One of my favorite sushi places!! You don't have to think too hard about what you're going to order, just go with the flow. I love getting the "THE NOZAWA TRUST ME" and treat myself when visiting LA ($48 for dinner and fullest of the pre made omakase menus | $40 at lunch). If there is a fish you don't love, you can ask to substitute. But I highly recommend you try them all. The fish is so fresh, I love eating there the most because the fish is super cold, and the rolls are crispy hot on the outside and cold inside. BUT, their to-go and delivered options are just as nice and very well presented (see my pics). It's a must when visiting LA!! read more

SUGARFISH | Santa Monica - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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We visited this sushi restaurant yesterday and had a mixed experience. The sushi itself was very fresh, but overall pretty basic. There wasn't much variety for kids, and substitutions/additions were not allowed, so I wouldn't recommend bringing children or vegetarians unless they're comfortable eating plain sushi or single ingredient rolls. The crab roll was not my favorite, but the lobster roll was excellent. Overall, this is a good spot if you want high quality, fresh sushi, but it may not be the best choice if you're looking for spicy, creative, or unique rolls. read more

So this was definitely the worst omakase style experience I've ever had. We did the Don't Think. Just Eat. for $59 each. It involves a sashimi course, seven orders of nigiri and two hand rolls. So the reason they call it the don't think, just eat is that they rush you through the whole process. Everything came out within 40 minutes. I barely had time to take photos and eat before they were back asking for my plate. And some of the sushi did not taste right. It was a little fishy and slimey. I've done omakase and sushi before and this was not the best quality. I wouldn't say we were full because it was good but because they were making you eat so quickly. I wasn't sure if they were just caring more about turning tables until I saw a couple drinking a single bottle of wine the entire time were were being rushed. So maybe it was just this specific course they don't want you to pace yourself. I heard great things so I'm just disappointed. read more

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Sushi quality was really good. I was pleasantly surprised with the albacore it was very melt-in-your-mouth. I forgot what it was called but I got the $48 option. - Albacore/sea bream were highlights - Did not care for the tuna starter as much (chopped up stringy/uneven) and salmon was alright Other than that, yellowtail and scallops were very good. The hosts were efficient and estimated the wait time well. Our server was excellet. We sat in the back wall on a saturday. He had glasses and was tall, his attentiveness to the table was timed very well. Biggest complaint: wasabi and ginger quality were very low compared to the fish read more

SUGARFISH | Santa Monica - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Just got home from a 2 week trip to LA! Had so much fun in Santa Monica visiting family ! One of the night we headed to Sugar Fish for a family dinner, our server Payton was a delight. She recommended the Albacore Belly, one of the best dishes i've had in a long time. She also recommended pairing it with the Meltwater Sauvignon Blanc, which of course I Loved !! LOL Such a positive experience filled with fun and good eats! read more

Been a fan of sugarfish for years but have to say this location isn't our favorite. It tends to always be overwhelmingly busy (longer wait times) for how small the location is and the tables are so close together I felt I couldn't get up and walk around the table without rubbing up against other people's tables which was really uncomfortable. Sugarfish locations are always very weirdly intimate with other strangers so you're actively in each others conversations and spaces which isn't very romantic, and I feel this location can get really uncomfy and you feel abnormally close to other people. Besides that, the food is always incredible. They unfortunately ALWAYS run out of the Hirame sushi which we haven't gotten to eat in the last two years at any location since it's in such high demand which is always a bummer as the alternatives are nowhere near as good or on the same price level but we expect it now. The service is fast and they do try to give you each round efficiently. As someone who eats slow and enjoys talking it tends to be a bit overwhelming for me but I've noticed that the servers have become more attentive to allowing us more time in between plates which I really appreciate. The servers are kind and the restaurants beautiful. I only wish there was more space to move and enjoy the experience as it does tend to make us enjoy the meal less as we feel we can't comfortably talk without the tables next to us being in the conversation and the dinner experience. read more

