Sushi Deli
The only downtown sushi I ever need:
Synopsis
The food is great, the prices are low, and the place is packed with funky local flavor. You can get sushi, noodles, tempura and the other usual Japanese suspects here. Sapporo is sold by the pint or the pitcher. There's usually a short wait on the sidewalk before you can get in, but you can always do the take-out thing.
Data
Sushi Deli • 828 Broadway • San Diego, CA 92101 • map
(619) 231-9597
Neighborhood: East Village
Dress code: ironic t-shirts
Hours:
lunch hours: available, but unknown to me right now
Sunday - Thursday: 5pm - 9pm
Friday - Saturday: 5pm - 10pm
Comments
85¢ for a bowl of Miso Soup with tempura crunchies? Are you kidding me? This is, by far and away, the single best deal on anything served at a restaurant in San Diego. Across the board, the prices here are low, the food is outstanding, the clientele is loyal, and the tables are full.
The small, shared, sweet complimentary noodle salad they serve always whets my appetite like it has never been whet before. I do not know of another place that allows customers to order single pieces of nigiri, and a mere 50¢ will get you fried tofu nigiri.
The spicy crab handroll is the best thing on the menu, and it could be the best handroll I have ever had anywhere, at any price. The Keith's Special Roll is consistently good, and I'm always a sucker for their tempura vegetables.
They really know how to pack them in at Sushi Deli, as the tables and small sushi bar are cramped. Odds are pretty good that you will be sitting fewer than twelve inches from a complete stranger, but it is probable they will be an interesting stranger.
This wouldn't be complete without a nod to Sushi Deli 2, which is a few blocks away on Broadway. Same menu, but for some reason, the atmosphere is not as enjoyable.
MenuLinks
Synopsis
The food is great, the prices are low, and the place is packed with funky local flavor. You can get sushi, noodles, tempura and the other usual Japanese suspects here. Sapporo is sold by the pint or the pitcher. There's usually a short wait on the sidewalk before you can get in, but you can always do the take-out thing.
Data
Sushi Deli • 828 Broadway • San Diego, CA 92101 • map
(619) 231-9597
Neighborhood: East Village
Dress code: ironic t-shirts
Hours:
lunch hours: available, but unknown to me right now
Sunday - Thursday: 5pm - 9pm
Friday - Saturday: 5pm - 10pm
Comments
85¢ for a bowl of Miso Soup with tempura crunchies? Are you kidding me? This is, by far and away, the single best deal on anything served at a restaurant in San Diego. Across the board, the prices here are low, the food is outstanding, the clientele is loyal, and the tables are full.
The small, shared, sweet complimentary noodle salad they serve always whets my appetite like it has never been whet before. I do not know of another place that allows customers to order single pieces of nigiri, and a mere 50¢ will get you fried tofu nigiri.
The spicy crab handroll is the best thing on the menu, and it could be the best handroll I have ever had anywhere, at any price. The Keith's Special Roll is consistently good, and I'm always a sucker for their tempura vegetables.
They really know how to pack them in at Sushi Deli, as the tables and small sushi bar are cramped. Odds are pretty good that you will be sitting fewer than twelve inches from a complete stranger, but it is probable they will be an interesting stranger.
This wouldn't be complete without a nod to Sushi Deli 2, which is a few blocks away on Broadway. Same menu, but for some reason, the atmosphere is not as enjoyable.
MenuLinks
If you know of anything else that belongs here, let me know. I just might add it.
posted by Doug Gates at 10:50 PM
92 Comments:
hahs, it's cheap in american dollars. but if you try converting to singapore dollars, it'd only be borderline. and to me the reason of cheap miso and toufu - the ingredients don't cost much in fact. :) but japanese food is superb-ly tasty. and nice layout of the sushi deli.
Four people, 13 rolls, 2 beers, $80 including tip
Does anyone know of a naked sushi
caterer in san diego?
So sorry, the rice in this cheapo palace is just not the right stuff. If you like fake tourist sushi...with more types of rolls than a bakery this is the place for you. Sandy eggo loves their rolls and this place delivers with so many hybrids the unknowing would be impressed.
Hey, let's try to keep it positive in the comments. Don't be a hater.
No. Keep it real. That is why people read
Doug,
Have you been to Ichiban in Hillcrest? They serve $1 Nori rolls from 3 to 7 pm on weekdays (pretty good too), though I have yet to try the weekend $1 nigiri deal. How do they compare?
