Sister restaurant to Shojin in downtown LA, this one opened in 2013. Offers modern vegan Japanese cuisine with refreshing beverages, a variety of appetizers and sushi rolls, plus ramen and daily desserts. Intimate setting with dim lighting. Located just West of Centinela, look for the lotus root design. For order pickup you must order online. Open Mon-Thu 5:30pm-10:00pm, Fri-Sat 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat 12:00pm-2:00pm, Sun 3:00pm-9:00pm.
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12406 W Washington Blvd (at Centinela), Culver City, California, USA, 90066
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- Wheelchair accessible
- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 29 Sep 2025 by JacindaV
Update business info -
Added by webmaster on 06 Mar 2013
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81 Reviews
First Review by eric
DannyFabriciusFogel
Points +80
Good but not great - Edit
We had a really good experience with great service and good food. The tastes were great and the ideas were great but the food should be kept a bit more simple. It is like they want to do too much with every single item. But again, the flavors and service were great so we will be back:)
Read moreGuest
HeatherV
Points +186
Amazing food - Edit
This is our favorite restaurant. They have everything - great food, great service, friendly staff, wonderful atmosphere. The restaurant is intimate and cozy but can also accommodate larger groups. The food is not only amazingly delicious and unique, but also works of art. Even though each dish is prepared to delight all of the senses, the portions are large enough that you are satisfied. They have what is missing in most vegan restaurants - the atmosphere that makes it special to go to for special occasions as well as every day. Can’t say enough good things about this restaurant!!!!
Read morePros: Amazing food, Wonderful staff, Great atmosphere
Cons: None!!!!
Guest
ForGoodnessSeyks
Points +760
Small portions, Fun place - Edit
Really lovely food. Vegan sushi with fun strange combinations. Love the food.
Read moreBummer that many options are garlic free.
The service was a little strange. Not bad, but not comfortable and natural.
The atmosphere is romantic - quiet, low lighting, small tables. Great for date night.
It's a pricey place and the portions are small, so just know that going in.
Guest
solsticeszn
Points +476
Flavorful Food - Edit
If you like flavorful food, it is the perfect place for you. However some of the dishes were too salty for me. I liked the green forest. All their desserts were delicious.
Read morePros: Nice ambiance
Guest
JanaFisher
Points +157
Inventive menu - Edit
We came here while they were serving a Halloween-themed tasting menu that was very creative. The presentation was great and the food was good.
Read moreGuest
corinal
Points +1862
Definitely! - Edit
Even though the descriptions of the different dishes on the menu look like they would be similar to each other, when you get them, they taste wildly different from each other and are unique from anything else I’ve tried. Everything was so delicious. Our favorites were the dynamite roll and cauliflower roll. The standard ramen sauce had more tahini in it than I would have liked. The tempura pumpkin was amazing (seasonal special). The staff are super friendly and the atmosphere inside is really nice and isolated from the ugly outside. It’s not only vegan, but also gluten and cashew free (including the drinks).
Read morePros: Amazing food, Friendly staff, Nice atmosphere
Cons: Expensive
Guest
TheBadBuddha
Points +64
Better then I could have imagined - Edit
I like to try new Vegan restaurants and gave this a First try. The staff was Very attentive and the Food was overall amazing and tasty.
Read morePros: the Crab Cake was as good as it looks in the pics
Cons: nothing!
Guest
Chia
Points +3631
Handcrafted Vegan Cuisine - Edit
Since this location opened back in 2013 I've eaten here numerous times. Was just here again, and here's my updated Shojin Culver City review.
Read moreThe restaurant is in a discreet location near the corner of Centinela with no signage and on a busy driving boulevard with no walking traffic. You have to be looking for it. Parking is on the street right in front or around the back. / Inside is intimate with dimmed lighting. On each table is usually a candle light. The servers are pretty Japanese woman dressed in black outfits who are always pleasant and polite.
