Long Beach is a vibrant coastal city known for its diverse culinary scene, and Maru Maki stands out as one of its premier Japanese dining destinations. The Maru Maki Long Beach menu offers a thoughtfully curated selection of dishes that blend traditional Japanese flavors with modern twists, catering to both sushi aficionados and newcomers alike.
Whether you’re craving expertly crafted sushi rolls, fresh sashimi, or comforting hot dishes, Maru Maki delivers a memorable dining experience in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and authentic preparation makes it a favorite spot among locals and visitors.
Exploring the Maru Maki Long Beach menu reveals a balance between classic offerings and innovative creations. Diners can expect to find everything from delicate nigiri to hearty bowls and shareable plates, each designed to showcase the freshest seafood and seasonal produce.
The menu embraces both simplicity and elegance, with dishes that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Attention to detail in every bite underscores the passion behind the kitchen’s culinary expertise.
Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, a festive dinner, or a special celebration, Maru Maki’s menu provides versatile options that accommodate various tastes and dietary preferences. The thoughtful presentation and harmonious flavors invite guests to savor every moment, making each visit an opportunity to discover new favorites and revisit beloved classics.
Signature Sushi Rolls
The signature sushi rolls at Maru Maki Long Beach embody the restaurant’s creative spirit and dedication to fresh ingredients. These rolls combine traditional Japanese elements with unique flavor profiles, offering a delightful adventure for sushi lovers.
Each roll is meticulously prepared with precision and artistic flair, ensuring a perfect balance of texture and taste.
Among the standout rolls, the Maru Maki Roll is a must-try. It features fresh salmon, avocado, cucumber, and a special house-made sauce that adds a subtle kick.
The roll is topped with thin slices of seared tuna and a drizzle of eel sauce, creating layers of flavor that unfold with each bite. The use of premium fish and crisp vegetables highlights the restaurant’s commitment to quality.
Another popular choice is the Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll. This roll packs a punch with spicy tuna mixed with Japanese mayo and chili oil, complemented by crunchy tempura flakes.
The contrast between creamy and crispy textures makes it an exciting option for those who enjoy bold flavors. For those who prefer vegetarian options, the Garden Roll combines avocado, cucumber, pickled radish, and asparagus, topped with a light sprinkle of sesame seeds for added aroma.
Popular Signature Rolls
- Maru Maki Roll: Salmon, avocado, cucumber, seared tuna, house sauce, eel sauce
- Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll: Spicy tuna, Japanese mayo, chili oil, tempura flakes
- Garden Roll: Avocado, cucumber, pickled radish, asparagus, sesame seeds
“Each roll is a testament to Maru Maki’s dedication to blending tradition with modern taste, creating sushi that is both authentic and innovative.” – Local Food Critic
Fresh Sashimi Selection
Maru Maki’s sashimi selection is a celebration of freshness and purity, featuring a variety of expertly sliced raw fish and seafood. The sashimi offerings are carefully sourced from trusted suppliers, ensuring that each piece showcases the natural flavors and textures of the sea.
This section of the menu is perfect for those seeking a pure and unadulterated taste of Japanese cuisine.
The sashimi platters vary in size, catering to solo diners and groups alike. A typical sashimi plate includes slices of salmon, yellowtail, tuna, and white fish, artfully arranged with garnishes such as shredded daikon radish and shiso leaves.
The presentation emphasizes simplicity and elegance, allowing the quality of the fish to shine through.
For guests interested in exploring more exotic options, Maru Maki offers seasonal sashimi specials that may include uni (sea urchin), octopus, or mackerel. These selections provide an opportunity to experience a broader spectrum of flavors and textures.
Accompaniments such as freshly grated wasabi and soy sauce enhance the tasting experience without overpowering the delicate fish.