Joseph--
I'm a HUGE fan of Ichiban. I walked into the place by accident a few years ago, and I've been a loyal customer ever since. Ichiban is in the same class as Sushi Deli-- good, cheapish Japanese food. Their sushi selection is limited, but you're right... if you catch them during happy hour, you can eat like a king. I'm much more impressed with their noodle selection. Try the Stamina Noodles.
Hello everyone... I just wanted to let the readers know that Todai (although $25.00 per person) is the largest SUSHI BUFFET in the world. They serve everything from salad to lobster to fine french desserts... and did I mention that they are an all you can eat buffet ? Sorry Doug... nothing can beat that :-)
For all of the advanced SUSHI eaters who really know their stuff... Todai serves Ikura & Uni which most restaurants always seem to run out of... So come on down to Todai where your favorite Nigri and Maki rolls can be found... Among dozens of Sashimi choices you won't want to go home !!!
After the previous two posts, it's smelling like my first comment spam around here. I guess I should be honored.
I've never heard of Todai.
I think that Onami in Mission Valley mall is better than Todai... They have awesome green tea ice cream too...
if you like express & good value, Sushi Hut at 8058 Clairemont Mesa Blvd is a the best express sushi in San Diego. (858) 874-5803, try their Lava Roll!!!
just caught your blog while google searching for my new favorite sushi place. it's called 'zensei sushi' in north park.
it is on the expensive side but well worth every penny.
the northern lights (make sure you make it spicy) is my favorite.
the address is
3396 30th St.
San Diego, CA 92104
don't get me wrong, when friends visit i am all about sushi deli. but, when it is just me and my husband zensei is perfect. plus they hang community artwork... gotta dig that.
For the discriminating sushi eater, Sushi Ota in Pacific Beach has no second. Track record, fine sushi, experienced chefs, longevity, it's all there.
Doug,
Samauri in Solana Beach is very good sushi. Great after a day at the Del Mar races.
Anybody ever try "Shien of Osaka" in Rancho Bernardo?
Don't bother with "Shien", it's overpriced and tastes horrible. Try Sushiya on Rancho Penasquitos Blvd. Take the 15 to ted williams and go west one exit to rancho penasquitos, head straight and turn right into the shoping center, you'll see a blockbuster and car wash. sushiya has great sushi for a low, low price. great deal.
The best places to get sushi in San Diego is Sushi Ota in PB and Oki Ton in Mission Valley. The best inexpensive sushi is Toro Sushi on Mission Gorge drive. At Toro they serve whopper slices of Maguro and Bluefin for $4.50 nigiri orders. However, true connoisseurs of sushi will know that the Thousand Cranes sushi bar at the New Otani Hotel & Garden in Los Angeles is the ultimate place to get sushi 'cause there you can get fugu during the winter months for $120.00 a serving.
Sushi Deli is definetely my favorite restaurant in San Diego, especially for atmosphere and price. Other notable mentions would be Sushi Ota, Surfside, Mizu and thats about it, for all you going to ichiban for their cheap sushi I don't know how you do it cause I think their fish tastes like crap. All their cooked meals are pretty decent though
Last night I ate at Shirahama on Convoy street. This place is the real deal. Chef Koji doesn't fool around with fake sushi like tempura rolls or rolls containing cream cheese! Rumor has it that if you attempt to order a Philadelphia roll you will be shown to the door. The Saba (Mackerel) Aji (Spanish Mackerel) and Sardine were EXCELLENT and SUPER FRESH! If you're hardcore, try the Conch Sashimi - it looks like escargot. Several customers were ordering this, but it looked to gnarly for me. I did try the abalone nigiri which was a bit chewey but tasted great.
I didn't see anybody mention Kabuki Sushi in PB on Garnet.
The sushi is great and affordable, the atmosphere is pretty cool, the sushi bar is in an oval and there is a moat that goes around it with a huge variety of sushi, the sushi chefs are in the middle and if you don't see what you wnat on the sushi boats you just ask and they will make you whatever you would like.
YOSHI SUSHI ON MIRA MESA BLVD IS THE BOMB! New owners have definitely improved the menu and did a staff overhaul. The new crew are spirited--especially the pretty, new asian head waitress Rosa (ask 4 her--she has a supermagnetic personality)--and can guide the unknowing to great selections from their extensive menu.
Didn't se any comments about Sushi on the Rocks in La Jolla and Encinitas!!!! I guess no one has really eaten the best sushi until you try either of these locations. Nothing fake...try the Don Roll or the Frank Roll...the best ever! A little on the pricy side but you'll just want to go back for more.
