The Sushi Burgers From 26 Beach Restaurant In Southern California Has A Cult Following, And There's A Reason Why
By Natasha Kayes|Published December 23, 2022
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Natasha Kayes
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I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
Venice has always had a reputation for fostering the creative, eclectic, and proudly unusual. This is no less true when it comes to food and restaurants, and the increasingly popular fusion cuisine. The most recent example of fusion cuisine in Southern California that has gained a cult following is found at 26 Restaurant in Venice.
26 Beach Restaurant has as its tagline, “Creative burgers on homemade buns,” and proudly proclaims on its website that it is “Home of the sushi burger.” It is this fascinating combination of sushi flavors atop a classic hamburger patty that has gained a serious cult following. Hybrid, or fusion, cuisine has created curiosity first, then obsession.
This restaurant’s cult following begins with two menu items, the Katsu California Roll Burger and the Yuki Spicy Tuna burger. Sushi toppings such as crab, ginger, spicy tuna, ginger, nori, wasabi mayo, and cucumber turn a typical hamburger into a sushi lover’s sandwich, smashing multiple cravings at the same time.
The menu combining American and Japanese flavors has led to 33 years of success for this local gem. The Mori family, founders of 26 Beach, have a true food legacy, with the owner’s grandfathers having opened one of the very first sushi houses in Tokyo in the 1800s.
The Asian flavors and sushi-style toppings don’t end with burgers at 26 Beach. Salads on the menu boast ingredients and toppings like seared ahi, black sesame seeds, and ginger soy dressing.
Of course, the local obsession with the sushi-topped burgers doesn’t mean you won’t find plenty of other intriguing burgers on the menu. There is the Curry Burger with its peas and carrots, the Date Burger with goat cheese and honey, the Money Burger with peanut butter and jam, and plenty of others to wrap your mind around.
Locals love to enjoy their sushi burgers on the patio which has a fun collection of eclectic furnishings and decor, feels semi-indoor, and has heaters and a retractable covering so outdoor dining is possible regardless of the weather.
A creative selection of drinks, appetizers, pastas, and several varieties of breakfast french toast round out the menu. So, while it is highly recommended that you try the sushi burgers that locals rave about, if that is just not your thing, you can still find something interest-piquing and delicious that will no doubt have you coming back for more.
Some reviewers have said they came to 26 Beach not knowing what to expect. We say, expect the unexpected, and don’t be surprised when you absolutely love it.
Fusion has certainly become a popular cuisine choice in recent years and these sushi burgers have drawn a loyal following in Southern California. What do you think? Would you try a sushi-topped burger? What is your favorite fusion food? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Learn more about this restaurant and see the full menu on the 26 Beach website, or follow on Facebook to keep up with the newest creations.
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