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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Encinitas

Japanese food

A craving for sashimi and warm bowls of ramen that hits just right.

Based on 530 Opinions
+527
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Updated May 2026
01
This Musubi Love image 1
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Takeout Restaurant

Fresh musubi with balanced flavors pairs well with crispy katsu dishes like Spam katsu and Bachan chicken. Easy online ordering and quick pickup make it a convenient choice. Low key vibe adds to its hidden gem appeal for authentic Japanese food lovers.

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."

"This musubi takeout is the best I've ever had."

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 spot shines with authentic teriyaki featuring juicy, tender meat and a signature sweet-glazed sauce. Its laid-back beachy vibe is enhanced by beautiful murals and a cute interior. Quick, healthy meals make it perfect for take-out only visits.

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 steak grilled to perfection and really 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 with soft romantic lighting creates a calm vibe perfect for quiet chats. Fresh fish shines in generous poke bowl portions that satisfy without needing upsizing. Clean, bright decor adds to the peaceful, inviting atmosphere.

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
Kaito Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi bar offers fresh fish daily with authentic Japanese dishes like miso soup and Rainbow rolls. Cozy vibe with intimate decor creates a relaxed atmosphere. Limited outdoor seating on simple furniture adds to the charm.

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."

"I thought the food and cozy vibes were great."

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.

05
Harumama Ramen + Sushi (Encinitas) image 1

Cozy spot offers family-friendly vibe and outdoor seating. Creative menu shines with character buns and diverse ramen, including vegan options. Ramen features savory broths and unique combos like chicken cutlet and pot stickers.

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."

"They have an awesome draft beer selection."

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.

06
Sushi Bar Blue Fin image 1
Sushi restaurant

Tiny, cozy spot feels like a friend's kitchen with a warm atmosphere and smooth Jazz and Funk tunes. Chefs serve fresh sashimi and sushi with pride, offering an authentic Japanese experience. Friendly staff and walls adorned with famous photos add a welcoming vibe.

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 fish here is so fresh and has incredible flavor."

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.

07
Fish 101 image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small seafood spot shines with fresh fish dishes and a lively vibe. Large ocean-facing windows offer great views while enjoying a poke bowl with fresh ingredients and a hint of sriracha. Casual, family-style dining near the water makes it a bright, noisy place to relax.

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."

"This massive burrito is packed with classic Baja flavors."

"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.

08
SAGO image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Lush jungle-themed decor sets a stylish, intimate vibe with dim lighting and comfy booths. Fresh, flavorful fish shines in tuna sashimi and lobster bao buns. Live DJs blend electronic and tropical beats, creating a fun yet relaxed night with signature cocktails and Asian fusion dishes.

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.

09
Kai Ola Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small space with echoing chatter creates a lively vibe. Sushi offers buttery, melt-in-your-mouth fish and creative specialty rolls. Funky, earthy design adds a relaxing surfer feel that keeps the atmosphere casual and bright.

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.

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Encinitas, California

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