Best Sushi in Ventura County

Embarking on a culinary adventure while satisfying your munchies can truly elevate your cannabis experience. While we’ve previously delved into some iconic stoner foods across Venice Beach and other California hotspots, sometimes the palate craves a fusion of flavors—carbs, protein, and that mysterious umami kick. That’s why we’ve curated a delectable list of the finest sushi establishments in Ventura County for you.

Whether you’re into avant-garde rolls dripping with culinary flair or you lean toward the authenticity of a traditional Japanese sushi bar featuring high-grade cuts of various fish, this guide has something for everyone. We’ve even included a brief rundown of the most common types of fish featured in these culinary masterpieces for the uninitiated.

So, gear up for a gastronomic odyssey of umami and oceanic delights as we take you through the must-visit sushi joints in Ventura County. Roll up, take a hit, and let’s set sail on this flavorful journey.

Key Takeaways

• Sushi is a cuisine style that takes root in Japanese culture, with fish, rice, and umami flavors as the base.
• Some of the best sushi places in Ventura County we explored here have either incredible price-to-quality combo, delicious dishes, or a mix of both.
• Fishes typically used in sushi include Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, and Eel, and while technically a shellfish, they also add shrimp.
• With each place, we also paired some tasty Cannabis products to try them with, like Alien Labs’ Baklava Live Resin Vape Cart or Gelato’s Orange Cream Live Resin Cart.

How We Made Our List for the Best Sushi in Ventura County

Regrettably, we’ve all encountered the disappointment of lackluster sushi—a culinary letdown no one wants to relive. To sidestep that culinary minefield, we’ve rigorously curated our list of Ventura County’s top sushi spots, featuring only the crème de la crème of what the area has to offer. From venerable establishments steeped in tradition to cutting-edge locales serving fusion rolls that challenge the very definition of sushi, our aim is to introduce an exciting array of options to your dining repertoire.

First of all, we had to make sure these sushi places all had fresh food. We also ensured they had high hygienic standards, but most of all, that their food was tasty. We didn’t stop at a specific price, so you’ll find pretty affordable places, but also some that are more of a special-time-munchie place as well. We also have some of the best all-you-can-eat sushi in Ventura County, so stay ready for some of the most delicious rolls you’ll try in the Southern part of California.

As a new classic in all of our stoner hearts, sushi is one of the new quintessential munchies. With weed delivery services getting to your door, you should be able to try safe and fresh sushi whether you want to get some takeout or simply dine in. So sit back and relax. We’ll take you on a small journey to only the best sushi places in Ventura County.

The Different Types of Fish Used in Sushi

Now, before we dive into our current list of best sushi in Ventura County, we have to talk about sushi briefly. Sushi is a culinary art form with roots in ancient Japan, with a recent buzz from the late nineties to today’s pop culture. The true essence of sushi relies on three things: rice, seasoning, and fresh fish.

The type of fish itself can drastically change and influence the flavor, texture, and overall experience of sushi. Because of this, sushi chefs have to go through years of training to get the perfect slices and know how to mix and match the flavor, texture, and overall seasoning to provide the consumer with the best plate.

Let’s quickly review each of these and how you’d find them in both fusion and traditional sushi places.

• Tuna: Let’s first start with the king of sushi fish, also called Maguro in Japanese. This is the pinnacle of sushi staples, and the most prized part is called the fatty belly, which basically is “fish butter” and melts in your mouth with each taste. It is usually red, and it can be eaten raw, seared up, or marinated.
• Salmon: Now meet “Sake” or salmon, a vibrant orange color and rich fish that’s also common in sushi nigiri and rolls. Salmon is pretty common in this cuisine and has many ranges, from cheap cuts to expensive farm-raised options. It overall gives a creamy feel, both in raw and cooked versions, perfect to mix with some soy sauce and wasabi.
• Yellowtail: “Hamachi,” or Yellowtail, is another buttery fish used in this type of cuisine. Like salmon, it has a buttery feeling, with a slight tang aftertaste. It is perfect to have as an alternative to the first two, being a cheaper option as well.
• Eel: Yes, you can also get Eel or Unagi in your sushi. Now, don’t be scared. Eels in sushi tend to be grilled and glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce typically. Some dishes and rolls also use fresh eel with this umami-rich soy glaze, which is popular in sushi fusion restaurants that also add avocado and tropical fruits to their rolls.
• Shrimp: Lastly, we got “Ebi,” which is Japanese for shrimp. While technically a shellfish and not an actual fish, we still had to add it to the list. These are served boiled or grilled atop sushi, and it is often consumed in a soy sauce or as part of the inside filling of rolls.