Hey all you sushi fans. Here is the breakdown. I know it sounds crazey but Reno, Nevada has the best sushi I have ever had. I lived in Lake Tahoe before moving to San diego. Reno is all about the "all you can eat" sushi. Sounds nasty, but let me tell you. Sushi Pier
charges you $18.00 dollars to sit at the bar as long as you would like and a sushi chef rolls you fresh sushi to order. It is fantastic. If your ever in the area check it out. There are some others, but none as good as Sushi Pier. As for San Diego I have a good fish at Harney Sushi in old town, Ono
Sushi in Hillcrest is good but spendy.
Sensi sushi in North Park is good too. I'm looking foward to tring Sushi Ota I here is is very traditional. Any ine been to Cafe Japango in La jolla? Any good let me know.
HAVE YOU EVER TRY CALIFORNIA SUSHI BAR IN DOWNTOWN CHULA VISTA. IT'S THE GREATEST ONE IN SOUTH BAY AREA. GO RIGHT AHEAH AND TRY IT AND SEE FOR YOURSELF. TRY THE JALAPENO ROLL, LEMON ROLL, TACO MEXICANO ROLL!!!!!!!
I agree on California Sushi Bar, Chula Vista as best in South Bay. Besides the Jalapeño Roll, I like to finish with a Bakersfield roll, a very unique sweet roll with plantain. I haven't seen anyone mention Mr. Sushi in PB, in my opinion the best sushi of all, especially if you order outside the menu you'll get some of Chef (owner) Tony's amazing creations.
Sushi USA is AMAZING and a bang for the buck. The rolls are in no way skimpy and they are served with a generous portion of sashimi. Try it... enjoy and I hear the comments on Sushiya in Ranch Peniquisto and agree!
Surfside and Sushi Ota are the best in town. I only go to places with Aji and Toro (Ota has Chu toro and O toro). It really makes me upset that Cafe Japengo always wins best Japanese.
KANPAI IN CHULA VISTA IS THE BEST DOWN HERE!!!!!!!!!!! ITS SUSHI NOT JALAPENO ROLLS! JUST BUY TACOS FOR THAT MATTER
Zen Cafe In On Broadway is probably the best sushi in San Diego, it's only open on Friday and Saturday, so the fish is always fresh. Luv it...... it's a must try!!!!!!!
Not only is Sushiya in Penasquitos awesome, but most of the sushi & roll menu is 50% off ALL THE TIME!!! El Fuego and Snowball can't be beat, and it's always so busy that everything's fresh. Great food, great deal, friendly service, contemporary atmosphere. Beware: Closed on Sundays :(
Sushi Deli is one of the worst sushi places in SD !! The rice is terible, the fish is not fresh, heck for the quality of Sushi Deli food go to your local 7-11 store !! Now, for excellent sushi there's California Sushi in South Bay, Kazumi's in Hillcrest ( the BEST sashimi in town) and UMI sushi in Point Loma.
Thanks for the blog. I'm down in San Diego helping my mom and needed some Sushi to go. Went to California Sushi in Chula Vista. I would rate it with a B- to C+. Atmosphere D+. Maybe it was because it was a Monday. I ordered a San Diego roll and some Hamachi and Salmon Nigri. The order came up and was placed in the back for 10 minutes before they discovered it and delivered it to me. Paper thin slices of fish. The Hamachi was not particularly fresh. The Salmon was good but quite thin also. The roll was OK. One note - I don't understand Sushi bars that give their take out patrons the Taiwanese Kim Lim soy sauce with sushi. It's just wrong. Chinese Soy sauce is much stronger that the Japanese variety. Sorry for the Rant. Try Mikuni’s in Sacramento for a real Sushi experience with Japanese roots.
Try Sushi Time in Lemon Grove. It's probably better than what I've tasted in Downtown San Diego or anywhere so far. If you're looking for it the address is:
6950 federal Blvd.
Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Tel (619) 589-1750
I am absolutely in love with their Red Dragon roll.
Sushi Deli is a place you go for the fun atmosphere, not for the food. Like others have said, it's in the same league as Ichiban / Niban. Cheap food, but then you're truly getting what you pay for.
I really like Surfside Sushi on PB. I'd say half the clientele on any given night is Japanese, and they have many interesting seafood dishes in addition to the sushi. It's helpful to bring someone along who reads Japanese as their daily special menu is not available in English.
Check out 'Yummy Maki Yummy Box' (not sure of that spelling ;) ) in La Jolla, across from UCSD. Great red dragon roll and the best prices I've seen in this town.
