


Everyone loves sushi, but few know the culinary delight dates back almost 2000 years. Well before refrigeration, Japanese fisherfolk preserved fish by wrapping it in fermented rice and salt, calling it “Narezushi.” Kept in darkened storerooms, Narezushi was perfected over the centuries until now, when modern sushi has been elevated to an art form. Soko, the latest sushi restaurant at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, is a literal tribute to the origins of sushi. The name “Soko” means “storeroom,” and Soko is, in fact, set in a simple storeroom on our main-floor lobby. Born and raised in Hakodate, Hokkaido Japan, Sushi Chef Masa Shimakawa delivers a Master Class in refined technique, presentation, and quality.
Hours
| Friday | 5–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5–10 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 5–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 576-7777
Website: https://www.sokosantamonica.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Soko Sushi | Japanese Restaurant in Santa Monica, CA
Soko – Japanese Restaurant in Santa Monica – Fairmont
Soko Review – Santa Monica – The Sushi Legend
Reviews
First course was a chilled egg custard. This had a wonderful balance between salinity and sweetness of the lobster buried in the egg. A dollop of uni on top added just the finish. Next was a bowl of ankimo. Sweet, rich, with a nice contrast with acidity and a bit of spiciness.
Third course was a soy cured tuna. This was finished with a quail yolk, mountain yam, and daikon sprouts, and black truffle. Truly decadent with perfectly balance flavors and a nice contrast in textures. Very creative, beautiful to look at, and a delight to eat.
Next came a rather pretty bowl of sashimi. This may be the best raw shrimp I have ever had. Of course the toro and salmon were superb. This came with freshly grated wasabi and a rich soy sauce. Fifth was a parade of nigiri. Highlights included a fabulous uni, but each selection was top notch.
Last but not least was a crab miso soup with mushrooms, bok choy, and a nice accent of spice from gochujang. A perfect way to end an exquisite meal.
This rivals some of the top sushi restaurants I’ve been to. Truly a fabulous visit!
The menu is simple & classic—as said by the restauranteur dining next to us (Jeffrey from Heroic Italian), “A simple menu allows you to do every dish better,” and that is perfectly true for Soko.
Price per person: …