Best Japanese Restaurants in San Diego

27 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant

1. Benihana - San Diego, CA

4.0

Excellent(7435)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 140 times today

Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

2. El Sueño

4.1

Excellent(181)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Old Town

Booked 31 times today

El Sueño in Old Town, San Diego, redefines the Sushi experience with its exceptional quality and authentic flavors. Guests rave about the "amazing aguachile roll," highlighting the restaurant's unique twist on traditional Sushi. With a focus on fresh and high-quality ingredients, every dish promises a delightful culinary journey. The ambiance adds to the experience, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion. While the restaurant is celebrated for its Mexican fare, its Sushi offerings stand out, making it a must-visit for Sushi enthusiasts. El Sueño is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors and craftsmanship in every bite.

A photo of Harmony Cuisine 2B1 restaurant

3. Harmony Cuisine 2B1

4.8

Exceptional(261)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Kearny Mesa

Booked 19 times today

Harmony Cuisine 2B1 is a shining jewel in San Diego's Dining Bar scene, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Kearny Mesa. Revered as a "hidden gem with TOP quality fish," this restaurant has been celebrated with the OpenTable Diners' Choice award for three consecutive years. Patrons are consistently impressed by the "amazingly fresh fish" and creative dishes that expertly blend traditional sushi with unique fusion elements. With a focus on premium ingredients like A5 Wagyu and a wide selection of exquisite sakes and cocktails, Harmony Cuisine 2B1 offers an "incredible, inventive and delicious" dining experience that keeps guests returning for more.

4. Tako

4.3

Awesome(60)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Old Town

Booked 34 times today

Tako, located in the vibrant Old Town San Diego, offers an extraordinary Bar/Lounge/Bottle Service experience that patrons consistently rave about. This 21+ speakeasy is celebrated for its "cool vibes," "amazing drinks," and "unmatched atmosphere." Guests are enchanted by the lively ambiance, with a live DJ providing nonstop jams that set the perfect backdrop for an exciting night out. The staff goes "above and beyond" to ensure every visit is special, making it a perfect spot for any occasion. With its creative cocktails and fresh ingredients, Tako delivers an unforgettable experience that leaves guests eager to return.

5. Botanica

4.6

Exceptional(34)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • North Park

Booked 20 times today

Botanica, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of North Park, San Diego, is a haven for those who cherish exquisite Tapas and Small Plates. The restaurant crafts an unforgettable experience with its delectable array of small bites that perfectly complement their artisanal cocktails. Patrons rave about the "creative small plates" that elevate any dining occasion with their sophisticated flavors. The ambiance is both lively and intimate, making it an ideal spot for a cozy yet vibrant dining experience. Praised for its "delicious food" and "amazing service," Botanica ensures that every visit feels like a celebration of culinary artistry and exceptional hospitality.

A photo of King's Fish House - Mission Valley restaurant

6. King's Fish House - Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(2250)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 26 times today

King's Fish House in Mission Valley, San Diego, is a sublime haven for American seafood enthusiasts, proudly offering a "consistently good" experience that diners rave about. This family-run establishment, with its roots deeply embedded in American culinary tradition, is famed for its fresh, daily-changing menu that includes everything from oysters to creatively prepared fish dishes. "Phenomenal service and great food," echo patrons who admire the attentive staff and the inviting atmosphere that caters to both casual gatherings and special occasions. With its irresistible offerings like the "generationally delicious" sourdough bread, King's Fish House is a must-visit for those craving authentic American seafood.

7. Cannonball

4.5

Awesome(1154)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Bay

Booked 46 times today

Cannonball, nestled in the heart of Mission Beach, serves up an extraordinary Pacific Rim dining experience that delights both locals and visitors alike. With its breathtaking oceanfront views and a vibrant atmosphere, this restaurant is a feast for the senses. Diners rave about the “delicious, fresh sushi” and the “exceptional” specialty rolls that highlight Cannonball's creative flair in Pacific Rim cuisine. The fusion of flavors is expertly crafted, ensuring each dish is a memorable culinary journey. Coupled with attentive service and a lively ambiance, Cannonball stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone craving authentic Pacific Rim flavors with a California twist.

