Marina Del Rey means different things to different people. To some, it’s about the marina, waterfront views, and luxury yachts. To others, it’s just everything past Venice. But Marina Del Rey is home to a high density of excellent sushi bars, great omakase, and the best nigiri in Los Angeles. It has intimate counters, modern spots, and restaurants where you can actually find parking. Here’s where to eat the next time you want to eat an unholy amount of toro.
Azai Hand Roll Sushi
$$ | (424) 644-7522 | WEBSITE
Name a craving and Azai Hand Roll Sushi will satisfy it with their fresh, expertly crafted offerings (no substitutions needed though). It’s a promise that sounds ambitious, but we have yet to encounter a disappointing bite in this little ocean-inspired culinary journey. The inside out salmon roll comes prepared to melt in your mouth, while the albacore crispy onions sashimi gets topped with just the right crunch.
It’ll also make your next visit to Marina Del Rey a little more memorable, in case watching the boats sail by isn’t the highlight of your day.
Kinari Aburi Sushi & Noodle
$$ | (323) 917-5112 | WEBSITE
Kinari Aburi Sushi & Noodle serves up the best sushi in Marina Del Rey. Not just the freshest fish or the most reasonable prices—though it certainly excels in those areas, too. It’s at its best with the ramen combo, but along with the plant-based broth for vegetarians, you’ll find a variety of solid sushi rolls. You’re not here for the atmosphere of a quiet dining room in a Marina Del Rey strip. You’re here for great food, including the fresh sushi that could stand up to any roll in the city.
UO NIGIRI
$$$ | (310) 301-9100 | WEBSITE
Some sushi bars excel at omakase, some excel at creative rolls, and some might just excel at being the neighborhood spot you’ve been waiting for. UO NIGIRI fits that dream sushi role, with chef-grade quality at prices that won’t break the bank. As the name promises, everything here is fresh, from the nigiri that melts in your mouth to the fish that’s been sliced just moments before landing on your plate.
And the atmosphere is peaceful enough that you shouldn’t have trouble finding that happy, welcoming vibe when you bring your friends who can’t decide between the affordable luxury and the super friendly service.
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
$$ | (424) 675-7644 | WEBSITE
This beachside sushi bar serves omakase that walks the line between traditional and accessible, and covers that line with a perfect selection of fish and thoughtful attention to detail. The “Trust Me” menu gets you favorites like the Toro hand roll and Hirame sushi with yuzu-ponzu sauce, while the Blue and Dungeness Crab Hand Roll arrives with just the right amount of rice and a crisp nori wrapper, creating a simple yet flawless bite.
SUGARFISH makes sushi that immediately takes you out of a casual lunch spot, and straight into a serious sushiya in Tokyo, a quick beachside snack bar, or some combination of the two that feels just right.
El Sushi
$$ | (213) 514-2562 | WEBSITE
El Sushi is a Marina Del Rey sushi bar that decided mastering the fundamentals wasn’t enough and created its own delightful surprises. The fresh fish, attentive service from the chef/owner, and generous sushi pieces here compete with the best in the LA sushi scene, but it’s the unique touches that make El Sushi memorable. It’s where you’ll find things like exceptional crunchy tuna appetizers, crispy yet juicy karaage, and flavorful bento boxes served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Moto Azabu Sushi Bar & Grill
$$ | (310) 305-4600 | WEBSITE
Moto Azabu is a hidden gem tucked away on the second floor of a bustling plaza in Marina Del Rey. Sushi is the star at this unassuming spot, but instead of the usual California rolls and spicy tuna, it comes with unique offerings like smoked black cod nigiri and baked crab rolls. It’s all fresh fish, but thanks to some top-notch preparation, the yellowtail nigiri stays delicate with a perfectly clean finish.
Dressings and sauces are thoughtfully balanced to enhance rather than overwhelm, and you can choose your preferred style from nigiri to hand rolls. Even your friend who lives on a strict diet of grocery-store sushi can find something worth coming back for.
