №128

2022-08-25 03:25:06

The wait was accurately estimated and a pleasant experience… until it wasn’t. Checked in with the host that we were at the top of the waitlist, and he confirmed a table was almost ready for us. Watched him seat multiple parties ahead of us until he realized he forgot about us. And he forgot about other people as well. Ended up walking away. Great sushi- just don’t come to this location for the experience.

Review №129

2022-09-18 02:00:40

Truly one of the best quality and most fresh fish Ive ever had. Every item on the Trust Me was amazingly well prepared. The hand rolls are exceptional, go here now.

Review №130

2019-10-28 04:17:55

We got lucky and were seated within 10 mins. Staff nice, service fast and food so incredibly delicious/fresh.

Review №131

2022-09-10 23:09:40

Tried the trust me lunch. Pretty good, authentic style sushi. Its a taster menu. Start with edamame, then sashimi, then Nigiri rolls, then hand rolls.To be honest: its good but under delivered considering the hype. Ingredients are fresh, no fishy smell, but the structure of the sushi was poor. Rice would fall apart when you pick it up.4/5. Willing to give it another shot another time. Still enjoyed it though.

Review №132

2023-09-14 17:08:24

Good quality Sushi. Very small portions and overpriced

Review №133

2023-01-28 02:15:18

I hate to write this review :( I have been going to sugar fish for months now. I was obsessed with their salmon nigiri. However - last Sunday I had a bad experience with them. I ordered the same thing I usually get, and almost immediately after felt incredibly sick. I was sick for days with what I was told was food poisoning. Sugar fish was the only thing I ate that day. Unfortunately, I won’t be coming back. I read a few reviews about people getting very very sick from sugar fish, and am now more concerned than I’d like to be about their fish. Definitely do your research before eating here.

Review №134

2023-05-16 23:11:43

The Sushi wasnt that good, rice also was not blended well, and it always messed up everything, i oder a glass of wine, and they serve me the wine in a small glass of water.. thats all.

Review №135

2019-11-05 04:38:56

Great sushi, amazing view of the sunset, wonderful staff

Review №136

2023-02-15 04:46:15

Do not order to go, they let you know it’ll take 2 hours but it takes significantly longer. Got a “order completed notification” and I showed up 10 min later because of their policy (if you don’t come in 15 min they remake the food so please be prompt) however I had to wait 45 minutes outside before receiving the food. On top of which they charge a 16% fee on pickup????

Review №137

2022-11-08 03:47:03

Absolutely amazing - a total experience.My partner and I both had the “Nowaza Trust Me” option and we were totally transported. The texture and flavors were divine! i’ll have to come back to eat such amazing sushi again

Review №138

2019-04-10 01:19:58

I know its not for everyone but I havent found anything better. Attention to detail is what makes this place shine. Simple but perfect. This place has ruined ralfs 🍣 for life.

Review №139

2023-01-15 09:00:49

The “trust me” experience was amazing. Only was disappointed that I couldn’t have uni (sea urchin). Wanted to have it since I saw it on the website but it wasn’t available once we got to the restaurant. Either way, delicious. Love this spot.

Review №140

2023-03-18 23:12:15

LOVE this place! Anytime I can go to Sugarfish I do! Best sushi Ive ever had - it just melts in your mouth!

Review №141

2023-03-08 17:51:25

From the menu : Nozawa Suprise Me. Try that, every single dish is delicious. No exception. Probably the best sushi I ever had, from Toro, Salmon, Yellowtail, Scallop, raw but buttery. Delicious.

Review №142

2023-04-24 12:06:28

Good atmosphere, food was ok

Review №143

2021-10-03 23:37:04

This place is amazing. It was my second visit and I can happily say that this is the best sushi that I have had - ever. From first impressions with the hostess to the plating of each dish, everything is exceptional.I will definitely be back again in the future.

Review №144

2021-08-15 19:12:30

I love everything from this place.The food, price, place and service.

