Mori Nozomi

A note of elegant simplicity pervades the experience at this minimalist eight-seat counter, overseen by Chef Nozomi Mori and her streamlined, adroitly hospitable team. The unassuming space and soft-spoken service serve as a backdrop for an artfully prepared omakase that highlights purity and refinement. The lack of superfluous embellishment puts the spotlight on exceptional seafood (flown in several times a week from Japan) accented by seasonal produce from the Santa Monica farmer’s market. Beginning with a perfectly silky chawanmushi with gingko nut, attention to detail sets the meal apart, spanning the exquisitely intricate knifework and finely tuned shari in a piece of squid nigiri, through to the matcha skillfully prepared by Chef Mori in a graceful final flourish.