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Teriyaki Japanese food in San Diego

You want a meal that honors the traditions of Japanese food while satisfying your craving for teriyaki.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Haole Shack image 1
Haole Shack image 2
Haole Shack image 3
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Hamburger restaurant

Walk-up window near the beach offers outside seating with a small patio and sea view. Atmosphere feels cozy but cramped, with local music adding a lively touch. Busy at night as one of few late-night food spots.

Teriyaki bowls come in tri-tip, chicken, and steak options, all tasting fresh and well-portioned. Each bowl offers a filling, healthy dinner with consistently good flavor.

Teriyaki bowls stand out with options like chicken, steak, and tri-tip, all tasting fresh and filling. The poke bowl also offers a great choice alongside other items like burgers and loaded fries.

People are saying

"These burgers are the best smash burgers I've ever had."

"I found the teriyaki bowls to be delicious and amazing."

"The teriyaki bowls here are delicious and amazing."

Good to know

1

Haole Shack is a walk-up establishment located near the Pacific Beach lifeguard station.

2

Haole Shack only has outside seating with limited shade.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere during nighttime as it's a popular late-night food spot.

02
Yoshino's Japanese Restaurant image 1

Small, family-run sushi spot offers a cozy, no-frills atmosphere with low-volume 80s music creating a calm vibe. Friendly staff serve authentic Japanese cuisine with reasonable prices that stand out in the area.

Chicken teriyaki stands out with its awesome flavor. Bento boxes include teriyaki paired with tempura, offering a solid combo.

Sushi stands out with delicious flavors and reasonable prices. Dishes like katsudon, takoyaki, and specialty rolls such as Spicy Crunchy and Rainbow Rolls offer variety, while miso soup delivers a complex, salty richness.

People are saying

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

"The sushi here is so fresh and perfectly prepared."

"The chicken teriyaki here is awesome."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and plentiful, with no fees.

2

Lunch specials are available and provide good value.

3

Expect quick service, especially during lunch hours.

03
Jump Tokyo Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Intimate space with modern design and pop music sets a chill, welcoming vibe. Frequent presence of a TV near sushi chefs adds a casual touch. The atmosphere supports relaxed conversation and enjoyment of fresh sushi.

Teriyaki dishes feature perfectly tender meat, crisp vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Chicken teriyaki bowls consistently taste great and pair well with the Happy New Year roll.

Sushi here stands out for its amazing quality and reasonable prices. The lunch special bento box and the energy roll are popular choices, supported by fantastic staff and consistent service.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is so fresh, it's like you're tasting the ocean."

"I found the teriyaki bowls to have tender meat and flavorful sauce."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on weeknights with great deals.

2

The sushi is reasonably priced with excellent daily specials.

3

Dine-in and to-go options are available for convenience.

04
Isshido Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen bar styled restaurant offers a chill atmosphere with friendly staff and a cozy, clean space. It stays quieter than typical ramen spots, making it easy to enjoy conversation. The place serves exceptional, richly flavored ramen with options including vegan and vegetarian.

Chicken teriyaki comes in perfect portions with flavor beyond expectations. Options include a salmon bento and tofu teriyaki with mushrooms instead of pork.

Thick, savory broth stands out with rich, deep flavor. Ramen features thick noodles and options like steak ramen and seaweed salad. Meals travel well for takeout.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying."

"The Japanese food here has a rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying broth."

"I was obsessed with the chicken teriyaki bento's flavor."

Good to know

1

They have vegan and vegetarian ramen options.

2

The kids' meal was a great deal.

3

Happy hour offers a good deal on appetizers.

05
Niban Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Indoor and outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly patio and an open kitchen where food preparation is visible. Atmosphere feels cozy and traditional with quiet energy and friendly, quick service. Menu offers inexpensive, filling Japanese meals with a variety of bentos, sushi, and rolls.

Freshly grilled teriyaki chicken has a charred crisp outside and stays tender and juicy inside. Bento boxes often pair it with rice, salad, and sides like shrimp tempura or potato cake.

Menu includes a wide range of items from bentos to sushi to rolls. Fried gyozas and freshly grilled teriyaki chicken stand out, with the chicken having a perfect char and balanced sauce. Chicken Katsu and curry also feature as notable dishes.

People are saying

"The Japanese Food here is great, and the staff is super friendly."

"I found the lunch and dinner specials to be excellent deals."

"The Teriyaki here is really tasty, and the staff is so friendly."

Good to know

1

The lunch and dinner specials offer excellent deals for budget-conscious diners.

2

You must order and pay at the counter before receiving your food.

3

Parking is ample, but allow extra time to find a spot during busy hours.

