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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of San Diego

Tempura

Tempura that maintains its crisp integrity instead of arriving as a soggy, heavy mess.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Buta Japanese Ramen image 1
Buta Japanese Ramen image 2
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Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese spot offers a cozy atmosphere with natural light and dark stone decor. Avocado tempura is a crispy highlight that stands out. Regulars love the authentic ramen and fair prices, making it a chill place to enjoy.

Avocado tempura stands out with its crispy texture and rich flavor. It consistently impresses as a highlight dish.

People are saying

"I found the ramen's rich broth and tender pork really tasty."

"You have to try the golden curry ramen; it's phenomenal."

"The avocado tempura was really good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure accommodation.

2

Parking is limited to 20 minutes in front, but servers allow longer stays.

3

Expect reasonable wait times during dinner rush hours.

02
Yoshino's Japanese Restaurant image 1

Small, family-run sushi spot offers a cozy vibe with low-volume 80s music and friendly staff. Tempura dishes shine with light, crispy batter and include calamari and vegetables. The tempura udon features a rich, fresh broth that complements the meal well.

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.

03
CinKuni (Italian & Japanese Cuisine) image 1

Spacious spot blends Japanese-Italian fusion with art-filled walls and a brick pizza oven. Squash blossoms in tempura batter offer a crisp, unique taste. Lively vibe with loud 80s-90s music and a dog-friendly patio make it a fun, casual hangout.

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."

"The flatbread's textures are amazing, with oven crispy spots."

"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.

04
Negihama Sushi Bar & Grill image 1

Asian spot blends cozy ambiance with lively sports on big screens. Families enjoy the dog-friendly patio with a fire pit. Tempura shines with seaweed and banana options, perfectly paired with sushi.

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."

"The staff during Happy Hour was so attentive and friendly."

"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.

05
Sai Japanese Bistro image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy sushi spot offers a peaceful atmosphere with authentic Japanese family care. Fresh sushi melts in your mouth, paired perfectly with crispy tempura and classic sides like gyoza. Warm, calm space invites diners seeking high-quality ingredients and a genuine 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 lunch bentos are a great deal and really good."

"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.

06
Osaka Japanese Food & Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Casual Japanese spot offers crispy shrimp tempura alongside sushi and salads. Generous portions and affordable prices make it family-friendly. Dim lighting creates a quiet vibe perfect for relaxed meals.

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."

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

"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.

07
Hinotez image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese spot offers authentic izakaya vibe with cozy tatami seating and lively late nights. Avocado Tempura shines as a fresh, flavorful choice, while locals savor unique ramen and yakitori. Lounge can get hot, but dining side stays quiet and relaxed.

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."

"The yakitori here is juicy, especially the pork shiso."

"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.

08
Sushi Yorimichi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy sushi spot offers an intimate atmosphere with authentic Tokyo vibes. Shrimp tempura shines in dishes like the tempura sampler and specialty rolls, blending crispy texture with spicy mayo and eel sauce. Soft music creates a serene, chill energy perfect for quiet meals or dates.

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 carbonara udon sauce was very tasty and rich."

"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.

09
Mizukiyama Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi bar offers fresh fish and high-quality sushi in a spacious setting with a lively yet family-friendly vibe. Mixed tempura shines with crispy, well-seasoned pieces and standout rolls like the Tempura California. Outdoor patio adds a lovely touch.

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."

"I found the happy hour prices to be a great value."

"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.

10
Sushi Gato image 1
Sushi restaurant

Modern, clean interior offers a cozy vibe with soft music. Generous portions of fresh sushi and sashimi shine alongside crispy tempura with light, fluffy batter. Pair meals with Suntory Beer or quality sake for a relaxed, tasty experience.

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 tempura batter was light, fluffy, and flavorful."

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.

11
Robataya Oton image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Small, intimate space with private horigotatsu rooms offers a cozy izakaya vibe. Soft lighting enhances relaxation while enjoying crispy shrimp tempura and flavorful seafood. Reservation is key to secure authentic, quiet dining away from typical sushi spots.

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."

"I found the Japanese food here to be truly authentic and delicious."

"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.

12
Go Go Sushi & Ramen image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small interior creates a quiet atmosphere perfect for relaxed chats. Menu shines with fresh sushi and quick lunch options. Tempura udon offers soft noodles, though shrimp tempura rolls can be fragile. Parking shares space with a market, so availability varies.

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.

13
Habit Burger & Grill image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Burger spot shines with tempura green beans as a unique side. Enjoy a clean interior or cozy up on the patio with space heaters. Ordering is easy with a self-service kiosk for quick, contactless service.

Tempura green beans appear often as a side, served alongside items like burgers and fries. They come with other fried sides such as sweet potato fries, onion rings, and cauliflower tater tots.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers were really good and tasty."

"The fast food here is hot and delicious, especially the crispy fries."

"You have to try the tempura green beans; they're so crispy."

Good to know

1

The drive-thru can take over 15 minutes during busy times.

2

Parking can be difficult to find, especially during peak hours.

3

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

14
Azuki Sushi Lounge image 1

Small, intimate space blends classic Japanese style with rustic wood decor for a tranquil atmosphere. Tempura shines in rolls like the Kobe with black tiger prawn and the Scorpion topped with tempura soft-shell crab, adding crisp texture. Outdoor dining and a sushi bar offer relaxed, authentic experiences.

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 seafood here is amazingly fresh and delicious."

"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.

15
Kiiro Sushi Izakaya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Spacious seating and modern casual design create a clean, classy setting with a homey vibe. Tempura salmon shines in rolls like the Salmon tempura roll and the Forbidden Pleasure Roll. Chill 80's pop tunes keep the mood friendly and welcoming.

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.

16
Okan Diner image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy diner with warm wood paneling and soft City-Pop music creates a laidback vibe. Known for authentic home-style comfort food and great for solo diners or small groups. Vegetable tempura is a highlight, though a bit greasy, it remains enjoyably crispy.

Offers a variety of tempura and fried dishes with a focus on vegetable tempura. The tempura tends to be a bit greasy but still enjoyable.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the curry, is hearty and flavorful."

"The udon here is super creamy and unique."

"I found the vegetable tempura to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is tight in the area, so expect to park elsewhere or wait.

2

Happy hour offers many choices, including discounted appetizers.

3

Prices are generally modest, making it a budget-friendly option.

17
Little Sakana All You Can Eat Sushi image 1

Sushi spot features modern decor and a lively atmosphere that energizes guests. Crunchy Shrimp Tempura shines with its rich flavor and creamy avocado rolls. Staff offer warm towels and endless green tea, enhancing the dining 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 umami oil salmon was so good, I loved it."

"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.

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