Our apologies: your internet browser is not yet fully supported by our Schmap online guides. If you continue, pages in this guide may display or function incorrectly.

Would you like to continue anyway?continue anyway

Schmap.com supports the following browsers:

PC

MAC San Diego - Restaurants - Japanese
Download the Schmap San Diego Guide
With Schmap 2.0 you can:
San Diego Home
Schmap San Diego guide and map



Arigato Japanese Restaurant


Great Things in Small Packages
5575, Baltimore Drive
San Diego, CA 91942
United States
+1 619 4693157
Although many regulars pack into this cozy restaurant for its sushi bar and authentic Japanese cuisine, the small town charm of La Mesa breathes a sense of calm and coziness into this established restaurant. Located less than 10 minutes from San Diego State University, Arigato is known for it's great food and outstanding customer service. Great signature rolls are created here, as well as, some more adventurous ones such as the Tijuana Roll that uses jalapenos and cream cheese as accents. Not too sure what to order? Try one of their combination bento plates that serve a delicious variety of chicken or beef teriyaki, chicken yakitori, gyoza, and shrimp tempura, which also includes a side salad, miso soup, and white rice. -Lawrence Hocog

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Benihana Japanese Steakhouse


Culinary artistry
477 Camino Del Rio South
San Diego, CA 92108
United States
+1 619 298 4666
This long-standing restaurant makes your dining experience a theatrical event! It offers a culinary thrill as you watch the flying fingers of your tableside chef deftly chopping and cooking your food before your very eyes. The steaks are flavorful and tender, while the lobster is sweet and succulent. Guests may also enjoy fresh sushi at the contemporary sushi bar. Dinner entrees range from $16-36. Reservations are recommended.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Benihana Japanese Steakhouse photo by Gregg O'Connell
Photo: Gregg O'Connell
 

 
Buddha Bar


San Diego's newest gem
405 West Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
+1 619 234 8338
One of the newer additions to San Diego's downtown dining scene is this restaurant, located on the bottom floor of the Emerald Plaza Hotel. The place is overly crowded so make reservations or prepare to wait. Spotless hardwood floors and linen lamps, decorated with glass beads, create a first-class atmosphere. Begin your evening with the Yin Yan Tempura Rolls, including salmon and sashimi tuna in a seaweed wrap. From the entree menu, consider the popular Kobe Steak. This 14-ounce, thin-sliced cut is marinated in teriyaki, grilled and served with sprouts and mushrooms.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Ginza Sushi


Tokyo in town
7510 Hazard Center Drive
Suite 611
San Diego, CA 92108
United States
+1 619 297 8282
http://www.ginza-sushi.signons...
This spot is an energetic, contemporary sushi and Japanese restaurant with a wide variety of freshly prepared items, beautifully presented. The restaurant offers a full Japanese menu in addition to its sushi. Try the California roll or Maguro (Tuna) sashimi. Noodle dishes like Udon and Yakisoba and appetizer-size Yakitori (skewers of chicken with teriyaki sauce) are also available. Try the box-style bento specials for a combination of items. Comfortable booths and tables are an improvement on slick sushi bars in Japan.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Ho Jung Sushi & Korean BBQ


Japanese and Korean entrees
2251 El Camino Real
San Diego, CA 92054
United States
+1 760 967 1515
This Oceanside spot features a combination of both Japanese and Korean traditional cuisine. Japanese writing is painted on the walls, as well as other pictorial displays of the Orient. The sushi bar is located near the front entrance, while general dining occupies the majority of the restaurant's space. For a Japanese entree, select Yaki Soba (pan fried noodles with chicken or beef). Meanwhile, Eun Dae Gu Jorim (broiled codfish) is a favorite Korean entree.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Ichiban


For sushi lovers only
1441 Garnet Avenue
San Diego, CA 92109-3015
United States
+1 858 270 5755
This popular sushi joint and store is a small establishment with traditional Japanese cuisine displayed in deli cases. Customers stand in line to order Japanese favorites at the frequently busy counter. Food may be purchased 'to go' or brought to one of the indoor or outdoor tables. Along with sushi, this Mission Beach hot spot also offers tasty soups, tempura and noodles. Some of the top sellers at the restaurant include mixed sashimi, terriyaki chicken and the seafood soup with vegetables. Credit cards are not accepted.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Ichiban on the Rocks