06
Sushi Gato image 1
Sushi restaurant

Modern, clean interior creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere with soft, calming music keeping noise levels low. Generous portions of fresh sushi and sashimi attract diners looking for a relaxed meal. Suntory Beer and quality sake complement the food, enhancing the dining experience.

Lunch bentos feature teriyaki chicken and salmon options. Beef teriyaki comes in a small portion that costs around $25.

Freshness stands out with high-quality sashimi and nigiri like toro, unagi, uni, and ikura. The sushi rolls, including the Gato Special and chirashi bowl, offer flavorful, well-presented dishes that capture authentic Japanese flavors.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the sushi, was so fresh and pretty."

"The Dragon Roll staff were so friendly and attentive."

"The Teriyaki staff were so nice and welcoming."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from 3 to 6 pm with discounted prices.

2

Expect a wait time of about 45 minutes during peak hours.

3

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to the bill.

07
Chiba Japanese image 1
Japanese restaurant

Family-owned Japanese restaurant offers no-frills atmosphere with reasonably priced sushi and large portions. The place serves affordable teriyaki and sushi rolls that attract those seeking value without sacrificing quality. Low customer volume suggests it remains a hidden gem for sushi lovers.

Salmon teriyaki comes in a large portion with perfectly cooked fish and a great price. Teriyaki sauce is flavorful and appears on dishes like the sweet BBQ wings and kids bowls.

Sushi stands out with great quality and reasonable prices. Teriyaki dishes come with a flavorful sauce, and the bento boxes offer generous portions including shumai, chicken, rice, and salad.

People are saying

"You can get a great Japanese food meal without spending a lot."

"The seafood here, especially the sushi, is amazing and fresh."

"The salmon teriyaki plate was very large and cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

The lunch special offers great value at $12.95.

2

Large beers or sake are available for around $6.

3

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

08
Natural Style Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant offers large portions with affordable prices and a dated, unpolished interior featuring old furniture and unusual wall photos. The atmosphere is straightforward and unpretentious, with special hot sauces available on the counter and a self-serve water station. The vibe suits those seeking healthy, filling meals with a focus on teriyaki dishes.

Generous portions of chicken teriyaki come with rice and green salad, all served quickly. The teriyaki sauce is rich and flavorful, with options like beef teriyaki also available.

Generous portions of teriyaki chicken come with rice and green salad. The chicken is rich, flavorful, and served quickly with extra sauce available.

People are saying

"I always order the teriyaki chicken with extra sauce."

"You get a massive amount of food for the price."

"I found the Beef Teriyaki rich, flavorful, and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers large portions for reasonable prices, around $12 for a meal.

2

They charge extra for teriyaki sauce, which costs $4 for enough to cover a large portion.

3

A water station is available for those who prefer not to buy drinks.

09
O Sushi & Grill image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a neighborly atmosphere with pleasant vibes and tasteful decor. The sushi is consistently fresh and delicious, complemented by a smooth hot sake and generous portions. Meals conclude with a complimentary scoop of ice cream, adding a unique touch to the experience.

Teriyaki dishes come with large portions and multiple sides like rice, vegetables, gyoza, miso soup, and salad. The teriyaki sauce lacks authenticity, and the chicken tends to be overcooked with an off taste, while the salmon is cooked well.

Sushi here is consistently fresh and high quality, with chefs adding fresh wasabi on top without being asked. Friendly staff offer complimentary edamame and ice cream, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found this Japanese food to be our new favorite sushi place."

"The dinner spots here have such friendly and professional staff."

"The teriyaki salmon was perfect and the chicken was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 PM with a variety of options.

2

They offer large sakes for .99 cents on Tuesdays.

3

The restaurant has a kids menu with appealing choices.

10
Bowl To Go image 1
Asian restaurant

Small, family-owned Asian spot offers grab-and-go meals with reasonable prices and clean, spacious surroundings. Lunch hours bring a busy, chaotic vibe, while off-peak times feel calm and local. Food portions are generous, focusing on simple, tasty bowls like teriyaki chicken and beef.

Half beef and half chicken teriyaki bowl offers a tasty mix. The spot serves teriyaki chicken and other assortments with a cute hidden gem vibe.

Offers teriyaki chicken and a half beef and half chicken teriyaki bowl that stand out. The gyozas come highly recommended and taste really good.

People are saying

"I found the food at this Lunch Spot to be delicious."

"The Teriyaki chicken here is good and flavorful."

"The Japanese food here is warm and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during lunch hours, especially on weekdays.

2

Prices are affordable, with most bowls around $10-12.

3

The restaurant is primarily a grab-and-go spot with limited seating.

11
Osaka Japanese Food & Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a casual, family atmosphere with dim lighting and quiet vibe. The place feels relaxed and comfortable, focusing on affordable, well-stuffed sushi and generous portions rather than decor or ambiance.

