Shirube

Tucked into an unassuming spot next to a gas station in downtown Santa Monica, Shirube is the kind of discovery that makes dining out exciting. This Tokyo-based izakaya chain chose an unlikely location for its first American outpost, but the narrow drinking tavern delivers an experience that punches well above its humble surroundings. The minimalist black walls let the food take center stage, while early 2000s R&B and Drake tracks set a surprisingly fun backdrop for the evening.

The menu at Shirube walks a tightrope between traditional and inventive with impressive balance. Glistening sashimi and premium snow-aged Hakkaisan sake share the spotlight with clever creations clearly designed to pair with drinks—think prawn tempura draped in spicy mayo or those legendary corn ribs everyone keeps raving about, glazed in sticky-sweet shoyu butter. The tableside torched mackerel is pure theater, arriving as a whole charred filet for a mere sixteen dollars. Most dishes land on the counter within ten minutes, keeping the energy up and the plates flowing.

Grab a seat at the bar for the full experience, where you can watch the small but mighty kitchen crew work their magic over charcoal grills. Chefs flip gorgeous wagyu steaks, slice yellowtail with surgical precision, and carefully top delicate egg custards with jewels of roe. There’s also a spinning slushie machine churning out frozen yuzu mojitos if you need something refreshing between sake pours. The drinks menu runs nearly twice as long as the food list, with detailed tasting notes for each bottle.

What truly sets Shirube apart is the value—nearly everything falls under twenty-five dollars, which feels almost unreal this close to the ocean. Six to eight dishes hits the sweet spot for two people, allowing you to bounce between light and delicate preparations to deep-fried indulgences. It’s an izakaya that nails all the fundamentals while keeping things fun and unfussy. For anyone craving elevated Japanese small plates without the elevated price tag, this unassuming gem delivers.