SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa

Sushi restaurant · Santa Monica

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa

Sushi restaurant · Santa Monica

5

1345 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

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Highlights

High-quality sushi & warm rice with set menus & sake  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

1345 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Get directions

sugarfishsushi.com
@sugarfishbynozawa

$30–50 · Menu

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1345 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Get directions

+1 310 393 3338
sugarfishsushi.com
@sugarfishbynozawa
𝕏
@sugarfish

$30–50 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 13, 2025

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@infatuation

Sugarfish Santa Monica - Review - Santa Monica - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"LA is no stranger to sushi empires, but few have achieved the popularity (and accessibility) of Sugarfish. Plain and simple, this is the highest-quality sushi at the best price in town. There are many locations around LA these days, but don’t fear, the quality hasn’t dropped a bit. You can still get your nine-course Trust Me dinner for about $30 (it fluctuates between lunch and dinner) and walk away thrilled. The Santa Monica location can get even crazier than most (all those tourists need their Sugarfish fill), so if you can’t deal with the wait, takeout here is never a bad move." - Jess Basser Sanders

https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/reviews/sugarfish-santa-monica
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@infatuation

The Best Sugarfish Locations In LA, Ranked

"In a word, hell! It’s in a hidden, unmarked building shadowed by a multi-story public parking lot and Flower Child off Third Street Promenade. And yet, somehow it’s always busy. When I worked client services at a post-production house in the neighborhood (phew, what a statement), I was tasked with picking up lunch for a VIP client from here. I couldn’t find the restaurant for nearly an hour and when I finally did, almost got fired. The food’s still good though, especially that sweet, sugary rice." - kat hong

https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/the-best-sugarfish-sushi-locations-ranked-los-angeles
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@eater

Where to Get Delivery From in LA | Eater

"There’s no shortage of sushi spots in LA, but none are as consistent, high-quality, and approachable as Sugarfish, according to Sanchez. It’s probably why his usual order is “Trust Me” – which typically includes a sashimi course, seven orders of nigiri, and two hand rolls." - Rayna Rossitto

https://www.eater.com/ad/maps/where-to-get-delivery-from-in-la
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@infatuation

The Best Places To Eat Sushi Outside In LA

"Ah, Sugarfish. No other restaurant in LA is as feared, beloved, and worshipped as the casual set menu sushi joint. Plain and simple, this is the highest-quality sushi at the best price in town. There are several locations around LA, but don’t fear, the quality hasn’t dropped a bit. You can still get your nine-course Trust Me dinner for about $30 (it fluctuates between lunch and dinner) and walk away happier than the clams in your hand rolls. Patio dining is available at their MDR, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Hollywood, Calabasas, Pasadena, and MB locations." - kat hong

https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/best-sushi-outside-la
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Top LA Sushi Omakase for Under $80 | Eater LA

"Sugarfish has made its name from consistently high quality sushi despite multiple locations across Los Angeles (and beyond, such as New York City). Co-founder Kazunori Nozawa’s signature warm rice is the key element here, served beneath pristine cuts. The top-level “Don’t Think, Just Eat” version of the menu costs $52, and embodies Nozawa’s approach to omakase." - Matthew Kang

https://la.eater.com/maps/best-affordable-sushi-omakase-under-80-los-angeles
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Khoi Pham

Google
Got the "Nozawa Trust Me" set. It wasn't bad, but wasn't particularly outstanding neither. Tried a separate pink lobster nigiri, and that was decent too. Overall, I wouldn't recommend going out of your way for this, although if you are already in the area and need a reliable last minute option, this spot would be a decent choice.

Gnome Chomsky

Google
Super fresh, great price to value, excellent service. Just a heads up; gratuity is included in your bill; not sure why we are breaking with tradition

Ζey Key

Google
Definitely The top sushi in the area, a little bit pricey but totally worth it! Amazing ambiance, very clean place, friendly staff! Can’t wait to visit it again!

Yi Zhang

Google
The preset menu is a great selection and tasted great. The price didn’t go up crazily after pandemic and is such a great deal. They don’t take reservations but the wait was only 30 minutes on a weekend evening.