Ota used to be #1
Try Toshi, same guy.
this place is in north county, but it is awesome. some of the freshest sushi and sashimi i have ever had. its called 'kaito restaurant', and it is in encinitas. place rocks. thanks...
toshi is really the same guy as at ota? ive been meaning to try it, now i definitely will. as for sushi i have and alsways will love sushi but since i went to vancouver to visit my dad ive been disappointed with all of our hometown san diego sushi...you hae no idea how great sushi can be. because about 50% of vancouvers pop is asian (most of whom are japanese) and because of the similar climate to a lot of japan the fish and sushi are great. but anyway down here (where i have lived and eaten my whole life) this is it: i need to get more familiar with the convoy area which has the most authentic asian foods but outside of there: ota is the best taste, quality, tradition. ono is the best for quality sushi when you want to have fun too. zenbu is the best for california/trendy sush cause the fish is really fresh and tasty but theres nothing traditional about it. sushi usa rocks for pretty traditional rolls (not too ricey!) and ichiban and chiba are the best for cheap but good sushi. any place that is all you can eat or buffet in san diego is trash.
For sushi in the south bay.....hmmmmm, Yokozuna's Sushi Bar & Islander Grill is by far the best in Chula Vista (Eastlake area). Very good sushi from traditional to "gourmet" to very very spicy rolls. I've been going there for 4 years and never had a bad experience....always left there with a smile....ohh they catered my last two superbowl parties, they were a hit!!! They bring the sushi set up and including a sushi case. Highly recomended.
To be totally honest with you, ONO SUSHI in Hillcrest is absolutely amazing!!! Way better than any other in the area. The Triple Fantasy Roll will take you to another universe...and Steve, the sushi chef can make you anything and personalize it however you want!
It sounds like some of these posts are from the owners/staff of the places! It reminds me of a Chinese restaurant in Portland, Oregon with this on the big sign out front: "Highly Recommended By Owner!"
Just in case any of you wander up to the Temecula area (where I lived in 2005), try Love Boat Sushi. It's right by the Temecula Mall on Winchester Rd. The sushi is great, and the sushi chefs are really funny and usually drunk.
Oh yeah, I forgot one thing. Last night I was at Roy's in La Jolla and I got a crab california roll for an appetizer and it was AMAZING. That was the best sushi I've ever eaten. So, if anyone's had Sushi at Roy's and knows of a place with sushi that's fresher and better, please post!
Todai has got to be one of the best when it comes to selection and flavor on the dinner menu. for lunch I must out of all choose Niban on Clairemont Mesa. the freshest with great specials every month not to mention the price on the regular menu. Friday is always sushi day for lunch for me and friends at work, yellowtail and spicy tuna hand roll (i would like to say that has chunk strips not diced or pureed tuna) I am sure if I choose Niban for dinner selection I would not be disappionted.
Lorna B
Sushi on the Rock in La Jolla is my favorite. The Don Roll is amazing! Surfside sushi in PB is great too, but I honestly can't remember the last time I've been there because of the location and lack of parking. I'm not a big fan of sushi deli, but oddly enough I used to be there biggest fan. I'm not sure when they took a turn, but they have. I occasionally go there for the price, but I'm always dissapointed.
We just returned from sushiya in PQ and were very disappointed. Food was good, as usual, but after waiting 45 minutes for a table (they estimated 20min), my wife waited another 45 minutes for her meal. It arrived after everyone else was done eating. Worst of all, the management wouldn't put her meal on the house ($7 noodle dish within a $70+ tab). We used to go there once or twice a month, but will no longer patronize Sushiya in PQ nor recommend anyone to go there.
I just returned from Sushiya in San Marcos. A very good place to eat, even though it can get a bit hectic in there because of the size...but if it wasn't a great place, it would never get crowded like it does! I eat there at least twice a week. Great food and great prices.
"Looking for good, cheap sushi in Vista, San Marcos, etc. Any suggestions?? Lunch and/or early bird specials ?? Help me!
I've tried Sushi Deli and you are right about one thing it's cheap. You get what you pay for. Some rolls are made ahead of time, not to order, you can tell by the hardness to the rice that comes with sitting out too long. And speaking of rice, there is no marinade added to it (again get what you pay for). That being said, it is cheap, but cheap and raw fish does not make a safe combination.
Shirahama on Convoy street has some of the best and consistantly good food in town. Taka on Fifth Ave is good if you can stomach the attitude. Kikyo on F Street is a nice place. Don't be afraid of the dated decor. I recommend trying their Seafood Sunomo and the Nabeyaki Udon.