Review №145

2021-08-05 04:58:04

Amazing food! You have to try it for yourself. The fish was so fresh. It felt like butter melting in my mouth! The flavors were great and just enough food to be filled up. My taste buds were content.My only complaint would be no social distancing. The tables were pretty close to each other and the guests that were beside me were pretty loud.

Review №146

2020-01-29 23:13:54

Definitely a cool place to visit if youre trying to impress a crowd. Very quaint atmosphere -- perfect for conversation. Good service, though a little rushed if you are doing a tasting menu.The sushi was also very tasty -- its definitely not super traditional in that they put a lot of sauce on the fish (just a brush so its not in the way or anything). This makes the meal a lot heavier, but it is still definitely very good.I would return here, but just to entertain a crowd.

Review №147

2022-12-29 22:37:56

Sure miss the old Nozawa days. All the sushi taste the same. Super tender without much texture. Definitely worth checking out but feels very franchised.

Review №148

2022-07-19 16:20:20

Small restaurant in Santa Monica not far from the pier. Good sushi but difficult to eat. Sushi were falling apart. Sushi made like half circle with nothing holding the rice on the bottom. They were bringing sushi one by one like a multi course meal. Liked the sake. Expensive.

Review №149

2022-09-24 04:26:10

I had the Trust me Menue and everything was perfect. Im not much of a sushi eater but this really took me by surprise! Really sweet restaurant and the service was also superb.

Review №150

2021-09-16 17:32:23

Best sushi of my entire life. The fish melted in your mouth. The salmon was the best salmon by FAR than any other salmon I’ve ever had. I got the Trust Me Nazawa and everything was amazing. Everything. This is a great place if you went to celebrate something special or feel like really treating yourself.Also the sushi rice alone was something special.I can not say enough good things about this place!

Review №151

2022-07-22 06:50:19

Long wait. For those who know authentic Japanese this fell a bit short. Didn’t have basics like miso soup. Sushi rice should be sticky, I get the Sugar Fish rice is a unique thing, but whatever you think of the seasoning/flavor the nigiri fell apart easily. which should not happen. No gluten free shoyu for celiacs? Disappointing. Fish itself was very good, no complaints there at all.

Review №152

2023-02-06 04:33:22

Wouldn’t recommend. Our party of 5 did that “Don’t think just eat” option on the menu and less than an hour after eating felt nauseous 🤮🤢 potential the mix of hot rice with cold fish

Review №153

2021-06-09 23:34:01

The Trust Me arranged sushi menus are sold as the best choice, and we would agree. Each dish was tasty, and they are brought out individually as they are prepared by the chef. This encouraged us to savor each one. No reservations accepted, but we didnt wait more than 10 minutes to get in at 1:30pm on a weekday.

Review №154

2023-02-22 23:40:58

So good so good! We got the trust me nazowa

Review №155

2022-04-16 19:59:48

Just came across this sushi place and happen to be the best one I’ve had. Simple order, quality food, nice service, and they charge a reasonable amount of service fee and don’t ask you more(even we want to). Amazing

Review №156

2022-07-16 13:36:50

Delicious. The Nozawa Trust Me was definitely the way to go!

Review №157

2022-04-23 05:08:40

Went with my coworkers who know a lot more about sushi than I do. We all ordered the Nozawa Trust Me - multi course sushi meal. Best sushi I have ever had in a while. this place brings sushi to another level.

Review №158

2022-07-02 05:33:14

Traditional sushi. No bento box dinners and no miso soup. Better order the top level Trust Me meal or prepare yourself to go grab food at another restaurant. The lower and mid level Trust Me meals will leave you hungry. Cool atmosphere but dont expect sushi rolls.

Review №159

2019-09-10 04:44:55

An amazing dining experience. Its no wonder this place is so well known. Its got a very small and cozy atmosphere with outstanding service. I absolutely love it.If youre looking for some quick and easy sushi, this isnt the place. But if youre looking for and exceptional dining experience with extraordinarily well crafted sushi, you really cant go wrong at sugarfish.