Michelle Shao

Google
We went for a lunch on a weekday and got seated immediately. We got omakase ($39) and the sweet shrimp, we loved everything we ordered. The portion was good and the food was great too! Definitely recommend it to everyone who is visiting Santa Monica!

Алина

Google
What a gem. Only few blocks from the beach, parking with discounted rate is babble right next door for $4.50. Pleasant simple ambiance. Very much quality fish and tasty chips execution. First time here I enjoyed $59 chef’s special. A surprise, makes it easy not to choose any rolls or sashimi. All came so delectable with variety as well as filling. You won’t be hungry after this. 16% service fee is included as this is no tip establishment. Highly recommend. The prices are reasonable for Santa Monica, I’d say even very attractive. Kind service and clean place.

Ms May

Google
I recently dined at Sugarfish in Santa Monica and had an incredible experience with their Trust Me menu. Each course was a delight, but the salmon in particular was absolutely delicious - fresh, buttery, and full of flavor. The whole Trust Me concept is perfect for those who love sushi and want to be surprised by expertly crafted dishes. Every piece felt like it was made with care, and the quality of ingredients really stood out. The ambiance was relaxed yet elegant, and the service was attentive, making it a wonderful dining experience from start to finish. Highly recommend to anyone who appreciates high-quality sushi!

Rachel Koch

Google
I will dream of coming back here! We each got the “trust me” and it was some of the best sushi I’ve had. It was all so fresh and the portions were filling! The hand rolls were delicious. We walked in early and were seated right away. However after 6ish (Friday night) it was packed!
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Christie K.

Yelp
Sugarfish has the best quality raw fish for its price hands down! I go here probably every other week and it never lets me down. I love the Marina Del Rey location for a nice outdoor sit down area but decided to get it Togo since I was in Santa Monica. The best mid tier price sushi- beating the quality of Nobu and pricey authentic Japanese sushi places in my opinion. The service is always quick and friendly. The best tip I have is to try to avoid rush hours during dinner time since they do not take reservations. If you do go during peak dinner time be prepared to wait an 1.5hr+ but they text you when your table is ready & it is so worth it!!!!
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Tada Y.

Yelp
I love the concept of what Sugarfish is bringing, which is a omakase-like experience at a very affordable price. I even feel the available alcohol is priced extremely reasonably for sake and beer, though the menu is not extensive. The ambiance is of a higher end sushi restaurant with dark lighting and wood tables, but the noise and crowded dining room do take a bit from the experience. You are sat extremely close to other tables, so much so, you almost feel like part of the conversations of others, so I'd advise going with good friends and not like the first date that was sitting next to us, unless you're into added free entertainment for dinner :). Again, overall, I liked the experience, but will say you get what you pay for. We were almost flabbergasted in how low our final bill was, however, the sushi is not the best even in construction. The nigiri rice nearly fell apart immediately when picked up (indicating it was hastily formed) and the fish seems to just be laid on top as opposed to being properly pressed to "hug" the rice ball. Overall, it was priced very well and I might stop by again if in the area, but just be aware of what you are getting: Good fish, reasonable ambiance, great price, but not well formed nigiri.
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Venus L.

Yelp
I think it's okay and I wish I could be more hyped about it after hearing my cousins talk it up, but we ordered one of their set meals to go and ate it on the way to Malibu and it was average. I'll start off by saying that the staff was friendly and the gentleman who helped us take our to go order also gave us water while we waited which was appreciated. The presentation of the box itself was impressive - I mean, I was excited to dig in especially after taking in the visual presentation. While I loved their presentation, the fish didn't taste particularly amazing or life changing to me. It was good, but perhaps I had them on too high of a pedestal and that's why it fell short for me. I appreciate my cousins introducing me to something new and I think their restaurant location looked great especially with the outdoor waiting area, but it's not a "hurry back" kind of place for me.
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Honest Abe A.