Best Sushi in Ventura County

Are you ready for some fishy business? Well, we are oo, and we wanted to bring our sushi game on with this list of the best sushi in Ventura County. Some places are simply local classics, while others are new favorites for people in town with different cuisine elements that will make your taste buds go wild. Now buckle up, as our deep dive has barely started, and we’ve got a lot of places to cover.

1. Izakaya Sushi K

Let’s start off with a bang. Meet our top pick and some of the best sushi you can get in California. Cold beer, cold sakes, cozy vibes, and great taste are just some of the best parts of Izakaya Sushi K, our top choice for sushi.

With some delicious plates like their Sashimi specials with fresh fish and shellfish slices with a touch of Californian cuisine. They have tasty appetizers, rolls, and Nigiri sushi, perfect for takeout or to enjoy some tempura rolls for something a little cozier.

Why Izakaya Sushi K Tops Our List

Izakaya Sushi K has a special place in my stoner heart due to its massive portions and combos, with high-quality sushi and lovely staff that truly transport you to an authentic Japanese experience. You get all of that right in the heart of Ventura, great in price and service.

Overall, people love Izakaya thanks to their portions and price combo. They have a solid 4.7-star rating, with over 100 reviews that mention their tasty Miso Soup and the cozy sushi house with friendly staff. You can find them down at Los Angeles Avenue in the Simi Valley.

Items You Cannot Miss Ordering

If you go to Izakaya Sushi K, we recommend trying some of their combos. Their in-house (Izakaya) combo comes with two choices: sushi, sashimi, and rolls with their delicious house miso soup. You can also try their Hand Roll combo with three sushi roll choices ranging from classic California to Spicy Tuna, Eel, and Avocado.

Suggested Cannabis Pairing

Since we are starting with a bang, we are also recommending some of the best name brands out there with Alien Labs. Their 1g Baklava Live Resin Vape Cartridge is the perfect treat if you want delicious hybrid strains with a relaxing full-body experience with both a muscle and a head buzz. With its distinct kush and gelato flavors, this hybrid strain is an absolute treat.

2. Sushi Planet (Moorpark)

Our adventure through the best sushi restaurants in Ventura County continues with an outer space spot, Meet Sushi Planet Moorpark. This place has some of the best quality-to-price ratios on the list, with aggressive lunch specials for $9.95 or special bowls with different types of proteins with ice and rich Teriyaki sauce. So, if you want a bargain, good ambiance, and delicious food, a drive down to Los Angeles Avenue is a must.

Reasons Why Sushi Planet Makes Our List

Sushi Planet (Moorpark) is a cozy, Japanese-inspired place with comfy booths and quick service, and the sushi is just delicious, making it a very casual place to have lunch or dinner with friends, whether you want a big munchie time or simply want a few rolls.

People love the food, service, and ambiance. With over 160 reviews, customers praise their selection of rolls, reasonable prices, fast service, and colorful ambiance. Overall, this is a great, comfy, and affordable place to get tasty sushi.

Items You Cannot Miss Ordering

If you are getting takeout, we actually recommend their Dinner Bento Box combination, which has steamed rice, miso soup, and salad, and you can choose two options between their delicious rice and protein Teriyaki bowls, assorted Tempura, skewers, or their delicious Spicy Tuna roll. The White Roll is pretty popular, with Masago (fish egg), green onion, baby shrimp, avocado, spicy tuna, and their in-house special planet sauce.

Suggested Cannabis Pairing

Sushi Planet deserves a pairing out of this world, and Gelato’s 1g Orange Cream Live Resin Cartridge just hits the right spots. With a 91.1% Delta-9 THC level and tasty orange and ice cream notes, it can be used before or after getting some sushi for some relaxed tokes.

3. Koba Sushi

Now, here’s one of the most popular spots in Ventura, Koba Sushi. This place has more of a traditional vibe and has both dine-in and takeout services, their specialty being freshly sliced sushi and sashimi (raw fish), making them an excellent option for sushi and Asian fusion cuisine. This place is relatively small, with a massive sushi bar where you can sit and watch the chefs prepare your treats by hand.

