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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Chula Vista

Japanese dinner spots

You want a Japanese meal that feels like a proper evening out.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Sammy's Restaurant & Bar image 1
Sammy's Restaurant & Bar image 2
Sammy's Restaurant & Bar image 3
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Lunch restaurant

Outdoor patio offers gorgeous Bay views and adorable decor with a quiet, dimly lit atmosphere. Pool tables stand out as newly refelted and high quality. Seating includes cozy booths with water views, creating a relaxing vibe throughout.

Ramen stands out with its depth and taste, especially the Miso Ramen. Other Japanese dishes like Kung Pao chicken also appear alongside ramen on the menu.

Dinner here pairs well with pool games and casual hangouts. The spot suits both couples and friends looking for a relaxed evening.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing with plenty of flavor."

"The service at these dinner spots is stellar and attentive."

"The Japanese food here is delicious, especially the ramen."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs every day until 6pm with half off entree prices.

2

During happy hour, drinks are $2 off and food is half price.

3

The restaurant is open 24 hours, making it a convenient option.

02
Lime in the Coconut image 1

Restaurant combines tropical and midcentury modern tiki decor with a cozy lounge area and bright, casual setting. Atmosphere stays low key and stylish, suited for relaxed nights with friends. Speakeasy in back adds a secretive, exclusive vibe requiring reservation or password.

Garlic edamame stands out with its phenomenal flavor. Dishes like Katsu, Kalua pork, and banh mi come with garlic rice and potato salad, offering a tasty mix.

Dinner here offers a varied menu with dishes that hit the mark. The spot suits family gatherings and special occasions like anniversaries.

People are saying

"The Speakeasy staff, especially Lily and Natalie, made us feel like family."

"The food and drinks here are great."

"The tiki bar motif made the Japanese food visually appealing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM with $7 mai tais and aloha margaritas.

2

Reservations are required for the speakeasy located in the back.

3

Parking is available behind the venue.

03
Sushiya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a relaxed vibe with a quiet atmosphere suitable for conversation. Interior shows signs of wear with old, poorly maintained decor. Menu features fresh, delicious sushi and a diverse selection including affordable teriyaki and special rolls.

Sushi here is fresh and delicious with a diverse menu including many rolls, soups, and tempura. Portions like the katsu and teriyaki plates are generous and affordable.

Dinner time often involves a small wait for a table. Expect some wait time during busy hours.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is delicious and always fresh."

"I highly recommend the chicken teriyaki plate."

"The dinner spots here offer delicious food with great choices."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM with a special menu.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait for seating on Saturday evenings around 6:00 PM.

3

Parking is convenient after 7 PM on weekdays.

04
Kanpai Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, intimate space with chefs cooking near the dining area creates an authentic Japanese vibe. Warm, cozy atmosphere feels old school and nostalgic, enhanced by Japanese car drawings and decor. Seating offers American-sized convenience, blending comfort with genuine dining experience.

Sushi features authentic chefs crafting fresh, amazing rolls. Ramen and curry dishes offer well-cooked, tender meat and mild, balanced flavors with soft noodles and fresh vegetables.

Dinner includes 2 to 3 options from a larger list at a fair price. Some dishes like saba and fried come out dry and overcooked.

People are saying

"I found the Japanese food here to be really authentic and delicious."

"I'm never disappointed with the dinner spots here; it's amazing."

"I loved the Japanese food, especially the filling curry with meat bits."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Dinner options are reasonably priced, with most meals under $20.

3

The restaurant has a parking lot available for customers.

05
Buffet House image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large, bright dining area offers spacious seating and a hibachi grill station for made-to-order dishes. Atmosphere feels friendly and relaxed despite occasional crowding and loud music. Buffet includes self-serve soda and ice cream machines enhancing the casual vibe.

Wide variety of Japanese dishes includes a sushi bar, made-to-order hibachi grill, and salmon sashimi that stands out. The buffet also offers sashimi, Mongolian grill, and various Asian foods.

Dinner offers a better experience than lunch with a wide selection available. Prices stay high even when some items like coconut shrimp are not served.

People are saying

"The buffet has so many great, well-seasoned options."

"The Japanese food here has a great variety, especially the sushi."

"The dinner spots here have fresh and delicious Asian BBQ and soups."

Good to know

1

I paid $20 per person for the all-you-can-eat buffet.

2

The prices for lunch are $17.95 for adults and $1.50 per year for children up to age 11.

3

The buffet offers a good variety of food choices.

06
Isushi - All You Can Eat image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a clean, modern, and relaxed environment with loud but adjustable music. The atmosphere feels cozy and comfortable, attracting those who appreciate all-you-can-eat sushi with a wide variety of fresh and creative options.

All-you-can-eat sushi features a wide selection with fast service. The Cali Deep sushi rolls stand out for their sweet, spicy, and savory flavor, and the beef gyoza adds a tasty side option.

Dinner time seating happens immediately with only a few groups around. Service can slow down during peak dinner time, but staff remain helpful throughout the all-you-can-eat experience.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is unbelievably fresh and tasty."

"I loved the all-you-can-eat sushi deal they offered."

"I loved the all-you-can-eat dinner, but got full after two rounds."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat option is a great value with a wide variety of sushi.

2

Reservations can be made online for a smoother dining experience.

3

There is plenty of parking available, making access easy.

07
Kalaveras image 1
Restaurant

Nightclub converted into a restaurant features vibrant Mexican-style calavera murals and blacklight menu effects. Loud music creates a lively day party atmosphere but limits conversation and dancing. Outdoor patio offers a quieter spot away from the colorful, music-video-lined interior.

Dragon roll stands out with its fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. Mole enchiladas also appear on the menu, adding a unique twist to the Japanese offerings.

Dinner features 99 cent tacos on Tuesdays and a lively atmosphere for celebrations like birthdays.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and cooked well."

"You have to try the quesabirria tacos with consommรฉ."

"I heard the Sunday brunch is excellent."

Good to know

1

An 18% service fee is automatically added to all bills.

2

Taco Tuesday features a condiment bar and free aguas frescas refills.

3

Happy hour runs from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays.

08
Okama Ramen and Grill image 1
Ramen restaurant

Compact ramen restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with patio seating that welcomes dogs and features sports on TV. The vibe is fun and inviting, attracting those who enjoy authentic Japanese flavors in a casual setting.

Ramen features rich flavors and good portions with options like black garlic Tonkotsu and spicy Tonkotsu served quickly. Sushi is fresh and the presentation is on point.

Waiting times occur during dinner hours, but seating accommodates parties of five without issue.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here has phenomenal, rich flavors."

"The ramen here is delicious, especially the black garlic tonkotsu."

"I thought the dinner spots here were delicious and did not disappoint."

Good to know

1

Parking is ample and free, making it easy to visit.

2

The restaurant has a self-seating policy; find a table upon arrival.

3

Prices increase after 4:00 pm, but portion sizes remain generous.

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Chula Vista, California

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