The 32 best places for yakitori in San Diego

I can hardly conjure words befitting of such a perfect establishment. Hands-down, the most meticulously crafted sushi my husband and I have had in the States. We are foodies, and love to seek the best-o-the-best and happily found ourselves here, sitting at the sushi bar, being served by the INCREDIBLE Head Chef, Yoko! We were there celebrating our 11th marriage anniversary and are truly grateful for such an awe-inspiring experience! Every single dish was absolute perfection. Seemingly simple but you know there is an immense amount of care that goes into each piece you savor. Even our hostess was perfect in every way. The attention to detail, the care, the kindness, and hospitality exuded with genuine pride, by all the staff. We seriously can't wait to come back. I love this place. It's a wonderful gift to those who come. Please do!

I was really excited about this place. My dear fiancée and I chose Sushi Ota as our last date night before our wedding, and the fish was fresh, but so was our disappoinment. Read on, my fellow Google Maps wanderer. Atmosphere Nice but not 'I absolutely need to dress up' nice. This is a good date night spot, and I don't know if I'd rather a friend here. Good for up to 4 people, but if it's one-on-one, it might feel romantic. Is that what you want? Romance? Service Good. Not amazing, not awful. Good, to the extent that you don't think about it much, which may be ideal. Food Started off with three assorted tempura, which was a good choice. It was two shrimp, two green beans, a sweet potato, a zucchini, and an onion. Also had the spicy tuna on eggplant tempura. Good, with a generous portion of spicy tuna. I got the deluxe chirashi. The fish was good, but the rice was a little hard and the unagi was chewy. Disappointing. Recommend? I hesitate to.

Sushi Ota is our go-to spot for high-quality sushi when we’re in the San Diego area. During our last trip in June, we made sure to include this restaurant in our dinner plans, and it definitely did not disappoint! We tend to order a lot of nigiri here, as the cuts are always fresh, with many pieces featuring extra-long slices of fish that drape over the rice. On this visit, we ordered three servings of scallop (hotate) nigiri and several other duplicates. I always make a point to order ama ebi, one of my favorites. This time, we took an Uber to fully enjoy their excellent selection of sake, which isn’t readily available at many places we visit in Arizona. We enjoyed a bottle with dinner, which elevated the entire meal. If you love sushi and don’t mind splurging, the bill here can add up quickly. However, having dined at many sushi restaurants, Sushi Ota stands out as a top choice and is well worth the premium price.

Sushi Ota still the best food ever!!!! Every bite is like heaven, the ingredients quality simply excellent. Everyone is super friendly, they receive us with a big smile. Make a Reservation in advance. Each option on the menu is a good choice. I came the first time 15(ish) years ago, you will always leave with a happy smile of good food and happy tummy. The ambience is beautiful, nice and warm. For us, it worth the 3 hours drive to SD!

Absolutely amazing sushi experience. Start off with the calamari, which was end of itself one of the best parts in the meal. Then got the clam miso soup, which actually had a great clam flavor. And got the Nigiri plus the upgraded California roll with the Alaskan King crab, which is an absolute must. Also got the crispy salmon rolls, which were fantastic, but with the rest of the meal was actually the low point, but only because the rest of the meal was phenomenal. Was not quite as expensive as I expected to be either. This is a must if you are in San Diego.

So good so fresh. Seeing from outside you can’t say how amazing this place is, everything is so clean, fresh and amazing. Price is very fair for the quality they serve. You must try it but make sure to make your reservation they’re always busy.

One-liner: hole in the wall japanese restaurant with true Japanese sushi chefs who serve some of the best sushi I’ve ever tasted Parking: very small lot shared with multiple stores so try parking on the streets nearby or behind the behind the building Atmosphere: unassuming store front but once you walk in you are transported to a nice but not intimidating Japanese restaurant Service: very attentive and accommodating Food: - appetizer: calamari has a light crisp but with so much flavor. I highly recommend it - deluxe chirashi bowl: includes toro besides a variety of other dishes and roe. I order it every time I go. - snow crab California roll: real snow crab. Great for those wanting to try sushi but prefer not to eat raw fish. It is also a must to try - teriyaki chicken: simple plating with juicy chicken in a light teriyaki sauce. If you cannot eat raw stuff this can work but the highlight of this place is their raw foods Tip: want to try this place without breaking the bank, try their lunch special on the days (which is not everyday) when they are open for lunch.

Nice vibe, prices are understandable. Staff is attentive and kind. This restaurant has a variety of Japanese classic dishes. It’s not strictly nor majority sushi. Both the rainbow roll and the cali roll had whole chuncks (not shredded) of crab which took most of the flavor away. It would have been better with the mix spicy mayo or reg mayo. The veggie gyoza had limited flavor. I was glad to see a veggie option but it would be nice if it had a pop of flavor. The mackerel was enjoyable in texture however the flavor could be punched up a bit (slightly bland).

Izakaya is located in Mission Hills. They don’t take reservations so make sure to get there early! Our party of 2 arrived right at opening and we were seated immediately but within 30 minutes, the tables filled fast. Parking/Environment: Dedicated parking lot in front with limited spots. Metered street parking spots available around the restaurant. Traditional Japanese style restaurant inside. There were many 2 person tables, a handful of 4 table seats, and some bar seating. All indoors. Service: Our waitress always checked in on us, water was always filled, and each item came out in a timely manner. Food: -Soft Shell Crab Tempura ($13): 2 small whole crabs deep fried with sauce on the side; this was delicious, I highly recommend -Gyoza ($6): 6 pieces pan fried -Caterpillar Roll ($14): delicious if you’re an eel lover -Lobster Dynamite Roll ($17): also delicious -Una Don ($19): eel bowl with rice; good enough to share if you’re getting more entrees Overall: I really enjoyed this place and would definitely come back. Remember to come close to opening especially if you have a larger party!

This spot was gas!!! Meaning sooo good!!! My first time and yes I had to wait and put my name on the paper as everybody will too but the food is worth it!!! I ordered the Bacon And Garlic Sprout Saute. (Fresh Green Bean Sprouts) Spider Special Roll (Soft Shell Crab Tempura, Avocado, & Caviar). Lobster Dynamite Special Roll. (Lobster, Avocado, Caviar & Spicy Mayo W/ Green Soy Paper) Hakata Ramen (Sliced Pork 2pc, Fried Garlic, Green Onion, Dried Seaweed, And Red Ginger). Donburi (Over Rice) Salmon Teriyaki

Love the vibe of the place!! Feels like a Japanese whole-in-the-wall restaurant. Tuna tartare was delicious and the California roll was great as well. Ramen was a bit disappointing, so that is why 4 stars. Given the prices and Japanese beer on draft ( Sapporo and Asahi) definitely worth a visit!!

Delicious sushi for a great value, the atmosphere is so welcoming and authentic, I truly feel like I am in Japan. Super fast and quality service! Family owned, the owners are hard working and extremely nice! I would highly recommend!

One of the best izakaya in San Diego! Very good service, set in an authentic Japanese ambience. All the foods we ordered (Saba, kama, a few different kinds of ramen, and, salmon soup bowl) were top notch.

Had to come due to reviews here, Sunday night, kinda busy I can see, but I had to ask to refill water, I had to ask sides (sushi ginger/wasabi) I had even asked fresh wasabi they don’t have which gives me 0 standard of sushi, Very minimal amount of everything with the price, they don’t even have options except basic tuna, yellowtail and salmon. For sushi place seriously?! Additionally, the service left much to be desired. There was no apparent interest in ensuring a positive dining experience, with staff merely checking in to ask if we wanted more, which felt more like an effort to rush customers out than to provide genuine service. Based on this visit, I would not return. While I did not encounter any major issues, the overall lack of attention and service left a negative impression

The chicken are so fresh and delicious! Also the beef tongue is a must try. Light smoky flavor adds new layer of aroma to the skewers. So happy to have such authentic Japanese cuisine here. I would at least pay double the price for this same level food in NYC. Service is not so warm but its OK for me.

Kind of pricey for the food but all of the skewers have good flavor. The kimchi pork was my favorite. I came as a walk-in and it was about an hour and a half wait. I would come back here again.

Hands down best Izakaya in the City. Super authentic and incredibly tasting everything from the Yakitori skewers to the dessert of deep fried cheesecake it was super bomb. We made a reservation because we’d tried to walk in twice before and got turned away. It was totally worth the wait. Can’t wait to go back. Keiko was really nice too.

Mmmmmmmmmm mmmmm mmmm m . Delicious and the cold crisp beer on tap ! If you go tip big ! Worth the experience and time all the time ! Go Padres!!

Good spot for grilled skewers but nothing seemed to really shine except the chicken thighs. Everything was grilled to medium doneness which made beef items a little more tougher. Maybe they need to cook closer to the coals, the beef tongue and beef short ribs were a bit overcooked - could greatly benefit if cooked to medium rare. Service was good. The atmosphere felt lively.

Fantastic food, the Chicken Rice Bowl was amazing. The chicken thigh skewer was also really tender and juicy. The only downside is there is a really long wait for the food, and it is usually at least 1hr+ if you don't have a reservation. A lot of the seats are empty and they stayed empty an hour later when we got our seat so I wonder why they didn't just seat some people there. Parking here is tricky, there's usually not a lot of spots.

Please make a reservation to ensure you have a proper two hour time limit. We came at 5pm without a reservation and they told us we need to finish by 6pm so that they could get ready for the party at 6:15pm. At 5:45pm, they made sure to tell us last call for any orders. We ordered two of what we liked. Service was quick and we were out by 6pm. Everything was delicious, can’t go wrong with what you order. My favorite was the Kalbi. Everyone else loved the chicken meatball. That was too salty for my liking. Parking in this plaza could be tricky but if you come early, there are plenty of spaces.

We are so lucky to have this spot in San Diego. Most sushi restaurants in town are fusion, bending to American tastes, but Kokoro transports you to the traditional way of sushi. Pure, simple, and beautiful! Chef prepared the nigiri with the perfect amount of soy sauce, sometimes topping with ginger, wasabi, or salt, every piece was perfect. The rice was plump and delicious and the mackerel was the best I've had, bold flavor and a fattiness that made it melt in the mouth. Another quiet standout was the sea bream and mushroom soup — I wish I could have this broth on tap all the time. Lastly, our server was so kind and welcoming and the dishware is so pretty. We will definitely come back and tell our friends about this special place.

Really cute and authentic Japanese restaurant. I have meant to take my wife over to get some decent and delicious sushi bowls. Overall, I enjoyed the whole experience. Our waitress and sushi chef were so friendly and attentive. but it is on a pricier side even for lunch menu. I also wish the sushi and eel can be fresher than other places I tried. Just me but I should probably try their dinner menu to really judge this place properly.

Wonderful omakase, so authentic with top quality fish and priced reasonably. We're lucky to have such a place here.

Walked in here without a reservation and ordered the Omakase. I was surprised that the place wasn't packed as the Omakase was absolutely delicious. Every dish was well presented, and tasted amazing. There wasn't a single item that wasn't good. I highly recommend Kokoro if you're looking for an under the radar spot for some good sushi.

Every course is absolutely amazing. Highlights are the Matsutake mushroom soup and the aged toro temaki. Personal opinion it’s better than Sushi Tadokoro.

Truly authentic Japanese food. Felt like I was back in Japan. Beautifully prepared and lovingly served.

