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San Diego's best

Tempura sushi

A sushi dinner only hits the mark when there is crispy tempura on the table to round out the textures.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
CinKuni (Italian & Japanese Cuisine) image 1
CinKuni (Italian & Japanese Cuisine) image 2
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Spacious restaurant blends Japanese and Italian culture with art-filled walls and a visible brick pizza oven. Atmosphere feels upscale and casual with loud 80s-90s music and a lively vibe. Features include a big screen TV lounge and a dog-friendly patio.

Wide variety of sushi includes aburi salmon nigiri that is fresh and flavorful. Sushi pairs well with other dishes like ramen and Italian food, offering a delicious and diverse experience.

Squash blossoms in tempura batter stand out with delicate crispness. The Tempura Mediterraneo offers a unique twist, matching well with other dishes like sushi and pasta.

People are saying

"The Gnocchi Urbino was delicious and tender."

"I found the sushi rolls to be delicious."

"The Tempura Mediterraneo squash blossoms are to die for."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7 p.m. on industry Mondays with great drink selections.

2

Every Wednesday, there are free comedy shows starting at 8 p.m.

3

Karaoke night happens every Thursday at 10 p.m. with a two-drink minimum.

02
Sai Japanese Bistro image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy sushi restaurant with a peaceful atmosphere and authentic Japanese family ownership. The space feels warm and relaxing, often quiet and calm. Fresh sushi and traditional dishes attract diners who appreciate high-quality ingredients and a genuine Japanese experience.

Sushi features fresh, tasty nigiri like tuna and mackerel prepared by a Japanese-trained chef. Sitting at the sushi bar offers a chance to interact with the owner, adding to the experience.

Tempura here has a solid texture and pairs well with sushi that melts in your mouth. Meals and bento boxes often include vegetable tempura alongside gyoza, California rolls, and rice.

People are saying

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

"The sushi here is so fresh and tasty."

"The tempura here just melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are advisable as the restaurant fills up quickly after 6:15 PM.

2

Expect prices around $15-20 per roll, which is typical for sushi.

3

The lunch specials offer high quality at reasonable prices.

03
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.

Sushi here stands out for its delicious taste and reasonable prices. The albacore and yellowtail sashimi shine, and the omelette nigiri offers a perfect finishing bite.

Tempura dishes feature a light, crispy batter and include options like calamari and vegetables. The tempura udon pairs well with a rich, fresh broth, though some vegetable tempura pieces could be cooked longer.

People are saying

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

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

"The calamari tempura has a light, crispy batter."

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.

04
Mizukiyama Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers spacious sushi bar, comfortable seating, and a lovely outdoor patio. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and family-friendly to lively with ongoing conversations and sports on two televisions. Fresh fish and high-quality sushi define the dining experience.

Sushi here is very fresh with standout items like fatty tuna sashimi and a special dish called Mul-hwoe featuring sashimi and cold soup. The menu includes yellowtail roll, specialty rolls, and nigiri, all served with great customer service.

Mixed tempura offers a variety with crispy, well-seasoned pieces. Tempura rolls like the Tempura California roll and vegetarian options stand out for their texture and flavor.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is delicious."

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"I loved the tempura; it was wonderfully cooked."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM with 30% off food.

2

During happy hour, there are no discounts on beers.

3

Parking can be challenging due to a busy garage.

05
Sushi Yorimichi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, cozy sushi restaurant with intimate atmosphere and authentic Tokyo vibes. Limited seating creates a warm, inviting space often packed with charm. Music adds to the serene, chill energy, making it ideal for quiet meals or dates.

Sushi here is exceptionally fresh and stays true to traditional styles, avoiding Americanized cooked dishes. The quality is consistently fantastic and the prices are reasonable for the value offered.

Shrimp tempura appears in several dishes like the tempura sampler, tempura udon, and specialty rolls such as the Yorimichi and Surf and Skate rolls. These rolls combine crispy shrimp tempura with ingredients like spicy mayo, eel sauce, and seared beef for varied textures and flavors.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazingly fresh and well-priced."

"The sushi here is amazingly fresh and flavorful."

"The tempura udon was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6 PM with discounted prices on select items.

2

The restaurant can only accommodate about 25 customers at a time.

3

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating and popularity.

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.

Sushi here features fresh nigiri from toro to uni and ikura, all with excellent flavor. The Gato Special roll and chirashi bowl stand out for quality and presentation.

Tempura comes with a light, fluffy batter that stays wonderfully crispy and fresh. It appears alongside a variety of sushi, making it a solid choice for a meal.

People are saying

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

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

"The sushi here is so fresh and pretty."

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
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.

Sushi here features fresh quality fish with excellent sashimi, rolls, and tempura. The menu offers authentic Japanese flavors at value prices, with options for those who prefer cooked over raw sushi.

Shrimp tempura stands out with its crispy fried texture and appears in rolls and bento boxes. Tempura dishes come alongside sushi and salads, offering a variety of flavors in each meal.

People are saying

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

"I thought the sushi here was excellent and a great value."

"The tempura shrimp here is scrumptious."

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.

08
Negihama Sushi Bar & Grill image 1

Asian restaurant combines cozy ambiance with big screen TVs showing sports, creating a casual yet lively vibe. Families often fill the space despite music that leans toward repetitive 2000's pop. Outdoor dog-friendly patio with a fire pit adds a warm, inviting touch.

Sushi features fresh fish and well-balanced flavors across rolls and nigiri. Wagyu sushi offers a juicy, savory texture that stands out. Nigiri includes real wasabi, and sashimi is vibrant and fantastic.

