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Top picks in San Diego

Japanese food and fried chicken

A plate of crispy fried chicken is the only thing that will satisfy this specific Japanese food craving.

Based on 739 Opinions
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01
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Small, cozy Japanese restaurant with sakura-themed decor and an atmosphere that feels like stepping into Japan during cherry blossom season. Relaxed and inviting vibe suits pairs or small groups, with beautifully styled dishes and cups enhancing the authentic experience. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, adding to the casual charm.

Tuna onigiri offers a filling portion with fresh, authentic flavors. The chilled udon features refreshing noodles and broth with slightly warm, tender meat. Karaage and salmon onigiri also stand out as favorites.

Chicken karaage stands out with its light and tender texture and a chicharrรณn crisp that adds a unique flavor. The fried chicken is tasty and milder than typical Japanese versions, making it a delicious must-try.

People are saying

"The salmon onigiri was a fantastic, warm surprise."

"The fried chicken here is light, tender, and has a unique chicharrรณn crisp."

Good to know

1

Hatsuzakura closes briefly from 3 to 4:30 pm.

2

Street parking can be difficult during peak hours.

3

On Sundays, expect a wait for the menu when they open at 11 am.

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Ramen restaurant offers traditional sushi bar seating and a clean, peaceful atmosphere with authentic Japanese vibes. The place draws a steady crowd with no wait times and ample parking. It stands out for highly customizable ramen options and a quiet, welcoming environment.

Ramen here stands out for its super flavorful broth that stays light, with highlights like the spicy Tan Tan Ramen and shoyu ramen. Tonkatsu with chashu pork and pan-fried gyoza match authentic Japanese quality.

Juicy fried chicken features a lightly battered coating with great crispness and moist, flavorful meat. Portions come generous and the Karaage style stands out as a highlight.

People are saying

"The ramen here has such flavorful broth and perfectly chewy noodles."

"Their fried chicken is juicy, moist, and has a great crispness."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a summer special for cold ramen, ending on 08/31.

2

Toppings are extra, costing at least $2 each.

3

Parking is easy and plentiful.

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Small space with wood style design feels cozy but can get crowded quickly. Atmosphere stays calming and intimate, attracting those who appreciate quiet dining. Seating is limited and uncomfortable, contributing to a packed yet popular vibe.

Tonkotsu ramen stands out with rich, flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles. The shoyu ramen offers a balanced, savory taste with fresh ingredients and great service.

Fried chicken comes out perfectly crispy and juicy. The chef handles the karaage with clear skill, making it really good and excellent in taste.

People are saying

"I thought this Japanese food was the best ramen I had in California."

"I found the fried chicken to be perfectly crispy and juicy."

Good to know

1

The place fills up quickly, and they do not take reservations.

2

Expect wait times of over an hour on Friday evenings.

3

Parking can be inconvenient due to nearby construction.

04
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Small, cramped space with authentic Japanese style and checklist order forms on tables. Atmosphere includes loud ambient music and noticeable cigar smoke odor from nearby businesses. Busy environment that fills quickly, requiring early arrival or reservation.

Tonkotsu ramen stands out with rich, flavorful broth and tender noodles. The menu also includes gyoza and fried chicken, paired well with ramunรฉ soda for a classic Japanese meal.

Nagoya style fried chicken stands out with its moist texture and full flavor. Other options offer a crispy outside and juicy inside, making fried chicken a notable choice here.

People are saying

"I thought the Japanese food, especially the ramen, was the best I've ever had."

"The Nagoya fried chicken is crunchy and well-seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant closes from 2 to 5 PM, so plan accordingly.

3

Expect a long wait, especially if you arrive after 2 PM.

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Asian restaurant with modern, inviting decor and photo-worthy corners creates a friendly, vibey atmosphere. Loud, chill music and several TVs showing sports and K-pop fill the space. Cocktails like lychee and passionfruit complement soft dumplings and flavorful chicken rolls.

Tonkotsu ramen features a creamy broth with tender noodles and perfectly cooked eggs. Spicy ramen offers a rich umami flavor with garlic notes and tender pork, balanced with a moderate heat level.

Korean fried chicken here is crispy with large chunks of wings. The OG and bok bok boom versions both deliver solid flavor and texture.

People are saying

"The Japanese Food here is great, thanks to the friendly and attentive service."

"The fried chicken here is juicy, crunchy, and perfectly battered."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 8pm with $1 wings and late night deals.

2

The $1 wings are a popular choice during happy hour.

3

Parking is easier at this location compared to others in the area.

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Ramen restaurant inside a mall offers bright, clean space with minimal decoration and high noise levels. The atmosphere feels sterile and cold, with small outdoor seating that is dog friendly. The vibe is functional but lacks warmth, catering to quick dining rather than leisurely meals.

Ramen here features creamy flavorful broth and tender pork with options like garlic truffle ramen that stand out. The menu includes combos with appetizers like Karaage, and the noodles hold up well to rich broths.

Japanese fried chicken comes with a typical sauce that stands out. Other fried chicken options are served alongside pan-fried dumplings but are generally nothing special.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was the best I had ever tasted."

"The fried chicken broth here is so creamy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The food is prepared in less than 10 minutes.

2

Vegan options are available on the menu.

3

Each dish costs $15, and no refills are provided without asking.

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Restaurant offers casual, family-friendly atmosphere with options to dine inside or outside. Menu features fresh sushi and Korean dishes, including customizable sushi and crispy fried chicken wings. Space is small and cozy, creating an intimate dining experience.

Fresh fish and customizable sushi stand out here. The sushi rice texture balances dishes well, and the menu includes tasty rolls, chirashi bowls, and sashimi.

Plain fried chicken wings stand out as tasty, crunchy, and not oily. Other fried chicken options tend to be soggy and overly oily, with a sweet and spicy flavor profile.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is world-class, with incredibly fresh fish."

"The fried chicken wings are tasty, crunchy, and not oily."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the shopping center with no fees.

2

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

3

The average price for sushi rolls is around $13.

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Japanese curry restaurant offers cozy, inviting atmosphere that closely resembles locations in Japan, with franchise-style seating including a bar for single diners. The space feels cramped during busy times but maintains a clean, well-maintained interior that helps guests forget the outside surroundings.

Japanese curry stands out with juicy pork cutlet and a rich egg omelette topping. Chicken cutlet curry, udon, and naan bread pair well to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Teriyaki fried chicken offers a flavorful taste that pairs well with the Japanese curry. The fried chicken is cooked correctly, maintaining a good texture and flavor.

People are saying

"This Japanese food is so delicious and flavorful."

"The teriyaki fried chicken here is flavorful and complements the curry."

Good to know

1

Expect a 45-minute wait time during peak lunch hours.

2

Parking can be a challenge due to limited space in the shopping complex.

3

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long lines.

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