Has anyone tried Sumo Sushi (sushi boat) on Fourth?
Sushi deli is definitely the right price and not bad, though the sesame chicken really needs work. But, the best sushi I've had is at a small family restaurant in La Jolla called "Yummy Maki Yummy Box." Their sushi tastes very yummy!
Sushi Deli is a dumpy place and they serve mystery meat. It's only good for a quick, cheap lunch. Their tempura is pretty good.
The real sushi places are Sushi Ota, Ono Sushi, Taka Sushi and I even like Mr. Sushi, even though it doesn't get any press.
Happy Sushi on MIra Mesa Blvd in the Seafood City Shpopping center (cant find the address) between Black Mountain road and Westonhill. This place has a beautiful atmosphere, very cute waitress/seater/cashier, excellent chef! The food - OMG! I have eaten a lot of sushi in California and they have a nice range of simple and traditional to new and flashy. the spicy yellowtail roll is 4.50 so is eel (myfavorite). for $9 the red dragon is a larger roll of crab, yellowtail, avocado, cucumber and topped with smoked Salmon like a giant nigiri! There is so much more but I cant remember because the menu is huge and There was a lot of Saporro and sake.:) Eat UP!
The best place EVER to get sushi is in Oceanside. It's a little place in a strip mall by the Trader Joe's (sorry I don't have the address but the the street is off of El Camino Real near the O'side mall). They used to be called Half Price Sushi, but it got so popular that they're now full price so they don't even have a sign outside with their name on it. It beats Sushi Deli by far as well as Ra and every other sushi place I've ever been to expensive or cheap. The trip to Oceanside is worth the drive, but it will ruin all other sushi for you.
I can't believe no one has mentioned Nobu in Solana Beach. Hands down the best sushi is San Diego!!!! Great sushi chefs, great environment, and THE place to go for any sushi lover!! YUM...now I'm hungry!!
The place you are referring to in Oceanside is called Sushi and Joy. It ROCKS, but you have to know what to order. Try the Bob's hand roll and the Bob's Brother hand roll. Really good and dirt cheap! It's a hole in the wall, so don't dress up. And I agree Roys has the best sushi I've ever tried and really innovative rolls. Has anyone been to Station Sushi in Solana Beach?
Someone commented earlier that MISTER SUSHI is good even though it doesn't get any press. Why is that??? As far as I'm concerned MISTER SUSHI is the best sushi place in San Diego. It's the perfect size, friendly service, fresh food prepared exactly right and their customers are regulars. Try their specialty rolls and fish on the specials menu and you won't be disappointed. This place is the real deal. It's great to go to a sushi place in San Diego- PB for that matter- and not have your sushi prepared by a guy named "Brad" with club music to yell over. Ota is known for being the best in town- all the Japanese visitors go there- their sushi might be great- but they are very discerning about who they let sit at the bar. It's "reservations only" unless they know you. No thanks. I'd rather support the guys who are welcoming AND make fantastic food. Support Mister Sushi!!! There is a reason they have lasted in PB (the revolving door of sushi restaurants) w/out much press for this long. MISTER SUSHI!!!
Doug,
Those prices are great however if you really love sushi go try Tokyo Sushi on El Cajon Blvd. Best overall sushi in all of SD! Best quality and presentation..better than Japengo or sushi Ota... ask for Kenny the owner if he is in.
Mr.Sushi in PB is great. Chef Tony and the guys can make some awesome rolls and got me to try a whole bunch of new stuff. Their specialty roll with the shiso leaves is great. The prices are good and the waitresses are sweet.
My favorite of all is Umi Sushi in Shelter Island. Korean owned but extremely fresh and fantastic rolls. Too bad I don't live near there!
Please people, lemmie break it down. Sushiya in PQ is a crappy chain run by Koreans. Poor sushi quality and service. 'Hip' white suburban clientel fooling themselves. For north county Shien of Osaka is pretty good, people claming otherwise probably work for Sushiya. Also went to a place in Escondido that had live uni, -delicious- but I forget the name. Surfside is cheap but mediocre, Yummy Maki Yummi Box is worse. Todai is the worst I've ever had, the uni and ikura left me sick for 4 days, twice.
