Discovered This Amazing Value-for-Money Hidden Gem Japanese Spot! 🍣

I’ve been to Santa Monica so many times but never noticed this Japanese restaurant until now! Every time I’m here, I struggle with where to eat—either too expensive or not tasty enough. But this place is seriously great: delicious, affordable, and with a nice atmosphere. Perfect for a quick work meal or a casual hangout with friends. Highly recommended! It’s also super close to the Santa Monica Pier, so if you’re visiting and craving hot ramen, it’s just a short walk away! 🚶♀️🍜 🍣 MARU SUSHI AND RAMEN 📍 331 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 🕚 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM 💵 Around $30 per person 🅿️ Street parking: $1 per hour The evenings are starting to get chilly lately. After watching the sunset with a friend visiting from China, we were in desperate need of a warm bowl of noodles. Saw good reviews online and decided to give it a try—no regrets, only pleasant surprises! The food was tasty, the service and atmosphere were great, and the value was unbeatable! We ordered: • Maru Ramen (staff recommendation): Light broth, generous portion! • Yellow Volcano & Orange Volcano Rolls: Flame-seared salmon rolls with spicy crab and lots of cheese—great if you like warm sushi! I thought they were delicious. • Sashimi Combo (9-piece): Super affordable and beautifully presented. Felt so special when it arrived! • Chirashi Bowl: This was just okay—a bit similar to the sashimi combo. Good if you’re dining alone and want a balanced meal with fish, rice, and veggies. #LAWeekend #CaliforniaTravel #LALife #HiddenGemEats #SantaMonica #GlobalFoodies #LAEats #LAFoodReview #FoodExploration #FoodReviewObserver #RamenLover #SushiTime #CozyDining