Meeting Noma Sushi with a New Menu
Noma Sushi in Santa Monica is a place where you can enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes in a comfortable atmosphere. The restaurant features both bar seating and tables, and the partitions between tables create a sense of independence, allowing diners to enjoy their meals in a naturally separated environment. This time, I experienced another charm of Noma by focusing on the newly introduced menu items.
The menu starts off lightly, showcasing distinct personalities. Among them, the Sweet Uni stands out in particular. It features uni atop a smooth and naturally sweet sweet potato mousse, where the subtle sweetness of the sweet potato harmonizes unexpectedly well with the creamy and deep flavor of the uni. The Okura Fries offer a crispy texture that is appealing, making it a perfect starter to kick off the meal. Tofu Hiyayakko, with its cold and soft tofu, provides a clean taste that pairs well with the richer dishes. The accompanying nuts add a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture, creating a natural contrast with the soft tofu, which is also impressive.
A menu that pairs especially well with summer is the Seasonal Sashimi Soba. The cold soba is topped with seasonal sashimi selected by the chef, and a light dashi broth is added, allowing for a refreshing and clean taste with every bite. The ability to enjoy both the chewy soba and fresh sashimi at once is also appealing, and overall, the light and fresh flavor makes it a dish that naturally comes to mind on hot days.
Among the main dishes, the Fresh Truffle Uni Risotto and Wagyu Sando are particularly impressive. The Fresh Truffle Uni Risotto features creamy miso risotto topped with fresh uni and truffle, exuding richness from the generous ingredients. Notably, fresh truffle is grated directly at the table, releasing a deep aroma from the moment it is finished. The soft and creamy risotto, combined with the rich umami of the uni and the fragrant truffle, creates a layered depth of flavor. The Wagyu Sando highlights the tender texture of the wagyu, and taking a bite reveals a melt-in-your-mouth softness and rich juiciness that is satisfying. The accompanying Toban Yaki is served sizzling on a traditional Toban plate, making it look appetizing from the moment it arrives at the table. Thanks to the hot plate, it can be enjoyed warm until the last bite, and with Miso Soup, Salad, and Rice served alongside, it makes for a hearty meal.
Omakase Rainbow allows you to experience various types of sushi all at once, making it easy to slowly compare and enjoy each flavor. Each fresh ingredient has its own distinct character, and the Dessert Bento served with the omakase features Strawberry Mochi with Red Bean & Dango, elegantly presented to add a special touch to the end of the meal. You can savor the chewy mochi, red bean, and dango together, experiencing the unique charm of Japanese desserts, while the Lychee Balls and Apple Crush cocktail ordered alongside stand out with their sweet and refreshing flavors, making them great companions for a variety of dishes.
Noma
During this visit, I was able to experience not only the charm of Noma Sushi, which I was familiar with for its sushi and sashimi, but also a wider variety of cooking styles through the newly introduced menu. From the Seasonal Sashimi Soba, which pairs well with summer, to the Fresh Truffle Uni Risotto, where truffles are grated directly at the table, and the tender Wagyu Sando, each dish had a distinct personality, and the diverse progression from light dishes to mains and desserts was satisfying. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy various Japanese dishes for a date or dinner with friends in Santa Monica, this is a place I would want to revisit.