Consistently excellent places are Kagazushi in Chula Vista (must speak Japanese to be seated), Izakaya Sakura on Convoy (esp the side dishes), Toshi-san in La Jolla (orig. from Ota), Ota if you get him, but you won't, and maybe Sammy on Convoy. Shirahama was good when it was in Del Mar, maybe it still is. SotR is trendy and expensive with some creativity making up for lack of quality. Roppongi is overpriced Americanized with lots of sugar in everything. Nobu (Solana Beach), Zen, Japengo, Edo are also overpriced and overrated. Japengo is good on Thursday if you want practice fake answers to "what car do you drive?" Others I have not tried enough to comment.
Sushi Ota in Pacific Beach is the best. That's where many of the Japanese baseball players in World Series ate while in San Diego.
Sushi Bar Kazumi in Hillcrest is another great place.
Mary said.....
There are some great sushi restaurants mentioned in these postings....and I have eaten at maybe 75% of them, but my favorite is Leucadia Sushi on Coast Hwy; just north of Leucadia Blvd.
Incredibly fresh sushi, and the owner/chef, Toshi, is a master at creating tastes like no others. His spicy tuna handroll is the best in San Diego and North County and be sure and try the Lobster Dynamite--a baked lobster roll in a rich buttery lemon sauce.
This wonderful place has a traditional Japanese conveyor belt that delivers all the delectables right to your fingers.....
Leucadia Sushi is the BEST!!!!!
OK. I'll admit that I'm not a hard-core sushi eater. However, if you're looking for damn good sushi and you don't want to hurt your wallet try Hana's in Oceanaside. They have all-you-can-eat for $24.99 during the evenings and $19.99 for lunch EVERY DAY.
Hana's is pretty much the only place I go to for Sushi unless I'm meeting friends for dinner somewhere else.
If you're looking for the best value and awesome Sushi, you have to try Sushi Fix in La Costa, and there's a new one Little Italy. It's a little different than other restaurants (there's no bar) but their sushi is really creative and fresh, they specialize in take-out, and they even deliver!!! Nothing really compares to Sushi Fix in what they offer, you guys should give them a try, you won't be disappointed.
Just FYI: Sushi Deli 1, formerly downtown on Broadway, recently relocated to the intersection of Washington and Albatross Streets in Mission Hills.
Also, for those who like ultra-fresh brown-rice sushi and will drive to LA, try Oshima on Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice Beach. (The restaurant has no sign, but is behind an orange gate on the west side of the street.) The small space is beautiful, and the food is amazing, delicate, sublime!
YUMMY SAKE, right next to La Jolla Shores. Beautiful interior and beautifully tasting sushi/rolls/kitchen menus, with a fully stocked bar.
I don't believe that anyone has mentioned Tomiko in Encinitas. It is perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, has an impressive interior, if not Japanese-like, and sushi comparable to Taka or Ota.
If you heard that the sushi there was sub-par in the past, I can assure you that under Nanami and Matsu, Tomiko's new resident sushi chef/DJ's, that is no longer the case.
They have all the crazy SOTR rolls if you're so inclined, but they can do traditional as well as anyone in the US.
Anything can beat Todai Restaurant. It’s not that the food is bad, its just second rate. I suppose if you don’t get out much this "trough" would seem decadent.
A great place for sushi would be Station Sushi on Highway 101 in Solana Beach. The Sushi is EXCELLENT and very FRESH! They have the traditional rolls and also serve a lot of unique rolls that are only indigenous to this restaurant. Lots of new tastes. I was really impressed.
Two people, two Sapporo’s, two giant rolls. Total: 40.00.
I left full and satisfied. I live in Mission Hills and I will definitely make the drive back up to eat at this place.
STATION SUSHI!! This has to be the absolutely best sushi around. The atmosphere itself is so much fun. The music is great. The servers are fun. The patrons themselves are so nice. I always meet someone new. BESIDES that..... the sushi is amazing! The rolls are all gigantic! So imaginative, and so delicious! The yellowtail just melts, it's so fresh, and I can't say enough about the Toro!!!
If you haven't been to STATION SUSHI, well, you don't know what you're missing. GO GO GO!!!