Sushi That Really Rocks
1288 University Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
United States
+1 619 220 0009
This new facility is a larger, slightly more upscale, version of the original Ichiban, with airy Asian décor, comfortable seating, and full sushi bar. It also features beer and wine to accompany their excellent sushi. This hot spot is always rocking-full of happy sushi lovers; consequently, service can seem a little rushed, but the food and atmosphere are always relaxed and happy. It's never too loud, too packed, or too trendy to be enjoyable. Happy Hour specials include a four-piece California roll, 3 pieces of chicken gyoza, plus your choice of beer or sake for just $5.95. Easy parking, frequent diner cards, too. -Detraci Regula

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Katsu Seafood & Steakhouse


Sushi mania
1020 West San Marcos Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92069
United States
+1 760 744 7156
http://katsurestaurant.com
Sushi is the main attraction at this popular Japanese restaurant. Whether you feast at the prominently located sushi bar or in the main dining area, choose from a multi-page listing of sushi combinations. The menu features countless selections in each of these categories: tuna, salmon, shrimp, halibut, eel, octopus, scallop, soft-shell crab, jumbo clam and California rolls. Consider one of the rolls from any of these categories or choose a vegetarian roll, such as Avocado Sashimi.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Kiyo's


Taste Japan
531 F Street
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
+1 619 238 1726
You cannot always judge a book by its cover, but when a Japanese restaurant includes a menu in Japanese, it is a good sign that the venue will meet the expectations of its own country people as well as modified Western tastes. Handrolls, made to order, start from $3.50. Sushi Okonome is also offered. Dinner entrées include a tender, flavorful seared Beef Teriyaki, served with miso soup and rice. The restaurant offers traditional decor inside, along with a few outdoor tables, all next door to a snazzy, sophisticated cocktail bar.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Kiyo's photo by Greg Yetman
Photo: Greg Yetman
 

 
Kurando


Sushi bar and more
3815 Mission Avenue
San Diego, CA 92054
United States
+1 760 754 9343
If you enjoy premium sushi, do not miss this restaurant in North County. A friendly greeter is located at the front of the restaurant to welcome new guests. Inside the dining area, all four walls are plastered in Oriental decorations. Many guests dine at the sushi bar, located in the back corner of the restaurant. Sushi entrees are served throughout the day. Try the hometown favorite, known as the San Diego Platter. It includes 12 rolls (tuna, white fish, shrimp, octopus, salmon, egg and six California rolls).

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Mikko Japanese Restaurant


Do not miss the boat
1025 Carlsbad Village Drive
San Diego, CA 92008
United States
+1 760 730 0088
Located just one-half mile from the Pacific Ocean, this restaurant is tucked away in a series of Carlsbad specialty shops. As you peruse the menu, do not miss the boat! The Geisha Boat includes Chicken Teriyaki, Tempura California Rolls and salad. Looking for a bit smaller portions? Try some of the a la carte items, such as the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Nami


Cal-Asian cuisine
501 University Avenue
(Fifth Street and University)
San Diego, CA 92103
United States
+1 619 297 7888
Asian fusion cuisine plus sharp sushi make this restaurant popular among locals. The bright big-windowed corner location is far from intimate, but it is a great spot for some serious people watching. Almost all Asian cuisines are represented somehow in the entree items. Grilled Black Pepper-Crusted New York Steak is a highly-evolved cousin of a stir-fried Chinese pepper steak. Or try Jumbo Prawns relaxing over Thai-style noodles. The fusion is never confusion and it always results in a tasty new take on old favorites.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Nami photo by Bes Z
Photo: Bes Z
 

 
Niban


Sushi at unbeatable prices
7081 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard
(Suite 101)
San Diego, CA 92111
United States
+1 858 268 0465
If you are on a budget but craving sushi, head straight for this Japanese eatery. Order at the counter and the food is brought to your table together with a complimentary beverage with most orders. For sushi lovers, the Chef's Special Jumbo Roll and the Eel Roll are excellent as is the Sushi Bento combination. Those more inclined to turf options can find here the usual teriyaki, chicken or pork katsu, noodles and curry. Credit cards are not accepted.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Octopus Garden


Deep-sea delight
314 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
+1 619 233 1653
This elegant sushi and seafood restaurant ruled by Chef Taka offers a small sidewalk dining section that leads into a simple, sophisticated dining area including a serene sushi bar. Certainly, sushi is hard to pass up here, with a Westerner-friendly selection of hand rolls and Sashimi. Meanwhile, Pacific Rim entrées, including Filet Mignon, are prepared combining Japanese, Chinese and Western-style cooking techniques. Try Izumidai, a white sushi-quality sea bass dish, cooked with scallops in extra-virgin olive oil, offered with asparagus and served over caviar in a lemony cream sauce.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Octopus Garden photo by Michele Gu
Photo: Michele Gu
 

