For a city that's located right along the Pacific Ocean and has an abundant source of local seafood, the sushi here is lacking. The quality just doesn't match LA, or the price point doesn't justify the costs. I came to Sun Sushi on a whim, not really expecting too much. But to my delight, I left pretty satisfied and wished I splurged a little more. The restaurant is located along the upper side of State Street, in a plaza next to Spudnuts. Parking is a bit tight but spots are available at the Rose Garden Inn as well. On the menu, you will find your standard appetizers, as well as some interesting options. The soft shell crab was a delicious start to the meal, I would recommend that one. They also had Korean short ribs and Japanese fried chicken, which I was tempted to try but held off to leave room for more sushi. Maybe next time. Out of all the rolls, Box Sushi was the clear favorite. Rice is pressed into literally a rectangular prism to give it a boxy shape and then overlaid with a mix of tuna and crab before finally topped with eel sauce. The roll has a little kick to it, but the spice is absolutely tolerable. We didn't order any other specialty rolls, but the rest of the dishes we had were decent. The rice was well made, and they used the right amounts for their fish. It was my first time choosing sweet shrimp nigiri over regular shrimp, and it was well worth the premium and I've been ordering it since. read more

Sun Sushi - Box Sushi, Soft Shell Crab, Sushi Roll ⋅ Ontare Plaza - Santa Barbara, California - Japanese Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

First I'd like to say that my dining experience at Sun Sushi was amazing! My sister and I came down from Sacramento to drop off my nephew for his last year in college @ UCSB and found this awesome place. We were asked if we would like to sit at a table or if we would like to sit at the sushi bar and we chose to eat at the sushi bar. We ordered stuffed jalapeño for an appetizer and several rolls (sun, state street, red dragon, rainbow, spider, dragon, & volcano) and I have to say that it was all so delicious. The seafood was all very fresh and tasty. Max and his entire staff were very attentive and provided exceptional customer service on a busy Friday night. Thank you for the great food and we will be coming back soon! read more

Sun Sushi - sun, volcano, dragon roll - Japanese Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Sun Sushi has been my favorite go-to sushi restaurant for a few years now. The staff is always so friendly and helpful. It is a small place but packs big flavor! The fish is always so fresh, and I like that there are plenty of rolls without so many crazy sauces. Its truly about the fresh fish, which when you have good fresh fish, you don't need all the fancy extras! I always trust the waiters and sushi chefs to give me recommendations, and that's how I have found some fish/sushi pieces that I would not have otherwise known to try! I haven't tried much other than sushi, but their baked mussels are also some of my favorites! Come try Sun Sushi, you won't regret it! read more

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The food was really good. Everytime I go there is always really well prepared sushi and it comes out fairly quickly. However, if you are expecting to be seated quickly and have good service, it can be a little slow at times. I had a reservation at 6:30 and didn't get sat until 7. Overall, love this place. read more

Best sushi in town! They have great quality, great taste, and great portions. Sun Sushi is our go-to in SB. They will absolutely not disappoint in terms of food AND service. Try the special menu on the whiteboard if you can, the Lemon Pepper salmon was the best read more

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Personally, I enjoyed the salmon 6 step more than the tuna 6 step. The salmon collar bone is also pretty good. I also liked the uni shot! We sat at the bar so we were able to have a cool conversation with the chef. A little pricey but still overall pretty solid sushi place! read more

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Our waitress was so fun !!! Absolutely loved their food and environment. I'm not a fan of California rolls and most of their rolls were just that with something added. Nonetheless their food was delicious. Thank you guys read more

Sun Sushi - $72.65 - Japanese Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Beautiful restaurant with incredibly high grade and fresh sushi. Talented sushi chefs and great selection that is very creative. There's too many favorites to list and still many more for us to try. The salmon six step is always a must order for us! Fun, creative, very instagrammanble presentation. Overall fantastic ! Will be back many times in the future for sure. read more

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Amazing Service.Had my 1st Uni shooter.Fast Service and very welcoming.Recommened Uni sushi, Alabacore ans State roll read more

Sun Sushi - Green tea, Uni shooter,Albacore Sushi, State roll w / soy sushi wrap. Fresh seafood - Japanese Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

really delicious and fresh! we ordered takeout and food was perfect. slightly expensive but fair for the most part.