Reasons Why Koba Sushi Makes Our List

Koba has gained a special place in the community thanks to its high quality, affordable, but mostly passionate food. Service is quick and customer-oriented, and the general ambiance will quickly transport you to Japan while you enjoy your meal.

Now, onto the reviews. Koba Sushi currently has 4.7 out of 5 stars on its Google Maps page, with 118 reviews. People usually like their service, friendly staff, and quick takeout orders. The ambiance and wooden-like sushi bar are also big highlights for customers, and the comments mention it could transport you to a traditional Japanese spot.

Items You Cannot Miss Ordering

Try ordering their spicy tuna hand roll, their Albacore sashimi, or their Yellow Tail Roll platter. The latter is a great option for people who don’t necessarily love tuna or salmon but still want to try some high-quality Sushi cuts. It is also important to say there are no specialty rolls on the menu, so if you prefer simpler menus, Koba Sushi is the way to go.

Suggested Cannabis Pairing

If you want some high-quality flowers for some sushi nights, Alien Lab’s Creme de Menthe hybrid indica flower is a solid choice with delicious minty flavors and dense lime green frosted buds with trichomes. It has a subtle sweetness with delicious herbal effects and calming effects, perfect to unwind with some hand rolls.

4. Mika Sushi

Next on our list is one of the best places to try specialty rolls. Mika Sushi has several Asian fusion dishes that are high-quality and munchie-worthy. Their Dynamite Roll with baked scallop or their Cactus Dragon Roll with Tempura Shrimp are a few examples of their tasty take on fresh sushi. The staff is kind, and the ambiance is perfect for hanging out with friends or family.

Reasons Why Mika Sushi Makes Our List

Mika Sushi is comfy, has a quick service, and is simply a delicious choice if you want a mix between traditional and new flavors. They are also some of the few places on our list with many Sashimi and Sushi options, using exotic fish and shellfish like Urchins or Japanese scallops.

Now, on Google Maps, Mika Sushi has 4.6 out of 5 stars from 110 reviews. People love dining here but also getting takeout, especially mentioning the teriyaki plates, sushi rolls, and delicious tempura dishes.

Items You Cannot Miss Ordering

If you like Sashimi, you should definitely try some of their selections. They have different options, from Bluefin Toro, Kanpachi, and even Sea Urchin. And don’t worry, you can also try these in rolls. You can also get a Sashimi or Sushi Combo to get an idea of their vibe.

Suggested Cannabis Pairing

Since Mika’s all about combos, the Birdies Plus pre-rolls, with 0.7g each, are a discreet joint pack to share or prepared to take on the go with 22.8% of Delta-9 THC. These look just like regular cigarettes, so they are basically perfect for discreet toking, with no extra hassle needed. And with a constant burn and delicious taste, they are perfect for all types of users.

5. Ó-Sabi Restaurant

For a Japanese restaurant specializing in sushi and teppanyaki, Ó-Sabi is one of the best spots you can take a look at. The place feels fancier, with different tables where you can get your personal chef to cook right in front of you. Their drinks are delicious, the rolls are fresh, and while their style is more on the fusion side, they are still a tasty choice if you want a night out rather than your typical takeout.

Reasons Why Ó-Sabi Restaurant Makes Our List

Ó-Sabi is a delicious and slightly more elevated option from our list. This is a very different option, as they even have two different menus (Teppanyaki and Sushi), depending on if you want a specialty chef to cook for you or simply want some tasty specialty rolls.

With 4.5 stars and 846 reviews on Google Maps, Ó-Sabi Restaurant is a very nice place for a night out with friends or to try some elevated Teppanyaki meals.

Items You Cannot Miss Ordering

Try the O-Sabi special lunch with three different proteins (chicken, beef, or salmon) with rich Teriyaki sauce, Miso soup, and steamed rice. You also get assorted tempura shrimp and vegetables and either 4 Sashimi pieces or two tasty rolls. The Osabi Special Roll is a house special that you must try, with tasty shrimp tempura, crab, cucumber, eel, avocado, and a rich white sauce.

Suggested Cannabis Pairing

Our pairing with this delicious takeout is Smokiez’ Guava Vegan Live Resin Fruit Chews. These have 100mg per pack, with 20 delicious Live Resin-infused pieces with tasty flavors and terpenes. These are perfect for smokeless nights or if you simply want to try some delicious heavy-hitting chews.

