If I had to eat one thing for the remainder of my days here on earth, no questions asked, it would most definitely be sushi.
It’s safe to say that in my entire lifetime I’ve consumed enough ginger and yellowtail to feed a small family of 12. Ok, that’s a boldface lie. It’s more like a family of 15.
Whether you're a novice or an expert in the world of raw fish, you probably have a certain San Diego sushi restaurant you stick to. But it’s time to broaden your horizons because San Diego sushi chefs have introduced our palates to inventive creations that put the customary Cali Roll to shame. Think creamy ginger (mmmmm, ginger!) teriyaki dressing, Cajun seared tuna, avocado salsa, and cucumber and pineapple-jalapeno emulsion. Um, yes please!
From Zenbu Sushi in Cardiff and Hive Sushi in East Village to Harney Sushi in Old Town and Ono Sushi in Hillcrest, it’s time to pass the wasabi and massive bowl of ginger and discover the top ten San Diego sushi restaurants.
Harney Sushi in Old Town
Best known for their inventive sushi served with a “funk shui” party atmosphere, Harney Sushi is a place where experimentation mixes with celebration to create the ultimate dining experience. The environment at Harney Sushi is as inviting and hip as its service and nothing beats sushi dining while listening to a DJ spin old tunes and new grooves. Dine on customer-created specialty rolls such as the Guns N Rolls made with tempura asparagus, spicy tuna and avocado, topped with tuna, yellowtail, ‘welcome to the jungle’ salsa, tobiko, micro greens, togarashi, and rayu; the Mike Check made with grilled lobster, kani kama, cilantro and cucumber topped with salmon, yellowtail, avocado salsa, shiso wrapped in rice paper and served with sweet citrus chili dipping sauce; and the Hope made with shrimp tempura, spicy crab and avocado topped with Cajun seared tuna, micro Asian greens and wasabi citrus aioli.
Sushi News: Harney Sushi is one of the newest restaurants in the country to jump on board with a sustainable seafood menu. They have committed to cleansing their menu of harmful ingredients that put our ocean in danger. Instead, they’re making seafood that matters, benefiting both the ecosystem and our health. Harney Sushi is the first sustainable sushi restaurant in San Diego to make this move and only one of a handful in the nation.
Zenbu Sushi in Cardiff
With its lavish atmosphere and one-of-a-kind sushi bar, Zenbu (meaning “all” in Japanese) offers San Diego locals superlative Asian cuisine that rolls oceanic and environmental sustainability into one. On the appetizer menu, diners will find many traditional and non-traditional selections such as Sesame Tuna Tataki and Vintage Prime Sirloin cooked tableside over hot volcanic rock. Sushi lovers will fawn over the vast scope of flavorful rolls such as the Pill Box made with spicy crab and avocado topped with tuna and shrimp pressed in a traditional Battera box and finished with black tobiko and gold flake with a drizzle of ponzu; and the Salbacore made with spicy crab, fresh asparagus, Asian pear, cucumber, daikon sprouts, topped with seared albacore and avocado then finished with a dot of siracha, Asian vinaigrette and orange zest.
Hive Sushi in East Village
Encased in luminous, orange walls with an inviting sushi bar and petite four top tables set beneath a black staircase, the dimly-lit sushi lounge brings a sultry New York-esque ambiance to our otherwise sunny-dispositioned San Diego. Hive boasts an ample menu of delicious sashimi, nigiri, nectar style sashimi, regular rolls and house special rolls. We can’t get enough of the Crazy Czech Roll made with spicy tuna, scallops, cucumber, avocado, topped with fresh salmon slices and bonito shavings then drizzled with siracha aioli; the Cabo Roll complete with yellowtail, lime, cilantro, Serrano chilles and green onions; the Nectar Roll made with grilled shrimp, mango and cucumber topped with salmon, ponzu, tobico and green onions; and the Knotty Roll made with spicy tuna, cucumber and shrimp tempura topped with avocado, seared tuna, wasabi aioli, green onions and garlic ponzu.
Ono Sushi in Hillcrest
San Diego locals swear by this casual-cool Hillcrest sushi restaurant, and it’s easy to understand why. At Ono Sushi, those in need of a fish fix can expect only the freshest the Pacific has to offer. Start your meal off with the Crab & Cream Cheese Wontons served with sweet chili sauce; the Spicy Oyster Shooters made with pepper vodka and assorted roe; or the Green Mussel Dynamite, a savory dish made with mussels baked in garlic sauce. After you polish off your appetizer, grab your soy sauce and wasabi and prepare to indulge in refreshingly delicious selections such as the Smokin’ Roll made with smoked salmon, cream cheese, spicy mustard and daikon sprouts; the Volcano Roll made with crab, smoked salmon, shiromi and shrimp then topped and baked with special sauce; and the Boom Boom Roll made with yellowtail, tuna and spicy sauce.
