Hello dear
Welcome to Banzai Marina
Banzai Marina, nestled in the heart of Ventura, California, is a sushi haven celebrated for its fresh, high-quality ingredients and welcoming atmosphere. This coastal gem serves a diverse array of dishes, from classic favorites like the Red Dragon Roll and Baked Green Mussels to innovative options such as the Kumi Roll and unique specialty rolls like the Volcano Roll. Diners rave about the friendly service and laid-back vibe, making it a perfect spot for casual meals or special occasions. With its commitment to quality and creativity, Banzai Marina is a must-visit for sushi lovers seeking an unforgettable culinary experience by the beach.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Red Dragon Roll
Crab Cakes
Calamari Roll
Caterpillar Roll
About
Banzai Marina
Welcome to Banzai Marina, a true gem nestled in the heart of Ventura, California. Located at 120 S California St, this sushi restaurant offers an inviting blend of coastal vibes and culinary excellence. As you step inside, you're not just entering a restaurant; you're diving into a world where the ocean's bounty meets masterful craftsmanship.
Banzai Marina shines with its extensive menu, showcasing seasoned edamame and delicious fish like kampachi and Chilean seabass. A standout aspect of the menu is the fresh catch of the day, featuring delicacies such as Japanese scallop and black snapper. Each sushi piece is crafted to perfection, showcasing quality ingredients that speak volumes about the skill of the chefs behind the sushi bar.
Heartfelt customer reviews highlight the relaxed atmosphere and friendly service. One patron, Kraig Hamady, raved about the "incredible cuisine from a legend in the sushi world.” Others echoed similar sentiments regarding the fast service, making it perfect for a day at the beach or an evening outing. The inclusion of local ingredients not only supports the community but elevates the dining experience, ensuring that every bite resonates with freshness.
Among the must-try items are the creatively named rolls—Crunchy Roll, Sunset Roll, and the signature Banzai Marina Roll. Whether you prefer the richness of black cod or the clean taste of bluefin tuna, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Ryan Melsness emphasized that dishes like the Kumi Roll and yellowtail sushi showcase the restaurant’s commitment to quality and consistency, making it one of his favorites.
Banzai Marina isn’t just about sushi; it captures the essence of Ventura’s laid-back, beach-friendly culture. With a welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant provides a great setting for both quiet dinners and lively gatherings. As you savor each bite, the coastal breeze and vibrant community blend seamlessly, creating a unique dining experience.
Come indulge in the artistry of Banzai Marina. Whether you're a local resident or just passing through Ventura, this restaurant promises an unforgettable sushi journey. Don't forget to make a reservation; like many of its loyal patrons, you too may find yourself returning again and again!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Incredible cuisine from a legend in the sushi world. Luckily he liked surfing in Ventura so he came here to make some of the best sushi my wife and I have had in a long time. Service is great and friendly and the vibe is laid back. They will get sick of seeing us there as we plan to come back often. ”
“ Sushi by the beach, this restaurant has dining with raw fish to accommodate your tastes. Great location here in Ventura, California. Service is fast. Buy 1 drink next one free. Private entrance for celebrities and private parties. ”
“ Great sushi, fresh and delicious. Beautiful dining area and welcoming atmosphere right in the heart of Ventura. 5/5 ”
“ This place shocked me! My buddy from SB recommended coming here. I’ve passed by this place multiple times and didn’t think much. After a couple of recommendations from my friend I decided to try it out! Wow. Banzai did not disappoint! First of all, locally sourced and you can taste good ingredients. A bunch of celebrities have gone here as well. Do not let the appearance trick you, the food is awesome. Definitely recommend the pork & chicken gyoza, crunchy tempura roll, spicy salmon roll, and then California roll. Yew, will for sure walk back to here!! Make a reservation!! ”
“ 5 Stars Banzai Marina is easily one of the best sushi restaurants in Ventura County. The fish is always incredibly fresh, and the chefs do an amazing job with both traditional sushi and creative specialty rolls. I highly recommend the Kumi Roll and the yellowtail sushi — both are consistently excellent. The quality here is top-tier and remarkably consistent. You can tell the chefs take pride in their work, and the ingredients are always high quality. The location in downtown Ventura is ideal, especially if you’re spending the day near the beach or looking for a great dinner spot in the area. Banzai Marina is a go-to for anyone who appreciates fresh sushi, friendly service, and a relaxed, coastal atmosphere. One of my favorite spots in Ventura. ”
“ I didn't have much expectation walking into this place. The atmosphere didn't seem like a high-end sushi joint, and they served rolls on the menu. But my buddy strongly recommended this place. She travels a lot and tries all kinds of dishes at so many restaurants, so I reluctantly listened. And I am glad I listened to her. First, the fish are fresh. One way I could tell is the softness of the fish. For example, one of the items on the menu was squid. Squid is one of those dishes the chef needs to know what s/he is doing because squid is LITTERED with worms. So typically restaurants and distributors freeze the squid, which would then make the texture chewy. The squid was not chewy. And neither was the octopus. Either this place knows what they are doing or they are recklessly betting against lawsuits. It seems they are doing fine after years in business. We ordered two serving sof Toro (4 pieces). Toro is the marbling side of tuna. It melts in your mouth. Jesus. I was not chewing. Just a lot of tongue action. Liver was fresh to taste. No lingering foul smell or after taste on raw oysters. The fishy fish tasted in a good fishy way. I typically dont eat fishy sushi but made an exception this time. We did not order any rolls. If there is one downside, the wasabi was not real. But wasabi is expensive, so it is always green horseradish pretty much everywhere. The server was nice. We weren't demanding and never asked for anything other than ordering more food. Left good tip. We were good customers too. Win win. It was good to be treated out. And I appreciate the service dishes :) Never judge a restaurant by its cover. ”
“ The food was terrible, and the owner seemed rude. My experience, however, was amazing, and soully due to Zenani being my server, she was the best and super nice to meet and my family. And she answered all of my questions and she helped me understand what the dishes were with great clarity. ”
“ This place is one of the best sushi restaurants in the area, my aunt and cousin usually goes here once a few couple of weeks. I finally went and omg it was so good. The fish was fresh and the service was remarkable. Our waiter Claire was so nice and kind. 10/10 would definitely come again! ”