I've eaten at the original Shojin in LA little Tokyo many times and have always enjoyed my meals there. Here the menu is similar: vegan sushi rolls, salads, appetizers, a couple of ramen, tasting menu, desserts.
Most of the sushi rolls I've tried have been tasty and inventive, though you might ask to keep sauce on the side if you don't want salty.
Shjoin frequently features special multi-course dinners for the holidays (Valentines, New Years, Xmas, Thanksgiving, etc.). Those are always a treat.
It's finer dining, special meal kind of place, so prices reflect that and are higher than typcial veg eateries.
Pros: attentive staff, good presentation, inventive dishes
Cons: some dishes salty
Guest
JacquelineFletcher
Points +28
amazing food and service - Edit
Everything I tried was amazing including the desserts.
Read morePros: creativity , selection , great date night restaurant
Cons: small space
Guest
jjhung88
Points +103
so so - Edit
this location doesn't have hot food like ramen soup noodle. interesting take on vegan sushi and it's not bad. but it's not like I dream of going back for any dish. actually very expensive.
Read morePros: vegan
Cons: expensive, street parking only
Guest
MyVeganJoy
Points +583
Great experience. ^_^ - Edit
We had a wonderful time at Shojin. The food was exquisite and tasty, the service was super nice and classy. We were visiting LA briefly, so only went once, but we are definitely stopping by again on our next visit. I love eating in places where I know the kitchen is fully vegan, and I'm enjoying a meal made with care from the best wholesome ingredients. Thank you Shojin, for holding your high standards. We'll be back.
Read morePros: Nice ambience, Good service, Organic and wholesome food
Guest
ArtVB
Points +336
Vegan pastas are unique - Edit
I'm a fan of the downtown branch, so I'm very glad Shojin Culver City is as outstanding. Went there for brunch and everything was tasty, original and high quality. The same high standards of quality in food, drinks, decor and presentation and excellent service as in downtown. I'm glad we have now two great options to have superb Japanese vegan food in LA. By the way, you can only find the best vegan pastas in LA here, not in downtown.
Read morePros: High quality and tasty food, Excellent service, Food presentation and decor
Guest
Christyrose
Points +100
so good - Edit
This is a great place for an intimate dinner. We ordered the set menu, which was great. My favorite dish was the "crab" cake. The service is impeccable.
Read moreGuest
Hamishz
Points +39
Makes me want to move to LA - Edit
Just reaffirming previous reviews; phenomenal food. It's serious cuisine, and not cheap as a result, but worth it. Please open a restaurant in Australia!
Read morePros: Vegan sushi even better than you could hope, Diverse menu (pumpkin tempura is that good), Great atmosphere and staff
Guest
Solarisnoego
Points +28
Best sushi I have ever had! - Edit
Yesterday I had the pleasure of trying hands down the best sushi I've ever eaten.
Read moreShojin is a all natural organic vegan sushi restaurant located in Little Tokyo (Los Angeles).
If you are looking for a high quality 5 star restaurant for some delicious vegan food, Shojin is the place to go.
One of dishes we ordered was torched
Pros: High quality food , Incredible service , Classy vibe
Cons: Miso soup lacked a little flavour , Make sure you get your parking validated , There is not more places likes this
Guest
vegandiver
Points +62
great atmosphere - Edit
great for date night. my wife and I go here when we splurge and get a babysitter. very romantic atmosphere and the food is great.
Read morePros: gourmet vegan sushi great service romantic atmosph
Cons: parking not cheap not well marked on outside, look
Guest
liciu
Points +32
Phenomenal! - Edit
Incredible vegan sushi. everything is tasty and freshly made
Read moreCons: so far from the valley. should be another location
Guest
Shanilee
Points +28
Decent Sushi - Edit
I wanted to like it, but was not blown away. The rolls were inventive. I would have preferred of they were a little more classic. Seemed a bit on the expensive side too. The wait staff were all sweet & attentive though.
