Nestled behind 3rd Street in Santa Monica is the Mon Roll Sushi House, a small restaurant that boasts more than 40 different sushi rolls, each with its own unique fusion of fish and flavor. It’s easy to miss passing by Santa Monica Plaza, which is perpendicular to the sushi house, but this place is worth a try if you’re a fan of fusion Japanese food, and especially if you want to avoid the crowded and often overpriced restaurants on 3rd Street.
The interior of the restaurant is humble; it boasts fewer than ten tables and one long sushi bar. When we decided to try this place out around 2 p.m. on a Saturday, we were the only customers in the establishment, partially because it was in between the lunch and dinner rush. Though we were initially wary that there was no one else in the restaurant, our worries evaporated once our orders of miso soup ($2.50) came out. Unlike the typical bowl of miso, this had bits of Asian mushrooms included in its mix, which complimented its taste very well. The highlight of the meal for me was my main entree, the Rainbow Spider roll ($12.50), which included tuna, salmon, yellowfish and avocado on top of a California roll with shrimp tempura interwoven through its center. It came with a mango sauce as well as the house sauce, so if you’re like me and appreciate versatility in your meal, dip it in soy sauce and wasabi for about ten different delicious flavors all at once. My friend, who appreciates more simplicity in her meal, ordered a deep fried California roll ($6.95) and devoured it as well.
Though we came on a weekend, try to come on a weekday if your schedule permits, as there are lunch specials available ($5.95). Mon Roll Sushi House is located on 1509 4th St. in Santa Monica.
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As published in the Oct. 31 issue of the Pepperdine Graphic.
