Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Santa Monica | Upscale Japanese Food

3 restaurants in Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Santa Monica | Upscale Japanese Food

• Kappo Miyabi — Japanese: Soft light glows across a polished wooden counter where the rhythmic dance of a chef’s knife serves as the evening’s soundtrack in this intimate sanctuary of refined Japanese dining. Each meticulously plated course tells a story of the seasons, balancing delicate textures with deep, soulful flavors that honor the timeless artistry and grace of the kappo tradition.
• SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa — Japanese: This sleek, minimalist sanctuary strips away the theatrics of traditional sushi to focus entirely on the purity of the ingredients and the precision of the craft. Guests are treated to a rhythmic progression of hand-selected cuts that melt against signature warm, loosely packed rice, creating a delicate balance of temperature and texture in every bite. It is a refined, no-frills experience where the quiet elegance of the space allows the vibrant, natural flavors of the ocean to take center stage.
• KazuNori — Japanese: At this sleek, minimalist hand roll bar, the experience centers on a long communal counter where chefs perform an intimate choreography of folding warm, seasoned rice and pristine seafood into sheets of crackling, toasted nori. Each roll is handed directly to the guest to be enjoyed in its peak moment of texture and temperature, creating a rhythmic dining experience that honors the simple purity of high-quality ingredients.