Yelp
Meh, I don't understand the hype. People say the quality of the fish is great, I'm not an expert so I'll believe them - as long as I don't get sick, I'm satisfied. The first time I went was many years ago and I never went back and now I remember why. Very small portions. nothing special at all. i'm not saying go and I'm not saying don't go. My favorite thing I would probably say is in the restroom. They have two kinds of soap. One for before you're going to eat, which is unscented and another very nicely scented soap for after you've eaten. Cetainly not my most groundbreaking review ever.
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Sarah R.

Yelp
Walked in around 8pm on a busy Sunday night and only waited 15 mins for a party of 2. Yay because we were starving! It was dimly lit, perfect lighting for an intimate date. Except don't go telling your partner any secrets because the strangers seated next to you will also be able to hear lol We ordered The Nozawa Trust Me for $46 x 2 It comes with: * An edamame appetizer * Tuna sashimi * 12 pcs of nigiri (albacore, salmon, sea bream, yellowtail, bluefin otoro, and scallops instead of the hirame that night) * 2 hand rolls (toro and blue and Dungeness crab) The tasting menu is super simple, made with the best, freshest tasting ingredients! For sushi, they say what makes the biggest difference is actually the rice it comes with, not the fish. At this location, I felt that the rice was hard to pick up with the chopsticks. Probably could've used a little more water to make it stickier because it kept falling apart when we tried to dip into the soy sauce. No other complaints! My favorites were the Albacore nigiri and the crab hand roll. Ughhh my mouth is watering thinking about them. Will always be a Sugarfish fan!
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Alisa Z.

Yelp
I finally went, but I'm not sure I get the hype. I had one of the recommended sets and everything was fresh and delicious, but I was there because there was no wait. I would not wait in a huge line for it and I think I actually prefer Kazu Nori (owned by the same group).
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Awzean F.

Yelp
I recently visited California with some friends, and they couldn't stop raving about Sugarfish. Naturally, we had to give it a try, so we ordered The Nozawa Trust Me to go. Even though we ate it in the car, this might have been the best sushi I've ever tasted. For just $40, the box came with an incredible selection: Edamame Tuna Sashimi with ponzu and chives Albacore Sushi with ponzu and chives (2 pieces) Salmon Sushi with toasted sesame (2 pieces) Toro Hand Roll Japanese Yellowtail* Sushi with lemon (2 pieces) Chutoro Sushi (2 pieces) Hirame* Sushi with yuzu ponzu (1 piece) New Zealand Sea Bream* Sushi with citrus salt (1 piece) Blue & Dungeness Crab Hand Roll What really impressed me was the attention to detail--there were even instructions on the box for how to best enjoy each piece. Every single bite was pure bliss. The fish was unbelievably fresh, and it melted in your mouth, especially the salmon. I will 100% be going back the next time I'm in town. If you're a sushi lover, Sugarfish is an absolute must-try!
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Tara F.

Yelp
Since I come here a few times a year, it seemed about time to finally write a review. Let's just start by saying that I've not once left this restaurant feeling unhappy. In fact, I've always been as pleased as one could be. I have to admit that I am pretty boring though. I always order the Trust Me. But why fix something that ain't broken? It's a great combo of all good standard sushi choices, salmon, tuna, crab, toro, scallops, yellowtail, albacore. All of it always really fresh and tasty. And it's just enough to feel satisfied without feeling heavy (but still show up feeling hungry, otherwise it might be one too many sushis). Good crowd and vibe usually too. Service is always great and quick. Their prices are also very reasonable.
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Emma F.

Yelp
Had a great experience here. I was surprised how cheap it is for the quality of fish. We had their set menu and it was the perfect amount for me!
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Angelina Z.

Yelp
Great service and a nice selection. I got the don't trust me and felt quite satiated afterwards. I've seen sugar fish all over tiktok the past few years and while this was yummy I think I came in expecting an out of this world experience LOL
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Adam B.

