
Arigato Sushi
A vibrant Japanese eatery in Santa Barbara, blending traditional sushi with bold Californian flavors and creative rolls.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Arigato Sushi

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Japanese eatery in Santa Barbara, blending traditional sushi with bold Californian flavors and creative rolls.
"Delicious sushi, cozy atmosphere, and surprisingly good vegan options make this a must-visit!"
Reservations Recommended
The restaurant is very popular; booking ahead is advised to avoid disappointment and long waits.
Focus on Nigiri/Sashimi
For high-quality raw fish, consider sticking to the nigiri and sashimi selections.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese, Sushi
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Creative Sushi Rolls
Arigato Sushi offers unique sushi creations like the popular Magic Mushroom roll, blending traditional flavors with Californian flair.

Cozy Ambiance
Dine in a lively yet cozy atmosphere, complete with real candles on each table for an intimate dining experience.

Extensive Vegan Options
A popular Japanese eatery that stands out with a dedicated selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes beyond the usual avocado roll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
The restaurant is very popular; booking ahead is advised to avoid disappointment and long waits.
Focus on Nigiri/Sashimi
For high-quality raw fish, consider sticking to the nigiri and sashimi selections.
Avoid Peak Times
Visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours can help you avoid the busiest crowds.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
The restaurant is very popular; booking ahead is advised to avoid disappointment and long waits.
Focus on Nigiri/Sashimi
For high-quality raw fish, consider sticking to the nigiri and sashimi selections.
Avoid Peak Times
Visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours can help you avoid the busiest crowds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Arigato Sushi is lauded for its creative and delicious sushi, particularly its unique rolls and extensive vegan options, served in a cozy, lively atmosphere. While many praise the quality of the fish and overall dining experience, some diners have noted that portions can be small for the price, and there have been occasional service hiccups, especially with takeout orders.
"We love it, cozy place. I was really surprised with the food, especially with the vegan options. We ordered a bunch of food, because we simply can’t get enough lol. Every single time we walked by it was packed, so i recommend reservations."
Maria Gracia Chiroque
"Wandered in 20 min before closing on a sunday night, they were about half full
- food was decent but not amazing
- good vegan/veg item selection
- highlights: salmon sashimi, black cod, eel roll and magic mushroom roll
I set my portion expectation meter to "sushi" but I was still a bit surprised at the cost per food ratio. Maybe I forgot to factor in the location
Bonus points for the real candle adorning each table. I hate fake candles
Minus points for some plate wetness
No parking on state street"
Thomas Yu
"My review is for the customer service. I don’t usually write reviews but our experience here was terrible. One of our sushi orders was taking over 45 min long to arrive. It was the last order for the night for my son. Our server said she checked on it and it was coming but it did not. After another follow up and seeing that the order went to the another table, they said they would “rush” it. The table next to us get the our sushi orders when I think it should have come to us since ours was taking forever. At this point it was at least 40 min long. They said they would put another rush out for it and at that point, we were over it. The kicker is at the time of paying, there was no price adjustment or offer to give us a dessert or another item from the menu. So no tip was left. I don’t like to do that but at this point I don’t feel like I had a choice.
Fix your customer service when things go wrong. The sushi was good but we will not be back because of the service."
Kristina C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Arigato Sushi now takes reservations, which is highly recommended due to its popularity.
The 'Magic Mushroom' roll is frequently mentioned as a unique and popular choice.
Yes, Arigato Sushi is known for its extensive vegan and vegetarian selections, going beyond typical offerings.
Yes, many consider it a great spot for date nights, with a cozy atmosphere and good food.
Some diners find the portions to be on the smaller side relative to the price.
The restaurant has a lively yet cozy vibe, with real candles on each table.
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Featured in these publications
Best restaurants Santa Barbara County
Phenomenally popular Arigato Sushi always has people milling around waiting for a table (no reservations taken) but it's worth the wait. Traditional and more unusual sushi, including lots of vegetarian options, plus salads and a dizzying array of hot and cold starters will make you order a sake pronto just to help you get through the menu.
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This tiny sushi spot right on State St. is serving quality raw fish at the high prices you would expect. That said, it’s good enough that you’ll want to eat on their nice front patio anyway. Arigato’s menu is pretty big, but our move is to stick to the nigiri and sashimi sections - you can get a mayo-covered specialty roll anywhere.
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Locals flock to this two-story restaurant and sushi bar—famed for its wildly creative combination rolls and other delectables. Fans of authentic Japanese food sometimes disagree about the quality of the seafood, but all dishes are fresh and artfully presented.
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The scene: A bustling Japanese eatery that pushes creativity to the limits, Arigato Sushi combines the timeless essence of delicate sushi with the bold, dynamic flavours of Californian cuisine. Top notch fresh fish, seafood and vegetables are used to create their stunning sushi, sashimi, nigiri and hand rolls which taste every bit as good as they look. To guarantee a smile on everyone’s face, there’s also a selection of hot starters and main courses, ranging from wok-fried edamame with garlic-soy sauce and firecracker ahi with a chilli cracker crust to miso-glazed black cod and grilled garlic beef.
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One of the best things to come out of the pandemic was that Arigato now has more seating and is able to take reservations!. The winner once again for Best Parklet and Best Sushi Restaurant, this longtime local favorite has been dishing up fresh nigiri and sashimi and assorted rolls for more than 35 years, along with creative concoctions like Standing Room Only (baked half avocado filled with unagi, snow crab, masago, and scallions) and Rincon Magic (a sushi pizza on a base of crispy rice, topped with snow crab, octopus, squid, smelt roe, and scallions).