8. Rakiraki Convoy

4.7

Exceptional(13)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Kearny Mesa

Booked 2 times today

For reservations of 3 or less please book through our sister restaurant The Yasai by RakiRaki Convoy!Experience the original RakiRaki Ramen experience at our first location located in Kearny Mesa—the epicenter of San Diego’s thriving Asian food scene. The lines out the door are worth the wait for Chef/owner, Junya Watanabe’s signature ramen recipes that blend the art of traditional ramen making with the highest quality ingredients available and a modern atmosphere. RakiRaki serves a wide variety of authentic ramen dishes and Japanese cuisine including tsukemen (dipping noodles), charcoal-fired yakitori, curry, ramen burgers, and specialty sushi rolls along with local craft beer and sake selections.

9. PB Sushi

4.7

Exceptional(5)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Pacific Beach

Booked 3 times today

Located in the heart of Pacific Beach and right in the middle of all the action PB Sushi is a great place to stop by before heading out for a night on the town! Great food and great people served at a great place. You won't be disappointed! Be seeing you soon.

10. Cloak + Petal

4.6

Exceptional(973)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Little Italy

Booked 56 times today

Cloak + Petal in Little Italy, San Diego, offers an unparalleled experience in Japanese Speciality cuisine, where authenticity meets artistry in a stunningly unique setting. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere, reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying "the best sushi in SD," as one enthusiastic diner proclaimed. Guests rave about the meticulously prepared sushi, flavorful small plates, and delectable drinks that capture the essence of a traditional Japanese hanami. The decor, featuring Sakura trees and hip-hop tunes, complements the exquisite dishes, making Cloak + Petal a must-visit destination for those seeking a captivating Japanese dining experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
PerisAnn
San Diego •6 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Our server was very kind and attentive. We mentioned to each other multiple times how refreshing it was.
More info
King's Fish House - Mission ValleyPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Mission Valley
•
4.6
A
Annie
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Here’s a brief review you can use or modify: Outstanding food and service! The sushi was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, and the staff was attentive and welcoming. The only downside was the that the venue was quite loud, making it difficult to have a conversation, and the lighting was very dim.
More info
TakoPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Old Town
•
4.3
G
GabrielleVIP
San Diego •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Perfect as always. Service - perfect. Food - perfect. Everything - perfect.
More info
Harmony Cuisine 2B1Price: Very Expensive• Japanese• Kearny Mesa
•
4.8
D
Dave
San Diego •38 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We had a rough start to our dinner... right before we were sat the restaurant's system went down and we had to wait about an hour. The good news was that once it was back up and running, the place had cleared out pretty well and we were sat right away. Allison was our server and she was amazing. The star of the show was Paul, our Chef. An absolute legend of a chef and he made the evening super enjoyable. Allison kept our drinks full and checked on us frequently. What started as a rough dinner experience ended up being one of our best Benihana meals ever! Oh, and kudos to the ladies at the host station... they did a great job keeping everyone informed on the progress and handled angry customers well.
More info
Benihana - San Diego, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Mission Valley
•
4
C
Charlie
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 28 Dec 2024
Came here with my husband for my birthday brunch. Delicious food and friendly server! We would definitely love to come back and try the rest of their menu!
More info
El SueñoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
4.1

Explore OpenTable

San Diego

Japanese

Best Japanese Restaurants in San Diego

Price

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Award-winning

Accessibility

27 restaurants available nearby

1. Benihana - San Diego, CA

2. El Sueño

3. Harmony Cuisine 2B1

4. Tako

5. Botanica

6. King's Fish House - Mission Valley

7. Cannonball

8. Rakiraki Convoy

9. PB Sushi

10. Cloak + Petal

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable