Just go. You’ll be glad you did. A group of us were in San Diego for a convention and decided we wanted some sushi. After some quick research I came across Makai as the only 5-star rated sushi place. I was a little suspicious because restaurants just don’t get 5-stars. There’s always an unhappy customer, right? Well, we took the chance and I’m thrilled we did. The owner is the chef and he was extremely welcoming and his sushi was, no kidding, among the best I’ve ever had. I had the Godzilla sushi bowl and the combination of seafood, rice, sauce, avocados were perfect. I could hear everyday. And, I’ve had sushi all over the country and throughout the world. Some really swanky places. Makai is different. I’s personal. Not pretentious. The food is amazing, but the experience rivals it in it’s feeling of authenticity. Will be watching for this place to grow as people find this awesome place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Austin Watterson
What a great experience! We came here because of the reviews. Owner is amazing person. Food was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Reynaldo Castillo
I recently had the most delightful experience at Makai Sushi, and I couldn't wait to share my thoughts! I decided to try their Godzilla Bowl, and it was an absolute delight. Packed with protein, incredibly fresh ingredients, and remarkably healthy, it exceeded all my expectations. It was just what I needed!The meal was not only delicious but also beautifully presented, adding to the overall experience. Located in the Hillcrest area, Makai Sushi offers top-notch fish, impeccable service, and a wonderful ambiance. Whether you're a sushi enthusiast or simply looking for a fantastic dining experience, I strongly recommend checking out Makai Sushi.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dale James
the food was amazing,can't wait to go back again!Kid-friendliness: well I'm sure that the kids would love the foodWheelchair accessibility: there's an outside patio for handicapped and there is inside seating for handicap
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Godzilla Bowl
James Miera
Just discovered this Hillcrest gem. Wow! Best poke I've ever had - hands down. Vibe is chill. Owner operated with lots of heart.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: California Roll, Godzilla Bowl
Majed A
Super fresh and a must recommend. Plus the owner is super nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sofia P.
Owner was super nice, food was yummy and fresh! FYI the sauce on the poke bowl is pretty sweet.
Andrea H.
I cannot recommend this place enough! If you are looking for good quality poké or just amazing food in general, this place is a must! Not to mention the service was incredible. Everything came out very quick and was delivered right to us. It's a small spot downtown Hillcrest but it's adorable. Would go again and again!
Makai is a cozy little spot serving up ahi, salmon, and blue crab in various permutations like poke bowls, sushi rolls, and sushi burritos. I got the ahi sushi burrito, and while the contents were delicious, the execution struggled a bit. The burrito fell apart before I could get a bite, so I just ate the components like a bowl and it was excellent. The service was really gracious, a single gentleman working the register and making food. Owner? There was a limited selection of beverages, and even though the fish was very fresh and tasty, I feel like portion could have been a bit bigger in proportion to the amount of rice. Same goes for avocado and masago. The small portions of these ingredients is why I gave Makai 4 stars instead of 5. The spot is very clean and quiet and well decorated, very modern looking. I enjoyed my lunch!
ska138
I highly recommend Makai Sushi at 3968 5th ave in Hillcrest! Super fresh and delicious food. ?
Our family came here for lunch and it was awesome! Service and food was on point. We ordered the ahi poke bowl, veggie roll, and a cali roll. I will definitely be back.
Katie M.
Not only is the owner, Matt, so friendly and kind, but this is the real deal when it comes to sushi and poke. The quality is beyond anything else we can find in San Diego! This is our favorite spot - highly recommend!
Karina E.
Great , fresh poke bowl- a little pricey for the amount but I'd order again. I got the gorilla bowl and really enjoyed it.
Incredible sushi!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The poke and sushi are delicious. The selected proportions of the ingredients creates a great blend of flavors, along with friendly customer service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hapa-Roll, Poke, Godzilla Bowl
Just go. You’ll be glad you did. A group of us were in San Diego for a convention and decided we wanted some sushi. After some quick research I came across Makai as the only 5-star rated sushi place. I was a little suspicious because restaurants just don’t get 5-stars. There’s always an unhappy customer, right? Well, we took the chance and I’m thrilled we did. The owner is the chef and he was extremely welcoming and his sushi was, no kidding, among the best I’ve ever had. I had the Godzilla sushi bowl and the combination of seafood, rice, sauce, avocados were perfect. I could hear everyday. And, I’ve had sushi all over the country and throughout the world. Some really swanky places. Makai is different. I’s personal. Not pretentious. The food is amazing, but the experience rivals it in it’s feeling of authenticity. Will be watching for this place to grow as people find this awesome place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a great experience! We came here because of the reviews. Owner is amazing person. Food was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I recently had the most delightful experience at Makai Sushi, and I couldn't wait to share my thoughts! I decided to try their Godzilla Bowl, and it was an absolute delight. Packed with protein, incredibly fresh ingredients, and remarkably healthy, it exceeded all my expectations. It was just what I needed!The meal was not only delicious but also beautifully presented, adding to the overall experience. Located in the Hillcrest area, Makai Sushi offers top-notch fish, impeccable service, and a wonderful ambiance. Whether you're a sushi enthusiast or simply looking for a fantastic dining experience, I strongly recommend checking out Makai Sushi.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
the food was amazing,can't wait to go back again!Kid-friendliness: well I'm sure that the kids would love the foodWheelchair accessibility: there's an outside patio for handicapped and there is inside seating for handicap
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Godzilla Bowl
Just discovered this Hillcrest gem. Wow! Best poke I've ever had - hands down. Vibe is chill. Owner operated with lots of heart.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: California Roll, Godzilla Bowl
Super fresh and a must recommend. Plus the owner is super nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Owner was super nice, food was yummy and fresh! FYI the sauce on the poke bowl is pretty sweet.
I cannot recommend this place enough! If you are looking for good quality poké or just amazing food in general, this place is a must! Not to mention the service was incredible. Everything came out very quick and was delivered right to us. It's a small spot downtown Hillcrest but it's adorable. Would go again and again!
Restaurantji Recommends
Makai is a cozy little spot serving up ahi, salmon, and blue crab in various permutations like poke bowls, sushi rolls, and sushi burritos. I got the ahi sushi burrito, and while the contents were delicious, the execution struggled a bit. The burrito fell apart before I could get a bite, so I just ate the components like a bowl and it was excellent. The service was really gracious, a single gentleman working the register and making food. Owner? There was a limited selection of beverages, and even though the fish was very fresh and tasty, I feel like portion could have been a bit bigger in proportion to the amount of rice. Same goes for avocado and masago. The small portions of these ingredients is why I gave Makai 4 stars instead of 5. The spot is very clean and quiet and well decorated, very modern looking. I enjoyed my lunch!
I highly recommend Makai Sushi at 3968 5th ave in Hillcrest! Super fresh and delicious food. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gorilla Bowl, Hapa Bowl, Spicy Ahi Burrito, Godzilla Bowl, Spicy Ahi Roll
Our family came here for lunch and it was awesome! Service and food was on point. We ordered the ahi poke bowl, veggie roll, and a cali roll. I will definitely be back.
Not only is the owner, Matt, so friendly and kind, but this is the real deal when it comes to sushi and poke. The quality is beyond anything else we can find in San Diego! This is our favorite spot - highly recommend!
Great , fresh poke bowl- a little pricey for the amount but I'd order again. I got the gorilla bowl and really enjoyed it.