It did not take long for Americans to warm up to eating raw fish once they tasted the flavorful and richly textured qualities of a well prepared meal of Sushi and Sashimi. But all sushi bars are not alike and the difference between an ordinary sushi chef and a Master Chef is of great consequence when you are talking raw fish. Believe it or not San Diego has some of the best Sushi bars outside of Japan. With the onset of NAFTA (North American Trade Agreement) many Japanese companies set up "Maquilladora" assembly plants along the border with Mexico. Along with these plants came an influx of Japanese business executives who work in Mexico but live in the US. These executives are very hungry for good quality Sushi, and so am I! SAMURAI 979 Lomas Santa Fe Dr Solana Beach, CA 92075 Hours: (Mon.-Sun.) 11:30am-2:30pm; (Sun.-Thurs.) 5pm-10pm; (Fri.-Sat.) 5pm-10:30pm; (Sun.) 4:30pm-9:30pm Samurai is known to be one of San Diego’s premiere sushi venues, a reputation it’s solidified since opening almost 30 years ago. It’s located in Solana Beach, where sushi restaurants are not uncommon, but most locals will tell you that Samurai beats them all by quite a bit. The chefs fro Samurai come directly from Japan, so the sushi is incredibly authentic, as is the interior decoration; it really does feel as though you walked into a top-quality sushi restaurant in Japan. You will pay for the high quality, but it’s definitely worth it. The sashimi literally melts in your mouth, and the only place I’ve had sushi this good was at Nobu’s in Las Vegas. Venture into the Teppan Yaki room to get and close-up view of your dinner being cooked on a grill directly on your table. Cuisine Type: Japanese, Sushi, Asian Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35-$55 CAFE JAPENGO 8960 University Center Ln San Diego, CA 92122 Hours: (Mon.-Fri.) 11:30am-2:30pm; (Sun.-Wed.) 6:00pm-10:00pm; (Thurs.-Sat.) 6:00pm-10:30pm Routinely voted by San Diegans as one of the area’s best sushi restaurants, Café Japengo is a hip and trendy locale in the Golden Triangle area. The food is not the only star at this restaurant, the atmosphere is as well. The sushi here is great looking as well as great tasting, and everything from the service to the menu selections are produced with flair and sophistication. Entrees and scrumptious desserts are offered in addition to the sushi, but most everyone comes for the sashimi and the rolls. Café Japengo is more a place to be scene than be heard due to the loud music always playing in the background, but don’t let that scare you away. One bite of the food and you’ll be back to wait in line many more times. Cuisine Type: Japanese, Sushi, Asian Estimated cost per person for dinner = $45-$55 SUSHI OTA 4529 Mission bay Drive San Diego, CA 92107 (858) 270-5670 (Tues-Fri) 11:30 am to 2 pm, 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm (Sat-Sun) 5:3- pm to 10:30 pm, Undoubtedly one of the finest Sushi bars and restaurants in San Diego, Sushi Ota combines traditional preparations with the casual friendliness of the laid back California lifestyle. The Sushi bar itself is staffed with two Japanese Chefs and two assistants as well as another two assistants making the platters and dishes which are delivered to the dining room. At any Sushi bar, the best indicator that your fish will be fresh is that the restaurant is busy and Sushi Ota is very busy. At lunch there is barely a seat at the Sushi bar and the dining room often has a wait. Dinner is more of the same. But it is well worth the wait. If you are a novice then stick with the main stays of Sushi dining like Hamachi, $4.50.
The Top List of Sushi Restaurants - San Diego, CA