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Top Ten San Diego Sushi Restaurants

Published : 1/18/2007 by Lauren Brunelle


Good sushi is hard to come by in most cities across the U.S., particularly for those living in towns hundreds of miles from any major waterway. But lucky for us, San Diego is home to several sushi hotspots where the sake always flows and the rolls are never too fishy.  


Whether you're in the mood for cold sake to sip on between bites of sashimi or you're ready for themed rolls of all kinds, beer included, San Diego sushi restaurants have a little something for everyone, and rarely disappoint. Need help sorting the good from the better? No worries, we've narrowed the pickings down to a delicious list that will satisfy all soy sauce and wasabi combo cravin' kids in the crowd.


From continued Harney Sushi edge to NOBU excellence and Yu Me Ya sake curiosity, discover the top ten San Diego sushi restaurants.


Harney Sushi
This Old Town favorite recently opened a new location in Oceanside for those in North County in need of a Dank Roll, minus the drive. 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.


NOBU
This world renowned restaurant known for the best that sushi has to offer, with an even hotter clientele, recently opened at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. Since its opening locals have been flocking to this much talked about sushi haven, and according to the masses, it hasn't disappointed. Try a NOBU specialty dish like the Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño to start the night out with a bang. And, make sure your wallet is prepared to pay the price for excellence. A second NOBU is also located in Solana Beach.


Ra Sushi
When San Diegans are planning a night at the Gaslamp clubs, Ra is the perfect place to get the party started. The food at Ra is always fresh, with a unique twist, the mood is upbeat and the environment is nothing less than lively.


Zen 5
Be prepared to kick back and relax at this laid back Pacific Beach sushi joint. A meal with friends while listening to reggae favorites is the best way to end a long day at the beach. Try their new Tropical Roll equipped with salmon and mango to solidify this island experience.


Café Japengo
Located in UTC La Jolla, Café Japengo has been consistently recognized for its astounding sushi bar and Asian fusion inspired menu. Dress to impress at this classy restaurant and show off your adventurous side to that special someone by ordering the Tootsie Roll followed by the Chocolate Lava Cake.


Sushi Delis
The San Diego Sushi Delis throughout the county have gained quite a reputation for cheap rolls and cheaper drink specials. From Hillcrest Sushi Deli 1 to Gaslamp Sushi Deli 2, each spot proves to be the perfect fix when you're on a tight budget and in need of a sake bomb, or five. But don't be fooled, there's nothing "cheap" about the quality of the food at this restaurant chain.


Ono Sushi
At Ono Sushi in Hillcrest, those in need of a fish fix can expect only the freshest the Pacific has to offer. No matter what the day of the week, the food at Ono will be as dependable and delightful as its charming sushi chefs.


Sushi on the Rock
Sushi on the Rock offers a one of a kind dining experience for locals and tourists at both locations in La Jolla. Catch Happy Hour specials everyday and enjoy a Sweet Thing or Bruce Lee roll, washed down by some Sapporo.


Yu Me Ya Sake House
Yu Me Ya is a hidden gem that is bound to surprise customers with its authentic dining area and selection of hot and cold Japanese appetizers. There may not be a wide variety of specialty rolls at Yu Me Ya, but true sushi lovers will appreciate the basic tapas style menu and fresh delicacies. Come to the Sake House with friends to munch on shared tapas while being educated on their different sakes at a decent price.


Masuo's
Looking for a casual dining experience with a charming atmosphere? Masuo's in Solana Beach is the place for you. The service at this quaint sushi restaurant is always friendly and the menu a little of everything, to make for a guaranteed good meal with family or friends.

 

After reviewing our list of the best sushi restaurants in San Diego, check out our complete list of San Diego sushi restaurants.


Did we miss one? Leave a comment below to share your favorite San Diego sushi spot with us.


Every sushi lover MUST try Zen5

Zen 5 is my all-time favorite sushi restaurant in San Diego. Now that I live in PB, I go way more often, which is great. Their speciality rolls are huge and are actually unique- not just the typical 'speciality' rolls. But the best part of Zen5 is the music.. I am a huge reggae fan, and this place plays the best reggae. I'm talkin Barrington, Sister Nancy, Don Carlos, Damien etc. Not just the typical Bob Marley mix (no offense Bob). Go to Zen 5 ready to party.. this place is always packed with a energetic crowed taking down saki bombs like it's their job..

Erin on 4/10/2007 11:58:05 AM

sushi deli = yummers

I LOVE sushi deli!! so cheap and so, so good! cool tip: if you go at lunch, there's no wait. sweet!

kris on 4/20/2007 2:44:45 PM

Got Wasabi?