Read morePros: staff
Guest
vegankiddo
Points +76
SOOOO GOOD - Edit
Oh my god, this place is so amazing, I daydream about it. I had one of the best meals of my life here. We ordered a bunch of items, each one more delicious than the last. Some highlights: the shishito peppers in miso sauce were absolutely incredible and the Pirates of the Crunchy roll was probably the best sushi roll that has ever entered my mouth. My mouth is watering just writing about it. This is going to be my go-to spot every time I'm in LA.
Read morePros: Amazingly delicious food, Nice and attentive staff
Guest
CiCi
Points +21
Happy Thanksgiving - Edit
We went to the Culver City location for Thanksgiving. The special Thanksgiving menu was delicious and beautifully presented. The service was excellent, and our time there was relaxing and enjoyable. A treat!
Read morePros: Excellent food, Attentive, friendly service, Charming ambience
Cons: Would be helpful to have better signage
Guest
bmann52
Points +152
A Hidden Gem - Edit
My wife and I were looking for a vegan restaurant while attending a conference near LAX and with the help of Happy Cow found Shojin.
Read moreHowever when I say found we almost didn't - there is no sign on the outside of the building! At least when we were there. I guess that adds to the mystique. We drove by and finally walked block, parking is bad, but glad we did. Pay careful attention to the address.
Once inside we were greeted by 2 young ladies and from that point on add 1-3 servers waiting on us. Perhaps a bit over done, but they genuinely want you to have a good experience .
Many menu options and the food was well presented and good. During the course of our meal when I was asked about replacing a plate that was barley used I said no and was met with a look of utter disbelief. Obviously that wasn't the right answer so once corrected my waitress was happy.
The multiple variations of sushi were wonderful and it is all organic. That of course makes it a bit more expensive but the flavors are great.
The ambience of the inside is quiet and decorated tastefully. What a breath of fresh air over the hotel.
Pros: Great food, a little higher in price, Amazing service
Cons: Hard to find, on busy street corner, Off street parking
Guest
The Veggie Cook
Points +1201
Shojin is a special treat - Edit
Shojin is a special occasion kind of restaurant--one that you go to treat yourself and family, celebrate a milestone, or impress a date. The entire menu is vegan, and the food is carefully crafted and full of flavor.
Read moreThe sushi rolls are especially tasty. I recommend ordering a few different plates of rolls to share with friends.
The desserts are incredible. They usually have several on hand each day, each marvelous. Try the hot molten lava chocolate cake paired with vanilla ice cream--it's divine.
Guest
EemaGila
Points +108
Too slow - Edit
We love Shojin in Downtown LA. But this place leaves so much to be desired. We had 7:15 reservations and we were seated immediately. I informed them that we had to leave at 9:00 to catch a flight out of LAX. They didn't take our order until 7:47, that included our drink order. Not even water before that. The food trickled out, some things were mediocre at best. Most were not worth eating, other than the fact that we were hungry and didn't have time to go elsewhere. Only two things were sent back, the pumpkin soup was nothing special. It tasted like pumpkin purée that had been watered down. Boring. Switch that to miso and it was okay. The Kabocha Pumpkin Penne took an hour to arrive and was barely warm. The kicker was the 20% gratuity that was added to the bill. It is not mentioned anywhere on their menu so I ask. "It's on the website." I informed the server that I wanted that removed and then I would pay the bill and tip accordingly. She complied. I have no intention of returning to this location. When all was said and done, dinner was nearly $30 per person.
Read moreGuest
Gabe
Points +117
Superb food, hard to find - Edit
We almost didn't get to eat here because it's difficult to find. Not because of location or anything like that, because they seem to have embraced this hipster nonsense whereby restaurants don't actually have visible signs above their doors. Once we found it though, we were thoroughly impressed. Presentation was amazing, all the appetizers and rolls we tried were delicious and complex. Highly recommend the creamy "oysters" and the Pirates of the Crunchy roll. Two appetizers and five rolls were enough to put the two of us in a food coma and were well worth the $100+tip we payed for them.