Review №160

2022-07-21 19:16:02

Best sushi that Ive ever had in my entire life. I ate the sushi 4 years ago and to this day it has ruined other sushi for me. Everything else is basic and Bland compared to this sushi. Get the tasting menu you wont regret it.

Review №161

2019-09-01 12:54:54

The wait was worth it (1 hour). You can’t make reservations which is a bummer, but definitely put your name down and wait for a bit. Tip: grab a drink across the street at Elefante’s rooftop. We went to the set menu (around $50). I’d say that all the dishes they brought to our table were superb! The fish was definitely fresh and flavorful. One thing I didn’t like too much was that the rice in the sushi was too loose. They didn’t pack the rice well so it would come apart occasionally. However, that fine. Also, it would have been nice to get a wet towel to clean our hands and eat the meal with our fingers :)

Review №162

2021-11-30 15:58:57

This spot doesn’t disappoint! It certainly lived up to all the hype. Travelled from Vancouver BC and heard all about this chain and found the quality top notch and the staff very friendly and efficient! Quite possibly the freshest and best sushi I’ve had!

Review №163

2020-01-01 18:53:50

Came here for dinner with coworkers. We had a large party and did not make reservations so we had to wait over an hour. But the food was worth the wait. This was very good, high quality sushi. I would definitely recommend it. It was a popular spot for good reason.

Review №164

2022-06-05 16:49:34

This location is pretty easy to park at and has plenty of drinking spots while you wait for your table. It’s not very large in there but a bit average SUGARFISH size.It’s 💯 better then that trash Marina del Rey location.

Review №165

2020-03-15 23:08:47

I would recommend this restaurant if you want the sushi chefs to make all the decisions and have a comfortable yet upscale environment to enjoy your meal. I enjoyed the small plates with samples of many different kinds of fish, nigiri or hand rolls. The Trust Me menu option at $27 was not a lot of food but plenty of flavorful variety. Service was great, Wasabi and ginger would be replenished very quickly.

Review №166

2019-03-04 16:04:11

Excellent authentic sushi experience! We went for lunch and order two of the Trust Me sequences and it was a wonderful dining event. The fish was extremely fresh and delicious, the rice was perfectly cooked, and the service was always attentive but not looming. Overall a very nice experience!

Review №167

2022-06-25 23:55:30

One of the most terrible sushi place I’ve ever been to, I seriously challenge anybody who’s visited here and claimed it’s good. The edamame was barely defrosted, freezing cold. The sashimi was not as you would expect sashimi. It was fish chopped into small pieces sitting in the soy based sauce, probably to cover up the low quality of the fish. Again this was not fully defrosted. Some of the sushi’s such as the bluefin special were served hot?? And others freezing cold. Despite having bluefin they could not substitute other tuna dishes with bluefin. Avoid this place.

Review №168

2022-02-14 18:10:11

First I would like to say that the taste of the food was great and service as well. HOWEVER me and my partner got food poisoning after eating here which really makes me question freshness and quality, the price seemed appropriate for the taste and perceived quality at the moment but now we think differently. Definitely not going back.

Review №169

2023-08-31 02:00:55

Really great sushi, really great staff, worth the price.

Review №170

2021-05-30 07:41:52

Lovely experience here with my husband. Covid procedure can be frustrating because you have to check in online and theres no confirmation that they have your details down. Youll only receive a text when theyre ready for you.Once you get past this though, the dining experience is fun! If you love nigiri and hand rolls, this place is perfect. The meal course design is great and everything is streamlined. The fish was so wonderful and fresh. We had some Toro sushi and it was the freshest Ive ever had.The waitstaff is nice and accommodating.True to any authentic Japanese dining experience, they are a non tip establishment but there is an automatic 16% tax on top of your bill (for state venue I think).After you just finished strolling 3rd street promenade, grab a bite here, then walk it off at the pier. This location is the perfect Santa Monica restaurant!

Review №171

2021-06-25 01:02:30

Amazing food. I was hesitant to try the trust me menu, but it was honestly phenomenal.