 
Ogata Japanese Cuisine


Casual dining along the coast
615 South Coast Highway 101
San Diego, CA 92024
United States
+1 760 753 6451
This Japanese restaurant, located just one block from the coast, is quite informal, best suited for casual family occasions, take-out or dining alone. The restaurant's decor is a flashback to the American 70s era. Wood paneling covers the walls, while booths feature gold upholstery. Chicken Teriyaki is a popular dish, served with rice, soup and salad. For a bit larger entree, try the Salmon Teriyaki Combination, including rice, salad, soup and six California Rolls. Sushi rolls are also sold on an individual basis and vegetarian dishes are available.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Onami


A buffet to boast about
240 East Via Rancho Parkway No. A1
North County Fair
San Diego, CA 92025
United States
+1 760 738 7522
http://www.o-nami.com/
This is a sushi-lovers paradise, especially if you love raw fish but lament about the small portions sometimes served in traditional bars. Here, you enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet of an incredible array of sushi offerings both tasty and pleasingly presented. Try the Tuna Rolls, California Rolls or Sashimi options. Salads are also offered, as well as a hot buffet with teriyaki dishes and fried rice.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Roppongi Restaurant, Bar and Cafe


An eclectic paradise
875 Prospect St
San Diego, CA 92037
United States
+1 858 551 5252
http://www.roppongiusa.com/mai...
This trendy spot is frequented by La Jolla locals, who rave about the atmosphere as much as the cuisine. Named after a trendy nightclub district in Tokyo, the restaurant uses the ancient art of Feng Shui to create a balanced and peaceful decor complete with a 600-gallon tropical fish tank. The Asian Tapas menu offers Indonesian Tiger Shrimp Skewers and one most unusual dish, Mongolian Shredded Duck Quesadilla, served with spicy guacamole. Seafood fanatics may enjoy the Hawaiian Mahi Mahi on Kim Chee, complete with roasted banana sauce and pineapple salsa.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Sanban


Japan in San Diego
933 Fourth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
+1 619 237 0546
Inexpensive Japanese specialties plus a Sushi Bar make up this downtown gem of a restaurant. Any order totalling more than $4.25 receives a free soft drink or other non-alcoholic beverage. Most lunch items (available all day) are about $5.95 including teriyaki dishes and other Japanese specialties. The restaurant also offers "Bento" boxes, combining items like broiled salmon, Sashimi, seafood and Shumai dumplings. The decor is bright and plain, with most of the atmosphere contributed from the busy crowd that always fills this venue. Credit cards are not accepted.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Sapporo


Authentic Japanese Cuisine
5049 Newport Avenue
San Diego, CA 92107
United States
+1 619 222 6686
For years the delicious Sapporo Japanese Restaurant has been a must-eat for sushi fans in Ocean Beach. Conveniently located on the now famous Newport Avenue drag, this friendly Japanese restaurant has some of the freshest seafood in San Diego. True sushi connoisseurs will go for the eel, octopus, or hokki clam in addition to the finer fishes such as tuna, yellowtail, or white fish. This tasty establishment also has several combination platters including cooked beef, shrimp, chicken and salmon. Noodle platters and a delicious selection of appetizers round out this fine menu, appealing to any type of eater. -Eric Fischgrund

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Shien of Osaka


Local sushi favorite
16769 Bernardo Center Drive
Suite K11
San Diego, CA 92127
United States
+1 858 451 0074
With one wall of this restaurant devoted entirely to a sushi bar, it has become a favorite sushi house to San Diego locals. Customers range in ages and occupations, yet most are regulars who frequently visit this establishment. A variety of sushi options top the menu, but other choices are available. For those not devoted to sushi, the Teriyaki Chicken and Fried Tofu are popular dishes. The more daring patrons may want to try the mushroom served with radish or vegetable tempura. The restaurant remains closed on Sundays.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Sushi Bar Nippon


For purists
532 Fourth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
+1 619 544 9779
The chefs at this venue only do sushi, and they do it well. In fact, whenever people ask where they can find the best sushi in San Diego, this restaurant, chances are, will be the first one mentioned. For 14 years, patrons have enjoyed Fresh Water Eel with Cucumber, Yellowtail, Salmon, Rich Taste Scallop, Spanish Mackerel and many other premium rolls. Only Japanese wine and beer are available and no reservations are taken.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Sushi Deli One


Serving sushi and sushi
828 Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
+1 619 231 9597
Located in downtown San Diego, this sushi bar is frequented by business people and locals. Japanese entrees, such as Sesame Chicken and Tempura, are available. Yet, the primary item on the menu is sushi. With numerous sushi combos (serving a medley of different rolls), this establishment has become a favorite among the downtown crowd.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Sushi Dokoro Shirahama