Chicken teriyaki comes with huge fresh chunks of broccoli, zucchini, and giant mushroom caps. Teriyaki options include a beef combo and a chicken rice bowl that many enjoy.

Sushi features great quality fish and comes at a value price. The menu includes pork katsudon, large house salads, tempura shrimp rolls, and mango rolls, all consistently delicious.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is excellent and a great value."

"The sushi here is authentic and tasted like Japan."

"I loved their teriyaki chicken, it's the best in town."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, with tight stalls available.

2

Food is served within 20-30 minutes after ordering.

3

The sushi costs around $20 per set.

12
Katsu Cafe image 1
Japanese restaurant

Casual Japanese restaurant with retro 60s-70s decor and a laid-back atmosphere featuring loud eclectic music including 90s, 2000s, and island styles. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs and offers sunlit dining. Portions are generous and affordable, creating a relaxed, unpretentious vibe.

Chicken and beef teriyaki plates come with generous servings and pair well with sides like California roll and edamame. The menu focuses on teriyaki and katsu, offering solid options alongside ramen and sushi.

Fusion Japanese and Korean cuisine shines with crispy tonkatsu and comforting curry dishes. Sushi and ramen come out fresh, with fried sushi offering a crispy outside and soft inside texture.

People are saying

"The Japanese food portions here are huge; you'll have leftovers!"

"I enjoyed the fresh, flavorful sushi creations."

"The teriyaki portions are huge, you'll have leftovers."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs every day from 3 to 6 pm with great drink prices.

2

The dinner for two costs less than $20, making it very affordable.

3

Expect large portion sizes, perfect for sharing.

13
Curry House CoCo Ichibanya - San Diego image 1

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.

Spicy teriyaki chicken curry pairs with garlic naan for a flavorful meal. Teriyaki fried chicken offers a rich flavor that complements the curry well.

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.

People are saying

"This Japanese-style curry is the most authentic I've had."

"This Japanese food is so delicious and flavorful."

"The teriyaki fried chicken here is really flavorful."

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.

14
ahii poke image 1
Poke bar

Spacious dining room offers both indoor and outdoor seating with wheelchair accessibility and a dog-friendly patio. Friendly atmosphere features good music and a welcoming vibe. Military personnel and first responders receive a discount, and toppings come at no extra cost.

Grilled chicken teriyaki bowls come with nori, garlic, crab, seaweed, edamame, and spinach alongside tender chicken and extra sauce. Options include swapping rice for salad, and the dish pairs well with chicken gyoza and Thai iced tea. Some servings may have quality issues.

Gyoza stands out with fantastic flavor. The chicken teriyaki bowl appeals to kids. Large, tasty miso soup rounds out the meal.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is incredible, and the service is super nice."

"The teriyaki bowl was delicious and savory."

"The salmon poke bowl was delicious and the fish was very fresh."

Good to know

1

The price is $11 for a healthy and tasty meal.

2

The portion sizes are generous, even for regular servings.

3

Parking is free, and the venue is wheelchair accessible.

15
Sushi Ren image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers inside and outside seating with organized to-go counter for quick orders. Atmosphere feels cool and inviting, suited for speedy lunch or casual dinner. Menu includes classic and fusion rolls, with fresh sushi and Korean dishes executed well.

Chicken teriyaki tends to be served with white meat only but can be a bit dry. Beef teriyaki comes cooked well done with very little sauce. Bento box presentation looks appealing.

Fresh, high quality sushi stands out with exceptional nigiri and a large sushi combo offering. The menu includes both Japanese and Korean dishes, executed well, with friendly service and a relaxed pace for meals.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and high quality."

"I loved the happy hour with 20% off everything."

"I thought the teriyaki chicken was okay."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 20% off all items until 5 pm.

2

Parking can be tricky during lunchtime.

3

Sushi Ren is allergy friendly and offers a variety of options.

16
Kaleiโ€™s Kitchenette image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small space with limited seating feels like a takeout-focused spot. Island tunes create a chill, authentic Hawaiian vibe that echoes local spirit. Customers mostly come for flavorful, well-prepared dishes and often choose to take food to go.

Beef teriyaki stands out with flavorful seasoning and consistent quality. It pairs well with garlic chicken and kalua pork in combo plates, offering a balanced mix of savory tastes.

Fries come with a unique garlic and wasabi aioli topped with furikake. Chicken Katsu stays crispy and golden brown while Teriyaki Beef features a great teriyaki sauce.

People are saying

"The kalbi ribs were very tasty and a huge hit."

"The garlic chicken and teriyaki beef are tasty Japanese food."

"You have to try the teriyaki beef; it's a must-try dish."

Good to know

1

Kalei's Kitchenette offers catering services for events of any size.

2

The Poke is a Saturday special on the menu.

