Blue Plate Oysterette

The long, ultra-touristy stretch along Santa Monica’s Ocean Avenue isn’t usually known for noteworthy cuisine, but a new line of Baja-inspired Japanese items is making Blue Plate Oysterette an oddly compelling place for sushi on the Westside. We enjoyed the umami-rich clam chowder, which mixes dashi broth and white miso and comes topped with seaweed-wrapped rice crackers. But focus in on the handroll sets: In a city full of Kazunori wannabes, Lucky Yu’s distinctive fusion-style offerings stand out with unique flavor profiles and compelling plant-based options. Thanks to the use of tamari instead of soy sauce, the entire restaurant is gluten-free—a boon for those with celiac disease or sensitivities. T