It was really good especially the stuffed jalapeños appetizer. The roll I got was the box roll and it was something new I hadn't tried before. read more

Came here for dinner with my family. Great choice if you're craving sushi but don't want to drop too much $$ on the meal. Not the fanciest place, but food was fresh and well prepared and service was great! read more

My friends and I cleared every dish on the table. We absolutely loved the Six Steps Stairs, which beautifully showcased the salmon and tuna pieces. I especially enjoyed the fried shrimp head that comes with the sweet shrimp order; it was incredibly crispy and surprisingly easy to eat, despite the shells. The owners were very kind and appreciated us taking photos of our different plates. Despite arriving just an hour before closing, all our dishes were served within 15 minutes, and we devoured everything in record time. The unagi donburi with masago is a perfect combination - I absolutely love it. read more

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My trip to sun sushi was fantastic! We were a party of nine and they accommodated us beautifully. I ordered the beef teriyaki dinner, which came with a soup and salad, & the spicy tuna hand roll. The hand roll was the perfect amount of spice & the fish was fresh. The beef teriyaki was diced & tender. Everyone in my party thoroughly enjoyed our dinner and we will be back. Thanks Sun Sushi! read more

Sun Sushi - Beef Teriyaki Dinner - Japanese Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Ordered the omakase for takeout and was really pleased. It came with miso soup and salad and even an extra nigiri! Fish was fresh and there was a nice selection of fish. Pickup service was also friendly read more

Sun Sushi - Japanese Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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This is my favorite place for quality sushi in Santa Barbara so far! I've tried some of the other well know spots but this one is the best. I had always passed this place and never went int until today. Went around 6pm and the place was already packed! Made us wish we called ahead but definitely took it as a good sign. I like traditional sushi and don't really eat rolls much. I had the sweet shrimp, hirame, kinmedai (aburi), and the caterpillar roll just to fill it out. All were really good and they bring out the fried shrimp head which I super appreciate! My boyfriend had the bluefin tuna and the salmon. The salmon had this interesting but very tasty seaweed on it. Not the traditional plain sushi I'm used to but it was very good - compared to when there is mayo or Jalapeño added and makes things more fusion than natural progression of flavor combination. I definitely want to come back and sit at the counter and do some omakase. Also worth noting that their price point is a good deal especially compared to other sushi spots in the area. read more

MMMMMM. Sun sushi is by far my favorite sushi restaurant in SB! The fish is so good and fresh, and you really can't beat the quality for the price! My partner and I often order the chef's choice sashimi and it never disappoints. It is a great place for a casual dinner out with friends and family. The waitstaff is always nice, attentive, and fast. I always appreciate their kindness. read more

Sun Sushi - yellowtail handroll - Japanese Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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I lived in Tokyo for several years. So now you understand I have had exceptional sushi and you know that I know what I'm talking about, let me begin: Forget Arigato Sushi on State street and come straight here if you are looking for proper sushi. Cuts of fish I haven't had in America (I grew up in NYC and live in LA) This wonderfully unpretentious sort of hole-in-the-wall place is the real deal. If you want California rolls, thats fine, but don't bother coming here. But if you want local fish as well as Japanese fish prepared perfectly, come here. The prices are fantastic. If you love sushi and I mean sushi, this is a must visit. read more