Sushi Enya Beverly Hills
$$ | (213) 379-4334 | WEBSITE
From the team behind some of the area’s most celebrated sushi spots, Sushi Enya Beverly Hills offers an omakase experience that blends tradition with innovation—essentially, a sushi bar where Chef Aiden’s charisma meets exceptional preparation. That means dishes like refined nigiri combining classic and fusion styles, right alongside unique special rolls that showcase true flavors.
It’s definitely a special occasion destination, but the charming ambience, attentive service, and option to sit at the bar watching the chefs work make it perfect for a casual sushi craving or a memorable night out. What sets it apart is the focus on presentation as art, with standout appetizers like eggplant and shishito peppers, all at a value that keeps guests returning.
Sushi HON
$$ | (323) 852-3030 | WEBSITE
The tuna nigiri at Sushi HON regularly flits in and out of our dreams—it’s incredibly fresh and a little bit firm from the perfect rice—and goes exceptionally well with some thick, flavorful sashimi topped with eel sauce and a freshly made Portland Roll. Everything at the sushi bar is served with friendly warmth—this is what your neighborhood spot would have become if it had spent its formative years in Tokyo Bay.
Try not to press your face up against the gleaming display case of thick-cut fish, vibrant rolls, and tempura-fried ice cream while you decide what to order.
Izakaya Tora
$$$ | (424) 777-0745 | WEBSITE
“Fresh,” “flavorful,” and “unforgettable”—three words we’ve heard used to describe our favorite Japanese dining experiences, and the same words we’d choose to describe our first bite of seared toro at this cozy West Hollywood spot tucked away in the neighborhood. The fish is expertly prepared by skilled chefs like Phillip until it develops a beautiful seared crust, then it gets served with perfectly seasoned sushi rice that complements the rich flavor.
The result is melt-in-your-mouth toro that you’ll want to savor slowly to appreciate every delicate note. On the menu, you’ll find items like spicy miso ramen, homemade okonomiyaki, and exceptional uni pasta. Just be ready for your taste buds to remember the Michelin-worthy combinations for days to come.
Yeon Sushi
$$$$ | (323) 376-0176 | WEBSITE
Navigating Yeon Sushi’s focused selection of nigiri and omakase offerings feels like discovering a curated collection of pristine seafood treasures. If you already have your favorites, you’re in for a treat. For those seeking guidance, the Assorted Nigiri Set provides a perfect introduction to their exceptional fish quality, while the truffle oil nigiri offers a luxurious twist worth trying.
The atmosphere remains serene even during peak hours, with the clean space and attentive staff ensuring a smooth experience. Just book the private room for the full omakase journey or settle into the main dining area for that fantastic sushi spot everyone keeps returning to.
Nonstop Sushi & Sake Bar Marina Del Rey
$$ | (310) 439-1700 | WEBSITE
There are lots of evening options at this little hidden jewel in Marina Del Rey, whether you want a classic spicy tuna roll or its standout yellowtail carpaccio counterpart—basically a beautiful presentation disguised as a snack. We like all the dishes that we’ve tried here, but our go-to is one of the must-try plates.
Get the wagyu sliders with perfectly seasoned garlic edamame, then pick up a few shrimp tempura rolls for the table and hope everyone forgets about how you got a little too full from the extensive menu.
Nozawa Bar
$$$$ | (424) 216-6158 | WEBSITE
Nozawa Bar is an Omakase sushi restaurant that’s as committed to the experience as they are the fish. There are only 10 seats per seating, and everyone dines at a sleek wooden counter facing the open kitchen where Chef Fujita and his team prepare a procession of pristine dishes. A server quietly announces each course as it arrives, after which another small masterpiece will land before you.
Get ready for Hokkaido scallop nigiri that melts like butter, Santa Barbara uni that tastes like the ocean distilled, and bluefin tuna akami with a deep, rich flavor. There’s usually a passion fruit sorbet that cleanses the palate perfectly and a hojicha tea that ends the meal on a warm note. Fortunately, everything is exquisite and delicious.