This is a surprisingly authentic restaurant for the location! In a strip mall parking lot in Serra Mesa I was not expecting a lovely place like this, serving Japanese food for Japanese people. Very small, with nearly as much seating at the sushi bar as the rest of the restaurant. Excellent view of the sushi being made. Clean and classy aesthetic. The tea served is one of my favorites, a flavorful one with toasted rice. I just got a quick udon, which was delicious, but I intend to come back for something more in the future. I was the only non-Japanese person there, always a good sign!

We love Yakitori Taisho! It’s quick and easy to call a few days or a week in advance to book a reservation. If you’re sitting for just two, we recommend sitting by the bar and seeing the action. Some of our favorites: * Deep Fried Garlic * Chicken Skin * Pork Jowl * Quail Egg * Yellowtail * Chicken wings!

One of my favourite dinners we've ever had in San Diego. We were seated at the bar, but with the dividers they placed it felt very intimate still, and we loved watching the chefs cook. The meal is very intentional, with each item paced perfectly. Everything is delicious and the sake menu is also great, and very detailed about flavor profiles. My only complaint is the server argued with me about the sake I wanted to order, which was a little odd (it was a great choice by the way). Make a reservation just in case because the restaurant is very small and fills fast, but definitely well worth the stop.

This is a Japanese skewer restaurant recommended by a friend, and it’s essential to make a reservation in advance when in San Diego. The place has limited seating but is always popular, so walking in might not get you a seat or you may end up sitting at a temporary spot outside. The menu doesn’t offer too many options, but each item tastes great. I’d recommend that if there are two people, order one skewer of each kind so you can try them all! The downside is that there’s only one skewer chef, so the service is a bit slow. It’s more suitable for enjoying food while chatting with friends—not the best choice if you’re too hungry.

One of best Yakitori shop in SD and had to come back for a nice review. The skewers were amazing as always and most dishes are excellent quality. I love their chicken liver and beef tongue the most. We definitely love the food but server unfortunately was too busy so they forgot one of my order. No biggie though

We reserved for 4 with two birthdays in our group last night, all the food was amazing and the sake selection was very good, decided on a bottle of the black dragon, the beef tongue was my personal favorite paired with the yuzu sauce, kimchi had a great flavor to pair with everything. I had a peach shochu drink and it was smooth. Ended the dinner with their ice cream, sesame and lychee sorbet are their options, had one of each, sesame was light and lychee was sweet (my favorite) The service was amazing, the staff would check on us frequently. I can't say enough great things about this place.

THE BEST yakitori in San Diego. Everything is seasoned to perfection every time. The vibe is immaculate. It's small, high energy and loud, the perfect place to get a beer (or 5) and enjoy the night with great food. We buy the kitchen beer/sake from time to time and it's really fun when they take a break to drink with you! Our go to items: - Taisho Style Shrimp Spring Rolls - Chicken vein, heart, gizzard - Bacon wrapped asparagus - Beef with daikon radish and wasabi - Beef tongue The service is also really good! They are knowledgeable about the food and sake and can recommend items based on preference.

Almost didn’t want to write this review so I can gate keep this place. But it was too good to not write a positive review to encourage the staffs! Food was amazing, our server (Mar) was my new best friend , and everyone else was respectful, friendly and wearing a smile while working a busy night . The food was extra tasty because it was made with love and a sense of home . Thank you everyone for the great dinning experience, we will definitely come back!

Upon entering, it was immediately apparent that this establishment would be a delightful experience. We were warmly welcomed by the friendly hostess and promptly seated. The owner and chef were exceptionally personable and well-informed. The cuisine was simply outstanding, featuring incredibly fresh ingredients. I highly recommend the Umi and the Eel, though everything on the menu is certainly worth exploring. I fully intend to return to this hidden treasure.

Sushi Tadakoro offers the freshest sushi in town — truly deserving of its Michelin recognition. The service is top-notch, attentive, and warm from start to finish. We started with perfectly seasoned edamame and a crisp, light tempura set — both beautifully prepared and a great way to begin the meal. For the main course, we ordered the T, K, S sashimi set (Tuna, Kampachi, and Salmon), and every piece was absolutely delicious — fresh, flavorful, and expertly sliced. The fatty tuna sushi melted in our mouths, while the Kampachi, Tuna, and Salmon sashimi showcased incredible texture and balance. The hot green tea paired perfectly with the meal, and the hot sake was outstanding — smooth and aromatic. We finished with their homemade Shiratama-Zenzai dessert, the perfect sweet ending to an exceptional dining experience. Overall, Sushi Tadakoro delivers a perfect combination of quality, craftsmanship, and hospitality. Definitely worth a visit — and well deserving of its Michelin award. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

there are several popular sushi restaurants in SD but when it comes to sushi, i like mine traditional and exceptional… and edo period style sushi is my jam. after reading through reviews on google, and comparing them against instagram and website reviews (its like studying for an exam!) ive decided if i only have one meal for sushi it has to be at Sushi Tadokoro. I WASNT DISAPPOINTED. and im a big sushi snob. ordered the lunch sushi omakase and was blown away. at US$165 per pax, this was way more affordable than the S$350 pricetag i pay for sushi back home in singapore. my highlight: live spotted prawn sashimi. and trigger fish + trigger fish liver nigiri. chef tadokoro was super friendly and engaging and allowed photos - that latter’s frowned upon in traditional sushiyas in japan. 10/10 recommend. RESERVATIONS ONLY - NO WALK INS. this aint your run of mill conveyor belt sushi joint - sushi chefs of this calibre need to prep the ingredients before hand.

Course 1 appetizers - monkfish liver subbed for tofu because I asked to avoid tofu, I was surprised that it was so decadent. oyster was also really good Course 2 sashimi - all great, toro was best Course 3 Chilean sea bass with sweet miso and pickled ginger - perfect Course 4 shrimp shell - crunchy, was like a nice snack. We were wondering where the rest of the shrimp went, until course 5 :) Course 5 nigiri - perfect Course 6 salmon roe and San Diego Uni - incredible Course 7 tuna yakitori with teriyaki glaze - was good but probably my least favorite course Course 8 more nigiri - perfect Soup Fish bone soup - Clear broth with a lot of pure fish flavor. Dessert Panna Cotta - somehow tasted like a smooth chocolate. Best panna cotta I’ve ever tasted, and it was homemade

Could hardly believe this sushi was hiding behind such a modest storefront in Old Town. The omakase was a masterclass in simplicity and detail, with each piece perfectly balanced. The uni from Hokkaido and California stood out, and even the flame touched mackerel tasted like something I will still be thinking about. The staff and chefs took care of me in a way that felt personal, not just polished, and I walked away feeling like I had something really special. Getting a reservation for Saturday can be a bit of a bet since spots fill up fast, but that little scramble in advance was definitely worth it. Parking is not spacious, with a small lot nearby, and they even sketch you a map to make sure you park right, but good luck leaving disappointed. Once I was inside, everything felt intimate and calm. The traditional approach, the chefs at the bar, and the lack of hype around the place made it feel like a genuine experience, not just another sushi outing.

Been to this spot multiple times and when I have the time (and the reservation!) I will make the trip. One of my favorite sushi spots that has the quality and some of the feel of an omakase place but without the pressure of needing to eat everything they give you. You order from a menu and can ask for additional things, really really great. Can't wait for my next trip to San Diego.

Best omakase in San Diego! My bf and I have tried pretty much all the major spots (Soichi, Sushi Ota, Hidden Fish, etc.) and this one blew us away. Service was great and the fish was incredibly fresh. Just be prepared for a longer dining time - some of the courses took a bit to come out, but it’s all part of the experience. Highly recommend!

Really a great place. We had multiple sushi rolls and appetizers all of them were delicious. Yellow tail, salmon avocado, black tiger rainbow , and shrimp tempura. It was all so good that we ordered a bowl of ramen. I do highly recommend that you go here.

We had an amazing experience at BESHOCK Ramen East! The ramen was flavorful and perfectly cooked, with fresh ingredients that really hit the spot. The atmosphere is stylish and inviting, blending Japanese vibes with a Cali twist. Our waiter was absolutely class—super friendly, attentive, and gave great recommendations on the sake menu without being pushy. And surprisingly, the restroom was spotless and well-maintained, nothing like the dingy ones you find at other spots—definitely a pleasant surprise! Highly recommend for a top-notch meal. 5 stars all the way!

Was here visiting San diego... during the trip we made a stop here ... upon arrival, ( at about 815pm) we (a group of 6) were seated immediately on a Thursday night and 2 minutes after being seated we were greeted by one of the waitresses. She gave us all waters within 5 minutes and took our orders. I did not get her name but she was very helpful, being that it was our first time visiting a place like this... I ordered the "basic" California roll. But let me tell you, IT WAS AMAZING! I also tried the eel as well... very delicious. I give the California roll a 10/10. That was easily the best sushi I've ever had . The eel I give an 8/10. The environment was very chill as there is music being played with nice lighting and the location is great. The place is near a city mart and it's surrounded by many apartment buildings. If you're ever in the area, and are looking for Ramen and sushi... this is definitely the place to go.

Wanted some ramen and this was closest to where I was staying downtown so decided to check it out. Food was decent. Servers were friendly and the atmosphere was great.

Tried the black tiger rainbow and sunset roll. Presentation was lovely on both plates. While I did like the black tiger rainbow roll I would go back for the sunset roll. The sunset roll has unique flavor and I loved the mango on top with the sause that made it the right amount of spicy.

Noodles were excellent. Broth was on point. Lots of topping options. One of my new favorite ramen spots in SD. Definitely give them a try....you wont be disappointed.

The ramen here is solid. It’s better than average, but not exceptional. The broth is flavorful and avoids the bitterness you sometimes find at other spots, which I appreciated. I tried the Tonkotsu ramen, and while it was enjoyable, it didn’t leave a lasting impression. This is a reliable choice if you’re in the area and craving ramen. I’ve definitely had better elsewhere, but I wouldn’t mind coming back if a friend suggested it for lunch.

For the five times I’ve been here: Sashimi: A Tire Yellowtail Collar: A Tire Pork Belly/Rib Eye beef/Chicken Wing BBQ: B Tire Soft Shell Crab: A Tire Rice Ball in Broth (Salmon): A Tire Tuna Sushi Bowl: A Tire 釜飯: S Tire Black Sesame Pudding/Ice Cream: A Tire Vibe/Service: S Tire I rarely rate Japanese restaurant this high.

Incredible seafood at Wa Dining Okan! Was not prepared for how delicious everything was. We ordered the chirashi bowl, zeitaku udon, scallop and uni carpaccio, and grilled rice ball broth with eel. The uni was amazing. Great service, food comes out quick. We sat on the dog friendly patio. Highly recommend!

the food was good and typical japanese cuisine. i wish they put more uni on the creamy udon and the seafood kamameshi had like 2 scallops, 3 shrimps, fish roe and it was like 30$. i feel like you can get a better deal in other japanese restaurants, but that’s just my opinion :)

The food at Okan is fire. Authentic Japanese style, very tasty, at a reasonable price. The curry udon and grilled onigiri were super good. We will be coming back again!

Super friendly staff and so many options to choose from on the menu including specials. Atmosphere feels homey with authentic dishes. Would recommend trying this place out if you want small Japanese eatery vibes. Octopus fried tentacles were delicious, Kama was good, set meals were also great.

Soo good. The eel is tender and melts in your mouth. The creamy mentai udon is the kind of dish that tastes even better after each bite—it’s absolutely packed with flavor, and the roe is a nice touch of spice and umami. Portions are perfect for sharing with another person!