Tempura seaweed stands out as a unique and delicious option, even served with dragon rolls. Vegetable and banana tempura also show up well, making the tempura overall wonderful and a solid complement to the sushi.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is some of the best I've had."

"I thought the sushi here was phenomenal."

"The tempura seaweed was delicious and a perfect addition."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted prices on select menu items.

2

All-you-can-eat sushi is available on Monday nights for $39.95; call to confirm.

3

Many options are available on the happy hour menu.

09
Azuki Sushi Lounge image 1

Small, intimate space blends classic Japanese aesthetic with modern touches and rustic wood decor. Atmosphere stays tranquil and authentic, inviting relaxation with minimalistic design. Offers outdoor dining and a sushi bar, with a back seating area suited for special occasions.

Sushi here stands out for its exceptional quality and remarkable selection. The experience combines great value with top-notch taste and freshness.

Tempura appears in rolls like the Kobe and Scorpion. The Kobe roll features black tiger prawn, tempura onion, and seared wagyu. The Scorpion roll has tempura soft-shell crab on top, adding crispiness.

People are saying

"The sushi here is outstanding, especially the blue fin tuna."

"The sushi here is outstanding and high quality."

"The tempura batter is so thin and delicate."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets packed quickly.

2

Curbside pick-up and online ordering are available for convenience.

3

Seating is not wheelchair accessible for parties less than four.

10
Kiiro Sushi Izakaya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Spacious seating and modern casual design create a clean, classy setting with a homey, family vibe. Music stays chill with 80's pop tunes at a comfortable volume, supporting a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The place feels like stepping back into Asia, offering a relaxed yet lively environment.

Sushi here is fresh, tender, and finely sliced, with pieces that melt in your mouth. The Aburi Garlic Butter Salmon Belly Nigiri and Chef's choice Nigiri stand out for their flavor and quality.

Tempura salmon stands out in the rolls, especially in the Salmon tempura roll and the Forbidden Pleasure Roll with spicy tuna and tempura flakes. The Tempura Udon offers a rich broth and the ice cream tempura adds a unique twist.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

"I tried the tempura udon soup with its rich and flavorful broth."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible for those with mobility needs.

2

There is a large free parking lot available nearby.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak dinner hours.

11
Hinotez image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant with traditional tatami seating and Japanese-themed decor creates a cozy, authentic izakaya vibe. Lounge area gets overcrowded and hot, while dining side offers a quieter experience. Late nights bring a lively atmosphere with locals enjoying unique ramen and yakitori dishes.

Sushi includes Nigiri, sashimi, and various rolls like Iron Man and Hawaii. Rolls come with wasabi and ginger, and the menu offers a wide range of sushi alongside rice bowls and noodle dishes.

Avocado Tempura stands out as a flavorful and fresh option, often highlighted for its quality. Mixed tempura served with hot udon and shrimp tempura in rolls also show well-cooked, tasty results.

People are saying

"The tonkotsu ramen here is extremely flavorful and delicious."

"I found the sushi here to be authentic and comforting."

"I thought the Avocado Tempura was worth dying for."

Good to know

1

Hinotez offers happy hour deals on drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm daily.

2

Parking is available in the rear, off Balboa, with plenty of spaces.

3

Expect a wait time during peak hours on weekends, especially after 7pm.

12
Robataya Oton image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Small, intimate space with traditional Japanese decor and private horigotatsu rooms creates a cozy, authentic izakaya atmosphere. Lighting is soft and soothing, enhancing a relaxing vibe that transports diners to Japan. Reservation is common to secure private seating, distinguishing it from typical sushi spots.

Each piece of sushi features subtle finishes like light charring, simple marinade, and lemon that create interesting nuances. The chef's choice nigiri omakase offers a curated, intimate experience with excellent quality and unique flavors.

Shrimp and chicken meatballs come with a crispy tempura coating that stands out. Seafood tempura offers a good balance of texture and flavor.

People are saying

"The nabiyaki udon was amazing."

"The chef's choice sushi pieces each stood alone in taste and experience."

"The tempura shrimp and chicken meatballs are to die for."

Good to know

1

Reservations are almost a must due to the restaurant's small size.

2

Expect a 90-minute dining limit, which may feel rushed.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

13
Little Sakana All You Can Eat Sushi image 1

Sushi restaurant offers modern decor with traditional touches and an open, clean space. Atmosphere is loud and lively, making conversation difficult but energizing. Staff engage actively with guests, and amenities include warm towels, endless green tea, and outdoor seating.

Offers all-you-can-eat sushi with consistently great quality and a wide variety. Service and decor stand out, making it a solid choice for sushi lovers seeking a satisfying AYCE experience.

Crunchy Shrimp Tempura stands out with its texture and flavor. Rolls combine tempura shrimp with creamy avocado and zesty sauce for a rich taste.

People are saying

"I found the all-you-can-eat sushi here to be very good."

"The all-you-can-eat sushi here is phenomenal."

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

Good to know

1

The dinner price is $39.99 for all-you-can-eat sushi.

2

Expect an hour and a half wait during busy times.

3

Lunch pricing applies if you arrive before 2:30 pm.

14
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.

Freshness stands out with high quality sushi served quickly. The spot works well for a quick lunch or a sushi roll after work.

Tempura udon noodles cook soft and chewy. Vegetable tempura comes as a small portion with bento boxes. Shrimp tempura rolls can be fragile inside.

People are saying

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

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

"The bento box is a good deal with miso soup."

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.

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