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Best Outdoor Dining Oasis Sushi Restaurants in Santa Monica

3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

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Our Top Pick
Kappo Miyabi
Traditional kappo cooking style rarely found outside Japan

Notable Picks

$$$ Santa Monica Japanese, Sushi
Since 2019, this kappo-style restaurant showcases the art of knife and fire cooking with an extensive menu spanning sushi, robata, and hot pots. The lunch omakase special provides exceptional value with its chef's selection of premium cuts and traditional preparations.
Must-Try Dishes: Miyabi Omakase Lunch, Wagyu Dumplings, Aburi Shime Saba
What Makes it Special: Traditional kappo cooking style rarely found outside Japan

Worthy Picks

$$$ Santa Monica Sushi
Traditional robatayaki grilling meets modern sushi bar in this atmospheric Japanese pub where skewers sizzle over bincho-tan charcoal. The combination of grilled items with fresh sushi creates a unique izakaya-style experience with Pacific views.
Must-Try Dishes: Robata Specialty Roll, Grilled Salmon Collar Roll, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
What Makes it Special: Combination of robata grill and sushi in one spot
$$ Santa Monica Sushi
Sustainable seafood specialist blends Pacific Rim flavors with California sensibility, offering poke bowls, sushi tacos, and fresh catch plates on a sunny patio. The extensive menu satisfies diverse tastes from traditional sashimi to innovative fusion creations.
Must-Try Dishes: Poke Duo Bowl, Wasabi Crusted Ahi, Coconut Shrimp Roll
What Makes it Special: Sustainable sourcing with Surfrider Foundation partnership