Sashimi Varieties
| Type | Flavor Profile | Texture |
| Salmon | Rich, buttery | Soft, silky |
| Yellowtail | Lightly sweet, savory | Firm, smooth |
| Tuna | Meaty, mild | Dense, tender |
| Uni (Sea Urchin) | Sweet, briny | Creamy, custard-like |
“The freshness of the sashimi at Maru Maki is unparalleled, making it an essential stop for seafood purists.” – Culinary Enthusiast
Hot Dishes and Entrees
While Maru Maki is renowned for its sushi and sashimi, the menu’s hot dishes and entrees add depth and variety to the dining experience. These offerings showcase traditional Japanese flavors through comforting preparations that appeal to a wide audience.
From grilled seafood to hearty noodle dishes, the hot entrees are crafted with the same attention to quality and balance.
One of the favorites is the Teriyaki Glazed Black Cod, which features tender fish marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then broiled to perfection. The dish is served with steamed vegetables and rice, creating a harmonious meal that satisfies both the palate and the appetite.
The cod’s flaky texture and rich glaze make it a standout choice for those seeking something beyond sushi.
Another popular option is the Chicken Katsu Curry, a breaded and fried chicken cutlet served with a flavorful Japanese curry sauce. This dish combines crispy textures with a mildly spiced, savory gravy that warms the senses.
For guests looking for a vegetarian alternative, the Yaki Udon noodles offer stir-fried thick wheat noodles tossed with seasonal vegetables and a light soy-based sauce.
Hot Dish Highlights
- Teriyaki Glazed Black Cod: Marinated, broiled cod with vegetables and rice
- Chicken Katsu Curry: Breaded chicken cutlet with Japanese curry sauce
- Yaki Udon: Stir-fried udon noodles with vegetables and soy sauce
“The hot entrees at Maru Maki provide a comforting balance to the fresh sushi, making it a comprehensive Japanese dining destination.” – Restaurant Reviewer
Appetizers and Small Plates
Appetizers and small plates at Maru Maki are designed to stimulate the appetite and set the tone for the meal. These dishes offer a variety of textures and flavors, from light and refreshing to rich and savory.
They are perfect for sharing or for those who enjoy sampling multiple tastes in one sitting.
Edamame is a simple yet classic starter, lightly salted and steamed to maintain the natural sweetness of the soybeans. Another crowd-pleaser is the Agedashi Tofu, which features crispy deep-fried tofu cubes served in a delicate dashi broth topped with scallions and grated daikon.
This dish is a wonderful balance of crunchy and silky textures.
For those who prefer seafood starters, the Spicy Tuna Tartare offers finely diced tuna mixed with spicy mayo and avocado, served with crispy wonton chips. This appetizer is a flavorful introduction to Maru Maki’s sushi offerings and showcases the kitchen’s expertise in balancing spice and freshness.
Popular Appetizers
- Edamame: Steamed soybeans with sea salt
- Agedashi Tofu: Deep-fried tofu in dashi broth
- Spicy Tuna Tartare: Diced tuna with spicy mayo and avocado
“Starting with the appetizers at Maru Maki is an invitation to explore the layers of Japanese flavors in a relaxed setting.” – Food Blogger
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Recognizing the diverse dietary preferences of its patrons, Maru Maki Long Beach offers a thoughtful selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. These options are crafted with creativity and respect for authentic Japanese cuisine, ensuring that plant-based diners enjoy a satisfying and flavorful experience.
The menu features vegetable sushi rolls that use fresh, crisp ingredients like cucumber, avocado, pickled radish, and asparagus. These rolls are often enhanced with toasted sesame seeds or a light drizzle of soy-based sauces to add depth.
Additionally, the restaurant provides vegan-friendly miso soup made with kombu broth and packed with tofu and seaweed.
For heartier choices, the vegetable tempura platter offers an assortment of lightly battered and fried seasonal vegetables served with a dipping sauce. The tempura batter is delicate and not overly greasy, preserving the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
These dishes demonstrate Maru Maki’s commitment to inclusivity without compromising on quality or flavor.