Yelp
Well, the hype is worth it. Some of the best sushi I had in a long time, both in terms of freshness and a little extra pizazz in the flavoring. Arrived at noon on a Sunday and there was no wait at all. Don't Think, Just Eat: So we actually split this between two people since we wanted a lighter lunch. All the nigiri came in two pieces while the hand rolls came with a knife so we could split it. The first course was a tuna sashimi in a nice ponzu sauce; loved it! So much better than just getting raw on a wooden board; I love when there's sauce. The handrolls were a big highlight, with warm rice and still crispy seaweed. One was toro, which was so fatty and delicious, while the other was lobster for some luxury. The nigiri pieces were all very fresh, with nice warm rice and sweet vinegar below. The salmon was especially memorable since of a thin kombu slice on top for extra flavor. Toro Cut Roll: Need a little extra food to top of the meal, so revisited the deliciously fatty toro. The cut roll wasn't as a crunchy as the handroll, but it had more rice and was more filling. Felt comforting to have a commom maki roll after all that elevated food.
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Jake A.

Yelp
Sugarfish is a classic. The best bang for your buck in the echelon of high quality sushi without having to do $200/person. And the experience is so reliable. Every time I go it's exactly what I'm hoping for and really really hits the spot!
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Denise V.

Yelp
This was my second time at Sugarfish, but the first time at the Santa Monica location. Parking can be tricky since it's in downtown, but they have a parking structure nearby with free 90-minute parking*. It was a Saturday night, and while we were told there would be a long wait (we didn't mind), we were seated in about 20 minutes. We got the Trust Me set, but for some reason, the Hirame Sushi is perpetually out, so we were served Hokkaido Sea Scallops as an alternative. I love the quality of the fish here. It's so buttery and tender. The rice is loosely-packed, which can make it difficult for me to pick up the nigiri in a smooth, fluid motion. But it tastes amazing--warm, subtly sweet, melding perfectly with the buttery fish. My favorites remain the Tuna Sashimi (first dish) and the Albacore Sushi. I never really cared for hand rolls. The service was fast and attentive, considering everything is made to order. Also, I appreciate how generous they are with the ginger since I always need two extra servings:) Note: the bathrooms could use some attention, which seems to be a common theme at all Sugarfish locations. *Don't quote me on this; I have poor memory.
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Kelly L.

Yelp
Came here for lunch on Sunday for the first time and it met all of my expectations :) We each ordered the Nozawa Trust Me option on the menu ($39 per person) and it did not disappoint! Started with edamame, then the tuna sashimi, then the Toro handroll, some more sushi, and the crab hand roll. My favorites were the toro hand roll and the crab hand roll. Everything was tasty and portions were really good. I love the contrast between the super warm rice and the cold fish, drooling thinking about this meal! Service was fantastic, meal came out omakase style so everything was fresh as they were brought out to us. If I lived in LA I'd be here monthly! Thanks for a great meal :) If you tend to have a smaller appetite I'd recommend the $30 option, $39 was definitely filling (coming from someone who likes to eat haha)
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Megan J.

Yelp
I have been to Sugarfish and have gotten take out from here probably about once a year for the last decade. I got takeout from here yesterday and it was still very consistent! I ordered using their online ordering system listed on their website (ChowNow) and it was very easy! I showed up 20 minutes early to pick up my order and they had it ready 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time (during lunch rush hour). The restaurant is small, but still looks very clean and taken care of. The staff were friendly and the hostess with whom I spoke ensured that I didn't wait for a long time to receive my order. Yesterday, I got some Albacore Sushi, Japanese Yellowtail Sushi, Bluefin Otoro Sushi, and Kampachi Sushi. As always, the quality of the sushi was excellent (very fresh, flavorful, and melts in your mouth)! I love their ponzu sauce. It is so refreshing and delicious with the sushi! Sometimes I wish that the sushi pieces were slightly larger. It's definitely on the pricier side which I understand because it is Los Angeles and the quality of the sushi is excellent. Overall, small/clean establishment, friendly staff, delicious and simple sushi, but a little pricey!
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Tiffany L.