This is a quaint Japanese restaurant with pretty good food for lunch or a casual dinner. I had the Yakiniku Beef BBQ and my wife ordered the Miso Salmon. Both were good and we would return if in the area, just wouldn't make a special trip to eat here. The service is good, friendly and the wait time is normal to minimal. The atmosphere is a typical one for this type of restaurant and it's conveniently located next door to Nijiya Market. Parking is challenging as this lot is always full and busy.

My second time here and both times were amazing! I went here this past Sunday for their new Sunday special dinner; which is limited seating at the bar with a unique tasting menu prepared and served by Himitsu himself. So many favorites, I wish I remembered all the names of everything we tried but take my word for it! If you are a sushi lover and haven't tried this place, you must at it to your list! Depending on the night parking can be difficult, there's a small parking lot, so just account for that. Supringly there was plenty of parking on Sunday when we went! They are going to continue a monthly Sunday special service if you we were looking for a special and unique sushi date night!

Himitsu : “C,” with a final score of 60%, meaning “Mediocre. Not coming back, but not yet angry.” Executive summary: good vibes, but mediocre food and poor value makes me question how Himitsu made it to the “Michelin recommended” status, and in my books, “not recommended.” ------------------------------- Before the restaurant review, I created a new rating system. Of course there is always subjectivity in reviews, but taking inspiration from Car & Driver head-to-head car reviews, I’m hoping a more systematic way of analyzing different restaurants can help lessen subjectivity. The final grade will be determined by a weighted score of 3 factors - food (70%), vibe & decor (20%), service (10%). The scores will be added, then multiplied by a “value” factor that can improve or reduce the score by up to 20%. See photo for elaboration. Himitsu, I first tried about two years ago, and had a fairly good experience. So on my wife’s birthday, who’s actually out of town, I decided to celebrate it anyway, but without her. I got a 5:45pm reservation, and excitedly told my daughter “let’s go to good Japanese!” Note to self: never set high expectations! The restaurant has very limited inside seating. About ⅓ is inside, ⅓ in a “covered tent” and another ⅓ on the “patio” (err…sidewalk?) beside the parking lot. Despite sitting on the patio, the weather Gods cooperated and it felt quite comfortable. A cheerful waitress greeted us, and shared the “tonight’s specials.” Nothing popped out, and I was quite happy about the standard menu, most dishes served in small plates, allowing us to go for variety. We ended up starting with 6, and I figured we’d continue to order as we ate, depending on how we felt. Ribeye katsu sando (B ) : This was the meal highlight. Beef was tender, juicy, and nicely seasoned. The breading wasn’t as crispy as desired, but understandable since it was in between two slices of soft white bread. The ginger dressing was a little too tangy, overpowering the beef, but the weakest link was the cold au jus. Dipping the sandwich meant it became cold and soggy. So I only dipped once because I’m a fast learner. “Today’s special” soft shell crab roll (C ) : The weakest dish of the night. I originally ordered the “regular” soft shell crab roll from the menu, but the waitress mentioned they had “fresh crab” off the special menu, and I simply said “sure.” In hindsight, I should have asked about the price but I never would have expected it to be double! The worst part, it didn’t taste anything special. The lettuce conflicted with the crab that didn’t taste particularly fresh, and it really didn’t taste much better than something from a Japanese supermarket. Salmon hand roll (B ) : I didn’t try this, but my daughter says it deserved a “B”. Anago (eel) nigiri (B ) : This was quite nice, very light seasoning, reminiscent of how they’re served in Japan. The good, I could taste the sweetness of the eel. The bad, the eel wasn’t fatty enough, so given the quality of the eel, the North American style with a little more char and more sauce would have improved the dish. Salmon belly nigiri (C+ ) : It was a generous slice of salmon belly, but not enough marbling and rather tasteless. Ebi (shrimp) nigiri (C ) : The shrimp was overcooked and rather tasteless. My original intent was to keep ordering, but even my daughter, especially after eating the soft shell crab roll, said “nah, the quality is not there.” I asked about desserts but they sounded all French based, like creme brulee, and ultimately, nothing appealing. So we stopped, and asked for the bill. At $122 for the quality and amount of food served, especially $39 for the soft shell crab roll, plus the auto 20% gratuity, the value certainly wasn’t there. Finally score: “C” at 60% or “Mediocre. Not coming back, but not yet angry.” Food: C+ (65%) Vibe: B (70%) Service: B (70%) Weighted total: 45.5 (Food) + 14 (Vibe) + 7 (Service) = 66.5 Value factor: “Not worth it” so reduced score by 10% for a final score of 60% (rounded).

Great experience. We had a party of 3 and had reservations for sushi bar. Do the sushi bar. The chef is so engaging and offering of menu suggestions. Crazy fun and crazy good. Sushi chef Mickey was awesome. It is a bit pricy but man the sushi is sooo fresh. Aiden our server was spot on and attentive without any sense of overbearing. Great food. Great night.

Fantastic sushi with some inventive dishes and great service. Himitsu gets it right, serving up delicious cuts of classic nigiri as well as some local delicacies that you won’t find anywhere else. I think Wasabi Caesar Salad is probably the best invention of the 21st century. Make a reservation! We didn’t have a reservation on a Saturday night but they were able to seat us within 20 min.

Awesome meal with exceptional service!! Sit at the sushi bar! The chef was so engaging and offered great recommendations. The wait staff were also incredibly friendly and the fish was delicious. Would definitely come back here!

I rarely write negative reviews, and even more rarely come across a sushi restaurant that leaves me this unimpressed—but unfortunately, Himitsu in La Jolla did just that. From the moment we arrived, the tone was off. After seating us, the host came back to our table to mention, “You know we have the table for you for an hour and a half?” Being greeted with a time limit immediately felt unwelcoming and rushed. Also, how would we know that? Our server then insisted on taking our entire order, promising to pace the meal. What actually happened was the exact opposite—our main dishes came out first, followed immediately by everything else. There was no rhythm or flow to the meal, just a flurry of plates all at once. It completely took away from what should have been a thoughtful, bite-by-bite dining experience. We were in and out in an hour or less, which is unusual for an upscale restaurant. The portion sizes were shockingly small, especially considering the very high prices. The food was okay- I liked the miso cod and the katsu sandwich, but the sushi was lackluster. And for a restaurant positioning itself as upscale, the service was not only lackluster but felt almost dismissive. We were seated at the farthest leg of the outdoor patio, isolated from the restaurant itself. No ambiance, no connection to the sushi bar, and honestly, it felt more like we were dining at one of the neighboring restaurants. To top it all off, we were celebrating a birthday—and when the dessert came out, a candle was lit and dropped on the table with zero fanfare. No acknowledgment, no warmth, just...there you go. And let’s talk about the auto-added 20% gratuity—regardless of party size. Based on our experience, I would not recommend Himitsu.

Bad experience. We’ve been here multiple times over the years and we chose to visit here for our anniversary for the memories and the experience was bad. First we made a reservation for 8pm and had to wait till 815 to get seated when we showed up 5 minutes earlier. Then the food. Fish was good but the steak sando was very disappointing. You can see the portion got way smaller and the steak got smaller and thinner over the years. One piece barely have any filling. Last, the service. They have a mandatory 20% service charge, which I don’t mind but the service did not live to that. We had to wait for another 15 minutes to get our check.

The ramen here is excellent, with an authentic Japanese taste. However, it is next door to a cigar shop, so the smell of cigar smoke permeates the restaurant. The ramen is served very hot, as it should be. They use a paper ordering system, and you check your own boxes on the paper for the order you wish to make. Menya ramen has a very distinct seafood/fish flavor - so if you’re a seafood enthusiast, you will love the taste. If you are a beef and potatoes guy like me, you will prefer other ramen places. Overall a good restaurant, but something must not have agreed with us as we both got stomach aches a few hours after eating here.

Talk about a ramen experience! The place was absolutely packed before noon, and the service was on top of getting people in and out. They have to charge extra for the eggs right now which is a bummer but WORTH IT. I love spice, and the regular level hot had me sweating a bit. Be careful going for the extra hot!

We went here because it was on the Michelin guide. We ordered: Nagoya style fried chicken, Tonkotsu, and TanTan. Our server Rafael told us their special going on, the difference between the normal chicken and the Nagoya, and what he would recommend as ramen; tonkotsu as a good base as if you like this, you’ll like a lot of their ramen and the Tantan as his personal favorite. He even got me an apron because he noticed I was wearing white and he wanted to save my shirt! Honestly, he made this meal and experience for us. The food was ok. The chicken, depending on where you bite, was too strong with its flavor and wasn’t balanced throughout. The ramen was decent but it’s nothing out of this world; to be fair, the only reason my expectations were so high was because it was a Michelin guide recommendation. Overall, not bad, I would come back. If Rafael is there, you’ll get excellent service!

I believe it's not worth the hype. The restaurant is packed and you have the feeling you should eat as fast as you can. Not a chill experience, feels more like a fast food. The menu is confusing, you gotta look up in details for the difference between the items. I've had better miso ramen before, this one still not bad, though. The fried chicken is really good and the gyoza is ok.

Got there right at opening and it was already really busy but luckily we got a spot service was really quick. I love the broth and how the noodles were cooked.

Menya Ultra Ramen 🍜💕 Omg sooo yummy 🤤✨ This ramen hit all the right spots — the broth is rich and flavorful, the noodles are perfect, and everything just tastes super fresh! I was seriously in noodle heaven 🥹💖 The service? 10/10 — super sweet and attentive! 💕 But make sure you make a reservation or you’ll be waiting for a bit… it gets busy! Also, they close from 2–5 PM so plan your visit right 🕑💅 Definitely one of my fave ramen spots now — can’t wait to go back! 🥰🍥🌸

We ordered: #8 Tantan, #6 miso chashu, Nagoya style fried chicken, edemame, and fried gyoza. Delicious ramen, unique taste. Not sure if it’s the best in San Diego, but we enjoyed our food. We were the first to arrive. It took a minute for the waiter to take our orders. Anika was very sweet. Water is good. No gluten free options, but they will add more sprouts to any ramen dish. If you don’t ask for spicy oil and dry spicy pepper powder, it will not be offered.

Outstanding in every aspect! The service was great. The miso soup, dumplings, and rolls were all fresh and flavorful.

Came here on the recommendation of a friend, and I'm glad we took the advice. This place is excellent. The fish is high quality, fresh, and of a wide variety not found at most sushi bars. The menu isn't full of crazy novelty rolls. The focus is on the fish. They way it should be, imo. The staff were all friendly, and we had an excellent conversation with the owner. We will definitely be back.

The best sushi we know of in the area. Our choice every time we visit since moving, and for our special 10 year anniversary dinner. They only buy fresh and buy some fish direct from Japan. Incredible service and friendliness.

The best sushi in town goes without saying. Anyone who has been to Kaito Sushi knows this but the friendly service you didn’t think that. My psychological state would go through such a drastic improvement after visiting, and may have been the delicious sushi, which is the best in town and the eighth. Sapporo’s That I drank, but either way, I left with the most upbeat feelings And biggest smile After eating the delicious sushi, and interacting with the Incredibles staff. Highly recommend!

This has been our favorite sushi place since forever. We tried other places but we always come back here! The fish is fresh and delicious. The place always feels cozy and the staff is very nice. Don't miss the appetizers that are great, the Japanese fried chicken is amazing! After that you have a lot of choices, sashimi, rools, special mention to the eels one, my favorite. Dinning in or taking out- don't hesitate you won't regret it.