Vegetarian and Vegan Highlights
- Vegetable Sushi Rolls: Avocado, cucumber, pickled radish, asparagus
- Vegan Miso Soup: Kombu broth, tofu, seaweed
- Vegetable Tempura Platter: Seasonal vegetables, light batter
“Maru Maki’s vegetarian and vegan options prove that authentic Japanese cuisine can be both plant-based and deeply satisfying.” – Vegan Food Advocate
Beverage Selection
The beverage menu at Maru Maki complements the food offerings with a curated array of drinks that enhance the overall dining experience. From traditional Japanese beverages to carefully selected wines and cocktails, the drink options cater to varied preferences and occasions.
Sake plays a central role, with several types available by the glass or bottle. These include dry and sweet varieties, each chosen for their ability to pair well with different menu items.
For sake novices, the staff is knowledgeable and happy to recommend selections based on personal taste and meal choices.
In addition to sake, the drink list features Japanese beers, such as Asahi and Sapporo, as well as classic cocktails with a Japanese twist, like the yuzu-infused margarita or matcha mojito. Non-alcoholic options include green tea, iced barley tea, and house-made lemonade, providing refreshing alternatives for all guests.
Beverage Options
| Category | Examples | Pairing Suggestions |
| Sake | Junmai, Ginjo, Daiginjo | Sushi, sashimi, light appetizers |
| Beer | Asahi, Sapporo | Tempura, fried dishes |
| Cocktails | Yuzu Margarita, Matcha Mojito | Spicy rolls, flavorful entrees |
| Non-Alcoholic | Green Tea, Iced Barley Tea, Lemonade | All dishes |
“The thoughtful beverage pairings at Maru Maki elevate the meal, creating harmonious flavor experiences.” – Beverage Expert
Desserts and Sweet Treats
To conclude the meal, Maru Maki offers a selection of desserts that blend traditional Japanese sweets with contemporary influences. These sweet treats provide a satisfying finale, balancing subtle sweetness with texture and presentation.
Mochi ice cream is a popular choice, featuring chewy rice dough wrapped around creamy ice cream in flavors like green tea, mango, and red bean. This dessert is both refreshing and light, perfect after a flavorful meal.
Another option is the matcha tiramisu, which combines the bitterness of green tea with the richness of mascarpone for a unique fusion dessert.
For those seeking a warm finish, the warm sesame balls filled with sweet red bean paste offer a comforting and fragrant conclusion. These desserts highlight the kitchen’s ability to honor Japanese tradition while offering approachable flavors for all guests.
Dessert Highlights
- Mochi Ice Cream: Green tea, mango, red bean flavors
- Matcha Tiramisu: Green tea and mascarpone fusion
- Warm Sesame Balls: Fried dough with sweet red bean filling
“The dessert menu at Maru Maki thoughtfully balances traditional Japanese sweets with modern flair, leaving a lasting impression.” – Dessert Connoisseur
Maru Maki Long Beach delivers a comprehensive and thoughtfully curated menu that celebrates the rich traditions of Japanese cuisine while embracing contemporary tastes. Every dish, from the signature sushi rolls to the comforting hot entrees and delicate desserts, reflects a dedication to quality, freshness, and balance.
The menu’s diversity ensures that all diners, whether they seek raw seafood delicacies or plant-based options, find something to delight their palate. Coupled with a well-rounded beverage selection, Maru Maki provides an exceptional dining experience that is both authentic and inviting.
Beyond the food, the warm and attentive service enhances the overall enjoyment, making each visit memorable. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor exploring Long Beach’s culinary offerings, Maru Maki stands out as a destination for those who appreciate the artistry and tradition of Japanese cuisine.
Its menu invites guests to explore new flavors and savor familiar favorites, creating a dining journey that is both satisfying and inspiring. Maru Maki continues to set a high standard for Japanese dining in Long Beach, making it a top choice for any occasion.
