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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in National City

Japanese Food

Japanese food that focuses on clean, simple preparation instead of hiding behind excessive rolls and sauces.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated May 2026
01
Kyoto Gift & Food image 1
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Japanese grocery store

Small space blends Japanese grocery with a cozy sushi bar, creating a calm vibe with chill music. Fresh fish and creative rolls shine at the sushi bar, while the well-priced poke bowl offers simple, authentic flavors. Limited seating adds to the speakeasy feel.

Sushi here features incredibly fresh fish and creative rolls crafted by a skilled chef. The poke bowl is simple, fresh, and well priced, making it a solid choice for Japanese food lovers.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The seafood here is so fresh, you'll feel like you're eating supreme quality fish."

"I found this place to be a hidden gem for creative sushi rolls."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a challenge, so plan accordingly.

2

First-time customers receive a discount on grocery purchases.

3

Kyoto Gift & Food offers a variety of Japanese groceries and poke.

02
Sushi n' Gone Teriyaki & Noodles image 1

Spacious spot with a bright interior and fun walls offers a chill vibe for solo meals or groups. Sushi shines with freshness and bold flavors, blending traditional and Mexican fusion styles. Live music and multiple TVs add to the lively, casual atmosphere.

Sushi here stands out for its freshness and large rolls with great flavor. The menu blends traditional sushi with a Mexican fusion twist, featuring items like spicy tuna rolls and jalapeño-topped mar y tierra sushi.

People are saying

"The ramen and sushi here are delicious and hit the spot."

"You have to try the jalapeño poppers; they're unforgettable."

"I found this place to be a real hidden gem."

Good to know

1

Reservations are accepted for special occasions like birthdays.

2

Parking is limited during busy hours, so arrive early.

3

The total bill for two people averages around $65.

03
Ichiban Sando image 1
Sandwich shop

Small shop offers cozy vibes with cute murals and friendly staff. Katsu sandwiches shine, featuring pork, chicken, shrimp, and spicy options. Soft music sets a calm tone amid lively lunch hours, blending charm with great Japanese flavors.

Katsu sandwiches stand out with options like pork, chicken, shrimp, and spicy chicken. Some dishes mix in egg or even tempura-topped spam for variety.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are fluffy, crispy, and perfectly moist."

"The curry here is bursting with flavor and rich spices."

"The Japanese food, especially the chicken katsu, is juicy, tender, and perfectly crispy."

Good to know

1

You can order ahead using the website or via phone call.

2

They accept cash and card, but there is a charge for using a card, around 50 cents.

3

The place only offers inside seating.

04
Market on 8th image 1
Food court

Food court buzzes with large tables and a bar with TVs for sports. Fresh sushi shines with great seafood and quick service. Outdoor seating offers fire pits for cozy evenings, blending lively vibes with tasty Japanese dishes.

Fresh sushi gets made right in front of you with great seafood and attentive service. Dishes like Pork Katsu with Curry and Japanese BBQ Chicken wings offer tasty options beyond sushi.

People are saying

"The Market has tons of delicious food options, like fresh sushi and juicy burgers."

"I found a great beer selection and enjoyed the beer garden."

"The Japanese food, especially the sushi, is fresh and made right in front of you."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited at Market on 8th.

2

The cafe closes after 5 PM, limiting dessert options.

3

There are various food vendors offering Mexican, Asian, and more.

05
Los sushi lovers image 1
Sushi takeaway

Food truck in a small lot serves wide sushi variety with reasonable prices. Many sushi items are fried as tempura, adding a unique twist to Japanese food. Casual vibe suits quick takeaway with popular picks like Don Cheeto and Jalapeño Poppers.

Sushi stands out with delicious flavors and reasonable prices. Many items come fried as tempura, offering a unique twist on traditional Japanese food.

People are saying

"I experienced the best sushi in San Diego."

"I experienced the best sushi and Mexican style flavors here."

Good to know

1

The food truck is located in a small neighborhood market parking lot.

2

Parking can be limited during peak hours, so arrive early.

3

The sushi is reasonably priced, making it a good value.

06
Sushi & Galbi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Casual spot with fresh sushi and perfect tempura serves large portions and creative rolls. Lively vibe with TVs playing music videos draws groups for social dining. Limited seating fills fast, making it great for energetic nights out.