Yelp
I think this is the better location compare to the one in Hollywood. The fish was A LOT softer and tender. Ambiance is very romantic but its darkkkk lol Service is nice but there's a wait so making reservations a head of time is highly recc.
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Michelle Z.

Yelp
Great quality and quantity for the price. Sugarfish is proof that you don't need to pay $100+ for omakase to have a full meal's worth of fresh, melt-in-your-mouth sushi! Would recommend this place if you're looking for a nicer sushi place to take someone on a date -- the ambiance pretty casual but still feels intimate. I've been to this location and the Brentwood one, and both have had fairly long waits, so just be ready for that (they don't take reservations). The Nozawa Trust Me is a good go-to option you can't go wrong with -- it's really filling though! So if you're not too hungry, go with the normal Trust Me instead. My hands-down favorite item in the set is the crab hand roll -- it's actually soo good. I dream about it. All of the sushi in the Trust Me set is great quality and presented really well. They surprise you with some unique flavor combinations, so it's a fun experience if you've never been before. It's a very tuna forward meal though.
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Jasmine L.

Yelp
This is one of the best sushi experiences I have ever had!! The menu is fantastic, the ambiance and vibe is phenomenal, and the service is excellent!!     Had the Trust Me omakase, and it was so amazing. The fish is so fresh and refreshing, and the sauces paired with each piece is fantastic. I was actually very full at the end of the meal, which was pleasantly surprising! Would highly recommend if you are craving sushi. I'm looking forward to trying the other options on the menu too!
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Ronald W.

Yelp
Wasn't super hungry getting off the plane. The $35 Trust Me ($44 all in) was perfect so I don't get hungry tonight. Some of the best mid priced sushi I've had in the US.
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Martina T.

Yelp
Came here on a Friday at noon, was worried that there would be a long line but there were only a few tables and the bar occupied so we were immediately seated. There is a good amount of to go traffic. There is a structure about 1-2 mins walking distance that offers free 90 minutes parking. The restaurant is small and the tables are packed very closely to each other. So your neighbors will definitely hear all of your conversations. Usually your neighbors get quiet if you're about to spill some juicy gossip so they can listen in. Ordered the Nozawa trust me ($39). It was enough to fill me up for lunch. The food comes out VERY slow here, much slower than I anticipated to stay here for. Not ideal if you're here for a quick lunch break. Fish is fresh and delicious.
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Richard H.

Yelp
A solid 5 for my visit this week having come to this location several times over the years. I came for an early dinner arriving around 4:15 strolling up to the empty bar where I was served by Everest. Since I was in no hurry to eat having just come from the Echo Park Original Tommy's 3 hours earlier, I started off with a glass of the Chardonnay followed by the $35 pre fixe menu which was perfect since. Tuna sashimi, albacore & salmon nigiri, Yellowtail, sea breme (snapper), hirame (halibut) as well as a toro roll and Dungeness crab roll. Highly recommend this location as I prefer this one to the one in Marina Del Rey since it is steps away from 3rd Street Promenade.
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Malibu B.

Yelp
Remember, going to the smoke what a phenomenal surprise our meal was. The food was absolutely extraordinary, very fresh and beautifully prepared. Only thing is if you don't want to wait an extraordinarily long amount of time get there early as the place ends up having to wait as early as 6 PM during the week. We got the chefs choice and we're very happy with our dishes. Not sure why they refuse to give you spicy mayo or extra sesame seeds.
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Katey B.

Yelp
Yoga on the beach followed by lunch at Sugarfish is the way to go! The staff was helpful and attentive, the food was excellent and the ambiance was chill. We sat at the bar which made for a casual experience--plus it was fun to watch the kitchen expo.
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Sue L.