6. I Love Sushi

For a locally-owned business with high-quality rolls, I Love Sushi is the perfect casual lunch and dinner spot. They have classic sushi dishes, but they’re also creative with their rolls while keeping fresh and seasonal ingredients as their priority. So, if you want a fun sushi bar that has a fun take on rolls, I Love Sushi could be your new favorite sushi place in Ventura.

Reasons Why I Love Sushi Makes Our List

Cozy, small, and with a typical Asian vibe, I Love Sushi made it to our list thanks to its tasty menu, freshness, and overall atmosphere and decor that give that fancy-yet-simple that Japanese places have.

I Love Sushi is beloved by many; with a 4.5-star review and over 360 reviews on Google Maps, this place is beloved thanks to its atmosphere and friendly staff, including its sushi chef. The fish and shellfish are fresh and mix traditional and new flavors that are simply some of the best munchies you can have.

Items You Cannot Miss Ordering

Rolls are the specialty of the house, with different types of fresh, regular, tempura-baked, and even chef-special rolls. They even have low-carb specials if you want another option full of protein, like their Blue Fin Tuna Roll with cucumber and specialty fish, perfect for your macros. Who said munchies and macros wouldn’t get along?

Suggested Cannabis Pairing

For some I Love Sushi goodness, we recommend having a Delta-9 THC-infused drink like the PBR Infused Seltzer Can in the Midnight Berries flavor. Each of these high seltzers comes with 10mg of THC, 3mg of CBN, and 2mg of CBD. Offering a unique experience with a light flavor and bubbles, it’s basically an alcohol alternative with a balanced buzz.

7. Dake Sushi

As a newer sushi restaurant in the area, Dake Sushi provides authentic ingredients, rolls, and dishes. Their rolls and sashimi are very tasty and affordable, with iconic seafood and hand-picked ingredients. They also have delicious appetizers like Takoyaki, Eggs Rolls, and other typical Japanese foods you can munch on.

Reasons Why Dake Sushi Makes Our List

If you want a place with plenty of different choices, including oysters and even grilled foods and delicious drinks, Dake Sushi is a must-try over at Cochran Street. Because of this and its 4.6 stars and 68 highly positive reviews on Google Maps, this spot is an all-time favorite you’ll want to try.

Items You Cannot Miss Ordering

If you are feeling adventurous, the Hot Night roll with shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, and cucumber is a delicious munchie you’ll thank us later for having. The Spider Roll with Soft Shell Crab, Eel Sauce, and crab meat is also a very tasty alternative. So if you want high-quality rolls with different options, you also get ingredients like Spicy Crab, Spicy Tuna, Fried Calamari, and Yellowtail.

Suggested Cannabis Pairing

Since this place is all about appetizers and fun ingredients, the perfect pairing is the Alien Labs’ Cherry Eclipse Vegan Galactic Gummies. These come in a resealable pouch with ten delicious gummies, each having high-quality Delta-9 THC with 100mg (10mg each). Plus, they are vegan-friendly and have a delicious sweet and sour cherry taste to enjoy.

8. Anaba Sushi

Hybrid weed strains definitely bring the best of both worlds. Anaba Sushi has a similar vibe thanks to its mix of traditional and Westernized sushi, bringing all types of rolls and Japanese specialties to the game. Besides their high-quality, classic rolls, you can also try delicious Yakisoba noodles, different types of soups, and their signature sashimi cuts like albacore sashimi.

Reasons Why Anaba Sushi Makes Our List

Anaba Sushi offers a spacious spot to enjoy classic and signature sushi rolls with other authentic Japanese dishes. This place also has different types of special rolls and noodles, including the delicious pan-fried Yakisoba or the thick and brothy noodle soup, Udon.

Now, customers gave Anaba Sushi 4.6 stars out of its 726 reviews, which mostly remain positive. Some highlights mentioned on their Google Maps page include their variety, fish quality, staff, and a great selection of sushi rolls.

Items You Cannot Miss Ordering

Honestly, we’d go with some of their Anaba Signature Sashimi. We know that raw fish is not for everyone’s taste. Still, their pairings and dishes are so unique and munchie-worth that you’ll probably die to try their Jalapeño Yellowtail Sashimi or their Crispy Spinach Albacore Sashimi. They even got a Feta Cheese Tuna Sashimi, a flavor treasure just ready to be found.