Flying into Santa Barbara and will be driving out later, I decided to meet up an old friend at this establishment for dinner, given the local vibe and reviews I've read. Parking is really tight and you might have to wait a while. You can park to the hotel/motel adjacent to the place but it's a bit sketchy. I got lucky and parked in the diagonal slots right next to the restaurant. Through the front door you are greeted by the host who will put you on a waiting list (parties of 4 or more) or ask you to get seated immediately (party of 2). Since it was just me and my buddy, we got seated right away. Once inside, there are 6 tables that seats up to 4 and 4 tables that seats only up to 2; there's also the 6 seating at the sushi bar as well. I ordered a few appetizers and a few rolls to share. We both were not that hungry so we went light. I ordered a Seaweed Salad and a plate of Takoyaki. For the rolls, I ordered the Special Spicy Tuna Roll and a Lobster Baked Roll. Now, you're probably wondering why I Gabe them a 3 star. Well, it was both the time it took to order, the wrong roll that was brought out, and the customer services that was provided not just to us but to the other parties around us; it's hard not to eavesdrops on what's happening around us because each table was quite close. Long story short, food was good but not the best tasting rolls I've had. The Special rolls was mistakenly brought out to us for another roll. It took the waitress longer than expected (I timed this to almost a good 10 mins) before coming to ask how we were doing; this also happened to other guests as well. However, maybe under a different night and time, I would go there again. But for the taste of the food/rolls, if you're not picky then this is the right place for you. Not highly recommending this place but it's descent enough to eat at. Price wise, it's typical of sushi places. read more

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Horrible service. Had me wait over an hour for my online order. The order was sitting on the counter for 30 mins and didn't advise me that it was ready. Will not be returning here. read more

Came here with a few friends to celebrate a birthday, and we had a great meal! We called to make a reservation a few days prior for 6:30 pm on a Saturday dinner, and good thing we did because it seemed a lot of people were waiting a while for a table. Service was nice and fast, and we even got a free ice cream for the birthday celebration. The six step salmon was super fresh and delicious! Definitely an experience to see all the different preparations laid out on the wooden boards. Parking was a little tight- the plaza was decently busy, but luckily we found a spot right when we arrived. Also, the hostess was very gracious when we called about being 10 minutes late for our reservation. We had to wait a bit when we arrived, but it was a reasonable wait. A quality sushi spot with fair prices! Will come again :) read more

I would give this place a million stars if I could!!! This place is my all-time favorite. It is a small, hole-in-the-wall establishment but the employees are so incredibly nice and accommodating. If you love fresh and super appetizing sushi, you must try Sun Sushi. They have a lot of unique sushi rolls that do not even begin to compare with other sushi places I've had. My favorite is the Mexican Roll with Shrimp tempura, Avocado, and Jalapeño on the top Spicy Mayo sauce. If you love jalapeño, try it and I'm sure you will love it too. The Box Sushi is also excellent. I have not had it many other places but there's is fabulous. Seared tuna, spicy crab meat pressed in the box with sesame & Eel sauce. Makes me hungry just thinking about it! Usually for an appetizer I get the spicy tuna stuffed jalapeños which are just the right amount of spice and sweet. If you are on State Street by Las Posita, stop by and give it a whirl; you won't regret it! read more

Sun Sushi - Japanese Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

If I had to pick a last meal it would be sushi. If I got to pick the place to serve my last sushi meal it would be Sun Sushi. I've never tasted sushi with so much flavor!!! The spicy tuna roll was the true definition of spicy, what a nice tang. Most spicy tuna you wonder: "Wheres the spicy?" This roll found the spice!!! The Mexican roll was another fiesta of flavor!!! Every fish we had was super fresh. This place is a gem in SB read more

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Maybe we visited on an off night, but the rice was not good. The grains were almost all half grains or less and soft to the point where it was unpleasant. This was true of every roll we ordered. The fish was fresh enough, but the rice really ruined the experience for me and the rest of the table. One of the table got the box sushi- if you order this keep in mind its imitation crab, not crab like the menu says. Service was also very slow. read more

By far the best sushi restaurant in SB! Fish quality is outstanding in addition to the service. I eat here once a week because it's that good! Volcano roll is my favorite, but I mostly go here for the sushi. The seared Scottish salmon instantly melts in your mouth and is definitely a favorite of mine! read more