Fresh sushi features large portions of fish and creative options like a roll topped with hot cheetos. Mixed tempura cooks perfectly, and teriyaki chicken bowls offer a nicely grilled flavor without too much sweetness. Takeout maintains the quality and freshness well.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and delicious."

"The Japanese food here is super fresh and tasty."

"The seafood here, especially the sushi, has thick, fresh cuts."

Good to know

1

The restaurant gets busy during peak hours, so arrive early.

2

Parking can be tight, especially during dinner hours.

3

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait during busy times.

07
8th & B Poke image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small indoor space with window bar seating feels cramped, but outside has standing tables and a covered tent. Vibrant ohana spirit draws a young crowd. Medium plates feature salmon and scallop, with shrimp tempura as an extra. High demand means arriving early is key.

Medium plates come with salmon and scallop, plus options like tako and shrimp tempura. Adding shrimp tempura costs extra but may not add enough value.

People are saying

"I thought this was possibly the best poke in the world."

"The poke here is so tasty, I can't wait to visit again."

"This Japanese food is so fresh and worth the price."

Good to know

1

They open at 11am and are closed on Tuesdays.

2

You need to arrive well before 11am because the food is only available until sold out.

3

Expect to wait in line, especially on weekends when it is busier.

08
Hanamichi Japanese Restaurant image 1

Small Japanese spot shines with fresh sushi and hearty Bento Boxes. Casual bar seating serves Sapporo beer on tap in a wheelchair accessible space. Tight booths add to the welcoming vibe for relaxed dining.

Quality sushi stands out with fresh, well presented plates and consistently high ratings over six years. Large Bento Boxes and dishes like Katsu Curry and Chicken Teriyaki offer satisfying portions with fresh ingredients.

People are saying

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

"The dinner spots here are delicious and perfectly cooked."

"The lunch special is a great deal for the huge portions."

Good to know

1

They offer a happy hour drink special of sake and/or beer.

2

They have happy hour twice a day.

3

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

09
Chào XO Kitchen image 1
Asian restaurant

Small, elegant spot offers birria ramen with rich broth and crunchy pork belly nigiri. Modern design and Asian art create a warm, family-friendly atmosphere filled with plants and vibrant decor. Open bar adds a relaxed vibe perfect for casual dinners or celebrations.

Birria ramen stands out with rich, flavorful broth. Other dishes include sausage and pork belly nigiri with a satisfying crunch and combo ramen packed with taste.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and yummy."

"The coconut ceviche here is amazing and presented very prettily."

"The Japanese food, especially the kare curry, was a pleasant surprise."

Good to know

1

The restaurant's grand opening is on March 21, 2024.

2

A special menu is available for Restaurant Week.

3

Parking is available in a shared lot, but can be limited.

10
Sarku Japan image 1
Japanese restaurant

Food court buzz fills the air with a fast pace and quick service. Chicken teriyaki shines with tender meat and big portions. Sushi rolls like Cali and Spicy tuna bring fresh variety. Affordable prices make it easy to enjoy a complete meal here.

Chicken teriyaki stands out with its flavorful, tender meat and generous portions served with rice and mixed veggies. Bento boxes, especially the shrimp option, offer a complete meal, while sushi rolls like Cali and Spicy tuna add variety.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and really good."

"The teriyaki chicken here is flavorful and tender."

"The Japanese food, especially the chicken teriyaki, is flavorful and tender."

Good to know

1

Sarku Japan is located in the food court on the second floor of Plaza Bonita.

2

The restaurant can get very crowded, especially during peak hours.

3

You can add extra chicken to your order for an additional charge.

11
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small Hawaiian barbecue spot offers huge portions and authentic flavors like Spam Musubi. Chicken katsu shines with authentic flavor and pairs well with BBQ chicken. Atmosphere stays chill and focuses on takeout over dine-in.

Chicken katsu stands out with its authentic flavor and consistent quality. Plates often combine BBQ chicken and katsu, served with macaroni and rice for a filling meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be top notch."

"I ordered a BBQ Plate and got BBQ Chicken instead."

"I always came here for the amazing chicken katsu."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers large portions, making it a good value for the price.

2

Expect limited seating, especially during peak dining hours.

3

The establishment does not have restrooms available for customers.

12
Ginza Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, cozy spot offers fresh sushi with standout rolls like Rainbow and Red Dragon. Prices stay affordable and service is quick. Quiet, relaxed vibe lets diners enjoy meals without rush while watching sushi prepared for an authentic experience.