Read morePros: Vegan sushi!, Very polite staff, Incredible, complex flavors
Cons: Expensive, Staff almost *too* polite, No sign
Guest
FullofBeans
Points +27
An Elegant Vegan Occasion. - Edit
I visited Shojin for brunch after my friends raved and raved about great food, kind staff, and beautiful ambiance. They were right on all accounts.
Read moreEverything reflected much care. The sushi was delicious and artful. Our waitress was meticulously dressed and doting. The meal made us feel wonderful.
The only negative thing I can say, is that the AMAZING sake cocktail was tiny- half of a champagne glass, the other half was foam. I wanted more!
Pros: Beautiful/Delish Food, Friendly Staff, Ambiance
Cons: Street parking
Guest
kenvegan
Points +13513
Shojin - New Location! Amazing food and service! - Edit
I joined a couple of friends for a fantastic lunch at the new Shojin location in Culver City.
Read moreIf you don't know, Shojin the restaurant is named after the practice of Buddhist temples in Japan serving vegan cuisine to the public. This practice is called Shojin Ryori.
I had eaten numerous times at the downtown Shojin location, and this has been one of my favorite restaurants in the world since it opened. I was very excited to hear that Shojin had opened a Culver City location which is a mere 25 minute bike ride from where I live.
The new branch of this restaurant is a bit smaller than the other location, and the decor is different, but I believe the menus are the same.
The service at this restaurant is perfect. The waiting staff is very attentive, and don't overlook any details that make dining here an absolute pleasure.
The food at Shojin is amazing, but quite expensive if you come in on an empty stomach.
Here is what we ordered:
Shojin fried egg roll, fried gobo with vegan mayo,
apricot kale salad, edamame salad
purple treasure sushi roll (with fried eggplant cubes on
top), forest sushi roll (with fried broccoli florets on top), east sushi roll (with fried tofu cubes on top),
orange seitan chicken entree with tofu and brown rice
molten lava w/ vanilla ice cream, strawberry cheesecake w/ berry n' plum ice cream, genmatcha green tea
The appetizers and portions here are relatively small, but what they lack in amounts they make up for in the unique flavors and perfect textures. The salads were subtle, yet delicious.
My favorite dishes of this Shojin are their cut rolls. Each roll has its own unique personality and flavors, and are all just mouth-watering. A tremendous amount of care and detail is put into each dish, and I have yet to have a cut roll from Shojin that isn't a perfect "10".
The desserts at Shojin are a wonderful treat and ending to one of the best meals I have ever had. The flavors and textures of the desserts are decadent and delightful, and the final chapter of our lunch left all of us on a high note.
Shojin is not inexpensive, but the food quality and service is so amazing that I find the value here to be quite reasonable.
I really love this restaurant! Thank you again, Shojin, for such a memorable afternoon.
Pros: Excellent food, Friendly Staff, Cozy vibe
Cons: Small portions
Guest
eric
Points +21347
Great to have a closer location! - Edit
I've been a fan of Shojin for years now and often said it's my favorite place in Los Angeles. I've only eaten at the downtown location a handful of times since it's far from where I live so it's wonderful to have this new location, which is at the west end of Culver City.
Read moreIt's a small place, intimate, and from the minute you walk inside you'll feel that you've been transported someplace out of LA. The waitresses are very sweet and attentive. While the menu is smaller than downtown, and seems to focus more on sushi, the food & presentations are excellent and as good as their other location.
We have nothing like this (vegan, gourmet, Japanese) on the Westside, and this place is bound to catch on and develop a following.
It will be great if/when they open for lunch during the week and would be nice if they offer a daily special. It's costly to eat there, but really worth it. I'll be as regular as I can afford.
I'm going again this weekend, can't wait!
Pros: presentation, intimate, vegan sushi
Guest
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