Bentonville box was bad, salad was covered in dressing so much it was like a soup salad. Only one guy was serving, taking orders and cashing people out. Salmon was so small and over smothered in teriyaki sauce. Edemames were not cooked enough and again the garlic dressing was overwhelming, you could only eat half since the rest were submerged in juice. First and last time coming here.

My new favorite sushi place in North County. A must visit. We called ahead in the morning and left a voice mail for reservations. Received a call back by a very friendly person and they had room for us at the sushi bar. If you go here sit at the sushi bar and make sure you call ahead they were busy. We absolutely loved the environment, staff, service, and of course the fresh sushi. We ordered omakase (sushi chef's choice) and everything, I mean everything was amazing!! Go here you will not be disappointed. Pro tip, they do run out of sushi (goes to show how busy they are) so for the most variety you may want to go earlier rather than later.

This is authentic Japanese cuisine... How do I know? Well, everyone, including the customers, was speaking Japanese. Fortunately, so did my native born Japanese friend. The only word I know in Japanese ends in "Roboto" from an 80's pop song. Without my friend, I may not have had the courage to discover this culinary treasure. We were the first customers there this beautiful Easter night. The place is tiny and dark. The waitress greeted us in Japanese and seated us at the counter. We were handed an electronic menu from which to order. We came that night for the meat skewers and my friend ordered for me. The menu is in English with photos and descriptions. You order on the electronic pad, and the order is cooked fresh in front of you. On this night, it was cooked by the very gifted owner of the restaurant. Each skewer is cooked and immediately served to you, and if you like it, you can push the menu button on the pad and order another one or some other choice. Which is good and bad, as we kept ordering because it was so good and bad because we kept ordering because it was so good. I never eat offal, but tonight I did... wow... delicious. We kept ordering, and the kind chef kept cooking. Customers came in, and it seemed everyone spoke Japanese. It's not the most fancy restaurant but for a solid, authentic feel and fresh authentic food. This very understated restaurant is worth the visit, whether you are an American English speaker or a Japanese speaker. Domo Arigato...

Local, casual Japanese restaurant serving grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables on wooden skewers. Also offering rice bowls and other small dishes. Nice place for a relaxing happy hour. Ordering the small dishes in batches is easy with the iPad interface / menu. The iPad allowed us to sample different dishes, space out the ordering to see how full people were getting, and conveniently request refills on ice-cold beer. The gyoza was popular. The wrappers had a balance of a crisp sear and softness. The pork shiso and beef skewers were juicy and cooked well. Recommend using some of the restaurant’s chili oil for a bit of spice. The scallops with fish eggs and wasabi on a piece of nori were nice bites. The thin-sliced A5 wagyu carpaccio was served over a bed of raw onions and a tasty shoyu mix. The various chicken skewer options were soft bites, but had very little char to enhance their flavor. The beef rice bowl was temperature hot and served with shoyu / raw egg mix to pour over the dish.

One of the best late night places. I love the baby scallop special! You cannt get the smell and taste of the authentic japanese skewers on the charcoal from any other places. Beef tongue here have been amazing as usual. A rare find here is the chicken skin which is also amazing.

Honestly, probably the worst service I’ve received so far. First we were moved from a perfectly good table in the front to a table all the way in the back. Once we ordered, we received everything within 10-15min of each item. We were never asked if the food was good or if we were missing anything. We spent 50mins and our food order was still not complete. I canceled the remaining skewers, paid, and left. No sort of apology was given by staff or any sort of management. I’d look for other skewer type restaurants before eating here.

Went on a Monday night and was able to be seated right away. Place is small so I can see how it can be busy fast. Staff were friendly and interactive. I like the iPad idea to order, had some technical issue but it happens all the time with technology. Overall, I liked the quality of the food but it menu felt very limited no pork options and the beef selection was only two. Food was also a bit pricey. Enjoyed the food very well and had a great experience overall.

Some of the best yakitori I've had in San Diego so far. Must tries are the bacon wrapped enoki and karaage chicken. My husband loved the takoyaki soup, I was extremely satisfied with everything I ordered. Happy hour specials are pretty 🔥. Service was attentive but not overly so. All in all I totally recommend.

Really good place to eat after work.

My husband and I have only been here twice because we're from out of town, but after the first time, we were already hooked. The fish is such good quality. We haven't been to Japan, but I can only imagine that it mirrors the quality! It's so delicious and fresh. Also, we love the cocktails. Both times, we ordered the Yuzu Collins. It's just a great drink.

We sat outside on the patio which was just a sidewalk with tables. People just crowded around the sidewalk. The server was nice. The sushi cuts were generous but not amazing. The clam miso soup was surprisingly delicious.

Whenever I visit my daughter in San Diego, I make the point to make a dinner reservation at Azuki Sushi Lounge. The Kobe roll alone is worth the trip! Tonight we dined in the second floor dining room. It was much more comfortable than the breezy street seating we experienced our first visit. I had the Kobe and the Bonzai this time. My daughter, unagi fan that she is, had the Super California. The Bonzai features shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, asparagus and has the crunchy contrast of crispy taro slices and crispy sweet potato slices on top. The Kobe was as delicious as I remembered; black tiger prawn, avocado, tempura onion, topped with seared wagyu. Another excellent meal at Azuki Sushi Lounge!

If you’re lucky enough to make it off the sidewalk and actually speak to a hostess, you might get the privilege of spending more than 12 minutes ordering before last call. We had a reservation for two at 8:45 PM and weren’t seated until 9:25 — nearly 40 minutes of standing outside without so much as a greeting. Let me be clear: the fish quality at Azuki is exceptional — on par with Michelin-level establishments I’ve had the pleasure of dining at. And that’s exactly why this experience was so disappointing. Once we were finally seated, our server rushed us through the entire meal. Every dish arrived almost simultaneously, creating more stress than enjoyment. Even the basics were mishandled — miso soup, traditionally served at the start of the meal, arrived as our third or fourth course. The service felt careless and chaotic, completely undermining the sophistication of the food. We were essentially forced to speed-eat a high-end sushi dinner in under 30 minutes — not exactly the anniversary evening I had in mind. I left with an angry date and a bad taste in my mouth, and it wasn’t from the fish. Azuki, you have the product — now match it with service that respects the food and your guests’ time. Until then, I can’t in good faith recommend this place to anyone.

Fresh flavorful straightforward sushi place. Modern clean decor. Attentive staff and friendly sushi chefs. Would recommend sitting at the sushi bar to order straight from chefs. My favorites were the wagu and salmon. For dessert a stuffed banana with red bean and black sesame ice cream.

Very Fresh and Delicious Sashimi! Their signature rolls are scrumptious! Service was friendly and efficient. The only negative experience were flies flying around while we were dining which were a bit annoying. Otherwise, great spot!

Grabbed dinner her with a friend. We had a reservation and sat at the sushi bar. Food and cocktails were solid (dessert was mediocre) but service severely lacking. You order your sushi from the sushi chef and drinks and other food from a server. Both the chef and server were cold and unenthusiastic. Neither checked on us during our meal despite us ordering drinks and three courses. I ordered a nigiri set and the chef didn’t even bother to tell me what fish I was being served - I had to ask. I also had to ask for them to clear our plates so we didn’t have to eat our desert on top of our soy sauce. They weren’t extremely busy nor did they seem understaffed. Not really worth returning for the price.

This place is simply delicious. Everything always comes out so flavorful. The broth is so creamy and packed with so much flavor. Bamboo shoots are amazing a lot of the toppings they have I’ve never tried but I love them all. So this place can introduce you to flavors that you never tried before and you can end up loving it. This is my favorite ramen spot. Love that they serve higher quality ingredients like organic chicken and love the underbelly!

Despite the wonderful service and incredible happy hour deals (possibly one of the best happy hours in convoy), the meal was less than its usual 5-star caliber. Despite asking if my ramen would be coming with all toppings, the dish fell short - and both myself and my partner found the pork to be undercooked. As I say time and time again though, everyone has an off day, and I still think Raki Raki ramen ROCKS!!!

Amazing. My family went here for late dinner. It was my lovely wife birthday. They gave her a surprise birthday sing and cake. The entire rest sing birthday song for my wive. Thats a huge. Thanks Rakiraki for this great experience. The food taste delicious. 👍👍👍👍👏👏👏

Food is always fresh and delicious. Flavors coming off the Jalapeño poppers are amazing. Arrive early to ensure you have parking. It is a paid parking environment. 9 dollars for 3 hours.

This is my go to spot for getting ramen. I always order the “Red Edition” ramen. The spice is tolerable and the broth is flavorful. I recommend coming at opening, it’s easy to find parking and isn’t crowded yet. I also recommend ordering the “Raki Raki Karaage fries”, for personal preference I like asking them for extra sauces on the side because I like this dish with a lot of sauce. Overall, good place to eat, try it if you haven’t already.

The staff was friendly. The Stuffed Jalapeno Tempura was great! So was the Takoyaki. The tofu broth ramen was really good. Recommend!

We went for restaurant week, and this place was incredible. Super fast service, great waiters, no wait on a line (although it got very busy after we got there), food was 10/10 and would definitely go again.

Absolutely LOVED this restaurant for my bachelorette party over the weekend. The atmosphere was vibrant as soon as you walked in and the interior design is beautiful. Our server Karla did a phenomenal job of checking in on us constantly and made sure everything was to our liking. As a foodie I have to say this was genuinely one of the best sushi places I’ve been to yet! The variety of foods had us ordering half the menu and everything was delicious. So happy we decided to come here! Definitely make reservations in advance and can’t wait till I come back.

This sushi bar in San Diego definitely stands out for its atmosphere more than the food. When you first walk in, the sight that immediately catches your eye is the large sakura tree set right in the center of the restaurant. It really sets the tone and gives the whole place a unique and beautiful vibe. The restaurant itself is spacious, and there was a lively energy with a lot of people dining and enjoying themselves, which made it feel like a fun and social spot to spend an evening. Their menu is quite extensive with many Japanese dishes to choose from, so at first glance it seems very promising. However, I have to admit I wasn’t very impressed by the food itself. The sushi rice was much too soft and mushy, which really took away from the overall experience of the sushi. The style also felt more like “American Japanese” food rather than authentic Japanese flavors. That being said, if your main goal is to have drinks in a lively setting and soak up the atmosphere, then this is definitely the kind of place that works. It’s a good spot for a night out if you prioritize vibe over authentic sushi.

Came here a week ago for my first time for a networking event… ended up sitting at the bartop. Rodell was my bartender & he was an awesome dude. He went above & beyond to ensure I was getting my worth out of happy hour as a first-time guest!

It was ok. Probably wouldn't come back. Pretty decor. Food, drinks and service were fine. We tried the spicy noodles, edame, and an assortment of sushi rolls Pricey for what it is. Good location in Little Italy.

I'm usually a sushi purist opting for classic sashimi or traditional nigiri, but the speciality rolls here are what subpar sushi restaurants are trying to do. A fusion of textures and flavors that blend perfectly together. Never forced, no one ingredient overpowering the other a true treat! Add in the extremely attentive service and unique atmosphere and you will have a dining experience you will 100% return to!

Must try the Notorious PIG roll! Bacon on sushi…wowza. The other rolls my friends ordered were also delish. The spicy garlic edamame were yummy and the drinks also excellent.