Review №172

2017-07-14 23:53:34

I would have to rate this place one below the best. The food here is amazing, especially the salmon sushi. It melts right in your mouth. Check for the Trust me option in the menu. Definitely worth the price. But I wasnt quite impressed with the service. The tipping rate is fixed so there is no incentive for the servers to go above and beyond. Also, when I was ordering from the chefs selection, I had expected them to explain the dish and how to eat. This is a standard practice in similar places but wasnt offered it there.

Review №173

2023-03-29 20:06:25

My most favorite sushi place in Los Angeles. Consistent quality, great staff, nice ambience.

Review №174

2017-04-03 01:44:03

Decent mid range sushi, warm rice is a novel experience.Fish selection isnt particularly exciting, service ranges from friendly to informal to rushed and kind of ignoring you.The trust me option is fairly good value and the location is great. A nice place for lunch.Not recommended for dates. Waiting times can be very long, and the quality isnt really worth the wait in my opinion.Still not bad.

Review №175

2021-12-31 07:45:21

Good service and vibe. Not THE BEST sushi, but is a great deal. For 35 to 55 usd you have a good qualitie and diverse food. They did not make reservations, only walk-ins.

Review №176

2018-01-08 23:09:42

I love eating Japanese and whenever I travel I look fur good Japanese places. This is the best Japanese food Ive ever eaten to date. The warm, not too sticky rice melts in the mouth and so does the fish. The tables are a bit small, we were 3 sharing a small table, and it was quite loud as the place was packed, but given the quality and taste of the food we didnt mind. Its a place Ill want to come back to if I come back to L.A. Totally warrants the prices! Lucky locals who can eat here anytime they like...

Review №177

2022-05-31 04:20:33

I have been to this sugarfish and another sugarfish somewhere else and I don’t want to play favorites ok. what i am TOTALLY comfortable saying is that it’s great and they prices are very good. when I’m looking at the menu I say wow I could get so much for $35 (dinner time I think) and a lot more for only $55(!) hot diggity dog…. any way this place is a great time and im not easily in pressed

Review №178

2019-07-02 06:23:08

We thought it was okay. It’s probably great if you can really differentiate good fish from average, which we couldn’t. Service was also okay (but no tipping so it was as expected). The set meal was the perfect amount if you’re not ravenously hungry (trust us). We wouldn’t go again but were glad to have the experience.

Review №179

2019-12-29 23:23:31

Cute place. Took our children there because they love Sushi. We do not like raw fish. My husband and I ordered 3 cooked rolls. Our kids ordered the middle Trust me on the menu. We were served a raw Torro roll and thought that it was the crab we had actually ordered. We gave it to our kids. Then they actually served us the crab roll we had ordered. I brought it to the attention of our waiter, because he charged us and gave us the wrong thing. He did nothing about it. Not even an apology. In my mind that is not good customer service and bad service ends restaurants that serve good food.

Review №180

2019-07-28 16:37:59

Amazing experience! Sushi will never be the same!First, big up to Keith our server, he was kind and super helpful, despite the restaurant being a no-tip policy one (they explicitly ask you to not do so).Second, the experience is just incredible: first time having sushi with warm rice; it’s such a game changer!Third, the food quality is in another level: the fish is fresh and melts in your palette, the seaweed is crispy and tasty. They ask you to eat what is served and not wait for the rest of the order; guess what, that’s the way to do it, every dish will come on time.The wait could be long, but their system allows you to track the waitlist on your device, another big up!I was a little bit skeptic at the beginning knowing it’s a chain, but I was quickly pleased by this experience.Honestly, I’ll come back!

Review №181

2021-08-28 03:46:07

Frankly, I’m disappointed. The 1.5 hour wait, disappointing. Mediocre food, disappointing. No gluten free options in LA, disappointing. But here’s the real sob story. I came here for my birthday hoping for an avocado California roll and shrimp tempura roll. WHERE the hell is the avocado?! This is CALIFORNIA. The state food is avocado? If you’re looking for a good sushi place, I would’ve been happier with an In N Out burger, and I’m a vegetarian.

