Ninjin in Santa Monica makes a great, inexpensive chirashi bowl and uniquely fresh rolls. Their happy "hour" lasts practically all day. Lunch specials average $10 and it's a great option if you're looking for something cheap and quick.
Hidden near extremely popular Italian mainstay Fritto Misto, this cute and modest restaurant is where locals go for reasonably priced sushi and Japanese fare. The room, with its hanging pendant lamps, sushi bar manned by bandana-wearing chefs and lacquered tables feels like your typical middle-of-the-road sushi joint, but don't let that fool you--the raw fish here is impressively fresh. Salmon sashimi, albacore nigiri, and an almost endless selection of rolls--categorized into sections like Baked, Tempura, Low Carb and Fresh--are just some of what you'll find on the menu. Lunch and dinner...