50 Best Japanese Restaurants in San Diego

“Great chefs, great staff, great food, great sake… what’s not to like when everything was great!?!?“

“Amazing omakase, friendly and knowledgeable staff“

“Happy Hour at Artifact is the highlight of my week! I always look forward to those afternoons when I can wrap up an early day at work and walk over to unwind.

Kendra and Kelly are the best—they always greet me warmly and, knowing sparkling rosé is my go-to, pour a glass right after saying hello. The ambience is light and relaxing, and the conversation is consistently pleasant and entertaining—it’s the perfect way to transition from work mode to relaxation.

All of the food here is absolutely delicious, but the ahi crudo and beet salad are my favorites. They’re fresh, flavorful, and never disappoint.

Artifact has mastered the art of creating a welcoming, delicious, and enjoyable happy hour experience. Highly recommend!“

“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.“

“The shrimp head moving scared the crap out of me but everything was delicious and awesome“

“I’m not much of a reviewer unless an establishment is amazing or the opposite.
I must take the time to let everyone know that this was the BEST fish and sushi that I’ve ever had. It was incredibly fresh and each dish was better than the next. It is most certainly worth the price (although less expensive than some other spots). The drinks were also suberb and service was excellent and genuine.
Don’t be fooled by the exterior appearance. Once you go inside, it’s chic and modern.
Absolutely will give Hane 10+ stars.“

“Inspiring, creative menu that rivals the best menus in the world. Surprising affordable and unforgettably crafted cocktails. Entire staff is friendly, approachable and highly knowledgeable.“

“Fantastic food quality. Purist food.“

“@kinmesd delivered a memorable experience for us. From beginning to end I was in awe with the attention to detail, precision and heart they put into every bite. There was never a moment we weren’t taken care of by the chef’s assistants. It was beautiful to watch a group of people work together, harmoniously, and the reflection that had on the food.

@kinmesd I will be thinking about this meal for a very long time. Thank you for making our anniversary dinner such a special experience.“

“Luke is an amazing multitasker❤ made us feel very welcome.“

“We dined at their SM North Edsa branch. Good food. 👌 Crews were accommodating. 💯“

“this is clearly one of my favorite Japanese markets in San Diego is not that big but I has enough stuff to make you happy in the dinner place is really good the ramen is amazing and I love you decoration because it makes you feel like you're in Japan looking at the samples you should totally go here will never regret it. prices are there regular has another Asian market but when you think about these being products that you don't get every where it is kind of cheap.“

“Owner is from Hawaii. Great service and great taste. Spicy Miso Broth hit thr spot. definitely will be back when I'm in town for work. 🤙🤙🤙“

“I’ve been to Hatsuzakura four times now and each one has been a unique and rewarding experience. From the service, to the atmosphere, and the food. Especially the food! Each meal has been a welcoming reminder of wonderful times living in Japan. An absolute must when in San Diego! Don’t forget, they close briefly from 3-4:30 pm.“

“Eaten here numerous times. Excellent quality food, and service. Equivalent to San Francisco Bay Area Japanese restaurants..which are outstanding.“

“The best you can find stateside without a doubt and better than most in Japan too and I lived in Japan for 10 years. �. Can’t go wrong and the atmosphere is awesome. �“

“Great place. True European feel.“

“Kumi Café is one of those hidden gems you find and just keep coming back to. My husband and I have been here multiple times, and every visit is just as good — if not better — than the last.

The service is always amazing. The staff is kind, fast, and really on top of things without ever making you feel rushed. They create the kind of experience that makes you feel genuinely taken care of.

Today, we had the Korean short rib, the bento box with gyoza and a California roll, and the tuna poke bowl. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. I normally don’t even like California rolls, but theirs are so good — fresh, not too mayo-heavy, and the rice is just right. My husband said his poke bowl was refreshing and delicious, and I couldn’t stop stealing bites.

We’ve also tried the sashimi and the chicken katsu curry on past visits, and both are incredible. The sashimi is super fresh and generous, and the curry — especially the chicken katsu version — is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. Definitely one of our favorites on the menu.

The place has a chill, modern vibe — clean and simple, but welcoming. It’s become one of our go-to spots when we want something that hits the spot without breaking the bank.“

“I don’t usually leave reviews, but I had to after today’s visit. I came in during lunch so it wasn’t too busy, and it looked like they were training new staff. Lacy, our server-in-training with orangeblonde hair, was the first person to ever introduce herself at this store. She introduced herself at the beginning and let us know at the end that if we had a good experience, a review on the establishment would be appreciated so here I am.

She was doing amazing. Super sweet, confident, and honestly just adorable. She had a great sense of humor and kept a smile on whether she was helping guests or talking with her trainer. She even took time to play with the kids at tables and made the whole dining experience feel easy and welcoming.

Beyond that, the whole team worked really well together yesterday. Servers were cleaning, bussing, and setting up tables together. Waters were always filled, sodas refilled without needing to ask, and the food came out promptly. Even with staff in training, things ran smoothly. The food was good. Came out in under ten minutes and it was actually mild this time. The Thai tea is also good here, it’s a bit sweet but nothing out of the ordinary.