Review №182

2022-04-01 19:45:36

The service could have been better (ran out of water multiple times, and order got mixed up), but the sushi is so good that it warrants 5 stars. The Trust Me is very reasonably priced for what you get.

Review №183

2018-10-04 06:34:16

Hands down some of the best sushi and hand rolls Ive had! Place is really small and dimly lit but very much alive. It would be a great place for a first date or something. I brought my 2 yr old daughter in and they were very accommodating. Definitely will be back whenever Im in the area again!

Review №184

2018-01-28 05:15:34

Best sushi I have ever had by far. Everything is fresh and is worth every penny. The only downside during my visit was that it was someones 21st birthday and the group got a bit loud making it hard to have a conversation. But besides that, atmosphere was awesome. Staff was great and helpful. Love the place and want to go back soon for some more sushi.

Review №185

2019-06-10 16:23:28

The fish is fresh and the rice is done properly. This is a good place for an intimate date or a very small group of people. Keep in mind that it takes a really long time to get in, because they do not take reservations. Services average. The space is actually quite small considering its popularity. I like that there are different combinations of sushi and sashimi to order. This is not a place if you like rolls with sauces or that are baked or fried.

Review №186

2018-10-07 04:52:21

Excellent quality, fresh and delicious. And they have a decent understanding of gluten-free menu items (although unfortunately they do not carry GF soy sauce). The menu is small, but carefully selected. Four of us ordered the Trust Me menu and we were all satisfied. Also delightfully the tip is already added to the food, so I feel somewhat assured that the back-of-house staff gets a fairer wage, and the customer does not have to add that to the expected bill.

Review №187

2018-03-19 23:36:09

One of the baselines for Sushi in Los Angeles. This restaurant does not accept reservations and it is not uncommon to wait upwards of 45 minutes for a table. However it is absolutely worth it, the sushi melts in your mouth with warm and tasty rice.I personally suggest going with the trust me as it will offer a wide selection of their best rolls.Service is always top notch and the restaurant offers a romantic atmosphere.

Review №188

2021-05-26 03:53:51

Great sushi! Fresh, great selection, and they help you to choose the right sushi and sauces that compliment each other well. Also a pretty reasonable price too for the quality and service. Highly recommend!

Review №189

2022-09-05 00:44:05

This place is amazing! I ordered Trust Me and I had plenty of yummy sushi to eat. Staff are very attentive too.

Review №190

2023-08-17 02:44:47

Everything was just perfect! Delicious food and fantastic staff!

Review №191

2021-11-24 04:51:24

Have been trying to get in here for a year, theres always about an hour wait at every location. We finally bit the bullet and just waited. WORTH IT. The trust me nowaza tasting menu is AMAZING our server maryanne was lovely as well. Absolutely best sushi ive ever had

Review №192

2020-01-08 08:16:21

Sugarfish Santa MonicaSugarfish is everything you expect out of a great sushi restaurant and then some. I had heard about this restaurant by several of my LA friends but decided to go to this location in Santa Monica rather than the one near USC due to its proximity to the Pier and 3rd Street Promenade.WAIT TIME & SERVICEOn a Friday evening, 6pm to be exact, we were very lucky to have just barely beat the dinner rush because we were seated the moment we arrived. Had we come any later, wait times would have been upwards of 30 minutes. The wait staff was pleasant but relatively nonexistent during my time here. My date and I waited for a good five minutes before a server even came to greet us and offer us menus and water. They are a relatively friendly staff, however, so dont let that fool you! Because it was our first time dining here, our server took the time to recommend us certain entrees of our liking.FOODI decided to go for the Trust Me Lite and my date opted for the Trust Me combination, which consists of a variety of sushi rolls like salmon, albacore, yellowtail, sashimi, and more. The difference in options was the quantity and the Lite cost $20 for 4 sushi PIECES, 1 plate of sashimi, and 1 roll while the Trust Me cost $30 for double the amount.If there is any way to describe the taste of their sushi, the word that comes to mind is PHENOMENAL. I enjoy eating sushi but typically do not enjoy eating raw fish (I know, kind of a contradiction!) however when I bit into my tuna sashimi I was pleasantly surprised. Each bite was very tender and fresh and the sushi rolls had warm white rice. The rice was unlike any kind I have ever had and definitely complements the fish itself. The hand roll was neatly crafted and left me wanting more.OVERALL PROS AND CONSPros: amazing sushi quality, ambience is niceCons: expensive prices, small portions, long wait timesAt the end of the day I would highly recommend Sugarfish to anyone looking for a decent sushi stop. Would I recommend it to college students? Probably not, especially if youre looking to get your moneys worth in quantity. But if you want to go for an authentic sushi restaurant with exceptional taste then this restaurant is the place for you.I definitely plan on coming back here for more!