This place is great. Went with 3 coworkers for an early dinner before the start of a conference. Happy hour deals are great. We really liked the garlic edamame, gyoza and shishito pepper starters. All the rolls were yummy, but a unique standout was the one with bacon crumbles on top. The atmosphere is unique and fun. It’s is lively enough to feel modern and exciting, but not so loud that we couldn’t enjoy each other’s company. I think they hit the balance perfectly. We took a photo next to the cherry blossom bar.

Tajima is consistent with their delicious food and craft cocktails. Their customer service however, is poor. I have dined in and ordered pick- up several times and have been very disappointed by the servers’ attitude and contemptuous behavior. Food wise they are 4 stars and I definitely recommend. It’s a shame their customer service standards are so low.

I’ve ordered food for take out before but it’s my first time dining in. I gotta say the first experience wasn’t great. The decor was modern and I liked the bar area. We got seated in about 5 min when we arrived around 9pm. The waiter (i think he’s the manager) took our order. Another waitress brought out edamame first, and then tuna poke and tonkatsu ramen. The karaage didn’t come until mid-way through our meal. They didn’t give us utensils so we had to ask for them. We were told that they usually only give a spoon?! Now food…the tuna poke wasn’t anything special (tuna looked fresh though). We ordered two bowls of Tonkatsu ramen. They were not as salty as other ramen places but then they didn’t have much flavor either. There was a very strong yeasty taste (or a distinct flavor that I wasn’t able to identify) from egg noodles and soup. It came with a very small piece of pork (the smallest I’ve seen from a bowl of ramen). The karaage came last. Each piece was big and not enough crunchiness. The spicy mayo was delicious. We paid for the check but then later noticed that they charged more than the menu price (I didn’t even realized that at first so it’s good to pay attention to your bill). We told the manager about it and he was nice to adjust our bill. Anyway, it’s recommended to check your bill. Overall, our first dining experience wasn’t great.

Really great ramen place! I had the carnitas ramen and wow there was so much flavor in it. Absolutely delicious! Service was kind and friendly. The hazy IPA from Fall Brewing was very tasty.

Awesome spot, super chill. Staff was helpful and super positive, ramen 🍜 was awesome. Will definitely come back when I'm in town.

They had happy hour going when we arrived so we ordered their karage chicken and i ordered myself two beers, like any adult should. I got the chicken Ramen, it was my first time, and it was good. Not necessarily what I wanted or was hoping for, but the food is always good. Wifey got the Tajima white for her and our 4 year old to share, he tore it up, and she of course loved it like always. Parking can be a bit of a mess, because it is in a strip mall type of thing, but if you dont mind walking a little bit, and we definitely dont, then it is 100% worth it! Go check em out and dig in to some delicious Ramen!

I have been seeing this place pop up on my feed very often, so I definitely needed to come in. It was definitely a sign! And I was so happy that I did. They literally exceeded my expectation! We had gotten three different Ramen dishes, and three different rolls along with their shrimp, fried rice, and let me tell you we didn’t leave there with a to go box! We ate everything! We tried their creamy chicken, Carnitas Ramen, and their spicy Ramen! I personally really like the spicy Ramen! and definitely don’t sleep on that Melon sake! It was perfect! We are super excited to come back. The staff was absolutely amazing! We got there right when they opened and we were seated and our food came out so quick!

The vegan ramen was outstanding! Full of flavor and delicious toppings, it was delicious. I went during lunch time and it wasn't crowded. The staff were friendly and responsive. The music was a little loud for easy conversation, but I will definitely go again.

Monk fish liver and Skewers of Skirt steak, scallop, and pork belly are so so. Soft-shell crab and seafood ramen are good. Very busy and noisy atmosphere. Price is high ($12 for 2 skewers) for the portion and taste compared to other skewer places in SoCal.

We got the Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen, the Wasabi Karaage, and the Pork Katsu Rice Bowl. The ramen was ok but nothing special (though the chashu was good), the wasabi karaage was interesting but neither the wasabi flavoring nor the karaage was my favorite, and the pork was ok but too tough and dry. Overall, everything was solid, but it didn't really excel in anything (we've had the yakitori at the sister restaurant Hinotez and it wasn't amazing either). Since it wasn't that cheap, and there's so many good places in Convoy, I think your time would be better spent elsewhere. The restaurant Chopstix seems to be a better implementation of this menu concept.

Really solid yakitori. Recommend the pork neck, chicken thigh, pork belly (in that order). Steak skewer was dry and the pickled veggies are kind of low quality but service was great and so was the yakitori!

The chicken wing looks a bit raw. When asked about it, the waiter said it should be cooked because they fry it twice. Sensing I wasn't convinced, he offered to do a one-to-one replacement of the chicken wing. I still paid the tips though! The other food items are still great as before. I just wish the staff would care more.

Came here cause the line and wait at Menya Ultra was absurd! Was not disappointed and found my new favorite ramen joint! The spicy miso was so good!! Flavorful and good portion! Tried the wings as well and they were delish

Food was plenty and flavorful. Had the Miso Ramen with extra egg, extra corn and thick noodle. I would have given them a 5 star if they did t charge $1 extra for lemon wedge for my water and the server’s actually took my order instead of doing it myself on an I-Pad. I understand the new generation and tech today but then don’t expect a 20% tip then.

great food, nice ambiance, reasonable prices, and ease of ordering via ipad to keep on ordering …they also have a ramen eating challenge if you’re up to it.

Lovely Japanese restaurant! I absolutely loved the vibe of this place, it was so cozy and homey. The tempura udon was amazing! The broth was so rich, yet fresh and clean. I drank the entire soup after my noodles were eaten. Some of the vegetables in the vegetable tempura could’ve been cooked longer but it was good regardless. The katsu chicken was delicious and I loved the bean sprout salad that went along. Our server was so nice and they went above and beyond to make us comfortable.

Although it’s been around for 25+ years I never knew it existed. Glad to find it!!! Very reasonable prices for sushi and other dishes. Food was great! Attentive & friendly service from the Mom & Pop was an added bonus.

I have been meaning to eat here for a while. I finally ate here tonight with my daughter and was not disappointed. I ordered the Cali roll and beef teriyaki combo, my daughter ordered the chicken katsu and tempora combo. The food was amazing! I will definitely be dining here again and will highly recommend to others. The restaurant was also very nice, comfortable and clean inside. The wait staff was also very friendly.

Highly recommend! We enjoyed the Rainbow Sushi Roll, Green muscles plate and Alaskan sushi roll s. Absolutely fresh, beautifully prepared, served by the daughters of the family with great care and delight. Seated immediately. Immediate freeway access to 5 fwy. EZ and plentiful parking. Don't let the subtle beige double doors fool you, this was a very lovely, authentic experience! So pleased this delightful family worked hard and survived the pandemic years against all odds. VERY reasonable prices, so be SURE to tip well! We LOVE supporting local, quality, family business. Places like Yoshinos are the backbone of our local economy and our national pride. And so should you;-)

I got chicken Katsu lunch, it comes miso soup and salad with a lot of Katsu! If you need a lot of food, they got you with good price!

Appetizer Squid Legs tasted rubbery, Not Fresh. Katsu Don meat had a lot of chewy Fat. UPDATED July 16, 2025! Delicious Chicken Katsu, but look how little Rice they provide you? Japanese restaurant should be generous with 🍚 Rice.

The restaurant is quick in providing service, and has ample parking spaces. However, I found the food to be dry, flavorless and quite expensive considering the quality. I don't recommend the food.

Amazing spot to go on a Friday night! Great atmosphere to come with friends, for a drink! Must try dishes: -gyoza pork dumplings (the soft filling with crispy skin and heavenly sauce), -bulgogi bao (well seasoned bulgogi, complimented with super soft bun), -what the hell roll -spicy tonkotsu ramen (the broth was so flavourful, and the chashu pork was so tender, you can also request on how spicy you want the broth), -yakitori skewers (bbq pork belly, delicious and tender), -sashimi (fresh, thick cut and my favourite was the albacore). The service was also great, supper friendly and attentive staff.

After a full day running around the San Diego Zoo with the family, we ended up at Rakitori for dinner and it was just what we needed. The food was delicious, the restaurant was very kids friendly, so cute and cozy with fall/halloween decorations. FOOD Tonkotsu Ramen were sooo good! These are must have!!!! The broth was flavorful but not too heavy or too salty like some places. The meat had this awesome smoky flavor, and the noodles were cooked just right. Kids love the ramen! For adults we ordered some ramen with some mild spicy to it and it was the nice kick! Gyoza was really yummy! came with either spicy (not crazy spicy) and not spicy sauce. Gyoza were perfectly crispy with just enough in each serving for us. Kids loved the gyoza!! Filet Mignon Skewers were juicy, and nicely cooked at medium rare how we wanted. These came with fresh wasabi-chilli sauce (nice kick to the filet mignon) Kurobuta Bao’s were a surprise hit! We had none spicy for the kids and the spicy ones for adults. The spicy ones had kimchi. These were our favorites! Sushi was fresh, nicely sliced, and just the right amount. You could tell it was good quality. California Rolls were tasty too! The kids went wild for these. DRINKS - kids tried Ramune and kept asking for more! We had local draft beer offered at the restaurant and at the waitress recommendation we also tried these new Japanese beer made from sweet potatoes. It’s got an earthy aroma and very unique taste. They are different than other beers but really really good! Very worth a try! I might have found a new beer to add to my favorite beer. DESSERT - The kids were obsessed with cute little ice cream cups! Ube and matcha were our top picks, but mango and coffee were good too. The service was quick and our waitress was so friendly and helpful recommending the dishes suitable for kids and adults. Rakitori is a winner, and we’re definitely bringing the kids back after our next trip to San Diego. Highly recommend!

While in town for SDCC my husband and I took a chance here and we are so happy we did! The staff is wonderful and attentive, plus they gave great recommendations. The pork belly melted in my mouth and the salmon went down too smooth. Definitely give this place a shot!

Overall, I had quite an enjoyable time. The flavors were great, though my noodles were a like undercooked. To me, it looked like they were from a block of ramen that had been put in the hot water not long enough. That being said, the pork was cooked all the way through, so I would go here again.

The food was amazing! Highly recommend the pork dumplings, Korean galbi yakitori, and tonkotsu ramen. Staff were super sweet and attentive. I wish I had a bigger stomach to eat more food during my dinner! Our waiter was also super helpful with selecting sake to try. Resurant itself is dimly lit and very cute as well. There was no wait for an early dinner on a Wednesday night.

The noodles are perfectly cooked with a rich, savory broth that feels both comforting and indulgent, while the sushi is fresh, beautifully presented, and bursting with flavor in every bite. The balance of texture and taste really stands out,

The staff members were very friendly and the food was delicious. We were offered complimentary pork belly to try as well and it tasted amazing with the sauce the served on the side. We’ve come here often over the last few years and can’t wait to taste more items on the menu!

Ordering is done through an app for individual or group ordering. The beers was tasty. The food and service were great. Definitely coming back

Have been going to Hinotez for years. Love the food. Good sushi rolls, excellent grilled salmon (especially with the lemon garlic sauce), tempura, very tasty fried oysters and tried the grilled shirito peppers this time. Yummy all around and I've lived in Japan and can tell you the food is on par. All of this and the prices are reasonable. I recommend!