Sushiya in Rancho Penasaquitos maybe has decent sushi around north county inland, but their service is horrible. I've gone there 3 times, hoping the 3rd time would be the charm, but the service kept on getting worse and worse. The last and final time was when we got to the restaurant on a Friday evening around 8pm. I had out of town guests and they wanted sushi. We were seated promptly and our orders were taken quickly. We ordered 2 hand rolls, 2 special rolls, a sashimi plate, and a dinner entree. We got served everything, but the 2 special rolls. The waitress never addressed us on to why the rolls were not coming out, until we asked and she looked at us and said she'll check. Later we found out that the table next to us got our food. We waited until 9pm for our rolls and our other food got cold. The server did not seem concerned to make sure our order was next and we were noticing other tables being served after us, even getting seated a good 45 mins after we've been there. When I went to management to address the situation, they didn't really do much, but say sorry and give the excuse that different sushi chefs work at different times. Its already been an hour! When I said that I will speak to you about our bill once we're done eating. I tried to tell them they needed to do something for those rolls not coming out in a timely matter and I'll be happy to pay for everything that came out on time. They basically said..."you ate it, you pay for it" and they were talking korean to eachother with smirks on their faces. This is not a japanese establishment, because if it were, the occurence would never have happen. I was absolutely furious on what happened and just living a couple blocks away, I will never go there again. Their other location in Del Mar, their service is the same way, but its smaller, so confusion for the waiting staff shouldn't be an issue. Its a warning. Stay away!
I just had lunch today at hanaya sushi. If you work in sorrento valley (qualcom etc), and want sushi for lunch you should give it a try. I got 5 pcs nigiri and cal roll special for $9 served with miso soup and a salad. I'll definitely go back. 10066 pacific heights blvd. I like sushi!
Zensei Sushi is really good!! I love to the place too. yes it is a little pricey but I loved it.
i found this place called kaito in encinitas. its great. thanks to you chowhound.com guys. what a find. can't wait to go again. draft beer goes so well with their sushi. also, they have this superb selection of fascinating rolls.
peace
When I read people saying that Sushiya was good, I was wondering if I was just picky. But then I read some sensible, unbiased reviews stating that their service is horrible and they are less than mediocre, and I found some to agree with. I remember going their for the first time, and asking for the menu, and I remembered something happened and the cashier lady was talking in Korean to her friend about me? I don't remember the incident exactly, but I do know they were very rude. Don't go to Sushiya. I just moved to San Diego and have been going to various Sushi places to find at least one place I liked. After 4 places, I thought I'd never find a place until I went to Mr. Wasabi in Mira Mesa. They have happy hour starting at 5pm, though they are not opened from certain times. Mr. Wasabi has great and inexpensive sushi during happy hour and the sushi is great. Though I will be trying other places still, but Mr. Wasabi was the only place I returned to.
Harney's in Old Town is really good and has creative alcoholic drinks. Not very cheap, though, if that's what you're looking for. For cheap, Toro on Mission Gorge by SDSU is really good. Tokyo Sushi on El Cajon by SDSU is decent so long as you don't the the yaki soba- the noodles are yellow (not brown like normal) and coated in orange greasy sauce... Horrendous. Toro and Tokyo both have a tendency to become packed, so be careful. :)
Places I love in san diego,
Sushi deli - depends on the day. If you sit at the bar and talk to the chef, u get better stuff.
Ichiban - good cheap food
Happy Sushi - in mira mesa, good looking waitresses and good cheap food. happy hour 5-7, buy 3 get one free.
Cafe Japengo - too expensive
Sushi Ota - awesome. good food, always crowded, chill atmosphere
The comment posted on Friday, July 14, 2006 is the most accurate of those above.
If you like Sushi Ota, you will love Kazumi in Hillcrest. It's a small place, but they serve fresh, fine sushi. Sit @ the bar and have the chefs whip up something for you. It's a father/son team, and the father trained in Japan for over 10 years. Kazumi & Ota are, IMO, the top 2 Japanese restaurants in SD.
I really love Ichiban Sushi in Hillcrest. They know me by name (after they asked me!) because I go every week, sometimes twice. For as much as I eat sushi - I definitely need happy hour sushi like this place. $3-4 a role is the best way to enjoy good sushi. The seating arrangement really works there too - take a seat only after you order and the tables seem to open up just for you. The only setback is that they only take cash during happy hour, but the 7-11 is conveniently across the street.
There are sushi eaters who think General Tso's / Sweet & Sour Chicken is authentic and great Chinese or that Olive Garden is good Italian - and then there are foodies. Sushi Deli vascilates between being disgusting and very mediocre. Sushiya in PQ has pretty good quality - and I've never really minded the service. Nami in Hillcrest and Taka had some of the best quality fish I've tasted in San Diego. And I agree with the posters above who said all you can eat and buffet is for cheap and fake. You get what you pay for and high quality sashimi grade fish is expensive. For real sashimi eaters, I don't know of any restaurant that flies in their fish daily in SD, so venture to LA, SF, Vegas, or NYC.
