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Local picks in Encinitas

Japanese food

A meal centered around Japanese food offers a specific kind of comfort.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
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Updated June 2026
01
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Takeout Restaurant

Takeout spot in a residential complex offers fresh musubi with balanced flavors and easy online ordering. The vibe stays low key with a hidden gem feel, attracting musubi lovers seeking authentic taste. Pickup is straightforward, making it a convenient choice for quick meals or picnics.

Food here is authentic and high quality, with fresh ingredients and reasonable prices. Orders come out quickly, and the service includes a friendly face when picking up.

Katsu dishes stand out with crispy panko breading and warm servings. Options like Spam katsu and Bachan chicken offer flavorful, satisfying choices.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the musubi, is outstanding and freshly made."

"The Vegan musubi was plenty and super crispy."

"The food here is incredible, especially the musubi."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is pickup only, with online orders required.

2

Each order includes two musubi for $9.50, offering great value.

3

Finding parking and the pickup location is easy.

02
Surf Brothers Teriyaki and Catering image 1

Hawaiian restaurant offers a laid-back, beachy atmosphere with beautiful murals and cute interior. It serves authentic teriyaki known for tender, juicy meat and signature sweet-glazed sauce. The place operates primarily as a take-out spot with card-only payments and a focus on quick, healthy meals.

Food features great quality and generous portions with a focus on chicken dishes. Comfort food options come fresh and consistently tasty, though some chicken can be a bit dry.

Teriyaki chicken comes marinated in a signature sweet-glazed sauce and grilled to juicy perfection. The sauce tastes authentic and closely matches styles from Hawaii and other cities known for teriyaki.

People are saying

"Their teriyaki sauce is so good, I couldn't get enough of it."

"I found the food here to be delicious and always good."

"I thought the teriyaki chicken was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

They only accept card payments and do not accept cash.

2

This place is primarily a take-out restaurant.

3

The slider deal offers great value for the quality of food.

03
Poki Poki - Encinitas image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Small dining room offers soft romantic lighting and clean bright decor with nice decorations. Atmosphere stays quiet enough for conversation despite some echo, creating a calm vibe. Fresh fish and generous poke bowl portions draw steady lunch crowds.

Food comes fresh and flavorful with consistently great quality. Portions are large and the dishes stay tasty every time.

Poke bowls come extremely fresh and have a filling regular size. The portions satisfy without needing to try the larger options.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and delicious."

"The fish portions here are so generous, I was stuffed."

"I considered this the best poke bowl I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during lunch hours, especially on weekends.

2

The poke bowls offer a variety of toppings for customization.

3

Portion sizes have decreased recently, with some bowls now containing only three tiny cubes of fish.

04
Fish 101 image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small seafood restaurant with large ocean-facing windows offers a fast casual vibe and bright, tight seating that creates a lively, somewhat noisy atmosphere. The menu emphasizes fresh fish dishes with a slight Mexican influence, attracting those seeking casual, family-style dining near the water.

Food features super fresh seafood with large portions. Oysters stand out for their freshness and flavor.

Poke bowl stands out with a good portion size and fresh ingredients. It pairs well with a bit of sriracha sauce for added flavor.

People are saying

"The seafood portions here are massive and filling."

"The food here is super fresh and delicious."

"The Japanese food, especially the poke bowl, was amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak times to ensure a seat.

2

Oysters cost $3.00 at the restaurant, not $1.25 as listed online.

3

Expect limited seating; arrive early to avoid long waits.

05
SAGO image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Lush jungle-themed decor creates a stylish, intimate atmosphere with dim lighting and comfy booths. Live DJs and bands keep energy high, blending electronic and tropical vibes for a fun yet relaxed night out. Signature cocktails and Asian fusion dishes complement the upscale, warm environment.

Great food pairs with cocktails and a lively atmosphere. Staff help pick out dishes, making the dining experience smooth and enjoyable.

Fresh, flavorful fish stands out with tuna sashimi and ceviche. The menu also features lobster bao buns, spicy wok noodles, and wagyu skewers.

People are saying

"The food, especially the chicken and steak skewers, was amazing."

"It's the perfect spot for a romantic date night with its cool, dark vibe."

"I found the Asian fusion food to be amazing and rated every dish 10/10."

Good to know

1

Around 10 pm, tables are removed to create a dance floor.

2

A DJ plays music towards the end of the night.

3

Expect high prices for tapas, around $20 per plate.

06
Harumama Ramen + Sushi (Encinitas) image 1

Cozy, well-designed space offers outdoor seating and a family-friendly vibe with a normal noise level. Creative menu features character buns and a variety of ramen options, appealing to diverse tastes including vegan choices.

Food features amazing flavors and beautiful presentation across a variety of dishes like ramen, pork buns, seaweed salad, and fried octopus balls. Service includes thoughtful touches such as food delivery to your car.

Ramen broths come with creative protein and vegetable combos and options to keep noodles from getting soggy. Steam buns and bao are savory and sweet, with dishes like chicken cutlet ramen and pot stickers adding variety.

People are saying

"This ramen's broth is so delicious."

"The Japanese food here is great, and the staff is wonderful."

"The food here is amazing and worth every dime."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks.

2

Expect a wait time of up to 15 minutes during dinner rush.

3

Parking is easy and available at the restaurant.

07
Kaito Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi bar with cozy vibe and intimate decor offers a relaxed atmosphere and fresh, excellently prepared sushi. Seating is limited, often outdoors on simple furniture. The place serves authentic varieties and features standout items like hot sake and miso soup.

Food here is consistently great and incredible. Dishes deliver solid flavor and quality every time.

Fresh fish arrives daily, some sourced directly from Japan, ensuring quality sushi and great sashimi. The miso soup stands out as a notable dish, and the menu includes popular rolls like Rainbow and Shrimp Tempura.

People are saying

"I thought Kaito Sushi offered the best sushi in Encinitas."

"The fish here is so fresh, it's the best I've ever had."

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait for to-go orders during busy times.

3

The average meal cost is around $80 for two people.

08
Sushi Bar Blue Fin image 1
Sushi restaurant

Tiny, comfortable space feels like a friend's kitchen with warm, inviting atmosphere and Jazz and Funk music. Chefs craft sushi with precision and pride, offering fresh, authentic Japanese sushi and an extensive fish selection. Walls display photos of famous people, adding a local, welcoming vibe.

Chefs are Japanese, serving authentic Japanese sushi with fresh and delicious ingredients. Food offers a varied menu and a genuine dining experience without inflated prices.

Omakase features fresh sashimi with generous portions and sushi crafted with precision and pride. Staff remain friendly and attentive, enhancing the authentic Japanese dining experience.

People are saying

"I ate some of the best sushi I've ever had here."

"I thought the Japanese food here was the best I've had outside of Japan."

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a $2.95 credit card surcharge not listed on the menu.

2

Most places charge $23 to $25 for chirashi.

3

The menu features an expansive selection of sushi and Japanese dishes.

09
Kai Ola Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small space with plywood walls creates a loud, echoing atmosphere filled with employee chatter. Funky, earthy design blends with a relaxing surfer vibe that feels casual and bright. Busy dinner times bring a lively crowd enjoying fresh, flavorful sushi and specialty rolls.

Food arrives incredibly fast and shows fresh, flavorful qualities. Creative rolls stand out with expert preparation and fair pricing.

Sushi here is unbelievably high quality with buttery, melt-in-your-mouth fish and perfectly rolled pieces. The menu features fresh sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls that are creative and delicious.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is unbelievably fresh and creative."

"The food here is fresh, creative, and expertly prepared."

"The Black miso cod makes a delicious lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; consider parking across the street.

2

Items for four people are ready in about 15 minutes.

3

The restaurant adds a 3% service charge to the bill.

10
Breakers image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Indoor/outdoor space blends tropical decor with historic booths from a local staple, creating a beachy-surf vibe. Live ukulele music and a Hawaiian backyard atmosphere add to the relaxed, festive energy. Dog-friendly outdoor seating and multiple TVs support a casual, community feel.

Food features tasty Hawaiian fusion cuisine with healthy and delicious options. Portions come very good and the atmosphere feels like home in huge, comfortable red booths.

Plates feature teriyaki chicken and ahi katsu, both cooked well and flavorful. The menu also includes a pork sandwich and an Ahi wrap, offering a mix of Japanese and fusion options.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, with flavors that hit the mark."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The Japanese Food here has a great local vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with deals like 3 pork sliders for $8.

2

The Saturday brunch offers a fun atmosphere and unique menu items.

3

Breakers is dog friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

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Encinitas, California

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