I recently tried this Japanese chicken skewer place and really enjoyed the experience. Ordering is very simple because you can do it directly from your phone, which makes the whole process quick and convenient. Once I arrived to pick up my food, everything was ready on time and nicely packaged. The menu has more variety than I expected. In addition to the skewers, they also offer sushi rolls, rice bowls, and even noodle dishes, so there is quite a lot to choose from depending on what you’re in the mood for. The highlight for me was definitely the yakisoba noodles. They used chewy noodles that had a really good bite to them, and the flavor was savory and satisfying without being overly heavy. It tasted authentic and comforting, almost like something you’d find in Japan. The chicken skewers were also delicious. They were grilled just right with a nice smoky taste and tender meat that paired well with the dipping sauce. Overall, I think this is a great spot to grab Japanese comfort food at a fair price. The portions were generous, the flavors felt authentic, and the convenience of ordering straight from your phone made the experience even better. I’ll definitely be going back!

Great food, though I would have preferred less sauce on the chicken. My favorites of the evening were the garlic edamame and the katsudon. The only downside of our experience was the computerized menu. It was hard to navigate, though the staff was very patient in helping us.

Yakitori was great, excited to finally have The Premium Malts again on draft after having it in Japan a few years ago.

Food was tasty, customer service is always ready and very helpful. Love the option of sitting in a traditional Japanese dining.

Used to go here back in the day. But it seems to have gone downhill a bit. The atmosphere is nice, Japanese music playing, Japanese-looking restaurant with booth-like rooms as well. But the floors and surfaces were a little sticky. And this was right after they opened too... They also got my order wrong and the food wasn't good at all. The portions are more on the generous side, but paying $17 a plate for sub-par food doesn't cut it for me.

Went to this amazing Japanese establishment for one year anniversary with my wife. I was truly blown away with the service and quality of food. Beef tongue steak, grilled intestine and special yellow tail sushi were my favorites. I wish have more room for sushi haha I highly recommend if you like to explore more Japanese cuisine in San Diego. This is alittle different than most sushi place so be prepared for traditional decors and sit down style. Reservation is almost a must!

Had an early dinner here on a Saturday. Reservations are a must and was easy to call ahead to arrange. I heard parking could be bad here, hence deciding to go early. When we arrived there was still a lot of parking, but was full when we left so plan accordingly. Despite arriving early we were seated promptly. Tried a few small dishes (Toro, tamago, kaarage) and shared sukiyaki. Raw egg is included with sukiyaki and worth trying for dipping. Overall food was very good and service was attentive. Sukiyaki needed to be ordered for two people, but came with a good amount of meat. Menu is quite large so would like to come back again to try other things.

It was our first time at Robataya Oton and we all had a great time! I had the sukiyaki hot pot and it was delicious! Excellent quality veggies and meat. We had a private room that we loved and the staff was super friendly and attentive. It's a very small restaurant. Calling for reservation is a must.

What a cool spot they have dining areas which look exactly like you stepped into a Japanese restaurant. But they also have bar seating as well. All of the food was really solid. We got more than just sushi. Will definitely be coming back.

I have been thinking to try this restaurant out for a long time. And finally I made a phone call to book a reservation on Saturday night. It was so cool to sit in a private room, feeling like in Asia! We ordered two servings of sukiyaki, it was pretty authentic and delicious. The portion is good for two people, we order an appetizer and one udon noodle to put into the hotpot. The meat is a little bit too thick to my taste but all the others are nice. We might be back to try their uni items.

Authentic Japanese food but it was a bit overpriced based on the quality of their food. Nothing really stood out as far as I remember. Don't get me wrong. The food was good. But for the price that they charge, I had much higher expectations.

The food was fresh and good. Attentive service. The price for a family dinner is a little bit expensive.

Super cozy, laidback restaurant, with lots of great Japanese comfort food. The menu is pretty diverse so you can find some dishes here that aren't as common to see, and there's a good drink selection too. We really enjoyed our dinner.

We have been coming here for decades, and I don’t normally leave 1-star reviews, but we were thoroughly disappointed today with their food, service, and the atmosphere. Salad was NOT fresh, the shrimps were too small / thin, and there were multiple flies flying around us.

Super good food, fast service, and a relaxed atmosphere, with dark wood walls adorned by Japanese alcohol posters and traditional prints, and J-pop on the radio. The mentai udon was particularly unique and delicious, and will be back to try the carbonara as well.

When I stepped in they were playing Japanese music from the past few years so huge nostalgia factor to start. Their menu was authentic and the atmosphere definitely fit the bill. The servers were kind and asked if I needed anything or needed to order more food. I thoroughly enjoyed the yakitori, udon, and unagi rice biwl I ordered. Would definitely recommend and plan on eating here again.

Wasn't expecting much, but the food is really great and the service is good. Tables and seating is cramped, but it wasn't crowded. I tried just about every tempura and fried dish they offer, excellent. We also had their specialty dish, I forget the name, my GF loved it. I tried it also and couldn't stop digging in her bowl. The drinks were great as well. Definitely going back.

I'm always looking for the next shop that serves good curry besides Japan or Ichiban. The serving was very friendly and the variety of the other dishes were tasty. The yakitori choices were nice to enjoy the different meats. Service can be a hit or miss. My first time here the service was understanding and friendly. The other time the service seemed like they didn't want anyone around. Still the food was great and another place to return and enjoy

Great food, service and experience. Very authentic Japanese food. We went right before 7 on a Thursday and it wasn’t terribly busy. We were able to get seated quickly. Their appetizer menu is huge and we ordered the beef tongue, the fried nankotsu (chicken cartilage), and the pan fried onigiri (rice ball) with miso, which were all fantastic. For our main courses, my wife ordered the fried kaki (oyster) and I had the chicken nanban, a fried chicken with a tartar sauce style topping. Everything was fantastic that we tried and I wanted to try more. Next time we’re in San Diego we will definitely be back.

Wow, what a cute and deceptively fancy sushi spot. We had a gift card for this place, and had to make reservations a month in advance. We each got the full course dinner (forgot the name of it). It came with 3 plates of some of the best sushi I’ve ever had along with some soup and ice cream. The sake was also delicious - I will add that our servers were extremely friendly and willing to discuss the different sake options with me. If you need to impress someone or want to go on a fancy date night, then look no further.

As of this review, Soichi is a 1 Star Michelin restaurant. This star is well deserved! The sushi is phenomenal. You would be hard pressed to find as good, even if you were in Japan. I dare say that there is no better in all of Southern California. The staff is friendly and professional. The sushi chef and owner is amazing. It’s fun to sit at the counter and watch him prepare each bite. The restaurant itself is not is the best area, and parking is hard to find, but the effort is well worth it. If you are in Southern California, it is worth coming here. You will need to make a reservation well in advance. They have both an omakase menu as well as a la carte - so you will have the best of anything you choose!

Soichi Sushi is hands down my favorite spot in the neighborhood! The fish is always super fresh you can tell it’s quality the moment you taste it. Chef Soichi san and staff are amazing every single time, super friendly and on point with service. They bring Japan to you! Every cut of fish just melts in your mouth, whether it’s coming in from Japan, Baja, or Europe it’s always incredible. I’ve been here plenty of times and it’s consistently a 10/10 experience. Can’t recommend it enough!

I opted for Soichi’s Full Omakase experience, and every course was thoughtfully crafted, perfectly balanced, and full of memorable highlights. The meal began with an appetizer of four seasonal tasting dishes, setting a beautiful tone for what was to come. The Baja oysters were briny and fresh, while the ankimo (monkfish liver) was tender and full of rich, nuanced flavor Next came the chef’s choice of seasonal sashimi, featuring pristine cuts that melted effortlessly. Highlights included fresh, vibrant akami and sweet, buttery hotate (scallop), each one showcasing the chef’s attention to quality and flavor. The Chawan Mushi — a savory Jidori egg custard was rich yet delicate, offering a comforting transition into the heart of the meal. The next course featured 12 pieces of nigiri, each bursting with freshness, flavor, and craftsmanship. Notable standouts included the creamy Uni, melt-in-your-mouth Toro, bold Iwashi (sardine), delicate Nodoguro (blackthroat sea perch), rich Kinmedai (golden eye snapper), unique Kawahagi (triggerfish), and the luxurious Seki Aji (horse mackerel). Following the nigiri, the Shirumono was served as a gentle palate cleanser, along with a light, pillowy tamago. To complement the meal, I sampled a few sake options, as the restaurant generously offered small tastings, which ultimately led me to select the Tedorigawa Yamahai Junmai “Silver Mountain.” Its surprising notes of oak, cedar, minerals, and malt created a perfect bridge between the richness of the food and the crispness of the sake — a great pick, especially for whisky and tequila lovers.

Came here on a Saturday night. Place was busy. Most of the dishes were good. Servers were overall great. Main issue is that food comes out a bit slowly so there can be a wait between dishes. We sat in the patio but somehow diners inside the restaurant who sat down 2-3 dishes after us, caught up and finished before us. Overall took 2.5 hours for the Soichi omakase. There was a heater on the patio if needed which was nice.

#JoeFoodTour such a wonderful experience. Our colleague from Ottawa was so excited to try a Michelin star rated restaurant. And Soichi delivered. Was worried that I may not have enough and upgraded to the large omakase! Glad I did. The sights and flavors were phenomenal #HowdyFromHouston #HoustonRealEstate #Realtor #RealtorLife #RealEstate #LuxuryLifestyle #HoustonTX #HTX #LuxuryRealEstate #ThePropertyJoes

This place is truly phenomenal. A masterful culinary experience from start to beginning. The quality of the seafood is unmatched for any other place I’ve been to in San Diego.

Delicious! My friends and I decided to check out this fantastic restaurant and it was a fabulous choice. The cocktails were sublime and I loved the sexy pink roll. It was so tasty. And get the fries as they are to die for! The ambiance is beautiful and relaxing for dinner. We didn’t stay through the evening when the DJ comes on, but I can tell that place gets jumping. I would definitely recommend going there for dinner or a fun night out on the town.

We had the best time! The vibe was the perfect mix of upscale and fun. We ordered the tropical roll, scallops, and lava cake, all phenomenal. Their happy hour drinks were on point too. Huge shoutout to our server, Alex, who was absolutely amazing. He was super friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better!

Visiting from columbus Ohio! We needed a late night dinner, and Zama was great. I was also given a gift card for a free appetizer, so that was nice. The food was great! It tasted freshly prepared. We had the brisket and sirloin steak. We didn't leave any piece behind. Our server kept our water glasses full. She had a conversation with us. That was very nice of her. It is loud, but you can still talk. Its dark too, but its perfect for the party lights they use when they are celebrating Bachelorettes or birthdays. The green velvet couch was lovely. The ambiance was almost rainforest. It was just a bit too snug for my husband to get up from the couch to the bathroom. I I highly recommend this place. It was worth its cost.

Fantastic ambiance. Shout out to Jesus who gave great menu recommendations and was attentive. Service was on point. The lamb lollipops are phenomenal, perfect size for a light meal or appetizer with a date. The filet was perfectly cooked and one of the best I’ve had. Have to give another shout out for the decor—great vibes all around. Will definitely be back next time I’m in San Diego.

My first time eating at Zama. I came from Houston and the food was very good. The Golden treasure rolls, the Zama-Tini drink and the lava cake dessert were a good combination! The location is well decorated and personnel are very friendly

I have been dining with my girlfriend yesterday in order to celebrate her birthday. We chose Zama because of the good reviews about food, service and ambience. Indeed I loved the music and the food is very delicious! The roll of the day and the lamp chops are another level, Drinks a very well made too! They told me that they have shows and happenings on Friday and Saturday with sparkles all over the place, can’t wait to be back and see them! Thank you Zama team see you very soon!

This place is an absolute vibe! Davide was wonderful and gave us great food and drink recommendations. The sushi platter pictured was so fresh and the fish practically melted in my mouth. Will be back when in the area for sure!