Informal sushi bar
1101 Camino Del Mar
San Diego, CA 92014
United States
+1 858 755 2969
This restaurant advertises, 'no fancy rolls,' which means basic, traditional sushi is the dominant fare here. The restaurant includes a few tiny tables, but the sushi bar monopolizes most of the space and attention. While novices are welcome at the sushi bar, most of this restaurant's patrons are experienced sushi pros. If you are a bit uneasy about sea life culinary adventures, just be sure to obtain the menu with full translation, lest you order an Anago Roll, not realizing it is an eel.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Sushi Ota


Sublime
4529 Mission Bay Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
United States
+1 858 270 5670
http://www.sushiota.com
The crowds at this Japanese sushi shop speak volumes about the quality of the fish and other Asian delicacies served up here. Look for the Omikasa Chef's Dinner Special, which changes daily but always provides good quality, quantity and value. In addition to the raw fish selections, you can also find sukiyaki, yakitori and other cooked entrees from the land of the rising sun. The service is pleasant and patient if you are a first-time sushi diner, always ready to make suggestions to assure a pleasant meal.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Sushi Ota photo by Elsie Militar
Photo: Elsie Militar
Sushi Ota photo by Tomomi Yoshida
Photo: Tomomi Yoshida
 

 
Sushi on the Rock


Innovative rolls
7734 Girard Ave
Suite A
San Diego, CA 92037
United States
+1 858 456 1138
Guests visit this restaurant to feast on innovative sushi rolls, including spicy and Southwestern combinations. The inside decor is simplistic and the service is no-frills but cheerful. In fact, most guests cast their attention to the talented sushi chefs, displaying their craft at the bar. Try one of the original sushi combinations. A tribute to the Southwest is noted in the "Barrio Roll." This roll offers tuna, cilantro and serrano chili, served with fresh salsa. Vegetarian rolls are also available.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Taka


Supreme sushi
555 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
+1 619 338 0555
http://www.takasushi.com/
This Gaslamp District favorite always draws a crowd, and you may have to wait but it is well worth it. Here you will enjoy artfully prepared offerings at modest prices. The menu features gourmet seafood, sushi and sashimi specialties. Favorite entrees include Roast Pork Chikuzen and Salmon Teriyaki, both served with rice. The fish is fresh each day. In fact, the staff recommends early reservations for guests to enjoy fish entrees before the day's fresh catch runs out.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Todai Seafood Buffet


Extraordinary selection
2828 Camino del Rio South
(Off Highway 8 at Texas Street)
San Diego, CA 92108
United States
+1 619 299 8996
http://www.todai.com
First-time visitors are awed at this expansive buffet. Customers enter through an awning that resembles a large whale swallowing them up. Once inside, the atmosphere is straight out of Tokyo: high ceilings, plain, almost industrial walls, broken occasionally only by television screens showing programs on undersea life. It can be noisy and no one comes here for slow, romantic dinners; they come to eat. A long section of the buffet is devoted to sushi, prepared by a constantly busy team of chefs located just behind the buffet.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
World Curry


Curry everyone!
1433 Garnet Avenue
San Diego, CA 92109
United States
+1 858 270 4455
http://www.worldcurry.com
Hankering for curry? Head to this gem in Pacific Beach whose unassuming facade does not begin to hint at the delectable fiery dishes that await within. The only snag comes from actually having to choose from the wide selection of Thai, Indian, Japanese, Caribbean and Singaporean curries on the menu. For the undecided, the Panang and Mussaman curries are excellent. Or better yet, bring friends and try them all. The menu is very reasonably priced, making this a tasty budget choice.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Yakitori II


Japanese culinary delights
3740 Sports Arena Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92110
United States
+1 619 223 2641
http://www.yakitori2.com
One of the first successful Japanese restaurants in San Diego, this venue has stood the test of time providing tasty, fresh Japanese food served in a serene environment. The food is admittedly catering to North American and European tastes. The signature dish is Yakitori, a Grilled Chicken in a mouth-watering sweet Teriyaki Sauce, served in various combinations. An excellent selection of super-fresh sushi at reasonable prices is also offered. The relaxing atmosphere with muted decor along with the quiet, well-trained staff lets you exhale and concentrate on the delicious food.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Yen's Wok On Pearl