Yelp
What? I'm so confused. The Santa Monica Sugarfish PALES in comparison to any Sugarfish I have ever visited. Is it because it's located in a touristy area, and they think they're catering to uninformed tourists who don't know better? The entire vibe was second rate. The most glaring issue was the I-work-at-a-Shakey's vibe the staff was giving. They were remarkably unprofessional in their conversations with one another, didn't care one iota about providing good service, and on more than one occasion spoke about not wanting to be there. They spoke as if no one else could hear them; it was rather off putting...and just really confusing to be honest. What was so apparent was that they were lacking management. It was a hot mess. It's been a minute since I've visited a Sugarfish, so I'm not sure if they're just generally going downhill, or if it's just isolated to this location? All I know is that this experience was a big miss for me. I'm embarrassed for them honestly. If you're wanting a more polished experience, you won't be getting it here. That, I'm not confused about. I'm willing to bet that they're getting ready to close their doors; it's like they've thrown in the towel. Actually the more I think about it, the more I believe this must be it. Case cracked!
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Justin V.

Yelp
The food is amazing. Some of the best sushi I have ever had. The tasting menu was outstanding, even my toddler devoured hers. The only bummer was that little shit ate my blue fin sashimi when I wasn't looking.
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Hughes C.

Yelp
This place is a lot of bang for your buck. Decided to reward ourselves after a weak 3.5 mile hike on the Los Liones Canyon hike...we really didn't deserve it since we decided to hit the Parker Mesa Overlook and head to lunch haha. But regardless, it was nice stopping by and not having to wait more than 5 minutes at 1:30/2PM on a Sunday. Despite dressed in a bunch of hiking clothes, we were able to be seated relatively quickly once everyone arrived after looking for parking. Feeling like we were starved, the three gentlemen went with Don't Think, Just Eat. Trust Me while the two ladies settled with The Nozawa Trust Me option. All I can say is the food here is bussin'. Fish were high quality and the portions were generous. Washed it all down wonderfully with a Sapporo Reserve and walked out extremely content. In fact, I felt like that may have been slightly too much food for me but totally worth it!
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Deena I.

Yelp
Walk ins only, so if you don't come early the wait till be long. Came here for dinner but a larger party, so even though we got there around 545pm, our wait was an hour. Sushi is worth the wait. Got the trust me off the menu. The sushi was delicious. Staff were friendly and helpful. They seem to help each other rather than just be assigned to tables. No tip establishment, which is interesting. Limited drink selection. Basically sake and a few wine options.
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Zach A.

Yelp
No wait for a table. Quick service. And no lie, the best raw fish I have had in my entire life. People are always throwing out the word connoisseur. I used to think I was a sushi connoisseur. That is until I went to Sugarfish for the first time. It completely changed my sushi paradigm. Completely and utterly turned my sushi world upside down! We arrived on a whim, and decided to grab a seat. The server arrived almost immediately and recommended some great items for sharing. We of course wanted to sample everything so we ordered the Nozawa Trust Me. They even accommodated us by offering some of the hand rolls as cut rolls so we could share even more. The flavor of the fish, the texture, the freshness. It opened my world to a new reality of sushi greatness! I will return, and am happy to learn that there are so many locations all around LA. I even forgot my water bottle there, and it was right there waiting for me later that day when I returned for it. Great staff, great ambiance, great food. Sugarfish!!!
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Sascha J.

Yelp
SUGARFISH is a really cute little restaurant but by little I mean it's teeny tiny inside. It's nice for an intimate date night perhaps but you'll definitely be able to hear everyone's conversations right next to you. My girlfriend and I popped in for a quick lunch and it was fairly busy. We got a few pieces of nigiri and I got a simple avocado cucumber hand roll. It was ok but it took forever just to be served or receive our simple orders. Even for sushi the pieces were smaller than average and pretty overpriced in my opinion. I really liked the ambiance here but I don't necessarily think I'll be visiting again. I wish I had more to say but honestly the visit was just very underwhelming. Disappointed...
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Tina N.

Yelp
Finally tried Sugarfish and it was great. We were lucky and got seated right away. Everything was fresh. Rice was a little loose for me and kept falling apart. We were not hungry so we got the Trust Me to share and it was more than enough. My favorite was the tuna sashimi and blue & dungeness crab hand roll. Love the crispy seaweed on the hand roll.
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Bergen F.