I love going to this grocery store… But I don’t think that this restaurant is up to par with other restaurants in the area. I went to both of Mitsuwa’s restaurants and got a aburi chasiu bowl from the other establishment - YUM! From Musashiya, I ordered the Mini-Katsu Don bowl, and was disappointed. All of the breading fell off the meat - all of it! It was gross and nearly inedible. Basically what I got was a boiled chicken rice bowl topped with egg/breading clumps Breading should not completely fall off, this is a sign of poor food handling &/or chef skills - both pretty important in a restaurant setting. I was going to say something but the host didn’t really give off hospitable vibes from the get-go. For example, When I got my food, I noticed there was no spoon for the included miso (one positive thing about the katsu don is that it comes with Miso soup), I asked the host if I may have a spoon and they told me people usually drink from the cup and was seemingly-reluctant to grab a spoon for my meal… I may be reading into it. But I felt like I was a burden to the staff, asking for a spoon when served a soup. Rather than alerting the staff about my observations, I simply will not go there anymore. The value perhaps would have been amazing if the Katsu Don was prepared properly.

This place decided to close early with no notice. The restaurant sign says 8 pm. We arrived at 6:45 pm and the register was closed. I pleaded with the cashier that my nephew was hospitalized and he asked for a bowl of udon. The kitchen staff was indifferent and were effortless.

Udon & soba shop inside Mitsuwa. Plenty of seating, quick service. Broth is savory with a hint of sweetness. Enjoyed the soba noodles, but the portion was a little small for the price.

The curry tasted really good. No complaints about the flavor! But honestly, the portion was pretty disappointing, especially for $18. I was expecting something closer to the display, but what I got felt pretty small for the price. Next time, I’ll probably try Santouka instead! It seems pretty legit, especially since you can see Asian people both serving and ordering their food there. usually a good sign.

I ordered 3 orders of Cold Zaru soba from Musashiya restaurant in Mitsuwa Market. All three Zaru soba didn't come with shredded daikon radish. I requested to counter person for it. The young man at the counter asked the cook for the shredded daikon radish. Katherine from the kitchen was upset that I asked for the shredded daikon radish to go with part of the Zaru soba sauce. She insisted that I have to pay 50 cents extra for each order. Which I did.. It was a very unpleasant experience. Zaru soba tasted like a chunk of cheap buckwheat noodles with unbalanced sauce.

Some of the worst tonkatsu I've ever eaten. Pork was very tough and dry. Skin was overcooked and still somehow fell apart. Do not recommend

They do not prepare food in order. It's a LONG wait for food, I guess, depending on what order the chef wants to work on next. Seems they only cook one dish at a time. It is NOT worth the wait. There are SO many more places to go in the area. Table next to us waited 50 minutes. We are still waiting, and we ordered before them. Only ordered chicken katsu and hamburger steak. Update: received our order. Chicken katsu was crispy and juicy. Miso soup was lukewarm. I have had tastier katsu and miso soup

Wow, wow, wow. Very impressed with this place. Everything was good. Service was spot on. We waited about twenty minutes which was justified given we did not have an appointment. Prices are boogie, so likely a place to go infrequently but really if you want to celebrate. Parking is abundant. The feel of everything was top notch.

This neighborhood gem is the best Japanese restaurant in San Diego. I’ve been hitting Ee Nami for five years now, and at this point, Chef Jumon might as well start charging me rent. The Osaka-raised restaurateur has built something that shouldn’t exist in San Diego - an actual izakaya that doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard to be an actual izakaya. Jumon was raised in restaurants, and it shows. The man understands that comfort food transcends translation. His pork tonkatsu is the main event here: thick cuts of pork wrapped in clouds of artisan panko, fried until the coating shatters at first bite while the meat stays impossibly tender. The katsu curry looks like something Miyazaki animated after a dream - deeply savory, warming, with just enough heat to remind you it’s there. You take a bite and suddenly you’re nostalgic for a childhood you never had in Osaka. But focusing only on the pork would be criminal negligence. The sashimi rotation stays fresh, the small plates range from crispy cucumbers that somehow justify their existence to salads with tons of character and bite to Hokkaido scallops that make you reconsider your relationship with seafood. The rice bowls have become my cold-day emotional support system; portable comfort that travels the three blocks back to my place without losing its soul. What keeps me coming back (besides proximity to Barrio Danos) is that Jumon treats the menu like a living document. New specials materialize, sake selections rotate, and they’re constantly tweaking the space to feel more lived-in and throwing great community events that you need to follow their Instagram for. The staff and service has that rare quality of actually seeming happy to be there - most have been around for years, which in restaurant years is basically geological time. After five years, Ee Nami has become less of a restaurant and more of an inevitability for me; I always bring friends here when they’re visiting town. It’s the rare place that delivers on the promise of transported authenticity without the theatrical exhaustion. Jumon built a proper izakaya in San Diego, and somehow made it feel like it was always supposed to be here.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Kanpai!!

I can’t say enough about EE Nami. I love the food and the service there. We try to try different things from the menu when we come and everything is really tasty. They fry everything perfectly. I personally love their tonkatsu sauce, it has great flavor and makes their tonkatsu pop. Great sake selection as well and the servers have great recommendations. Their appetizers were also very good. If you dine in the patio they also allow dogs!

PARKING: Free! And while mostly full, there always seems to be a few open spaces. RESERVATION: Pretty much required here. We made reservation for seating when they open on weekdays evening, and we're clearly told we would need to leave by 7PM, when the table was reserved. FOOD: Everything served is delicious, and was very hot - as in be careful, it's hot! Meats are juicy and full of natural flavor, as if organic. Meats are perfectly cooked, presented well, and not smothered in sauces. Speaking of sauces, all were delicious. The rice was room temperature, which is great for sushi, but was expecting it to be warmer. The pickled items were just right, as was the hot mustard, and ginger. SERVICE: Service was fast for ordering and food to table delivery. Two of the waiters were a bit on the "cold" side, but were efficient. The female waitress was very accommodating, friendly, and brought a good vibe to the table. RETURN? Yes, I will return because I really want to try their curry! PS - The plum wine with soda is just wonderful! Gotta try it!

Amazing place with a great selection! Everything has a unique flavor and the atmosphere was relaxing. Unfortunately we left still somewhat hungry with all the food we ordered. Along with that, without a reservation we had a 45 minute wait.

Great food, warm staff, large portions, what more can you ask for? Our friends are regulars here and I'm glad they introduced us to this place. I will now always compare other katsus to this restaurant. Make a reservation and you won't be disappointed.

Outstanding to katsu restaurant! I love tonkatsu, especially katsu curry, and this place didn't disappoint. The katsu was one of the crispiest and most tender I've had in recent memory. The curry flavor was classically delicious and complimented the pork perfectly. The apps we got were excellent and service was on point. Prices were reasonable and plenty of parking. 10/10 recommend, will be back!

I liked the ramen here! The reviews seem polarized one way or another but it hit the spot for me when I wanted ramen on a work trip out there. To give you a sense of my preferences, I typically like tonkotsu ramen. Ichiran in NY (first had in Japan) is currently my favorite. I like the basic ramens, but in this case I upgraded to short rib at the suggestion of the server and I really enjoyed it. The atmosphere is cool, relaxed, interesting layout.

The service and hospitality at this restaurant was second to none for us. We were greeted by the most lovely staff members who were all so sweet and endearing - they were genuinely so charming without perhaps even realizing it. The ramen was simply delicious in depth and the condiments to customize the broth were an additional treat to tailor to your spice level. The menu was small but it focused on quality and was at an incredible value for the section of ingredients (e.g. brisket, oxtail, pork belly, etc). The establishment was also stunning to look at with its open concept. It was by far one of our most favourite restaurants in San Diego.

Very unique atmosphere, enjoyed the outdoor eating. The tonkatsu ramen had good flavor, meat combinations were great. The noodles were a bit overcooked, almost as if the noodles were precooked and flash boiled. However, it was still tasty. Gyozas were the star of the meal, they were very crispy, cooked perfectly. The cold Asahi went perfectly with the meal.

We went with the ramen but probably should have gone with the bento box. The ramen felt fresh and simple which is probably perfect for some people. I tend to lean towards the ramens that are richer and more complex but I can see why people would like it. The bento box on the other hand had a good variety of items that were each pretty good. The eggplant covered tofu in particular was marinated well. The seating was pretty much only for two people at a time so it was a bit akward to fit 3+ in but there might have been bigger spots upstairs that would have worked. The bar columns were cool since they are mechanical so the entire shelf moves down when they need it to. Overall I can see the appeal but I would probably get something else if I go back.

I ordered the Belly of the Beast ramen. For me, the ramen was okay it didn’t quite meet my expectations, but it was still decent. The dumplings were a bit mild in flavor and could use a bit more seasoning. I personally didn’t find it to have a very authentic ramen taste, but the prices are affordable, which is a plus. If you’re looking for a truly authentic ramen experience, this might not be the spot, but it could still be worth a try for its value.

It was my first time visiting Underbelly and it did not disappoint! I had the Underbelly Ramen with a side of sausage both were absolutely amazing. The restaurant has a great vibe, awesome atmosphere, and good music. The staff were super friendly and helpful. Can’t wait to come back!

Ordered the Belly of the Beast ramen. Broth was pretty rich and the best part of the ramen. But the broth was already warm (not hot) by the time it got to my seat and became room temp by the time I finished the bowl. The short ribs were really tough to chew and the oxtail dumplings were super soggy and the texture did not resemble oxtail at all. The noodles were on the softer side (a plus for me since I like them softer). The chopsticks were also cheap and had lot of splinters on 1st break. There is outside and inside seating, and the atmosphere is nice. The drink menu has lots of mixed drinks and they are served full to the glass brim. Maybe the other dishes are decent, but avoid the ramen.

I absolutely love 💕 this market! My husband and I love coming here to get groceries or anything from the bakery. Everything is delicious 😋 customer service is amazing! 🔥 Place is well cleaned very welcoming never had a bad experience 😉 Keeps good memories of when my grandmother would take me when I was a kid. R.I.P how much I miss her! She was Japanese lived in Kobe so she got me into my Japanese roots when I was really young, very thankful for this market still being around good memories and good times🙏 Beautiful Valentine's cake I got for my mom all their cakes are beautiful ❤️ They have mother day cakes now must see 😍 Also kinda sad when people talk about the prices being more expensive than Mitsuwa when I've gone to both and I can say for a fact Mitsuwa is way more expensive. It's laughable that you'll rate a store low due to prices when no one is forcing you to shop there 🙄👌 Simple if you don't have enough money than don't go shopping to places you can't afford. I find it disrespectful how many people review a place due to prices as if they're unaware how everything is expensive nowadays. Doesn't matter where you go honey! No money 🤑💰 than that's a YOU problem not the stores! Lmao 😉

In early August, we visited this shop and bought cream puffs and pudding. However, after we got home, we discovered that some of the pudding and cream puffs were already expired and moldy. I can't believe something like this could happen at a store with a 4.5-star rating. Since we had already returned to Los Angeles by then, otherwise we would have definitely gone back to the shop to demand an explanation. Check your expiration date before you buy anything from them.