Review №193

2019-03-14 04:17:51

The sushi here is super fresh. Weve really liked most things weve had at Sugarfish. The sushi masters in the back are always hard at work, mad props to them. Service is pretty good. Small space, can be loud, making it difficult to have a conversation, even when sat next to each other at the bar.

Review №194

2017-03-19 03:47:08

Incomparable to other sushi places. While the wait is a pain, the food is amazing. A little expensive, but again, the experience is uncanny. Trust Me is a great option and expertly executed. They bring each selection out one at a time — forces you to enjoy the food you have even more. A must-try for anyone in the LA region!

Review №195

2021-04-12 06:25:01

Ive loved sugarfish for a full decade now... It was my first foray into high quality sushi, and still my favorite to date, even after exploring Japan and visiting many high end sushi spots that easily cost 4x the price. Sugarfish continues to blow them all away in quality, price, consistency, and the just artful preparation of perfectly warm rice with ice cold fish in every bite.Ive never had one bite of metallic, off-tasting fish at sugarfish. Never. Its just so darn excellent, and the santa monica location is particularly excellent compared to the others. (Yes, ive visited them all... Even in new york 😅)Its time I admit my love for sugarfish publicly and give them the credit they deserve.Thank you for a decade of amazing sushi 🍣 🥰

Review №196

2021-05-27 14:20:40

Sushi is fresh, however not many options and the service stinks. I waited 20 minutes when I sat down for a glass of water and my cocktail. The server I had was not very friendly! There are many other sushi places out there besides Sugar Fish

Review №197

2021-11-05 00:57:06

Sugarfish seemed like a godsend when they first came to downtown Santa Monica offering a fresh infusion of quality sushi aptly prepared by seemingly elusive sushi chefs hidden in the back. I used to enjoy their warm loosely packed nigiri sushi 🍣 when making reservations or simply waiting in line was straight forward to calculate the wait time against the pros of the good fish quality against the cons of sitting in the dark on an extremely hard wooden seat for overpriced fare. That was a straight forward enough tradeoff which used to be tolerable alongside the haughty service attitudes of the wait staff who always carried an air of arrogance. For the past two years however the pandemic seems to have really exacerbated the arrogance of the wait staff alongside an exceedingly confusing no reservations but wait theres a long list of parties ahead of you at an empty waiting room system while sitting in the dark. Sugarfish asks you to Trust Them with their Trust Me sushi platter. Thank God theyre no longer the only good quality sushi joint in the area since Fairmont upped their game and really took sugarfish down a notch. Sugarfish really has no good reason to perpetuate their snobbish inconvenient service model now that theyre no longer the only game in town it actually works against them. Its time to jettison the establishment centric service attitude and return to the former glory of the customer centric service model. Sorry sugarfish but you are no longer trusted by me.

Review №198

2019-01-04 01:54:35

A fun and different experience. I like what they stand for, how they represent themselves and the restaurant, and also their unique way of showcasing their sushi. The server was very knowledgeable and professional. The manager was top notch. He recommended their pasta restaurant, and burger restaurant, as well. We went to those two the next couple days and loved them just as much! Highly recommended all of their restaurants. Great experiences!

Review №199

2023-02-20 14:40:28

Great quality fish. Nice service and atmosphere. Check out the “Trust Me” tasting options.