Yelp
The best thing about this place is the quality of the fish. It's very good. The service is also fine, if not particularly attentive. What's not very good, not very good at all, is the rice. Rice for nigiri has to stick together. Sushi chefs gently press it into a little ball before placing fish on top. The rice holds its shape, supporting the fish. That's not true here. The rice simply falls apart as soon as you pick it up... on the plate, the table, wherever. Frustrating. Also, this is completely American-style sushi. Wasabi is not added to the nigiri, nor is it brushed with soy. You'd expect something a bit more special with the Nozawa name attached. At least, I did. I went to the original Sushi Nozawa on Ventura many years ago. That felt special. This feels more like fast food, and expensive fast food at that.
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Gloria C.

Yelp
This location is always too cold and the service is not extremely friendly, but the food is very fresh.
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Stephanie N.

Yelp
Oof. We came for lunch and it was everything you'd expect and then some. I loved that it was a set menu and you order whichever tier you want according to amount of food. This is not Americanized, drenched-in-spicy-mayo sushi. Courses are clean, elevated, and highlight the beautiful flavor of the fish. Service was great as well, it was a little cold inside on the day we came and asked to be sat outside and were accommodated immediately. The only gripe I will give in this review is my husband ordered hot tea and was given hot water and a tea bag... this can be improved upon, especially within the context of being at a fine dining sushi restaurant.
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Alice H.

Yelp
Omg, the sushi here was so amazing. The salmon sushi in particular was life changing - I've never had salmon taste like that. It's a must try. All the fish was very fresh and just melts in your mouth. I've had sushi in so many places, including Japan, and this sushi is my favorite so far. The staff were also amazing and were very attentive. The restaurant itself is dimly lit, not too big, and had comfy booths to sit at. It's a little bit hidden and you could easily walk past it without knowing it's there, which is what I've been doing for years. I regret not trying this place earlier!
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Bill S.

Yelp
Went for lunch and and the "Trust Me" specials were legit. Wasn't a big fan of the ice green tea but the rest was great.
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Jenny T.

Yelp
This is probably my favorite Sugarfish out of the few locations I've been to. The pieces of fish are fatty, melt-in-your-mouth soft and delicious. Service was attentive. Bathrooms were clean. Parking sucks in this area, but there is a lot that's 10 dollars for the full day (I came on a Sunday) and the Sugarfish validation will take $4.50 off the $10 rate. :)
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Jonathan C.

Yelp
Haven't been here before but I am glad I did. Came with my wife for a long weekend on new years and ladies and gentleman, I loved it. Staff was incredible, environment was relaxing and the food was grounding. We each got the Nozawa "trust me" menu and it started with a tuna sashimi and I ordered a hot green tea alongside it. I felt like i was able to understand everything in that present moment and SUGARFISH was the vehicle to enlightenment. I do trust you SUGARFISH, I do.
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Leslie C.

Yelp
Upon entry the place appears small, however the restaurant owners have organized seating so well that it doesn't seem that way upon seating. I will say that the waiting area is rather small and should be a little more suitable for customers waiting to be seated, since there is typically a wait. The service did not disappoint! Our service was excellent and very timely meaning as soon as we were served it was one plate after another guaranteed freshness with every bite! I am a repeat customer of the Sugarfish at this location. The service and freshness of the food is 5+. We will be back.
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Karla S.

Yelp
Sugar fish was a whole different experience than what I'm used to. Went to this location for the very first time to experience SugarFish omakaze-style on Halloween. It was a Tuesday around 3pm and we were seated right away. Let's start off by saying that the word to describe this experience was just Wow! The sashimi melts in your mouth, one of the most incredible taste. The sauce that it's served in is so delicious you literally want to lick the plate. Each piece has a delectable taste, the rice is cooked to perfection. I loved every piece of fish that was served. It just feels so fancy and like nothing I've ever tasted before. The servers were very sweet and friendly. We savored every course that was served. It is on the pricier side but 100% worth it!
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James Y.