3

The restaurant has very limited indoor seating for four people.

17
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar image 1
American restaurant

Large space with warm lodge-like decor and a dog-friendly outdoor patio featuring heaters and a fire pit. Atmosphere feels homey and lively, suitable for both casual meals and social gatherings. Busy environment often requires reservations, with a mix of bar seating and dining booths.

Tofu teriyaki bowls come out well cooked and flavorful. Kids enjoy the chicken teriyaki, making it a popular choice.

Bowls like the Chicken Katsu and Korean Bibimbap come in great size and stay fresh. Tofu teriyaki and edamames show solid Japanese flavors with well-cooked tofu and tasty sides.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented."

"The Japanese food, especially the teriyaki chicken, was rated really well."

"I will miss the tofu teriyaki bowl; it was cooked so well."

Good to know

1

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar allows customers to bring their dogs during Sunday brunch.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties.

3

Parking can be challenging, so arrive early.

18
Sushi Kuchi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant offers fresh sushi and friendly staff in a cozy atmosphere. Music plays loudly, creating a lively energy that can make conversation difficult. Tables sit close together, enhancing the intimate but bustling vibe.

Beef teriyaki stands out with good beef and a notable presentation. Chicken teriyaki tends to be dry and lacks enough teriyaki sauce.

Sushi here features fresh ingredients and thick, filling rolls like the spicy tuna and Fatty Tuna Nigiri. Portions are generous, prices reasonable, and service is fast with friendly staff.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was simply the best I had ever had."

"The spicy garlic edamame here is awesome."

"I found the teriyaki beef here to be incredible."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-off rolls all day, making it a great deal.

2

Lunch specials provide excellent pricing compared to regular menu items.

3

The prices for specialty rolls can be high, even with discounts.

19
Go Go Sushi & Ramen image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small interior offers a quiet, tidy atmosphere suited for relaxed conversation. Menu includes a large selection of Japanese dishes with fresh, high-quality sushi and convenient quick lunch options. Parking shares space with a nearby market, which can affect availability during busy times.

Teriyaki dishes include a salmon bento box with miso soup, salad, tempura, sushi rolls, and rice. The Unagi Don balances sweet teriyaki sauce with salty eel, while the Beef Teriyaki rice bowl has vegetables that tend to fall apart.

Fresh sushi and rich Tonkotsu ramen stand out here. Bento boxes offer good value with crunchy fried vegetables and perfectly cooked noodles in dishes like tempura udon.

People are saying

"The sushi here is fresh and of high quality."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, especially the sushi."

"I ordered the teriyaki salmon bento box."

Good to know

1

There was ample parking, but it could be difficult to find during peak hours.

2

I experienced no wait during lunch hour; I just walked in.

3

The prices at Go Go Sushi & Ramen are budget-friendly.

20
Leilani's Cafe image 1

Outdoor seating with tropical plants creates a laid-back, aloha vibe that feels like a Hawaiian shack transplanted to a coastal city. The atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful despite steady activity, with a friendly, welcoming energy that invites lingering on the patio.

The teriyaki dishes include a spicy teriyaki option with great flavor and a classic teriyaki chicken plate. The chicken can be overcooked and under seasoned at times. Teriyaki pairs with sides like macaroni salad.

Spicy teriyaki stands out with great flavor and pairs with a macaroni salad. Noodle dishes like Yaki soba and Saimen offer variety. Musubi comes cut sushi style, a rare presentation.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really delicious."

"The Japanese food here, like the ahi poke, is fresh and delicious."

"I found the Teriyaki here to be a cool spot with outdoor seating."

Good to know

1

Leilani's Cafe only has outdoor seating.

2

Parking on the residential streets can be challenging.

3

Arrive early on weekends to avoid long wait times.

21
Teriyaki Madness image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion restaurant offers teriyaki chicken and steak bowls with good portions and distinctive teriyaki sauce. Atmosphere varies from clean and quiet to dirty and sticky, with plenty of parking and no lines. Food quality and service can fluctuate, but spicy chicken teriyaki maintains consistent flavor.

Chicken teriyaki bowls come with very good teriyaki sauce and options like spicy chicken or beef teriyaki. Meals are affordable, often cheaper than a sandwich, and avoid nitrates found in lunch meats.

Chicken teriyaki bowls come with rich teriyaki sauce and options like spicy chicken or beef teriyaki. Meals include fried rice or noodles and avoid nitrates found in lunch meats, making them a healthy fast food choice.

People are saying

"The teriyaki chicken here is so good, it hits the sweet spot."

"The food here is outrageously delicious and bursting with flavor."

"The teriyaki chicken here is insanely good, hitting the sweet spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant was clean and in good condition.

2

There was plenty of parking at the restaurant.

3

The meal cost $20.

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