Let’s be real: sometimes you need to escape the monotony of California’s endless avocado toast and kale salads. Instead of settling for another predictable meal, ditch the ordinary and seek something extraordinary. These Santa Barbara sushi bars are serving cuts so fresh and preparations so precise, they’ll make you forget every mediocre roll you’ve ever suffered through.
Ichiban Sushi
$$ | (805) 564-7653 | WEBSITE
Both the indoor and outdoor seating areas at this decades-old Santa Barbara favorite will have a two-course lunch special ($18 for adults, $12 for kids). Ichiban Sushi’s lunch menu will have a nice variety of choices including a salmon teriyaki and tempura with a miso soup. And we’re not saying just any old spot will replace your favorite sushi bar’s famous toro nigiri, but Ichiban will come close.
Arigato Sushi
$$$ | (805) 965-6074 | WEBSITE
For $150, this Santa Barbara favorite will serve you an omakase experience with melt-in-your-mouth toro, uni, and yellowtail. And for an add-on, you can get Arigato’s signature sake flight, which we’d happily omit mention of to our friends so we could covet it to ourselves on the drive home.
Shintori Sushi
$$ | (805) 898-0177 | WEBSITE
You can order a complete sushi feast ($120) from this family-owned Japanese restaurant in Santa Barbara. Shintori Sushi’s offering includes a chef’s selection platter, plus favorites like the Naruto roll and tye-die roll. They also feature a “dessert special,” which comes with their celebrated Japanese donuts and green tea.
Edomasa Sushi Bar & Restaurant
$$ | (805) 687-0210 | WEBSITE
After a long day, Edomasa Sushi Bar & Restaurant is bringing back their late-night appeal. The menu for around $25 includes fresh local uni, expertly fried ika kara age, and favorites like the Godzilla and Hip Hop rolls. If you’re not a sushi fan they’ll have additional options including miso scallops, chicken karaage, and the Anton special beef. You can’t always count on consistency with certain dishes like the calamari or scallops so prepare to take a chance on something new.
Wabi Sabi Santa Barbara
$$ | (805) 770-5300 | WEBSITE
For $55 per person, Wabi Sabi Santa Barbara delivers consistently high-quality sushi with items like the Spicy Scallop roll, Don’t Cry roll, and Chicken Katsu Bowl. We always feel like we’re part of Buck’s team when we’re at this Santa Barbara Public Market spot, so we’re sure they’ll keep the freshness going for every visit.
Sun Sushi
$$ | (805) 845-7720 | WEBSITE
The popular sushi spot on Santa Barbara’s dining scene will be open from 11am-10pm with their full menu available—including the standout Volcano Roll. Sun Sushi is also offering party platters that will serve four to eight people.
Sushi Bar 29
$$ | (805) 965-8873 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving something different this season, then head to this Santa Barbara sushi spot for their lunch specials (around $15 per person). Sushi Bar 29 is serving up generous portions with favorites like the Spicy Albacore Salad, Seafood Ceviche Salad, Mexicali roll, and Shrimp tempura roll. For the quality you get, it’s a steal. The cozy, comfortable atmosphere works for intimate dates or family gatherings, though they might want to clean those windows.
Overall, it’s a hidden gem that leaves you full and happy without breaking the bank.
Oku
$$ | (805) 690-1650 | WEBSITE
Santa Barbara’s Oku will be serving from 5pm-10pm. Details are still pending from this waterfront sushi spot, but all we really need to hear from them are the words “crispy rice spicy tuna nigiri,” and we’re in.
Kyoto Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (805) 687-1252 | WEBSITE
Kyoto Japanese Restaurant—a cozy Japanese spot in Santa Barbara—will have a complimentary soup and salad with every meal. Choose from traditional seating in the tatami room or at regular tables, with options like fresh sushi rolls, teriyaki dishes, and the California morning roll.
Sushi Go Go
$ | (805) 962-6568 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving a quick, no-fuss sushi fix with a view, just know this wharf-side spot will be serving fresh rolls and baked specialties all day. They’re also perfect for families, with generous portions and simple service that keeps everyone happy while watching the harbor activity.
Sachi | Ramen & Robata Bar
$$ | (805) 845-1806 | WEBSITE
When you can’t bear another heavy holiday meal this season, shout “Oishii!” into the Santa Barbara breeze and grab a seat at Sachi. This ramen and robata spot will have a fantastic happy hour menu from noon to 5 PM, offering a deep selection that includes ramen, pho, sushi, curries, and various Vietnamese noodle and rice dishes. The restaurant provides generous portions of consistently prepared and tasty food in a clean and welcoming atmosphere, with friendly staff delivering excellent service.
Guests have enjoyed favorites like the fried chicken black garlic ramen and the Sweet and Sour Tamarind Hotpot with fried tofu and vegetables, noting the delicious addition of pineapple for flavor. The Spicy Vegetarian Hotpot with Tofu has also been described as genuinely spicy and refreshing, with large portions that could easily satisfy two people. Sachi is becoming a regular spot for many, thanks to its great service and ambiance, clean accessible restrooms, and convenient parking nearby.
Asie dumpling house
$$ | (805) 869-6407 | WEBSITE
Asie Dumpling House in Santa Barbara is open daily and serving up authentic Chinese favorites. They’re delivering “fresh and delicious options with bold flavors,” which sounds way better than your usual takeout routine.
Sushi Teri – Santa Barbara Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (805) 963-1250 | WEBSITE
We like the usual menu of fresh sushi from this Santa Barbara Japanese spot. So we’re pretty confident about ordering ramen from Sushi Teri, too. Order their signature bowl (ramen with vegetables, spices, and your choice of protein) before the lunch rush.
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Montecito
$$$$ | (805) 321-0005 | WEBSITE
The Sushi by Scratch Restaurants franchise plants their flag in Montecito. And they’re serving up their signature omakase experience, where they’ll offer their traditional 17-piece sushi meal along with a delightful dessert.
Santa Barbara Craft Ramen
$ | (805) 770-2170 | WEBSITE
This Main Street spot will fill you up with a two-course feast, which includes your choice of ramen or sushi, a side bowl, and a little candy at the end. Santa Barbara Craft Ramen’s dinner will serve one to two guests for $32. Place orders before closing for pickup on the patio.
Sushi Tyme
$ | (805) 963-9955 | WEBSITE
Sushi Tyme (one of the 19 best sushi bars in Santa Barbara) offers a satisfying dinner experience at around $25 per person. This Santa Barbara favorite has delicious sushi rolls, so their Rainbow rolls (for $18 per plate) may be a winner.
Hibachi Steak House & Sushi Bar
$$ | (805) 966-6607 | WEBSITE
In this town, we never need an excuse for a hibachi show. But a Friday night gives us one anyway. You can grab fresh sushi rolls, teppanyaki platters, or a whole hibachi grill experience straight from the chef’s station, plus sides like sesame seed rice. Drop by this Santa Barbara spot during dinner time.
Teru Japanese Cuisine
$$ | (805) 679-5835 | WEBSITE
We love hitting this Japanese spot in Santa Barbara when we need a fresh toro hand roll. So we’re down for Teru’s omakase experience ($185), which gives you the option for uni on toro or seared yellowtail with jalapeño and a few appetizers.
Sakana Sushi Bar & Japanese
$$$ | (805) 565-2014 | WEBSITE
While enjoying the crispy tempura at Sakana, we learned that the restaurant will be offering special omakase menus for New Year’s Eve. Before you can experience their fresh sushi and savory assortment, call at least a week ahead to reserve your spot.