Sushi Deli is great on all acounts EXCEPT the wasabi.. I mean common man, the soy sauce has more spice. heat-it-uppppp.

wasabifanatic on 4/27/2007 9:34:08 AM

Ra Is Da Bomb

If for nothing else, go there for happy hour! Cheap beer and great pot stickers at a discounted price means another round is always just around the corner. You can't beat their clientele of trendy chop stickers and smiling faces, either.

Chris on 6/18/2007 3:33:13 PM

tadashi is a godsend for big stomachs

you guys should really consider sushi ota if youre in pb. i can't believe that's not on this list of top ten sushi restaurants!! :( not cheap, but just by the amount of japanese businessmen going in and out at all hours it's open you know it must be good!! that being said...tadashi sushi has such great deals. the all you can eat is especially worth it if you go with a bunch of starving guys haha

lorie p on 7/12/2007 2:20:35 PM

TOKYO SUSHI

This list definitely needs to acknowledge Tokyo Sushi by SDSU. Its a small joint with great music and DELICIOUS sushi. I'm a fan of a lot of the restaurants listed, but TOKYO is probably top 3 for me. GREAT prices too!

Jess on 9/10/2008 3:39:45 PM

Zensei and Edamame

Zensei Sushi in Northpark is by far one of the top 5 in San Diego. Sushi on the Rock is very expensive and not good sushi, just a good seafood restaurant as their sushi menu is limited. Edamame in South Del Mar is a very good restaurant and should be on this list.

Brent on 12/1/2008 1:32:50 PM

STATION SUSHI - BIRDROCK or SOLANA BEACH

If you are looking for some of the greatest affordable sushi in San Diego, you should head to Station Sushi. They have two locations one in Bird Rock and the other in Solana Beach. I've been going to station for years and they NEVER disappoint. I love going to Sushi on the Rock and RA if I'm looking for more of a special occasion where I'm willing to pay more, but for my weekly fix, with its moderate pricing and large rolls, Station is hands down my favorite. Its not as cheap as say, Tokyo House in Pacific Beach or some of the other smaller sushi joints, but its not as pricey as RA. Try it out for yourself sometime. The fish is very fresh and everyone who works there is super friendly! They have a ton of different rolls.

i love sushi on 6/18/2009 2:13:29 PM

Sushi Deli.....DEATH!

About two years ago my girlfriend and I ate at Sushi Deli in Hillcrest. We had been there before and would go to Ichiban for happy hour on the other side of Hillcrest once or twice a week. While there that one night I saw a friend picking up a to-go order for her and her boyfriend. 24 hours later I died. I won't go into specifics, but let's just say I lost 15 pounds over that weekend. I was bed ridden for 18 hours. My girlfriend puked all night, my friend got sick, and her boyfriend (no lie) had to go to urgent care. It was so bad. I swore off cheap sushi at that point. You get what you pay for, and if it's cheap sushi, best of luck.

Ben V. on 6/23/2009 6:21:10 PM

SUSHI DELI

I think that other guy just couldn't handle real Sushi and was used to paying loads for one bite of sushi at Ichban. Or maybe next time dont drag home fresh fish and let it go bad. ;) I go to the Sushi Deli 1 in Hillcrest and Sushi Deli 2 downtown alllll the time (4+ times a month) and I have NEVER gotten sick. Sometimes ( like weekends at dinnertime) the wait is about 15-30 mins....but if you have the time to wait take a stroll with firends and whatnot, since they're both good locations for strolling, or sit at the bar and wait it's totally worth it. The food is great and affordable. Service is always good.

Summer on 7/15/2009 6:04:11 PM

Harney's is amazing

Sooo good, but a little pricier then the rest which is why I dont go all the time. Try the tempura scallop roll...it melts in your mouth and is my favorite. The atmosphere is so fun too.

Summer on 7/15/2009 6:06:02 PM

Chiba Sushi

I think San Diego's best sushi place is Chiba Sushi. Always fresh and so delicious and guess what sooo cheap. This place is kinda small and always crowded. If you are looking for a good sushi with pricless you should go there and one more thing, chicken terriyaki is so delicious and just $5,95.

Ece on 7/21/2009 1:00:54 PM

Sushi Deli 3

Went to sushi deli 3. After waiting for over an hour (hostess told us 40 minutes) we finally get seated. Inside was so loud you had to yell to have any sort of conversation. Prices are awesome. Miso soup was "warm" at best. Sushi was edible, but nowhere near great. Other food was good. I doubt I would return with so many other options.

kierstin on 10/10/2009 12:47:56 AM

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