Sushi here features freshness and good rice, with rolls like Rainbow, Red Dragon, and Crunchy standing out. Prices stay reasonable for the portions, and service is quick and friendly.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really, really good."

"I thought the orange chicken was the best Chinese food."

"The sushi here is so good, especially the dragon roll."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, making it easy for walk-in customers.

2

The restaurant closes at 9:30pm, perfect for late-night sushi cravings.

3

Parking is available in the strip mall, but it can get busy during peak hours.

13
blue pokē image 1
Health food restaurant

Modern space with a chill vibe serves generous portions of poke bowls. Wide variety of protein options and sauces lets you build a customizable bowl easily. Clear signs and friendly staff guide you through a fresh, health-focused meal.

Poke bowls offer generous portions with a wide variety of protein and options. Clear signs and staff guidance help create a personalized bowl easily.

People are saying

"The poke here is so fresh, especially the fish and veggie toppings."

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and healthy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges extra for many toppings and sauces.

2

Portion sizes are smaller when ordering through delivery services.

3

Expect to pay around $23 for a 3-portion meal through delivery.

14
Teriyaki Sun image 1
Japanese restaurant

Industrial space pulses with loud reggae music and serves large portions at great prices. Ramen shines with rich flavor, while sushi and spicy edamame add tasty variety. Sunny window seats offer a bright spot amid the lively chill.

Ramen stands out with its rich flavor and is often called the best around. The teriyaki soup and spicy edamame add tasty variety, while sushi offers a satisfying option.

People are saying

"I loved the teriyaki chicken, it was delicious and filling."

"I thought the ramen here was very tasty and delicious."

"The Japanese food, especially the teriyaki chicken, was delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is spacious and usually has short wait times.

2

The restrooms are clean and well-maintained.

3

Expect prices around $12.50 for main dishes.

15
Poke ETC. image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Family-run Hawaiian spot offers a cozy vibe with authentic island vibes and warm hospitality. Crunchy pork and chicken katsu shine in the Japanese menu, while fresh poke bowls bring bright flavors. Kids love the tender karage and katsu curry in a friendly, chill setting.

Pork and chicken katsu come with golden, crunchy breading and juicy, tender meat. Poke bowls taste fresh, and the karage and katsu curry appeal to kids.

People are saying

"I found the poke here to be delicious and high quality."

"The seafood here is so fresh, it's like Hawaii."

"The poke here is super fresh and delicious, just like Hawaii."

Good to know

1

Parking is available next door, but the plaza can be crowded.

2

Expect long lines during lunchtime as it's a popular spot.

3

Additional charges may apply for certain toppings not listed on the menu.

16
Donburi Rice Bowls image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese rice bowls offer crispy pork katsu and fluffy rice in a relaxed food court. Expect authentic takoyaki and tasty gyozas with chicken filling. Portions are huge, making it great for groups despite some wait time.

Crispy, seasoned pork katsu comes with flavorful curry on top. The teriyaki tofu bowl with veggies is a popular choice. Gyozas have a tasty chicken and green onion filling, and takoyaki recalls authentic street vendor style.

People are saying

"The shrimp tempura here is so delicious and filling."

"The Tonkatsu is so crispy and delicious."

"The Japanese food, especially the pork katsu with curry, is delicious and crispy."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait as food takes time to prepare.

2

The restaurant is located inside a market with other food vendors.

3

Portions are generous and worth the price.

17
Koi Sushi image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Small, clean spot offers a calm vibe with fresh sushi and generous portions. Regulars enjoy all-you-can-eat nigiri and happy hour deals on rolls and appetizers. Tender beef teriyaki and crunchy chicken katsu musubi add tasty variety.

Freshness stands out with very fresh sushi and sashimi plates featuring some of the freshest fish. The menu offers all-you-can-eat nigiri and happy hour deals with rolls and appetizers priced around $5-6. Dishes like beef teriyaki don and chicken katsu musubi deliver tender, tasty, and crunchy textures.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding, fresh, and creative."

"I thought the bottomless sushi option for two hours was worth it."

"I loved the happy hour sushi selection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3-6pm with rolls and appetizers priced at $5-6 each.

2

The all-you-can-eat option allows for 3 rounds over 2 hours.

3

Parking can be limited depending on the time of day.

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National City, California

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