Someone mentioned Happy Sushi.
It's address is 8973 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA.
It's really good.
Wow!!! I'm so glad to know what all of you patrons feels about Japanese cuisine here in SD. I moved here from San Francisco just little more then 2years ago and I've been in food industry for over 12years now. What I've noticed is that theres so many Japanese restaurants in SD are trying their best to make it. Ofcours some are very good and some are not as good. Can somebody explain the reason why SD don't have ZAGET SURVEY??? When I think about fare review on every each restaurants and as well for what customers should expect when they are about to dine at ones establishment, I think customers need fare and honest review from book that are made by other customers experince combined all together. It's not easy to train all restaurant employees to be like they are from place with 4stars. Mean time if you have some time on your hand, I like to recommend a book for you both restaurant employees who have made comments on this website as well as dinners. LESSONS in SERVICE from CHARLIE TROTTER. It's only $19.95 but very intertaining and may be this book can help to see how much work it really takes to run almost perfact restaurant. I honestly feel I have so much more work to do now. Where am I suppose to start with new server who is not even old enough to drink yet??? but this kid has desire of wanting to learn. All I can think about is when I was this kids age and how I use to get my ass kicked but I'm not about to kick his ass. Please don't guess I'm GAY just because I'm from San Francisco. It's just that it takes so much passion to make something good in life. After all, your kid may happen to work with me or someone like me in the future. One last thing. There is may be 7 4star restaurants in bay area inculuding napa and almost all of it is french. These chefs are not all FRENCH but instead, most of them are AMERICAN. It would be so stupid for me to tell you now that we should leave this country because it really belongs to Indians to begin with wouldn't it??? They are all here already either they wanted it or not. Make it work.
Sushi Deli is by far one of my favorite sushi joints in San Diego, although the wait is kind of a turnoff, the waiters are usually nice, the food is excellently priced and the atmosphere is great.
Zensei is near me because I live in North Park, and it gets a little bland once you go there a million times, but changing up what you order is good.
THE BESTTTTT Ichiban in Hillcrest is amazing!
I love it! It's cheap, and the only down side is the place is smalll and crowded, but the Chicken Teriyaki Special is a must must must have!
A+++
Ogata in Solana Beach is the first and only restaurant I am partial too.
It is the best atmosphere, cheap and sooo yummy!
I HIGHLY recommend it.
Mr. Wasabi is somewhat good, but the rolls there are sort of stiff and the seaweed is hard to eat.
Does anyone know a good place to get good conveyor belt sushi in san diego??? PLEASE!!!
OK!! so Ive been searching myself, ever since Ive had the best sushi in my life (and the cheapest) in Seattle where all their sushi are on a conveyor belt. And I have found the answer! (kind of) In Mira mesa there is a place called sushi town, but they only turn it on during there busy ours, so maybe you can go on a weekend night, hope this help and good eating to you!
Kabuki Sushi in PB!
Great sushi, and it's not on converyor blets but its on something simillar, their on sushi boats that are floating on water. The best time to go is during peak hours because the sushi boats are filled! the prices are really cheap, a good 15 bucks will buy you 4 different kinds of sushi rolls, a drink, miso soup, edamamae, and probably something else!
HIGHLY RECOMENDED!
Onami is pretty bad quality i prefer higher quality sushi.. i found izumi's in poway and watami's in scripps ranch to be the highest quality and best tasting sushi i would reccomend them both. izumi's has a all u can eat for $20 at lunch and $25 at dinner time it is not a buffet so he makes it when u order. watami's on the other hand is not very pricy and delicious. at watami's i would recommend the scripps ranch roll. happy sushi eating
Come on guys, Kabuki Sushi in PB on Garnett!! Some of the freshest sushi you can find in San Diego. The owner Charlie is very friendly and welcoming, while the guys in the middle always keep you entertained. The "boat" is also a very cool aspect with rolls always cruising around on them. Anything you don't see, you can easily asks the chefs in the middle and they'll make it for you. Very good pricing if you go before 3 but downfall is they are closed daily from 3-5 and closed on Mondays. Once you get addicted to this place remember the hours because you could be disappointed when you get there and its closed!!
For any of you interested in the infamous "All-U-Can-Eat-Sushi" Hon Sushi on Coast Highway (near the 78 intersection) offers a good value. The servers are friendly and prompt, chefs make some great creations, nice atmosphere, cool crowd, not too crowded...and the quality offers great value.
Check it out - I think you will be pleasantly suprised.
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