SUGARFISH | Santa Monica - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Trying hard to give this a balanced review. My daughter found out about this place on TikTok and really wanted to come here since we are staying in Santa Monica and it has crazy good reviews. So this was our full experience: I'll start by saying the service was excellent. I would give 5 stars for service. Being gluten free, I asked if they had gluten free soy sauce and they said "no." My heart sank a little, so I'm docking some serious points for lack of inclusivity. On a more positive note... My daughter ordered The Trust Me, a series of dishes that includes an edamame appetizer and 7 kinds of sushi brought out in small portion plates. They are served every few minutes. She alternated between eyes lighting up and comments like, "This is so delicious," and "OMG, this fish is so good and fresh. it melts in my mouth." We've eaten a lot of sushi and poke, so she's very aware of what's good. It made me happy to see her so happy. Our server was really nice and apologetic about the lack of gf soy sauce and offered me a soy sauce alternative of fresh lemon slices as flavoring, which actually turned out to be pretty good -- just not the same as the salty, umami taste of soy sauce that I've come to love with my sushi. So this is where I land: the food quality is excellent and the service was genuinely kind and attentive. I completely understand why people love this place, and for someone without dietary restrictions, I can see why it earns such high ratings. At the same time, I'm still conflicted. The lack of gluten-free soy sauce made the experience feel limited and disappointing, and it's hard not to feel frustrated knowing how easily that can be addressed. I'm glad we went, and I'm truly glad my daughter loved it However, given my needs, it's not a place I'd choose comfortably , and that's why I'm left with mixed feelings. Service: 5 stars Quality: 5 star Ambiance: 5 star Lack of gf soy sauce: - 2 stars read more

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The food was great!!! Enjoyed almost everything we had! Wasn't to die for but was certainly amazing quality and the service was easily 5 stars will how attentive they were!! It was very noisy in there as it's a small place but that's my only real complaint! Could have just been luck of the draw of who was in there! read more

SUGARFISH | Santa Monica - Receipt - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

So I love Sugarfish so I've been to many locations. This one was definitely more spacious than most. The fish was fresh but the rice just wasn't. I was surprised since we got there at opening but where the rice is served usually warm which just adds more deliciousness to each bite. I always get the Nozawa trust me and it's just enough without being super full. Lately they've been running out of the Hirami which is my fav but the scallops alternative is good. Overall lunch was good but not great. Service was friendly and prompt and restaurant very clean. read more

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I've eaten in and I've also gotten it to go. The sushi is a lot better if you dine in because the rice is warm and not cold-ish. They also make it right before you eat it which makes a big difference. However the seating inside is very tight. You will be elbow to elbow with the tables which can be odd depending on who you're seated next to, lol. Ordering to go works well though because of how nicely they pack everything. I feel like a kid picking up a nice lunchbox that your mom packed you when I eat this sushi. It even comes with pictures and words on the box which makes eating the sushi all the more fun. This place is a supply chain genius. The fish is always fresh. I go here if I went to a few bad sushi spots and just want fresh fish. They run it like a well oiled machine. They rarely have specials and don't switch it up much but the sushi is consistently good! I just wish the offered more rolls with all sorts of stuff in it. read more

SUGARFISH | Santa Monica - Lobster Roll, Sushi, Tuna Belly - All good! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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I selected this Sugarfish location as there seemed to be lots of parking and it's close to Santa Monica 3rd street Promenade. Parking - 2 min walk from public parking structure no. 4. Entrance - nice decor, kind of hidden. Service - went for lunch on a weekday, service was good. Food/quality - liked that they had omakase style meals offered for lunch. Had the Trust Me Lite foe $24 (Edamame, tuna and chutoro sashimi, albacore sushi, salmon sushi, Japanese yellowtail sushi and toro hand roll). Food was tasty, edamame could go with a little less salt. Price/quantity - well priced, felt I got quality and quantity for the right price. Added bonus is this place is a no tip establishment (feel like you are in Japan). Decor - nice and clean, stylish. Just an observation, not sure if accurate, noticed that most of the people who came in to eat lunch, looked like people who work in the area vs tourist as not many people were drinking like at an izakaya, when a place attracts locals, it means the place is usually good. If in the area, I would visit again. read more

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Very reasonably priced, and was pleasantly surprised with the cost given the quality of the food. Loved the tuna dish. We arrived before the doors opened because we were advised the queue would be crazy, however there was nobody else there! read more

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Ordered the Trust me for $30 a person. Service was really great and attentive. The vibe inside was lowkey. While some of the fish seemed really fresh, didn't love that half of the menu had citrus flavors - we knew this when we ordered, but we weren't the biggest fans of how strong the ponzu and citrus flavors were. Sushi is sushi, so it's still not a bad deal, but this definitely wasn't enough to fill us up for lunch. We parked across the street in the garage that had 90 min free parking, so we were in and out of this place within that time frame. read more