Mizu Sushi in Misison Beach
Located right across from Belmont Park with sparkling views of Mission Bay, Mizu Sushi is easily one of the best kept sushi secrets in all of San Diego. Mizu’s menu offers a variety of fresh and flavorful choices to please fish lovers and vegetarians including soups, salads, appetizers, nigiri, sashimi, and specialty rolls. Try the Temptation Roll, mae with shrimp tempura and topped with fresh water eel, salmon, yellowtail, tuna and albacore; the simple, crisp and tangy Mission Bay Roll, made with spicy tuna and topped with salmon and fresh lemon slices; or the refreshing Adrian Roll, made with spicy tuna and topped with snappe, salmon, tuna, yellowtail and shrimp.
The Dragon’s Den in East Village
The newest foodie hot spot to grace East Village, The Dragon’s Den brings an all-new and highly anticipated niche experience to downtown San Diego’s bustling nightlife. A sexy and seductive Asian-inspired bar and restaurant, this hip and healthy restaurant serves up a unique selection of flavorful family-style dishes and authentic Japanese-style sushi. We can’t get enough of the rockin’ appetizers such as the Flaming Dragon Lips made with baked green mussels, spicy mayo and eel sauce; and the flavorful Dragon Balls, panko-crusted stuffed mushrooms with spicy mayo. When you’re ready for the main feast, nosh on our favorite sushi signature, The Dragon Roll, made with shrimp tempura, kanikama, cucumber, avocado and high quality eel. (pictured main)
Roppongi Restaurant + Sushi Bar in La Jolla
Serving up a eclectic fusion of Asian seafood, meat, and poultry in an exotic ambiance with a touch of Far East flair, this go-to La Jolla restaurant and sushi bar is guaranteed to satiate your craving for high style. Roppongi’s savory Maki sushi rolls are all fresh made to order and are sure to take diners on an adventure of the senses. We can’t get enough of the sweet La Jolla Sunset Roll made with spicy Dungeness crab, salmon, avocado, Meyer lemon, honey-miso glaze and raspberry coulis; the melt-in-your-mouth Kobe Roll made with lobster, crab, asparagus, seared Kobe beef, hoisin, honey barbeque, white truffle aioli and thai basil; and the all new island-inspired Hirame Pineapple Roll made with Japanese halibut, spicy crab, avocado, cucumber, and pineapple-jalapeno emulsion.
RA Sushi in Downtown
Best known for successfully combining distinctive sushi with a trendy, hip atmosphere, RA Sushi in downtown San Diego is ruling proof that sushi is the hippest dish in town. For years, RA’s trendy ambiance and palatable dinner menu has consistently kept diners coming back for more. Sushi lovers will rejoice over the tasty selection of tropically-inspired rolls including the flavorfully-intense “RA”ckin’ Roll made with kani kama crab and cream cheese rolled in rice and seaweed, lightly tempura battered and topped with guacamole and "RA"ckin' Shrimp, finished with a creamy ginger teriyaki sauce, red beet tempura bits and togarashi; or the Pacific Roll, made with a spicy mix of albacore tuna, cilantro, jalapeño and cucumber, rolled and topped with fresh avocado and mango salsa; finished with red beet tempura bits and sautéed cashew nuts.
Sabuku Sushi in Normal Heights
Just because you’re hungry for a sushi roll doesn’t mean you’re restricted to just rice and seafood. This Normal Heights sushi joint features an extensive menu of eclectic ingredients not typically used at traditional sushi restaurants. At Sabuku, you’ll find fan favorites such as the Chicken Teriyaki Roll made with Chicken Teriyaki, Red Onion, and Pineapple on the inside, and Sweet Mandarin Sauce and Spicy Ginger Aoli on the outside; the Bacon & Scallop Roll packs in the Bacon with Pan Seared Scallops and Red Onion, Sweet Mandarin Sauce and Spicy Ginger Aoli. Or try the Kaboom Roll, filled on the inside with Seared Filet Mignon, Chicken Teriyaki, Grilled Red Onion and Zucchini, with Glazed Shrimp on the outside and topped off with Sweet Mandarin Sauce. Not to fret if you’ve got a hankering for some of the basic sushi tastes. Common hand rolls can also be found at Sabuku, including Spicy Tuna Rolls, California Rolls, and Spicy Crab Rolls.
NOBU in Gaslamp
Nestled in the perennially hip and centrally located Hard Rock Hotel, NOBU is best known for its award-winning dishes, impeccable service and ambiance that is sophisticated yet lively. Since its opening in 2007, local sushi fanatics have been flocking to this revered restaurant to dine on Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s innovative culinary creations. Indulge in cold dishes such as the Nobu Style Sashimi Tacos made with choice or yellowfin tuna or salmon; the Octopus Capaccio with jalapeno dressing; or the Tasmanian Trout Sashimi with dried miso. If you crave fresh fish, NOBU serves up rare pieces of sashimi including Japanese Red Snapper, Bluefin Toro, Live Fluke, Baby Abalone, and Live Octopus. Hand and Cut rolls include classic selections such as Yellowfin and Bluefin Toro topped with scallions; the Asparagus Yellowfin Tuna; and the Salmon Avocado roll.
Did we miss one? Leave a comment below to share your favorite San Diego sushi spot with us.
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