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We were driving through the town so had a to-go order. Ordered Nigiri (Salmon, Salmon Roe and Scallop) and Rolls (Dragon roll and Cruncy roll) Sushi rice was too mushy Expensive for the quality and size of the fish read more

Great food. Small portions Very good service quick and friendly The facility needs improvements I will go back read more

Omg I thought I had already submitted my review! Went here for dinner date, called and made reservations, glad I did. We eat early and so it was empty, but few minutes later the place started to fill up. So, good idea to call ahead. The lady there on last Thursday evening, our waitress super friendly and welcoming. The inside is on the smaller side and no outdoor dining. We ended up bar hopping and unfortunately did not eat many things, that was our mistake! We ordered the 6 step Salmon, A MUST! IT WAS SUPER DELICIOUS! We have had many sushi places and by far this one is the best. Also ordered the spicy salmon roll with Jalapeños on top also phenomenal. Can't go wrong it's a must stop. On the way out, the hostess, said our names which I thought was nice as I had never given her my name upon entering (lol I guess we were the only latino couple there she could narrow it down from reservations, which was fine). Highly recommend, great service and food! read more

Sun Sushi - 6 step Salmon a must! - Japanese Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

One of the best sushi restaurants in Santa Barbara! They have excellent specials every time I come in and the food is always incredible. On my last visit I enjoyed the sushi steps, toro hand rolls and yellow tail kana. This restaurant never disappoints and I can't recommend it enough! Sit at the sushi bar if you can! read more

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Wow! What a pleasant surprise to find a place on Yelp! that's even better than described. We were visiting SB and looking for a Japanese restaurant outside the tourist area, and Sun hit the spot. The sushi was excellent -- very fresh and beautifully presented. I also ordered tempura which is good if it comes out to the table immediately -- and it did. So good work, Sun Sushi, if we're back in the area, we'll be back to your restaurant, too. read more

Food was amazing sushi was fresh and delicious. Great service at the sushi bar. clean and good ambiance i will definitely have to come back when i'm back in santa barbara read more

The food was so good and very fresh. Everyone was friendly despite how busy they were. Make a reservation

Good, tasty, nice and friendly staff, usually too crowded, and very packed Definitely will go back later, its one of the better sushi's in SB but i hope they would offer ayce read more

Pretty good food and fast service. Uni is fresh and very yummy. Rolls are good but very small, so I recommend getting something else in addition to it. Nice interior and has a lot of seating inside. read more

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Clearly I was late to this sushi party, because this was my first visit. I can assure you it won't be my last. Despite being a Friday night and not having a reservation, we had a very short wait for a table. 2 waiters for the entire restaurant but they were so efficient they could have easily served a place twice the size. Rolls were amazing, fresh and perfectly balanced with the flavors. If you are looking for a place to have sushi, please try Sun Sushi. I promise you won't regret it! read more

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Let me start off by just saying W0W!! This place is by far the best sushi I have had in sb chefs kiss. This was my first time trying this place and it's now going to be my favorite spot. read more

Sun Sushi - LEFT TO RIGHT ; Volcano, Shrimp Tempura, Rainbow, The Box, State St. Roll - Japanese Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

My friends and I ordered takeout from here and I got the Sun Roll. This roll was reallyyy good and flavorful! I love cream cheese and avos in my rolls, so this was the perfect roll for me. I definitely will check this place out again to try out other rolls! read more

Sun Sushi - Sun Roll - Japanese Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Sushi was great. Best we have found in Santa Barbara so far. The sushi is fresh and it's prepared to order. You can tell because the shrimp tempura in middle of rolls are still warm, which makes for an excellent tasting sushi roll. I must say that rolls are much smaller than ones I've had before, hence the pricing. You can definitely do quite a few rolls compared to usually only getting 2 rolls max. But definitely worth a visit if in Santa Barbara. read more

Best shui in town love the California roll must try it also the tempura and the miso soup love to see them still in business! Lon wait though but the ambiance is great read more

Authentic atmosphere, with wonderfully fast and friendly service. Sushi was delicious and beautifully presented. read more

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