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Sugarfish continues to be one of the most consistent dining experiences in Los Angeles. I always order the "Trust Me," and it's flawless every time. It is beautifully paced, perfectly portioned, and thoughtfully prepared. The service is exceptional. They consistently bring everything out promptly, and they always remember the small details, like bringing me extra ginger without having to ask. It's efficient without ever feeling rushed. One of my favorite things to do is swap the crab hand roll for scallops, in my opinion, the scallops are the standout and absolutely worth the substitution. They're delicate, buttery, and perfectly balanced with the warm rice. Also, the sauce from the first tuna appetizer is so good that I intentionally save it to dip other pieces in throughout the meal. It elevates everything. Every visit feels seamless, delicious, and reliable. It's simple, high quality sushi done exceptionally well. I will always come here for sushi when I can and love it every time. read more

SUGARFISH | Santa Monica - Trust me Salmon Sashimi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Great quality fish and easy-to-order omakase! It's one of those restaurants where you can kick back and trust the chef. Appropriately named, the typical "Trust Me" omakase choices give 6+ dishes of their classic sashimis, nigiri, hand rolls, and endamame appetizer. If a pre-set menu isn't your thing, they have a solid a la carte selection and specials that aren't too overwhelming to choose from and cooked eel, lobster, and crab rolls if any of your dining buddies want to avoid raw fish. They don't take reservations, but the wait isn't too bad especially if you're open to bar seating. Tip: After each meal, make sure to register your email for their Birthday Club. After dining there twice, you get a free Trust Me omakase meal on your birthday! read more

Had an amazing sushi experience by the Santa Monica Pier! We didn't have reservations but we waited and got seated in 30 mins. This spot offers several prix fixe menus, which is great if you like having different curated options to choose from. The sushi was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented -- you can tell they use quality ingredients. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared, and everything tasted as good as it looked. The ambiance was relaxed yet elegant, making it perfect for a nice dinner by the beach. Definitely worth a visit if you're craving delicious sushi with a scenic Santa Monica vibe! read more

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Sugarfish is hands down the best-tasting and best-priced sushi you'll find anywhere. The fish is always top quality, and the rice--warm, slightly vinegary, and never stale or cold like at most places--is TO DIE FOR! The seaweed on the hand rolls has that perfect, crisp snap you can't get anywhere else. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, and you can genuinely tell the staff enjoy what they do. Brian, the manager, goes above and beyond to make every guest feel like family. I can't recommend this place enough! read more

SUGARFISH | Santa Monica - Tuna Sashimi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

wow, the best sushi ever every fish is so fresh. I love the trust me menu. I really recommend it to anyone that come you have you can choose between the 28$ to the 36$ to 42$ thank you Jason customer service read more

I came to the establishment with a friend on a whim. We were walking through Santa Monica and enjoying the beautiful weather and sugar fish had just opened. I'm a big fan of sushi and I have never had anything like this the way it's plated the way it comes out in courses. It was very elegant and nice not too fancy black tie, but very Elegant and beautiful. The fish was just amazing. The food tasted great and the price was not bad. I will definitely suggest this restaurant to others in the future. read more

I think it's okay and I wish I could be more hyped about it after hearing my cousins talk it up, but we ordered one of their set meals to go and ate it on the way to Malibu and it was average. I'll start off by saying that the staff was friendly and the gentleman who helped us take our to go order also gave us water while we waited which was appreciated. The presentation of the box itself was impressive - I mean, I was excited to dig in especially after taking in the visual presentation. While I loved their presentation, the fish didn't taste particularly amazing or life changing to me. It was good, but perhaps I had them on too high of a pedestal and that's why it fell short for me. I appreciate my cousins introducing me to something new and I think their restaurant location looked great especially with the outdoor waiting area, but it's not a "hurry back" kind of place for me. read more

SUGARFISH | Santa Monica - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Great location in Santa Monica kinda small and intimate like most sugarfish locations. Great service and great food as usual! The salmon sashimi is my favorite! Yum! read more

Sugarfish is my favorite location for sushi. The price is right. The fish is fresh and absolutely delicious. It's only 8:15am as I'm typing this, and I want to go now! read more

I love the concept of what Sugarfish is bringing, which is a omakase-like experience at a very affordable price. I even feel the available alcohol is priced extremely reasonably for sake and beer, though the menu is not extensive. The ambiance is of a higher end sushi restaurant with dark lighting and wood tables, but the noise and crowded dining room do take a bit from the experience. You are sat extremely close to other tables, so much so, you almost feel like part of the conversations of others, so I'd advise going with good friends and not like the first date that was sitting next to us, unless you're into added free entertainment for dinner :). Again, overall, I liked the experience, but will say you get what you pay for. We were almost flabbergasted in how low our final bill was, however, the sushi is not the best even in construction. The nigiri rice nearly fell apart immediately when picked up (indicating it was hastily formed) and the fish seems to just be laid on top as opposed to being properly pressed to "hug" the rice ball. Overall, it was priced very well and I might stop by again if in the area, but just be aware of what you are getting: Good fish, reasonable ambiance, great price, but not well formed nigiri. read more