My favorite Japanese market! They always have fresh, high-quality products—perfect for cooking delicious meals at home for my loved ones

I have been coming here for over a decade for Japanese groceries, snacks, bentos, and seafood. The prices have risen, but I came here for the atmosphere and the selection of products. However with the staff it's like flipping a coin. Most of them are kind and helpful. But some of them are VERY rude. Last time I was there I asked for help in finding an item. The guy helping me didn't speak a word or even point, he just walked up to the item, turned around and walked away! Shortly after, the woman who rung me up didn't say anything to me or look at me, even as I was callously handed the receipt! Extremely rude! Her name-tag was covered, I can see why. I will not be returning.

Visited this great Japanese Superstore and purchased some fruits and groceries. Best store for Japanese groceries. Japanese food items are also available. Good Store

I love this Nijiya supermarket. Super polite/kind staff. The store is always so clean and well organized. The produce are usually the highest quality. Try their eggs! The egg yolk is orange and very delicious! 2025- High quality produce, clean store, delicious bento and sushi! Thank you for your service!

One of the 3 Japanese Gorcery stores in the Clairemont Mesa/Balboa area that has unique items, sauces, baked goods, and all kinds of Japanese products. Whether you're looking for sushi, a snack, eggs, cheese, sandwiches, dango, or even hot food, Nijiya has it. They even carry cakes similar to 85 degree/Sunmerry bakery that are nearly half the price. And even though they are similar to Mitsuwa and Marukai/Tokyo Central, each store carries their own unique products and items that you can't find at the other two, and vice versa.

Good sushi, fresh ingredients and nice presentation. Cozy place with friendly staff. Service can be a bit slow when it’s busy, and prices are a little high, but overall a solid experience.

Food is always delicious and fresh. The employees do a good job on keeping the atmosphere fun and are very attentive. Good music playing, clean restaurant.

We have been to this location for years but the recent changes are not great. Menu: there's now Korean food on the menu which for us is a little odd for a Japanese sushi restaurant that has only served Japanese cuisine. Food: Gyozar quality is the same though the sauce was changed with a less vinegary taste to it. The basic rolls (rainbow, caterpillar) have been the same and decent. Star Wars roll is better with more jalapeño and less batter/greasy. California roll is worse with ineffective rolling that makes it fall apart as soon as you pick it up. The eel hand roll is not the same with too much sauce that makes the whole roll very soggy and fall apart before you can finish it. Service: got seated very quickly Overall: a little disappointed with the new "update"

This place is out of this world. Get ready for an epic sushi experience. The sushi was simply the best, the staff are absolute pros. We had a sake bomb with one of the chefs. Would absolute recommend and we will come back here again. Cheers from Montana.

Perfect! Just the scrumptious OMG that I needed. Don’t miss stopping at this place.

I've lived in Mission valley for 20 years. This restaurant has been around for a few, but I had never been until now. I would say that I really hadnt missed out all these years. Food is mediocre. Definitely not authentic Japanese food. Service is definitely one star or less. Good luck getting attention from your server. They also don't seem to appreciate your business either... It's very strange. This girl with glasses who does nothing but standing at the hostess booth.. she literally ignored me every time I asked for something. This blonde guy with glasses gave me my check. I paid. No "thank you," or "come again." I'd rather eat sushi at Costco next door.

Went here for lunch great sushi reasonable prices good togo deals 40% in convienient location ample parking. Various selection of good ramens too and Bento dish id highly recommend any sushi dish here

The coffee is great... but still it is the weirdest roadside shop. I always feel like they are waiting for me to give them the secret sign to get to the secret high-end "weed farm" downstairs. But truthfully, they are so friendly and great organic vegetables and fruit. But go for the coffee. Yum. Just go.

I was out exploring on my ebike and pulled into the Shop. They had the most beautiful presentation of fresh vegetables and strawberries. I couldn't resist so I picked up Brussel sprouts, red onions and more. she tallied it up and went to pay with card. she said they only take cash check or Venmo. I only had credit and expected to walk away empty handed, but she said "just come back tomorrow with the cash" and let me leave with the produce! Who does that? I'm a customer for life (and yes I went back the next day. Also, the most lovely flower boxes out front!

Support this local business even though their phone is down. They have fresh produce, such us, sorrel, carrots, onions, cucumbers, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and much more.

This is a hidden farm in San Diego. Where you may get sorrel (it's a rare find!), tasty small strawberries, and other fresh produce. This place is only twenty minutes to or from Solana Beach.

Amazing place with delicious delectables from the local region bursting with flavor and colors. Been a mainstay for decades. aka The Corn Place! A Must See!

Super fresh and beautiful products. Can’t wait to come back for more. The staff is super friendly and generous! Highly recommend ⭐️⭐️

Love Chinos Farm. Highest quality produce. Known for their strawberries, corn and tomatoes but I really love their micro greens and root veggies. Get there early. Venmo, Cash & Check accepted. Now serving and selling high quality coffee and tea.

Nice Sake selection. They’ve only been open a few weeks. I’ve been 3 times and each time the Ramen has gotten better. Initially it was lacking in flavor and cool in temperature. We mentioned this to the manager who was very thankful for the feedback. The last time I went those issues had been resolved. I had the Carnitas Raman and added spinach as well as extra meat so my only suggestion would be to have a little more meat by default. Also I recommend the skinny noodles as opposed to the thick but that’s just personal preference. It’s nice to have another option aside from only Rocky’s and Bayside. Definitely recommend 👍🏼

It was so good. I would rate a 4.5 stars. I ordered the thin noodles but I wish they were just a little thicker for texture . I didn’t ask what the thick noodles meant. Oops. I would 100% go back again. The service was so great.

Amazing experience! It was our first time trying Wokou as a PB local and we couldn’t have been happier. I never write reviews but the food, service, and overall experience was so great that I feel compelled. We were lucky enough to have Zach as our server/bartender and he was such a genuine person. The food was amazing and we were able to watch the Padres game in an environment that instantly felt welcoming and warm. This will be our new go-to spot! One of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had (and we’ve had a lot).

We went for a fundraising event. Food was served buffet style. First appetizers then entrees. Had both meat and vegetarian options. The food was actually pretty mind blowing. The drinks were unique and delicious. I look forward to going back and trying some of the other flavors of both the food and the drinks. The bar tenders at the event were very pleasant, engaged, and helpful. I highly recommend trying this place for a new flavor. My favorite drink I tried was the Cantaloupe Crush.

I don't want to be mean but there is literally cup ramen that tastes better than whatever noodles they are serving here. I'm not a picky eater. Broth is watery, bitter, and bland. The after taste made me want to rinse my mouth. It feels like the person who made the ramen had never tasted ramen before and based their recipe on pictures of ramen. This place wouldn't be that bad if it just marketed itself as a bar. But it says "ramen" in the name.... And then proceeds to serve the worst bowl of Ramen I've had in San Diego. The drinks and appetizers were okay. Again, this place should just be a bar. Also, prices are atrocious for what they're serving. Staff are friendly and accommodating.

What a find! If you are in the area, this is a must visit. Great decor, vast sake collection and delicious Ramen. The menu is nice and creative also. I can't remember the name of mine, but it was the spicy ground pork and it was amazing. I will definitely come back.

My husband and I came here for his birthday. It was our first date in years because we have little ones. I cannot express how wonderful it was for both of us to dine and drink here. Their house infused sake is probably some of the best sake I’ve had and the staff was so welcoming, kind, and really just enjoyable company. Everything was top notch. I have to give a special thank you to Taejon because he has to be one of the best human beings out there. The world needs more of you. My husband and I left feeling so happy. Thank you for making our first date in years such an experience to remember Taejon and for your extreme kindness!

We did the omakase dinner at yakitori tsuta. Overall it was a great experience. The appetizers were interesting and I loved the smoked chicken and duck. The chawamushi was savory with huge umami, but also still felt fresh due to the vegetables. Great sake selection and you can choose your own cups. All the skewers were great. I loved the chicken skin, wing, and quail eggs and we needed up getting extra of those. The heart was also interesting because they prepared it differently than we were used to. The meal ended with ramen then dessert. Both were tasty. By the end we were stuffed and really enjoyed our meal. 100% recommend their omakase and we will be back!

As a Japanese national, this place is an authentic high-end Japanese restaurant. Food is excellent. I suggest not coming here with American attitude of being picky. Rather, come here to appreciate the authentic Japanese food as is. The chef curates the menu so that most everything is enjoyable for open-minded Americans while maintaining the authenticity. I'm certain that this place will earn Michelin Stars in no time and be difficult to get reservations for. Be prepared to pay pretty penny for it especially if you are doing omakase. We paid about $275 + tip for 2 people with 2 drinks each. But it was worth it for sure. We will definitely be coming back.

My Japanese friend kindly invited us to a charming yakitori restaurant, and we had a delightful experience. All the food was fresh, prepared, and cooked right before our eyes. It was wonderful to watch each piece being expertly seared. Some items, such as the chicken cartilage or neck, might not appeal to everyone, but the chef was happy to offer substitutions. The restaurant's intimate setting, with only six seats, reminded me of my trips to Japan; it felt like stepping back in time. The meat was flavorful and tender. They also offered intriguing desserts, including an interesting edamame ice cream and a refreshing yuzu sorbet. The sake selection was excellent. While the skewers were a bit pricey, the overall experience was well worth it.

Yakitori Tsuta by Chef Tsuchiya is seriously a hidden gem in San Diego. We recently traveled to Japan and could not really satisfy our yakitori needs & kept comparing to Yakitori Tsuta back in the states lol. The chicken ramen here is DELICIOUS and we couldn’t find a similar tasting broth in Japan..! The minute we got back, we had to get our fix. We always order a La carte cause we want everything on the menu! The flavors are so clean & high quality - no other yakitori place in San Diego can compare. Other than yakitori we highly recommend the sesame tofu, pickles, marinated miso cheese, egg&chicken rice bowl and the rice ball. Please be patient with the chef as it is only him who is prepping, cooking & grilling all at the same time and only one other server (he’s so awesome too!). Be prepared for a long meal, but it is definitely worth it.

Fantastic guided dinner experience. A lot of fun, elevating the simple yakitori to an event surrounded by chawamushi, delicious dessert and chicken broth soup, of all things. Reservations well in advance required.

We drove 100 mi (one-way) for dinner at the charming, 10-seat Yakitori Tsuta in San Diego. When hubby and I heard abt this reservation-only spot, he wanted to go bc yakitori, me bc chef's choice/tasting menu. This was phenomenal. After service, we spoke to the chef/grill master Tatsuro Tsuchiya. He shared that he starts his day at 08:00 to break down chicken and prep and works until first service at 17:30 (second service is 20:15). There are six seats at the counter and four at the lone table. He puts so much energy and focus into his craft...and his dedication is apparent in his food. My favourite dishes? Lotus root/renkon for the childhood memories it evoked; the soul satisfying ramen that's served pre-dessert; and the yakitori tail which was surprisingly tender & juicy. It's def worth a visit.

Secure your reservation now to avoid missing out on this unique dining experience. Remember, arriving 15 minutes early is a sign of respect and sets the tone for the omakase journey that awaits you at Yakitori Tsuta. Patiently wait for the invitation to enter. Yakitori Tsuta is already a must-visit for upcoming San Diego events, with the anticipation of seasonal ingredient shifts adding to the excitement. Chef Tatsuro Tsuchiya's omakase experience expertly orchestrates the implementation of superior courses through neurogastronomy. The textures, flavors, and smells bring back memories of my apprenticeship with other Senseis, and Chef Tsuchiya builds the foundation for ongoing new experiences. As a trained butcher, I was interested in everything. Consider ride-sharing for the performing Sake pairing or have your designated driver join. I was fortunate to dine with a professor and his wife, making new friends.