I’ve had a few so-so experiences at this location before, but earlier in the day felt like a huge step up. If they keep this kind of service going, the rating here will definitely go up. Coco is known to be busy but service is usually mid.“

“Best Sushi, Omakase, and experience hands down.
These chefs are masters and the nicest guys who put everyone at ease and take your taste buds on an journey of pure joy and deliciousness.

Everything is sooo fresh and top quality. Each bite feels sacred, you can't help but close your eyes when enjoying the symphony of flavors.

I wish I could give more than 5 stars. My only advice: sit at the sushi bar and enjoy the ride :)“

“Very good price for all you can eat premium waygu meats. Very simple and to the point menu. Only wish their sauces was a little better and they had one extra side like steamed egg or japchae. It's just missing one or 2 things that would make it excellent, but for the lunch price of $35 and dinner for $40 you get your value. The parking isn't too bad either compared to other spots in clairemont.“

“Really busy store but I really enjoy the food!
The place is a little crowded. The portion of the food is similar to what you get in Japan, and so is the quality. So far I feel like this place resembles what you might get in Japan, small portion but higher quality.“

“Had my birthday there, and you can absolutely taste the good quality of the food there. Recommend their premium family combo, I’ll say it’s a good amount for 1-2 people. The regular beef tongue is also a great option. Really nice service, the only problem is it’s a little pricey, but fair enough for what you get.“

“We had the most amazing meal there on Wednesday night! Everything was exceptional, especially the uni! The service was fantastic! We will be back!“

“Ordered for takeout and the staff were nice. The restaurant is clean and I love the mural! The food is super fresh and tasty. I highly recommend. The baked sushi is the best baked sushi I've ever gotten and their nigiri is soo good it melts in your mouth.“

“This was the BEST sushi we have ever had. The entire experience was so wonderful. We left feeling relaxed and happy. Highly recommend this place and the staff were all fantastic and very attentive.“

“This place bangs. Disagree heavily that the food was bad. This place is not a 2 star. Absolute insanity to give it such a low review. I love the atmosphere, and I wish more people would check it out.Also, maybe it's the location? Come to Convoy guys, we'll treat you better.“

“Fantastic fresh food; great sushi bar. Wonderful service from Kaz. I highly recommend..best sushi and sashimi around!“

“Wow the ramen here is so delicious! My husband and I got the Yokohama shoyu and the tonkotsu ramen, which were good. The broth of both is super flavorful and authentic. Restaurant is nice and modern, but I’m taking one star off because we had to end our meal early after a huge party came in with screaming kids and the servers couldn’t quiet them down. I will come back on a weekday instead“

“Karaage was pretty good, served hot and juicy, but very lightly seasoned, could have had more of a Karaage taste. To me the original Hokka Hokka Tei Karaage from Japan is the standard to be met. A lemon wedge and Karaage spice packet would have made it a sure winner. Gizzards were tough, I wouldn't recommend those. The staff are Japanese which adds to to authenticity. Would recommend to others and I would return to try their other menu items. 🤤“

“The cheesecakes here are so good. Super soft, moist, and fluffy! They’re slightly sweet, which is so addicting. I love the original flavor the most. The pandan one wasn’t that good.
The strawberry burnt basque cakes is also very good. It’s better than the original one.
Parking sucks though because the shop shares a small lot with many other stores, so it’s always difficult to find parking unless you come right when they open.“

“Very fast service, friendly people. Delicious food especially the ramen.“

“This place is wonderful....Good Japanese Traditional Sushi and Modern American Rolls for the Non Japanese. good service and quality is good.“

“everything I’ve tried so far has been delicious.

got the salt & pepper tofu bento for lunch at medium spice level — it was delicious & had a good kick.

tried several of the milk breads & pastries - love the classic cream, matcha, and the spicy curry roll.

also got a strawberry matcha drink that was delicious but a little bit too sweet.

can be a little chaotic sometimes as they’re still setting things up, but a nice spot to have in the neighborhood & very friendly owners.

Vegetarian options: Salt and Pepper Tofu“

“Though under the same ownership (I believe) as Yakitori Taisho, Hino has more of sushi bar feel whereas Taisho has more authentic Japanese Izakaya. I felt Taisho had a bit more yakitori selections than Hino. But, Hino had better sake options including sake flights.“

“Outstanding and not "fusion". Mostly. Almost everything tastes just like you were back in Japan's izakayas, down to the cucumbers. The pork belly, chicken thigh w/ negi, boneless wing, short ribs were my favorite. Each kushiyaki was juicy, tender, bursting with flavor - even the tiny wedges of lemon had more juice than a half lemon. Speaking of lemon, they make the lemon sours by hand instead of only offering canned chuhais. AND they have Asahi super dry draft! AND get the desserts - the deep fried cheesecake was wonderful.
Service is either really good, or just... disappointing. It depends on who's working that night whether we have a blast or regret going.“

