30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Instagram Worthy Sushi in Silver Lake
Best Date Night Sushi in Silver Lake
Best Japanese in Silver Lake
Best Sushi in Silver Lake
Master Critic Review
Santō
7.6
Mexico City import brings Roma Norte energy to Sunset Junction with Japanese-Mexican fusion sushi that includes Oaxacan chocolate-blowtorched hamachi and charcoal-seared otoro. The sleek counter and street-facing seats showcase Chef Hiroshi Kawahito's creative cross-cultural interpretations since opening in 2023.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi Choco Nigiri, Santo Tiradito, Hamachi Truffle Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Only LA restaurant blending traditional Edomae technique with Mexican ingredients like Colima salt and Oaxacan chocolate
Who should go: Adventurous eaters seeking fusion innovation over traditional omakase
When to visit: Weekend brunch service Friday-Sunday noon-4pm for unique daytime sushi
What to order: Santo Tiradito, Rock Shrimp Tempura, any nigiri with Mexican twist
Insider tip: Street-facing counter seats provide best natural lighting and people-watching for content creation
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive after 6pm, arrive 15min early. Sunset Junction lot 2 blocks east ($8 flat rate)
Dress code: Elevated casual - dark jeans and nice top works, but most guests dress up for the Instagram-worthy setting
Noise level: Lively but manageable - can have conversation at normal volume, gets louder after 8pm on weekends
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday-Saturday after 7pm, reservations book out 2-3 weeks
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually available, 15-20 min wait during Friday-Sunday brunch peak (1-2pm)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 6-8 vegetarian items including miso-glazed eggplant nigiri and mushroom tiradito with truffle oil
Vegan options: Limited - 3 items possible with modifications (avocado maki, cucumber-jicama roll, edamame with chile-lime)
Gluten-free options: Partial - nigiri available with tamari, but many signature items use soy-based sauces. Ask for GF modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, ideal for adventurous first dates - the fusion concept is a natural conversation starter, counter seating feels intimate without being too formal, and the $$$ price point ($60-80pp) signals effort without breaking the bank. Skip if your date prefers traditional sushi.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Counter seats (8 spots) are first-come for walk-ins - arrive right at 5:30pm opening or try 9:30pm+ for best odds. Tables require reservations on Resy, released 3 weeks out at midnight. Friday-Sunday brunch is easiest for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for kids under 12 - no kids menu, small space with limited seating, and refined atmosphere better suited for adults. Adventurous teens who appreciate sushi might enjoy the experience.
How long does dinner take? Plan 90 minutes for full experience - omakase-style pacing even for a la carte orders. Counter seats move slightly faster (75min). Not a quick-bite spot.
Is it actually good for photos? Exceptional for content - street-facing counter gets golden hour light (5-6:30pm), charcoal-searing is visually dramatic, and plating is intentionally photogenic. Chef Kawahito is comfortable with phones at counter.
Best For
Better for: Santo wins for Instagram-worthy presentation, unique fusion approach, and weekend brunch sushi. More creative and photogenic than traditional omakase, better atmosphere than typical fusion spots, and more accessible than high-end Japanese ($$$ vs $$$$)
Skip if: You want traditional Edomae omakase (try Sushi Note), need quiet intimate ambiance (too lively), traveling with kids, or prefer non-adventurous sushi. Also skip if dietary restrictions are extensive - limited accommodations for vegan/GF diners
Hours
Monday5pm - 10pm
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 11pm
Friday12pm - 11pm
Saturday12pm - 11pm
Sunday12pm - 10pm