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Tried various sugarfish spots and the quality is always there. Between their own omakase sets and their specials, there is always something delicious to get. Service is always top notch, didn't go very long without refills. read more

Walked in around 8pm on a busy Sunday night and only waited 15 mins for a party of 2. Yay because we were starving! It was dimly lit, perfect lighting for an intimate date. Except don't go telling your partner any secrets because the strangers seated next to you will also be able to hear lol We ordered The Nozawa Trust Me for $46 x 2 It comes with: * An edamame appetizer * Tuna sashimi * 12 pcs of nigiri (albacore, salmon, sea bream, yellowtail, bluefin otoro, and scallops instead of the hirame that night) * 2 hand rolls (toro and blue and Dungeness crab) The tasting menu is super simple, made with the best, freshest tasting ingredients! For sushi, they say what makes the biggest difference is actually the rice it comes with, not the fish. At this location, I felt that the rice was hard to pick up with the chopsticks. Probably could've used a little more water to make it stickier because it kept falling apart when we tried to dip into the soy sauce. No other complaints! My favorites were the Albacore nigiri and the crab hand roll. Ughhh my mouth is watering thinking about them. Will always be a Sugarfish fan! read more

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So fire. I love coming here after Pilates. Good service and clean storefront. Bathrooms have unscented and scented soap for eating. They serve quickly as well. read more

SUGARFISH | Santa Monica - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

The price may be higher, but with fresh food and service this good, it is worth it. Shoutout to our waiter, Mark, who was incredibly attentive and friendly, making our night even better. Natalia and the rest of the staff were just as excellent, with exceptional service. We went with the Trust Me set, an extra salmon-cut roll, and a bottle of their sake (served cold only and delicious). Every bite was perfect; fresh, and melt-in-your-mouth good, just as you expect from Sugarfish. Parking was easy, too! I found a spot in a nearby public lot, and they validate for two hours at a discounted rate ($4.50 per hour), a nice perk in Santa Monica. Overall, it was a 10/10 experience with great food, excellent service, and a great night. read more

So far, the best sushi in California! We always order from here for special occasions, and it has never disappointed. The sushi is incredibly fresh--like it came straight from the sea. The rolls are amazing: perfectly fresh, at the ideal temperature, and expertly compacted. The bluefin tuna sashimi is... I don't even know how to describe it. It's the definition of a masterpiece--so fresh, so delicate, it melts on your tongue and is perfectly seasoned. And I can't stop there--the eel roll is just as incredible: fresh, flavorful, and absolutely wonderful.LOL The service is always great, and the place itself is super cozy. A true California gem! read more

Sugarfish in Santa Monica? It's giving 'rich aunt who only eats clean and exclusively dates architects' energy. From the moment you walk in, it's sleek, calm, and minimal in that "don't ask for soy sauce" kind of way. And honestly? They're right. The fish doesn't need it. Every piece melts in your mouth like it was engineered in a Tokyo lab... clean cuts, perfect temperature, seasoned rice that's almost poetic. I went with the Trust Me and did exactly that. No regrets. Not one. Staff was locked in. Professional, chill, no forced smiles. The kind of service that makes you feel like you're not at a restaurant but somewhere more elevated. The lighting was soft but intentional. The space had that serene, borderline holy energy like everyone there was mid-sushi prayer. It's not loud or chaotic. It's not cheap either. But that's part of the vibe. This ain't your birthday sushi spot. It's your "I just got a raise" sushi spot. And the packaging if you order to-go? It's giving skincare PR box levels of care. It's giving clean. It's giving luxury. It's giving I don't argue about quality. read more

Ordered through Postmates. They ran out of the fish I requested so I opted for substitutes but they only included 1 out of 3 items in the actual bento. Other restaurants usually call to confirm the replacement orders but no one did at this establishment and well, someone dropped the ball on this one. Disappointed to say the least since it was meant for a longterm hospital patient. Patient said sushi quality was ok. read more

SUGARFISH | Santa Monica - So empty. Missing scallop and kanpachi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Always great. Wow, immediate seating at 7pm on a Thursday night. Place full though.

My favorite sushi spot. Quality fish and actually very fairly priced. They always have a wait, but it's worth it!