“Pretty loud and tight seating. Felt like we were eating dinner with the tables next to us. The happy hour menu was impressive and all the food was fantastic. Staff was kind and constantly checking in. All in all, would recommend. Just be ready for a decently chaotic experience.“

“Makai Sushi offers a cozy, casual dining experience where the focus is clearly on the freshness of the ingredients. I tried their hapa roll, featuring Aji tuna and crab, and was impressed by how fresh everything tasted. The venue itself is small, with just four tables inside, but the patio provides a more spacious alternative. It’s a counter-service spot, so you order up front and they bring the food to your table—perfect for a relaxed meal. When I visited, the place wasn’t busy, allowing for quick service. A word of advice: the rolls are generous, and the large pieces make it a challenge to eat in one bite. I’m eager to return and explore their sushi burritos next time!“

“The sushi is amazing...baked salmon roll and Philly rolls are my go to!“

“The food is SO good. The chef was super friendly and nice. We can’t wait to go back. 😄“

“We are visiting from Mexico, and the food at Moment was absolutely delicious. The sushi was one of the best I’ve ever had. The quality of the food is exceptional, but what truly stands out is the extraordinary service. Everyone was incredibly kind and attentive. I made the mistake of ordering a roll without asking about the ingredients, and when it arrived, I realized it had truffle oil, which I really dislike. Without me saying anything or asking for a replacement, a young staff member noticed when I leaned in to smell the sushi and came over to check if everything was okay. I explained that I hadn’t asked about the ingredients and wasn’t a fan of truffle. They replaced it immediately, no questions asked. It was an incredible experience with top-notch service. Highly recommended!“

“I have visited two times now. The egg sando is delicious, slightly sweet, and is very large and filling. The vegetarian katsu is okay. I think that they need a denser sauce to go with it, since the watery sauce soaked the bread and made it kind of soggy. Also the katsu itself had a very oily taste (like the oil it was fried in wasn't cleaned recently?)

It's a very small hole in the wall place that you can't see from the parking lot. You're better off parking and then wandering around towards the back to find it.

It is also pretty pricey for a sandwich. I believe I paid $12 or so dollars per sandwich. But, I did see that they offer happy hour, so I'll have to plan for that next time!

That being said, the egg salad was so good that I came back a second time. It's not quite like the famous ones in Japan, but the bread is fluffy and delicious and you can tell that it was made with care.

Parking: It's very hidden. Park in front of subway or the Indian restaurant and walk towards the back.“

“My family and I have been dining here almost weekly for the last 7 months. The food is phenomenal. It’s fresh, the dishes are innovative yet they offer traditional rolls. Honestly, their ribeye is my favorite dish. Ask for extra mushrooms and sauce- you’ll thank yourself for it. The owners are working there daily and are the sweetest people. My kids are sushi connoisseurs and have declared this their favorite place.“

“The sushi was amazing! We tried the power roll, energy roll, and Mexican roll, and each one was delicious. Sara was super helpful with recommendations since it was our first time visiting. The sushi tasted really fresh, and the rolls were well-made. The atmosphere was also great—very chill and welcoming. Definitely recommend checking this place out!“

“this sushi place is hidden gem! the owner is a old man who is so welcoming and always smiling. He makes everyone feel at ease. I ordered chirashi bowl, and let me tell you that was one of the best I ever had! so fresh and so much in quantity! also the kind man gave chocolates, apple, water with it.. Will definitely visit again! ( the door might seem closed, they have a shade or something, but they are open! )“

“I really enjoyed the food. We got 2 sushi rolls and chicken katsu. All 3 were delicious. My only complaint would be the miso soup which had an odd taste, I believe due to the bowl holding the scent and slight taste of whatever soap was used to clean it. Other than that, it was an enjoyable meal.“

“Outstanding Mother’s Day omakase dinner with Ni, Ronald, Kay and Emily. We been to some great award winning restaurants around the world, but Ju Ichi stands out because of the care and passion that is evident in the menu and quality of the dishes that Ni and crew create and execute. We’ve been to JunIchi several times but the omakase for Mother’s Day was particularly outstanding. The menu was modern and creative but in keeping with classic taste profiles of traditional Japanese. It was simply delicious, the presentation was world class and the service was excellent. I go to Japan a lot and I would put Ju Ichi up against the the best I’ve been to. We will definitely go again.
Thanks Ni, Ronald, Kay and Emily for cooking for us as if we were family, great work!!!!“

“The sushi was amazing! Some of the best I have had! We decided to branch out and try some new nigiri and sashimi that we hadn’t tried and everything we had was great! The location is amazing! My one complaint is that the lighting was oddly bright for a 7 pm
Reservation. The rest of the atmosphere was great except for the lighting.“

“Some of the best Japanese food in San Diego. I wish I had known about them sooner.“

“Everyone who works there is friendly With excellent customer service food was delicious 🤤“