A Culinary Delight - 5 Stars for Noma Sushi in Santa Monica!
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:
My recent dining experience at Noma Sushi in Santa Monica was nothing short of exceptional, and I’m delighted to leave a glowing 5-star review for this outstanding restaurant!
From the moment I stepped inside, I was met with warm and attentive service. The staff went above and beyond to ensure a delightful dining experience, making me feel truly welcomed and valued as a guest.
The sushi at Noma is simply divine! The veggie roll was a delightful medley of fresh, flavorful vegetables, perfectly crafted into a work of art. The bento box with chicken teriyaki was equally outstanding, with tender, succulent chicken cooked to perfection. Each dish was a delectable journey for the taste buds, leaving me craving for more.
The ambiance of the restaurant added to the overall charm of the experience. The soothing atmosphere allowed me to relax and enjoy my meal thoroughly. It’s the perfect spot for a delightful meal with friends or a romantic dinner with a loved one.
The miso soup and salad were delightful appetizers, setting the tone for the culinary journey that followed. The hot tea was a lovely complement to the meal, adding a touch of warmth and comfort.
I genuinely appreciate the attentive service provided by the staff, making my dining experience all the more enjoyable. Their dedication to ensuring the comfort of their guests did not go unnoticed, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire team.
In conclusion, Noma Sushi in Santa Monica is a culinary gem that deserves every bit of praise. Whether you’re a sushi lover or simply appreciate delicious Japanese cuisine, this restaurant will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
I am already looking forward to my return visit to Noma Sushi, eager to explore more of their delightful menu offerings. Thank you, Noma Sushi, for the delightful culinary journey and exceptional service! Bravo to the entire team for creating a truly unforgettable...
Read moreGot a takeout order Ordered online (prices are ~4-5% higher than at the restaurant and they add 11% tip mandatory, for pickup). It said 1 hour wait time to be ready, no problem. I call 30 min before to check in on the order, and they say it'll take 10 minutes longer, no problem. Before i hang up, they mention 2 items were unavailable so they would remove them (instead of calling me when they found out to find a replacement). I show up 1hr15 min after placing the order (5 min after they told me it would be ready). It wasn't. Had to wait another 15 minutes to get the order, staff was unfriendly (clearly overworked, with dozens of people outside waiting to be seated and waiting for their orders, i feel bad for the staff).
When i open the order, i notice one of the items was incorrect (sushi, fresh water eel instead of sea eel, which is a far inferior product, also cheaper). The eggplant (nasu dengaku) was half cooked. Inedible. The maki rolls (spicy tuna and spicy salmon) were insipid and made with haste. The rice on the california style spicy tuna was rolled with no attention, it was flakey and came off. I am by no means a sushi chef and have made better rolls at home. There was also a SHARP PIECE OF BAMBOO in the maki and i impaled my pallet. Fun times. The yellowtail jalapeño was good, but $26++ for 6 small slices of yellowtail is exorbitant. It wasn't anything special. The "fatty tuna sushi" was definitely not Toro or anything like that. Not worth $25++ for 2 pieces. The wasabi was almost melting from having way too much water in it.
All in all, a mediocre experience. I would be fine with this quality at a fast food sushi place. Unfortunately this was $150 for 2 people. Kitchen is clearly overwhelmed (restaurant was full, with a long line outside to sit down as well as to pick up orders, 3 orders were picked up while i waited).
I cannot recommend this place at all. Very disappointed, was looking forward to a fancy...
Read moreWe were very impressed with the ambiance, service, and food at Noma. When you walk by, it's an unassuming restaurant from the street, because you can see what's going on inside. The mystery that awaits beyond the door will transport you to another time; the interior decor is full of quaint Japanese decor and wood finishes that give you a classic vibe, complemented with a light dose of modern jazz and instrumental covers that combines old and new world charm. The chefs are mostly Japanese and they take their role in serving you very seriously. The service was very professional; they never spoke to much or too little, just enough to be effective and allow you to continue your conversation without the niceties that most places have that tend to kill you with kindness.
We had the bay scallop, fatty salmon, and tuna sushi which melted in your mouth. The rice was just perfect on all of the pieces, not overly moist, yet firm and unadulterated. The scallops were sweet and fragrant, the salmon tasted better than anything I've had, and the tuna did not taste spongy like many others I've tried. The baked crab roll did not look like much, but all the flavors and real non-imitation crab was something very unique and worth a try. The kumamoto oysters were above average, but topped with house sauce and garnish that added more texture and flavor profile. Most of all the oysters were not ice cold, which I feel masks unsavory flavors at lower end restaurants. Lastly the eel avocado and and salmon avocado rolls seem basic, but this is where they prove how good they are. If they can make something basic into something extravagant, you know they are good. We've had eel avocado and salmon avocado rolls in the past, but this was among the...
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