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You can also expect excellent flavors at places like Cadiz Restaurant & Lounge, Arigato Sushi and the Sandbar. And of course, no California city is complete without a long list of world-class breweries and wineries. For some truly authentic west coast tastes, head out to the Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., Third Window Brewing, Santa Barbara Brewing Company, Grassini Family Vineyards, Santa Barbara Winery and Jaffurs Wine Cellars.
State Street Promenade
1225 State St, Santa Barbara805-965-6074Category: Japanese, SushiArigato Sushi serves modern Japanese cuisine and rolls prepared with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Guests can visit for lunch and dinner and experience innovative sushi rolls and freshly prepared meals in a casual setting. The extensive menu features hand rolls, nigiri and sashimi, along with a variety of combos and entrées.
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Arigato has been a favorite Santa Barbara sushi restaurant for date nights. We were pleased to see the bottom of the menu include “Garden” and “Sushi of Garden” sections filled with plenty of delicious plant-based options that go way beyond the typical avocado roll. There are over 20 easy-to-find plant-based items on the Arigato menu from tofu steak to portobello nigiri and more.
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Arigato Sushi’s modern Japanese food (Santa Barbara style 😉 )and sushi rolls are prepared with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Its casual setting is perfect for lunch or dinner, and its menu features a variety of hand rolls, nigiri and sashimi, as well as combos and entrées. Some of our most popular appetizers include our hot shot, carpaccio, gold shot, salmon cooler and more.
Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Santa Barbara
Make your way downtown to another eatery that dedicates a portion of its menu to vegetarian-lovers—Arigato—a State Street sushi mainstay that has locals and visitors alike hooked on its beautifully crafted rolls and quality ingredients. With creative substitutions for raw fish and seafood like fermented soybean and lots of earthy veggies, you won’t even miss the real thing.
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Freshness is paramount at this sophisticated Japanese restaurant, where sushi is the top draw and crowds flock for ambience and fun. Creative chefs craft spectacular rolls featuring sea urchin, yellowtail, albacore tuna, quail egg and all the other usual undersea suspects. If cooked foods are your preference, you'll find sweet scallops, butterfish and soft shell crabs.
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Located on State Street in the heart of charming Downtown Santa Barbara, Arigato Sushi boasts a delicious, high-quality sushi menu. From classic rolls to one-of-a-kind contemporary twists on nigiri preparations, freshness and bright, bold flavors are the hallmarks of this local favorite spot. The a la carte Honmaguro Carpaccio dish is an absolute must-try.
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**Arigato Sushi is not just a popular spot in town, it has been one of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara for many years. It's bustling with energy due to its lively atmosphere and open kitchen. While reservations aren’t accepted, the spacious interior with warm exposed brick and the inviting outdoor patio are great places to enjoy your meal.
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This authentic sushi restaurant is where locals go for the best sushi in town. The chef’s dedication to quality and traditional techniques makes every piece a work of art. Consistently praised by food critics and featured in local press, this intimate spot offers an experience that rivals the finest sushi establishments from coast to coast.
Locations Santa Barbara, California, United States
Arigato Sushi serves modern Japanese cuisine and rolls prepared with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Guests can visit for lunch and dinner and experience innovative sushi rolls and freshly prepared meals in a casual setting. The extensive menu features hand rolls, nigiri and sashimi, along with a variety of combos and entrées.
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Located on State Street and always busy, Arigato is widely-believed to have the highest quality sushi in Santa Barbara. The elegantly decorated restaurant is always busy and offers an extensive menu of Japanese specialties. Although pricey, this is the place to go if you are looking to indulge in the city’s finest.
25 Best Restaurants on State Street Santa Barbara, CA
Looking for a Japanese restaurant on Santa Barbara’s State Street?. Arigato offers a huge menu of fresh sushi as well as other traditional Japanese foods. Sitting at the sushi bar watching your rolls and sushi being meticulously prepared is always a treat, but Arigato’s brick dining room also has a nice atmosphere.
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If you love deliciously fresh seafood, look no further than Arigato. This Santa Barbara favourite is constantly wowing with all the fruits of the sea like sushi, oysters and elevated seafood classics. We suggest starting with the ‘fluke’n crab’ with a cocktail before moving on to all your sushi faves.
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If you’re looking for some well made sushi in town, look no further than Arigato Sushi. Here, you cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. With decadent outdoor seating right on State Street and the satisfying sound of chopping knives— you’re all set for a great time.
A LOCAL'S GUIDE TO STATE STREET
Arigato Sushi is known for serving high quality, delicious Japanese food on upper State Street. The fresh menu, excellent service, and cozy atmosphere will make for a great experience!. Photo From Instagram via @benchmarkeatery
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It’s definitely on the pricier side, but the nigiri is always fresh and the rolls are very creative. Be sure to pair your meal with some sake for the full experience. Address: 1225 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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In Santa Barbara, Pirhana is pretty popular, and Arigato, I think, is another popular spot, but I haven't eaten at either one - and I've also heard good things about Sushi Teri House
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1225 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Phone: 805-965-6074 Visit Website. A post shared by jasmine (@meatballsandmojitos). Sushi has yet to make an appearance on this list.
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And we had to eat gluten free and the waiter was great with recommendations and making us feel safe eating our meal!. Will definitely be back!
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Gala is a new restaurant that I’ve been hanging out at a bit. They do Spanish food and they have a sister restaurant in Barcelona.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit