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Santa Monica - Shunji Japanese restaurant
7.3

Shunji Japanese

  • Santa Monica
  • $$$$
  • Upscale
  • Food
    great
  • Vibe
    great
  • Perks
    great

Food: Masterful balance of flavors

The creative culinary masterpieces at Shunji's soar high above the rest. Blending artistry with authentic taste, the Japanese Omakase is unequivocally a fan favorite, with freshness being its crowning glory. The nigiri sushi's superbness lies in its taste alongside an oasis of uniquely arrayed selections. Uni and black truffle Chawanmushi, a melt-in-your-mouth marvel, threads the flavor fine line between the elegance of uni's creaminess and the bountiful fragrance of truffles.

  • Very Creative

    Unique, creative dishes that venture outside traditional bounds, delighting guests.

  • Okay Taste

    Good food and service met expectations without being particularly remarkable.

  • Bad Value

    Overpriced for the value, not justifying cost, leading to disappointment.

Top 3 dishes at Shunji Japanese

  1. 1

    Japanese Omakase 🏆

    Omakase experience highly praised for freshness, artistry, and authentic taste.

    Japanese Omakase dish
  2. 2

    Nigiri Sushi

    Expertly crafted, fresh, with a wide selection and excellent flavors.

    Nigiri Sushi dish
  3. 3

    Uni and Black Truffle Chawanmushi

    Melts in the mouth, uni's creaminess and truffles' fragrance delight.

    Uni and Black Truffle Chawanmushi dish

Vibe: Cozy shelter in muted clamor

The ambiance at Shunji's stands as a charming haven; intimate and snuggly enough to craft a perfect dating sphere, but don't expect grand views. The outside might seem bit odd or rundown, but don't be deterred by its outer shell. Meanwhile, an extensive sake selection ensures your glasses are never empty, with a knowledgeable staff to guide your choices.

  • Great Drinks

    Extensive sake selection with knowledgeable staff for recommendations.

  • Okay Ambiance

    Atmosphere described as casual, minimalistic, and unassuming but not impressive.

  • Bad Buzz

    Review 3 indicates restaurant is strange, almost rundown looking.

Perks: Service shinier than flaws

Dealing with a whirlwind of perks and downsides, Shunji's manages to keep the balance tipped towards the positive. Despite the disruptive echoes and the minuscule parking lot, the convenience of quick and accommodating reservations, coupled with the outstandingly attentive service, soothes out the wrinkles. Moreover, its keen responsiveness towards dietary needs crowns the treasure trove of perks.

  • Easy To Reserve

    Easy to make reservations, including last-minute, with very accommodating staff.

  • Hard To Hear

    Round shape amplifies echoes, overly loud ambiance disrupts conversation.