Yelp
Finally got a chance to try Sugarfish after trying Kazunori earlier this year. Location is conveniently near Santa Monica Pier and ample parking in the area. Great ambiance in the place, if a bit too dark for dinner. Ample seating but I can imagine it gets quite busy especially with no reservations allowed. We were seated promptly but just had to separate our group to avoid a long wait (totally our choice since there were 7 of us). Opted for the Nozawa Trust Me which was a steal at $46. All the dishes were great, with the standout being the Hokkaido Sea Scallop and the Japanese Yellowtail. Service was great, everything came out quickly and everything was explained to us. I originally wanted to add on more on top of the Trust Me, but the meal was quite filling on its own. Definitely a great spot to visit especially if you're already visiting the Pier.
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Bayan M.

Yelp
Ambiance was so cute- dim lighting and cozy Service was amazing! Our waiter was super nice and gave great menu recommendations Everything I tried here tasting great, and it all came out fairly quickly. Really good sushi! Can't complain
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Mariam T.

Yelp
The fresh fish and rice are so soft and delicious! The ahi tuna is the best part. Love the ambiance and great customer service every time I come here. Absolutely love this place hands down my favorite sushi!
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Niaz K.

Yelp
Sugarfish takes a lot of pride in having the freshest quality of fish and sushi rice. That's why the rice is a little warm when served! This was my first time at sugar fish and I was very impressed. I ordered the trust me combo, everything was so delicious! I've been back a couple times already and I'm still ordering the trust me combo! Sugar fish is consistent, fresh and the service is always top notch! Definitely recommend.
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Mark B.

Yelp
3rd time coming here. Seems it gets more underwhelming each time. 1st time was cool. Different experience. The last two times, there's just no variety. Once you've done it once, it's just the same thing over and over again. Forget about any modifications. Sorry, but the same old menu year over year, it's just boring. The nori paper is disgusting. The odor from it makes me nauseous. You'll have to peel the paper if it affects you the same way as there is no soy paper substitute. I forgot. It's been a while since I been here. I normally bring someone along that will eat that round with the nori paper on it for me. As far as the rolls. Flavorless. Just rice wrapped with fish. Surrounded by that green paper. Ugh. I think this will be the last time. Too many better sushi places with more variety and flavor. At least it didn't cost allot. It's been the same price for as long as I remember. I prefer sushi hanashi over at pico and bay. Even though I didn't care for it. I still give it 5*. If you haven't tried it, at least try it once. But I don't think it deserves to be downgraded. Some people do enjoy it. For that it deserves the 5*. There are good people working hard at their jobs.
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Jenifer N.

Yelp
Such a lovely experience here! I ordered the 'Trust Me' to simplify my evening, and trust me, it was outstanding! Sushi pieces with rice and handrolls came with the rice still slightly warm, and light & airy - heavenly. The fish was incredible - light, soft, so flavorful - melt in your mouth delicious. And the service was so friendly and knowledgeable. Wonderful evening here - I will be visiting again soon!
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Christian A.

Yelp
If you are willing to branch out, ALWAYS go with the try me. The courses are spread out perfectly and the food is always delicious. I have never been disappointed--if you're still hungry, you can supplement the menu à la carte. Try one of their saké varieties with the meal (always hot).
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Susie F.

Yelp
Sugarfish never disappoints! We've eaten at several locations and have had stellar experiences across-the-board. We love sitting at the bar and being served super fast. Santa Monica location has excellent staffing and delicious food. We'll be back soon !
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Aditi G.

Yelp
I got the Trust Me Lite and a special albacore belly. Food was good and the vibe was dimly lit which made it feel more intimate. Service was great! Tuna sashimi was my fav thing
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Jeff C.

Yelp
Great quality sushi for the price point. They don't take reservations and only seat you when your entire party has arrived. The experience is consistent across the 3 locations I've been too and I would definitely make this a regular spot if I could afford to. Wifey and me brought some friends to try it and they loved it. The quality is definitely worth the price point and pretty filling as well. I've definitely paid more for worse quality sushi at other locations. If you park in the adjacent lot they will also verify your parking for you. Service was quick and friendly.