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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Kearny Mesa

Sushi and Date Spots

You want a sushi dinner that sets the right tone for an evening out.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated May 2026
01
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Sushi restaurant

Small, intimate omakase bar blends traditional edomae style with 90's rap music for a unique dining vibe. Atmosphere stays laid-back and welcoming, balancing quiet moments with casual energy. Fish flown from Japan ensures exceptionally fresh sushi paired with thoughtful sake and beer selections.

Authentic sushi shines with thoughtful presentation and a relaxed yet refined ambiance. The chef shares deep knowledge about sushi fish, enhancing the experience without any ego or high cost.

Couples enjoy a Quick Omakase Experience with easy reservations. The setting suits special occasions like birthdays, offering a memorable dining atmosphere.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh, it's unlike anything I've had."

"Chef TJ made the sushi experience fun and interactive."

"The omakase experience here is truly special."

Good to know

1

They have only 2 seatings per night at 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM.

2

Reservations are necessary due to limited seating availability.

3

The omakase experience lasts about three hours.

02
Harmony Cuisine 2B1 image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi restaurant with an intimate, elevated casual atmosphere and dark, cozy lighting. Central sushi bar surrounded by limited table seating creates a warm, inviting vibe where chefs prepare fresh, high-quality fish. Offers a notable sake selection enhancing the dining experience.

Sushi here features fresh, high-quality fish that melts in your mouth. Specialty nigiri like orange toro and truffle hamachi stand out with well-executed flavors and modest prices comparable to high-end spots.

Omakase dinners offer a variety of delicious dishes that make for a special meal. Highlights include kama toro and truffle hamachi, with options like chowder and miso soup adding to the experience.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and melts in your mouth."

"The sushi and nigiri here are amazing, especially the truffle hamachi."

"I thought the sushi here was the best in San Diego."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to the busy location with a parking lot that fills up quickly.

2

The restaurant has limited table seating but plenty of counter seating available.

3

Parking can be challenging due to multiple restaurants in the plaza.

03
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Japanese restaurant

Small, intimate Japanese restaurant with upscale sushi and weekly changing menu based on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Atmosphere is lively yet cozy, suited for romantic evenings or special occasions. Bar seating offers a chef's show and sake pairings enhance the dining experience.

Sushi here stands out for its incredibly fresh quality and unique selection not found easily elsewhere. The nigiri sampler and A5 beef nigiri offer a variety that includes options for those avoiding raw fish.

Romantic ambience sets the tone for a date night or special outing. Complimentary sake shots add a thoughtful touch to celebrations.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is outstanding, especially the fresh sushi and creative rolls."

"I highly recommend this amazing little sushi spot."

"This is one of the best Japanese Date Spots for authentic, fresh sushi."

Good to know

1

Reservations for the omakase should be made two weeks in advance.

2

The tasting menu is available on Sundays with only 11 seats per session.

3

Sessions for the tasting menu start at 5 pm and 7:30 pm.

04
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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.

Celebrations like anniversaries and birthdays happen here with small groups. Arriving at opening means seating without a reservation and prompt service.

People are saying

"The nabiyaki udon was amazing."

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

"The food here is amazing, truly high quality."

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.

05
Itacho Sushi - All You Can Eat image 1

Spacious sushi restaurant with well spaced tables and large TV screens showing cultural and sports content. Atmosphere stays pleasant and chill with moderate music volume, supporting easy conversation. The vibe blends a modern, clean style with a fun anime theme, welcoming groups of all sizes.

Unlimited sashimi and a solid nigiri selection stand out here. Sushi is fresh, tasty, and offers plenty of variety in an all-you-can-eat style.

Couples enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with attentive and inclusive service. The setting suits special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.

People are saying

"The bottomless sushi here is delicious and satisfying."

"I found the all-you-can-eat sushi here to be worth it."

"The Date Spots here have delicious food, especially the fresh fish."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat option costs $30, offering a wide variety of sushi.

2

Lunch service does not include a menu on weekends or holidays.

3

Sushi orders come in full rolls of 8 pieces, providing good value.

06
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Sushi restaurant

Lively sushi house with casual local vibe and loud indoor seating that challenges conversation. Multiple seating areas include a shaded outdoor space with casual Japanese decor and a bar area popular for watching sports. Offers affordable sushi with fresh options and generous portions.

Sushi here stays fresh and comes with unique rolls that mix Mexican flavors like lemon, cilantro, mango, and tajin. Prices stay affordable, making it easy to enjoy tasty sushi without spending much.

An inviting interior with a bar sets a relaxed mood for dates. The menu features Baja California rolls and spicy tuna poppers that add a flavorful touch.

People are saying

"I thought the Japanese food here was delicious and inexpensive."

"I found this to be an awesome spot for sushi dates."

"I found the sushi here to be amazing and great."

Good to know

1

Sushi Deli 3 has a 90-minute seating limit.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak dinner hours.

3

Parking is limited and may require a short walk.

07
ZZan Sushi & Soju image 1
Sushi restaurant

Modern Korean-style sushi restaurant pulses with K-pop music and videos, creating an energetic, lively atmosphere. Bright, loud space combines karaoke rooms and a bar, attracting groups looking for fun nights out. Tables feature call buttons for quick service, enhancing convenience amid vibrant energy.

Fresh sushi features prominently with cooked options bursting with flavor and freshness. The combination of sushi and Korean dishes creates a unique menu that pairs well with soju.

Energy feels nice but service runs slow even with empty tables. Food tastes pretty good but some guests experienced sickness after dining.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and super fresh."

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"The food here is pretty good for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

The karaoke room costs $40 with a minimum of one hour, and charges start after every 10 minutes.

2

Parking is challenging, but there is a dedicated parking lot right out front.

3

Happy hour runs from 5pm to 8pm Sunday through Thursday.

08
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Izakaya restaurant

Cozy Japanese restaurant with wood and traditional decorations creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a family-run spot in Japan. Comfortable seating and a popular sushi bar encourage casual interaction. Known for authentic Japanese comfort food and fresh, high-quality sushi.

Freshness stands out with beautifully presented sushi and great quality fish. Nigiri, rolls, and snow crab sushi all taste delicious and fresh.

Not a spot for dates due to the staff's lack of friendliness toward non-Asian guests. Food brings nostalgic Okinawa flavors, but the atmosphere does not cater to couples.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi and curry, is really good."

"I found the sushi here to be fresh and delicious."

"This is not a place to take a date."

Good to know

1

Parking is available but can be challenging to find during busy times.

2

Reservations are not accepted, so expect to wait during peak hours.

3

The restaurant only accepts up to two cards for splitting the bill.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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