A tasty dining jewel
915 Pearl St
San Diego, CA 92037
United States
+1 858 456 1414
You are in the mood for Asian food, but you cannot decide whether you favor Chinese, Japanese or Korean. Visit this popular restaurant where you can have it all. The establishment does not host one of the more memorable atmospheres among La Jolla's plethora of picturesque restaurants, but locals still flock to this spot for one reason: top-notch cuisine. From the Japanese menu, consider Zucchini Tempura or Halibut Sashimi. The Chinese menu boasts Peking Duck with 12 pancakes, offering enough fare to feed two people. Meanwhile, Bulgoki Barbecued Beef tops the Korean menu.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "San Diego - Restaurants - Japanese"
San Diego - All Restaurants
San Diego - Restaurants - All San Diego
San Diego - Restaurants - Balboa Park
San Diego - Restaurants - Business District
San Diego - Restaurants - Carlsbad
San Diego - Restaurants - Coronado Island
San Diego - Restaurants - Del Mar
San Diego - Restaurants - Downtown San Diego
San Diego - Restaurants - Encinitas
San Diego - Restaurants - Fleetridge
San Diego - Restaurants - Hillcrest
San Diego - Restaurants - La Jolla
San Diego - Restaurants - La Playa
San Diego - Restaurants - Loma Portal
San Diego - Restaurants - Midtown
San Diego - Restaurants - Midway
San Diego - Restaurants - Mission Bay
San Diego - Restaurants - Mission Beach
San Diego - Restaurants - Mission Hills
San Diego - Restaurants - Mission Valley
San Diego - Restaurants - Ocean Beach
San Diego - Restaurants - Oceanside
San Diego - Restaurants - Old Town
San Diego - Restaurants - Out & About
San Diego - Restaurants - Pacific Beach
San Diego - Restaurants - Peninsula
San Diego - Restaurants - Roseville
San Diego - Restaurants - Shoreline
San Diego - Restaurants - Solana Beach
San Diego - Restaurants - The Village
San Diego - Restaurants - University Heights
San Diego - Restaurants - Uptown
San Diego - Restaurants - Afghan
San Diego - Restaurants - African
San Diego - Restaurants - American
San Diego - Restaurants - Australian
San Diego - Restaurants - Belgian
San Diego - Restaurants - British & Irish
San Diego - Restaurants - Caribbean
San Diego - Restaurants - Central European
San Diego - Restaurants - Chinese
San Diego - Restaurants - East European
San Diego - Restaurants - French
San Diego - Restaurants - German & Austrian
San Diego - Restaurants - Greek
San Diego - Restaurants - Indian
San Diego - Restaurants - Indonesian
San Diego - Restaurants - Italian
San Diego - Restaurants - Korean
San Diego - Restaurants - Malaysian
San Diego - Restaurants - Mediterranean
San Diego - Restaurants - Mexican
San Diego - Restaurants - Middle Eastern
San Diego - Restaurants - Pacific Rim
San Diego - Restaurants - Portuguese
San Diego - Restaurants - Scandinavian
San Diego - Restaurants - South American
San Diego - Restaurants - Spanish
San Diego - Restaurants - Thai
San Diego - Restaurants - Turkish
San Diego - Restaurants - Vietnamese
San Diego - Restaurants - Bistros & Brasseries
San Diego - Restaurants - Breakfast & Brunch
San Diego - Restaurants - Buffet
San Diego - Cafés
San Diego - Coffee Shops
San Diego - Restaurants - Contemporary
San Diego - Restaurants - Créperies
San Diego - Restaurants - Delis & Diners
San Diego - Restaurants - Fish & Seafood
San Diego - Ice Cream Parlors
San Diego - Juice Bars
San Diego - Local Traditional Cuisine
San Diego - Pizzeria
San Diego - Soup Bars
San Diego - Restaurants - Steak & Barbecue
San Diego - Restaurants - Tapas
San Diego - Tavernas
San Diego - Tea Shops
San Diego - Restaurants - Asian
San Diego - Restaurants - Alfresco
San Diego - Restaurants - Business
San Diego - Restaurants - Dine with a View
San Diego - Restaurants - Romantic
San Diego - Restaurants - Child Friendly
San Diego - Restaurants - Just for One
San Diego - Restaurants - Kosher
San Diego - Restaurants - Late/24-Hour
San Diego - Restaurants - Organic
San Diego - Restaurants - Theme
San Diego - Restaurants - Vegetarian

Other nearby cities:
Los Angeles (160 miles)
Las Vegas (398 miles)
Phoenix (462 miles)
Yosemite (574 miles)
Tucson (575 miles)
Monterey and Carmel (604 miles)
San Jose and Silicon Valley (670 miles)
San Francisco (718 miles)
Berkeley (725 miles)
Lake Tahoe (734 miles)

Schmap.com
About
News & Reviews
Travel Store
Privacy
Terms of Use
Contact Us
© 2008 Schmap, Inc. All rights reserved.