Suggested Cannabis Pairing

For this type of sushi place, we actually recommend tasting the PBR Infused Seltzer Mango Blood Orange Can. This fruity and refreshing cannabis-infused hard seltzer only has 10mg of Delta-9 THC for a balanced yet delicious buzz. With a refreshing taste, delicious bubbles, and an easy way to substitute alcohol, this beverage is perfect for relaxing and unwinding with moderate strength.

9. Sushi Hanada

Sushi Hanada is a pretty different place, as a locally-owned sushi bar that gives City Pop vibes right from Japan. It has a little hole-in-the-wall spot with music and high-quality service, very much like the feeling you get when visiting Omakase-style eateries in Japan. So, for an unpretentious spot with delicious sushi and traditional vibes, Sushi Hanada won’t disappoint.

Reasons Why Sushi Hanada Makes Our List

Sushi Hanada has a special place in our hearts. The owner, Yukito, used to serve and prepare in this place up to 2022 when he passed away. This spot is fully locally owned by a Japanese-American family, making it a cozy, delicious spot with an authentic vibe that feels like you are entering a Japanese bar after a long day of work.

This local spot has a 4.6-star rating out of its 253 reviews on Google Maps, with customers praising their price-to-quality ratio, hosting, menu, and even the chef’s treatment as they roll up and cut your sashimi in the sushi bar.

Items You Cannot Miss Ordering

Since this place is more on the traditional side, we recommend trying their Sushi or Sashimi Lunch. The Sushi has seven different forms of nigiri, so think of it as a sampler platter of their specialty sushi dishes. The Sashimi Lunch is similar, and it comes with some steamed rice to try the fish pieces.

Suggested Cannabis Pairing

If you get some delicious rolls from Sushi Hanada for takeout, try Littles 0.5g Sativa Pre Roll to toke with them. With 24.58% Delta-9 THC, this preroll is perfect for smooth, citrus, and earthy flavors with a sweet aroma to try a few tokes. With a few puffs of this handy premade joint, you can stay uplifted while staying functional.

10. Lucky Sushi & Ramen

Last on our list, meet the lucky 10th place: Lucky Sushi & Ramen. This rather new place is getting quick to Ventura residents’ hearts, with delicious fresh fish, seasoning, and massive dish sizes, all in a quick mall visit. The soup and ramen are also a nice touch and alternative for when you want something heartier or to try and taste several dishes with friends.

Reasons Why Lucky Sushi & Ramen Makes Our List

Users that come to this place highlight the presentation, taste, and general quick service. They also have enough variety to try traditional rolls, but also some fun takes on Asian fusion foods like Japanese Pizza (made with fish and crispy rice) or even Salmon carpaccio.

Now, on Google Maps, Lucky gets a solid 4.6 out of its over 50 reviews. It is the only restaurant inside the mall (the Marina Village Shopping Center) on this list, so it is the perfect spot for some shopping and lots of space to park.

Items You Cannot Miss Ordering

Try their seven-piece Sushi Plate with an assorted mix of Nigiris (raw fish and rice) and other sushi parts for a sampler. Sashimi Super 10-piece plate is a great way to try sashimi for the first time, with delicious Salmon, Tuna, and Yellowtail. Or, for a heartier alternative, the Miso Ramen with Soybean Paste has the perfect umami broth for chilly days.

Suggested Cannabis Pairing

Lastly, we are closing our pairings with the delicious Purple Sunset 1g Pre-roll by Gelato. With some berries, ice cream, and vanilla-like tones, this premade joint is perfect for getting a strong yet balanced experience with a hybrid strain. These come in a reusable tube, perfect for reusing and smoking before trying Lucky Sushi & Ramen.

Final Thoughts

And now, our small sushi journey has come to an end. We hope our best sushi in Ventura County list proved to be useful in letting you find your new favorite sushi munchie spot. Whether you like a more traditional take like Koba Sushi or want to try new specialty rolls from places like Izakaya Sushi or I Love Sushi, there’s a spot for all types of customers.

Finally, remember that consuming raw fish does have risks, and you might want to ask your healthcare provider before trying some tasty sashimi. That aside, there are all types of options of fish and shellfish available that are also cooked, like shrimp, imitation crab, eel, and even smoked salmon.

Even if you don’t like raw fish, you can also try alternatives like rich, umami-filled Teppanyaki meals, Donburi rice bowls with cooked proteins, noodles, and other soups like Ramen. So feel safe that there are alternatives to sashimi and other rolls.

You can also check out other cool sushi places with all-you-can-eat buffets in this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DA5xqhm_tQ