Shunji Japanese Cuisine — Restaurant in Santa Monica

This was my second time at Shunji and since it was so consistent, I thought I should give it a shout out. You may miss it if you aren’t paying attention, nestled behind a non-discrete door on Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica, Shunji Japanese Cuisine is a Michelin-starred gem that redefines the art of sushi dining. Chef Shunji Nakao is a legend and this intimate restaurant offers an omakase experience that is as unforgettable as it is refined.

The heart of Shunji’s allure lies in its sushi, which showcases decades of expertise as one of Los Angeles’ sushi pioneers. Each piece of nigiri is a testament to his meticulous attention to detail, with fish sourced primarily from Japan to ensure unparalleled freshness. Shunji’s (somewhat new Santa Monica location) is a departure from its former chili bowl-shaped home on Pico Boulevard, embraces a minimalist aesthetic that keeps the focus on the food and quaint experience. The space is divided into two small rooms, each with a blonde wood counter that seats just seven, creating an atmosphere of exclusivity and intimacy. Soft jazz hums in the background, and a wall of orchids adds a touch of elegance, celebrating the restaurant’s decade-long legacy. The service is impeccable, with staff (one Shunji’s wife) moving gracefully to anticipate every need, from refilling sake glasses to presenting dishes on stunning ceramic plates.

Shunji is more than a restaurant; it’s a destination The sushi is exceptional, the ambiance serene, and the overall experience a masterclass in...

This is the place you want to go to, whether you have a special occasion, or crave for the true Japanese cuisine, or healthy & tasteful dishes, to treat yourself and your loved ones or vip with sophisticated Japanese course menu which is called “Omakase”, the creation of the owner chef, Shinji Nakano, and impeccable services to treat you as if nothing but the most important person of the world.

However, this place is also very wallet friendly if you want to just have a casual lunch with excellent quality of Japanese dishes or dinner with your spouse, friends or business associates.

The atmosphere is always quiet and warm-welcoming at home feelings, every single plate is always flavorful with fresh healthy ingredients with excellent treatment of Shunji’s creative magic.

Overall, it’s guaranteed both your stomach and spirits will be happy and content when you leave the place. Always reservation is...

I visited for the first time since the shop moved to its new location. There is no signboard for the shop. About five minutes before the reservation time, we were allowed to enter the shop. The interior felt like a very traditional Japanese sushi restaurant, with wooden decor. There are six seats for each chef, and we enjoyed our meal while having pleasant conversations with the chef and other customers.

We chose a course that included sake tasting, featuring quite rare Japanese sake, which made it feel very special. The sushi’s flavor was incredibly authentic, with about 90% of the ingredients sourced from Japan, and we were extremely satisfied with it. Since it was a reservation for a special occasion, we also received a message card from the staff, which made the day very heartwarming. The atmosphere, the taste, and the hospitality were all top-notch, making it a first-class restaurant in...