San Diego already boasts incredible Japanese cuisine. If anyone suggests otherwise, dismiss this falsehood likely spread by Angelenos jealous of our perfect weather, and direct them to our definitive list. But recently, we’ve discovered several outstanding new establishments across the county. Our updated favorites include an omakase counter in Little Italy, a ramen shop in North Park, a vegan sushi pioneer in Hillcrest, and more.
Hanaya Sushi
$ | (858) 202-1800 | WEBSITE
This San Diego sushi spot is serving some of the city’s most thoughtfully prepared Japanese meals. Almost everything about Hanaya Sushi reflects the owner’s personal touch, complete with complimentary chocolates and fruit, as well as takeout orders featuring added touches like edamame and seaweed salad. Their nigiri – which all cost around $5 – range from fresh salmon and tuna, to beautifully presented cuts that showcase the chef’s attention to detail.
The Chirashi bowl portions are generous enough, with plenty of variety, so the value can truly shine through. But our favorite experience remains the intimate service, which has such little pretense it might be unidentifiable as fine dining save for the exceptional care taken with each plate. The restaurant’s space only holds about a dozen people, most of whom will get to watch the action from the counter as the owner prepares each dish with a smile.
Otherwise plan on waiting patiently for your meal, while you already scheme the best possible time to come back for more of that welcoming atmosphere.
Ken Sushi Workshop
$$$ | (858) 793-1200 | WEBSITE
We first visited this acclaimed Japanese spot in San Diego for the Love Omakase experience. That meal was memorable – albeit indulgent – in itself. But now this super chill but chic restaurant is serving dishes like wagyu beef, Ken’s Pride Omakase, and other creations that make us feel closer to Tokyo than we geographically are. Come here for incredible sushi or a casual dinner as soon as possible.
It’s not quite a fancy date night spot, it’s not quite a formal dining room, but Ken Sushi Workshop is entirely worth your time. Especially for a value-focused meal or a friend gathering where you both appreciate fresh, flavorful food (and know quality when you taste it).
Hane Sushi
$$$ | (619) 260-1411 | WEBSITE
Hane Sushi combines two things we really love: creative sushi rolls and some big windows, which give this San Diego Japanese spot a chic, modern feel when the sun streams in – especially after a sake flight or three. You can swing through for lunch and try the spicy yellowtail roll, or stop by in the evening to relax and have some himachi habanero ponzu and that mushroom salad. And make sure to grab a drink from their good selection if you come through any time of day.
moment sushi
$$$ | (858) 230-6268 | WEBSITE
Fresh fish and brilliant combinations are a perfect match. And you’ll find some exciting new sushi options at Moment Sushi near Sorrento Valley. Sit at the welcoming counter and eat fabulous hand rolls with dollops of genuine wasabi and sliced fish, sushi in a shallow pool of Japanese dipping sauce, and their best dish: the chef’s selection.
Served on a wooden board with crunchy ginger on the side, the combination of fresh ingredients, high-quality fish, and brilliant taste is magical and sweet, and pairs well with one of their green teas. Order this spread of sushi things, and a larger main like the premium fresh fish that melts in your mouth, for a satisfying meal.
Sushi Ota
$$$ | (858) 880-8778 | WEBSITE
Sushi Ota has several great sushi options, but a meal at this Japanese restaurant in San Diego isn’t complete without an order of the black pepper scallop sushi. This refined plate of fresh scallops gets seasoned with cracked black pepper and then presented with perfect slices of lemon. And it’ll transport you to an intimate Tokyo sushi bar. While you’re here, don’t miss their chef’s nigiri. The premium seafood dish gets its quality from fish flown from Japan that you’ll taste in every bite.
Both dishes come with a side of pickled ginger and wasabi so you can enhance your experience with spicy tuna, scallop, and authentic Japanese flavors.
ARTIFACT at Mingei
$$ | (619) 331-3569 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for somewhere serving ahi crudo with Asian-Hispanic flair, you should know about ARTIFACT at Mingei. This Japanese spot in San Diego uses fresh ingredients to make all of its artfully presented dishes that come with super friendly service, beet salads that taste as vibrant as they look, and fixed-price dinners perfect for special occasions. They also serve nice wine, Happy Hour cocktails, and light bites on their outdoor patio near Balboa Park.
Stop by for Mother’s Day lunch with family or for a relaxing evening after work, and be sure to enjoy the beautiful setting despite the occasional air traffic noise.
CinKuni
$$ | (619) 233-3072 | WEBSITE
CinKuni is a cozy, cash-friendly fusion spot in San Diego that typically only gets truly buzzing after 6pm on weeknights, and it’s worth planning your Tuesday evening around a bowl of their signature ramen. The dishes are crafted with a playful Italian-Japanese twist, and then get layered with thoughtful touches like complimentary matcha tiramisu for birthdays. When enjoyed as a casual meal with friends, these make a perfect dinner for about $18 per person.
They’re significantly more comforting than fusion we’ve tried elsewhere, but that’s not a bad thing – the gnocchi are generously portioned, browned on the edges, and each bite tastes wildly satisfying from the rich sauces. Add this to your weeknight rotation immediately if you work nearby. And if you live elsewhere in the county or city, hop in the car with your best friend and show them one of San Diego’s best fusion experiences.
Sushi Tadokoro
$$$$ | (619) 297-0298 | WEBSITE
Just like you go to a bakery for bread and a therapist to process your existential dread, you should go to Sushi Tadokoro for sushi. This cozy San Diego restaurant serves traditional Japanese sushi prepared by head chef Takeaki, who shares the history and origin of each fish. The fish here is exceptionally fresh, and much like the personalized experience, the flavors burst with every bite.
Keep Sushi Tadokoro in mind for your next intimate dinner in California, or a meal with a friend who’s interested in splitting some amazing panna cotta for dessert. If you need another reason to make this Japanese spot a priority, know that Sushi Tadokoro requires reservations due to limited seating – all tables are booked in advance.
Bistro Kaz
$$ | (858) 565-8861 | WEBSITE
In addition to being a cozy and unassuming restaurant in San Diego, this Japanese-Italian fusion spot offers a delightful dining experience with quick and efficient service. They’re serving pastas, pizzas, and dorias most days for lunch and dinner, which all taste consistently delicious, with highlights like the creamy and cheesy chicken doria, flavorful Cod Roe and Salmon Roe pasta, and the unique Unagi Eel Pizza.
If you want something beyond the $18 squid ink pasta, get a $16 Spaghetti with Crab Meat in Creamy Tomato Sauce, which has tender crab meat layered between the al dente spaghetti, plus a bunch of parmesan sprinkled on top.
Temari-zushi
$$ | (619) 380-2157 | WEBSITE
We first visited Temari-zushi on a weekend afternoon, during the peak of lunch rush and nostalgia season. And we found that it’s a perfect spot to reconnect with an old friend, settle into a cozy booth, and share some chicken karaage and a few warm sake pours. The San Diego restaurant also showcases how the Pokémon-themed decor inspired the playful presentation of each dish, with subtle nods to animated cultural references throughout the space.
While enjoying our meal, we discovered that the lunch special with chicken karaage, edamame, three temari sushi, miso soup, and salad was the owner’s go-to comfort meal during long workdays. In addition to this detail already sparking our own cozy dining plans, we’re happy to see a restaurant so thoughtfully weave storytelling into the atmosphere.
Plus, some of the decorative touches might even give you some conversation starters that aren’t just rehashing what you thought about the latest anime revival series.