Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Japanese food spots in Clairemont

A bowl of Japanese food is the only thing that will settle a specific craving.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Ichifuji Sushi image 1
Ichifuji Sushi image 2
Ichifuji Sushi image 3
View all
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi bar offers an intimate omakase with master chefs serving fresh sashimi and nigiri. Atmosphere feels authentic and transportational, evoking Japan. Outdoor patio welcomes well-behaved dogs, adding a relaxed vibe.

Omakase experience stands out with master sushi chefs serving fresh sashimi and nigiri that taste exceptional. The setting feels intimate, making the meal feel special and focused on quality.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the omakase, is amazing and a highlight."

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

"You can chat with the chefs while they prepare your delicious dishes at the bar."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dining.

2

Ichifuji Sushi has outdoor seating where pets are allowed.

3

There is a small parking lot on site.

02
Sushi Fish Attack image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi spot offers fresh fish and seared tuna roll with high quality at good prices. Cozy lighting and open chefs create an intimate vibe perfect for casual dates. Indoor seating beats outdoor views of the parking lot.

Sushi here features fresh fish and incredible rolls like the seared tuna roll. Sashimi tastes fresh and the quality of sushi is consistently high and affordable.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be top-quality and amazing."

"The seafood here is so fresh and high quality."

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are suggested because the restaurant gets busy quickly and has limited tables.

2

Expect a wait during peak hours; consider visiting during off hours for less crowd.

3

Parking is limited in front; street parking is available but can be challenging.

03
Yakitori Taisho image 1
Yakitori restaurant

Small space fills with charcoal smoke and lively noise, creating a high-energy vibe. Authentic Japanese home-style yakitori features chicken thigh and pork belly skewers. Outdoor tables with propane heaters offer cozy spots for casual gatherings.

Authentic Japanese home-style yakitori shines here with classic flavors. Skewers like chicken thigh, pork belly, scallop, and shitake mushroom stand out alongside fresh sushi appetizers.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and seasoned to perfection."

"I thought the yakitori here was fantastic and top notch."

"The yakitori here is fantastic and smoky."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required, especially since the restaurant is very small.

2

Making same-day reservations is difficult; call a few days in advance.

3

Walking in might not get you a seat; you may end up sitting outside.

04
Offshore Tavern & Grill image 1

Neighborhood bar offers large TVs for sports fans and a huge covered patio with pool table and dog-friendly space. Enjoy chicken teriyaki and fresh poke bowls in a lively, friendly setting with music and a fireplace.

Chicken teriyaki appears in both Hawaiian plates and bowls with flavorful portions. The poke bowl also features prominently and receives positive attention.

People are saying

"The bar food here is delicious and reasonably priced."

"It's a great place to watch live sports with TVs everywhere."

"The Japanese food, specifically the teriyaki chicken, was flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Wednesdays feature Taco Day with special pricing on tacos.

3

Tuesday is Taco Tuesday with discounted tacos at Offshore Tavern & Grill.

05
Pokemate image 1
Restaurant

Bright, clean space offers fresh fish and generous portions at great prices. Creative poke bowls deliver inventive flavors with keto-friendly options. Friendly vibe makes it a top spot for quick, affordable Japanese meals.

Fresh and creative poke bowls stand out here, often delivered through Uber Eats. The bowls combine quality ingredients with inventive flavors, making them a reliable choice for a quick Japanese meal.

People are saying

"The poke here is so fresh, it's the best I've ever tasted."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, the flavors really pop."

"I finally found my go-to lunch spot with fresh food."

Good to know

1

Pokemate offers a huge variety of topping options for your poke bowl.

2

The portions are generous and the prices are competitive for poke.

3

They provide unlimited toppings with each poke order.

06
EE NAMI Tonkatsu Izakaya image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Cozy space with an authentic Osaka-style izakaya vibe offers intimate indoor seating and a warm outdoor patio with heaters. Known for perfectly cooked pork tonkatsu, including premium shrimp and scallops. Sake selection is excellent, enhancing the genuine Japanese dining experience.

Authentic pork tonkatsu stands out with perfectly cooked cutlets and a premium option featuring shrimp and scallops. The katsu curry and katsudon offer rich, high-quality flavors true to Japanese cuisine.

People are saying

"The Tonkatsu here is crispy, light, and juicy."

"The food here is fresh, tasty, and always made with care."

"The Japanese food, especially the tonkatsu, is crispy, light, and juicy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait if you arrive without a reservation.

3

The restaurant fills up quickly after opening, so arrive early.

07
Ototo Sushi Co. image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy sushi spot features heated patio and colorful murals. Enjoy fresh sushi rolls like spicy tuna and a large Poke Bowl. Relax with sports on big screens and affordable prices.

Freshness stands out with all sushi rolls being very fresh and nicely presented. The spicy tuna roll and large Poke Bowl offer great flavors, paired with fast service and reasonable prices.

People are saying

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

"The happy hour deals, like $5 sake, are a great value."

"The outdoor patio is great for you and your dog."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6 PM with $5 drinks.

2

Arriving before 5 PM helps avoid the dinner crowd.

3

Parking is plentiful in front of the shopping plaza.

08
Okan Diner image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy diner offers authentic izakaya dishes like crispy tonkatsu curry and juicy yakitori. Warm wood paneling and soft City-Pop music create a laidback atmosphere. Perfect for solo diners or small groups craving home-style comfort food.

Authentic izakaya style shines through with crispy tonkatsu curry and juicy chicken thigh yakitori. The creamy udon dishes, especially mentai udon, stand out alongside satisfying ramen and fresh sushi like spicy tuna rolls and melt-in-your-mouth uni.

People are saying

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

"The udon here is super creamy and unique."

"It's a small, cozy Japanese restaurant with a laidback vibe."

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.

Discover more

Clairemont, San Diego

Area guide
Loading Map...