Fresh, very fresh fish and other ingredients that make up their big menu. I could eat here every day and be happy. But can't afford it so it's a once in a while treat. Just save up for a special occasion or limit your order, get miso soup and a bowl of steamed rice to help fill you up. Could be a little more affordable but it's very good quality Sushi and definitely recommend this establishment. read more

I recently visited California with some friends, and they couldn't stop raving about Sugarfish. Naturally, we had to give it a try, so we ordered The Nozawa Trust Me to go. Even though we ate it in the car, this might have been the best sushi I've ever tasted. For just $40, the box came with an incredible selection: Edamame Tuna Sashimi with ponzu and chives Albacore Sushi with ponzu and chives (2 pieces) Salmon Sushi with toasted sesame (2 pieces) Toro Hand Roll Japanese Yellowtail* Sushi with lemon (2 pieces) Chutoro Sushi (2 pieces) Hirame* Sushi with yuzu ponzu (1 piece) New Zealand Sea Bream* Sushi with citrus salt (1 piece) Blue & Dungeness Crab Hand Roll What really impressed me was the attention to detail--there were even instructions on the box for how to best enjoy each piece. Every single bite was pure bliss. The fish was unbelievably fresh, and it melted in your mouth, especially the salmon. I will 100% be going back the next time I'm in town. If you're a sushi lover, Sugarfish is an absolute must-try! read more

SUGARFISH | Santa Monica - The Nozawa Trust Me - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Since I come here a few times a year, it seemed about time to finally write a review. Let's just start by saying that I've not once left this restaurant feeling unhappy. In fact, I've always been as pleased as one could be. I have to admit that I am pretty boring though. I always order the Trust Me. But why fix something that ain't broken? It's a great combo of all good standard sushi choices, salmon, tuna, crab, toro, scallops, yellowtail, albacore. All of it always really fresh and tasty. And it's just enough to feel satisfied without feeling heavy (but still show up feeling hungry, otherwise it might be one too many sushis). Good crowd and vibe usually too. Service is always great and quick. Their prices are also very reasonable. read more

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Well, the hype is worth it. Some of the best sushi I had in a long time, both in terms of freshness and a little extra pizazz in the flavoring. Arrived at noon on a Sunday and there was no wait at all. Don't Think, Just Eat: So we actually split this between two people since we wanted a lighter lunch. All the nigiri came in two pieces while the hand rolls came with a knife so we could split it. The first course was a tuna sashimi in a nice ponzu sauce; loved it! So much better than just getting raw on a wooden board; I love when there's sauce. The handrolls were a big highlight, with warm rice and still crispy seaweed. One was toro, which was so fatty and delicious, while the other was lobster for some luxury. The nigiri pieces were all very fresh, with nice warm rice and sweet vinegar below. The salmon was especially memorable since of a thin kombu slice on top for extra flavor. Toro Cut Roll: Need a little extra food to top of the meal, so revisited the deliciously fatty toro. The cut roll wasn't as a crunchy as the handroll, but it had more rice and was more filling. Felt comforting to have a commom maki roll after all that elevated food. read more

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amazing wonderful glorious and spectacular. the fish was so fresh, buttery, and full of flavor. the "trust me" was the perfect amount of food with a variety of fish allowing you to try so many different things without the stress of choosing what to order. service was fast and efficient, didn't have to wait to long for the next course to come out. was quoted 40 min for 6 parties in front of us and ended up being a 20 min wait. literally zero complaints such a lovely atmosphere and extraordinary sushi read more

SUGARFISH | Santa Monica - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Sugarfish has the best quality raw fish for its price hands down! I go here probably every other week and it never lets me down. I love the Marina Del Rey location for a nice outdoor sit down area but decided to get it Togo since I was in Santa Monica. The best mid tier price sushi- beating the quality of Nobu and pricey authentic Japanese sushi places in my opinion. The service is always quick and friendly. The best tip I have is to try to avoid rush hours during dinner time since they do not take reservations. If you do go during peak dinner time be prepared to wait an 1.5hr+ but they text you when your table is ready & it is so worth it!!!! read more

SUGARFISH | Santa Monica - Trust me (Sub Toro cut roll for Bay Scallop cut roll) - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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I love this restaurant! Its so dark and intimate even though it gets packed and a little noisy i still feel like i can regenerate my energy when I go to dine here by myself or with one friend. The quality of the fish is so next level! This time I got the larger Try Me portion and had no problem eating the whole thing myself. Thanks sugarfish for being a reliable luxury dining experience! read more

It's fine? I don't really get why it's so popular. The selection of fish isn't super interesting and it's not especially cheap. I know it's intentional, but I think the rice is too warm and makes for a weird texture. read more