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Local picks in Kearny Mesa

Sushi and Fish

You are looking for sushi where the quality of the fish is the only thing that matters.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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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.

Fish here is fresh and sliced just right, with a buttery texture that melts in your mouth. The selection feels curated and includes well-executed seared options that are not overly done.

People are saying

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

"The Panna Cotta here is so fresh and wonderful."

"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.

02
Matoi image 1
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.

Fish arrives wildly fresh with cuts flown in from Japan and Hawaii. The sashimi platter features seasonal selections like bigeye tuna, Spanish toro, and raw sweet shrimp, all prepared with exceptional care by Chef TJ.

People are saying

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

"Chef TJ made the Omakase fun and interactive with great conversation."

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

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.

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.

Fresh seasonal fish flown in from Japan forms the core of the menu. Portions are perfectly crafted with an incredible quality that melts in the mouth.

People are saying

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

"I highly recommend this amazing little sushi spot."

"The fish here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

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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Restaurant

Small restaurant with limited seating creates a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Popular with locals, it offers quick service and a clean environment. Attention to detail shows in the authentic sushi and traditional Japanese flavors.

Sushi here features fresh sashimi and rolls like the yellowtail jalapeño with a spicy kick. Portions vary, with some pieces like scallop sushi being quite small.

Freshness stands out with fresh fish and spicy jalapeño on the yellowtail sashimi. The fish pairs well with the rice, both tasting very good and well-prepared.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, tastes incredibly fresh."

"The sushi here is so fresh, the fish and rice taste amazing."

"The fish here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available in the lot.

2

The restaurant offers quick service for a fast meal.

3

The menu is small, making it easier to choose.

05
Nijiya Market San Diego Store image 1
Japanese grocery store

Japanese supermarket layout offers neatly organized aisles with beautifully displayed fresh produce, sushi, and sashimi. Atmosphere feels authentic with a wide selection of Japanese snacks, frozen foods, and bakery items. Parking can be scarce during busy hours, but quality and variety stand out.

Freshly made sushi comes in pre-packaged selections including rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. The fish is sushi grade and the sushi is prepared daily with affordable prices.

Fresh fish comes in small portions suitable for sushi and sashimi. Selection includes sushi grade fish and packaged sushi, with quality varying by time of visit.

People are saying

"This Japanese grocery store is the finest I've visited."

"I found the pre-packaged sushi here to be excellent and reasonably priced."

"The fish here is fantastic for sushi and sashimi."

Good to know

1

Parking can be scarce during busy hours.

2

Get there before 11:30 for the best selection of products.

3

Expect limited sushi and bento options after 6pm.

06
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.

Fish arrives incredibly fresh and cut to perfection. Generous cuts appear in appetizers and handrolls, with mackerel and other varieties showing clear freshness and careful preparation.

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 fish here is so fresh and delicious."

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.

07
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.

Fish comes incredibly fresh with unbelievably fresh fish and rich, silky monkfish liver during its season. Nigiri, grilled fish, and uni stand out for their perfect preparation and flavor.

People are saying

"The nabiyaki udon was amazing."

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

"The fish here is unbelievably fresh."

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.

08
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Japanese grocery store

Two standalone buildings create a Japanese market atmosphere with fresh produce, fish, and shelf-stable products. Bright decorations and a build-your-own poke station add to the vibrant, inviting vibe. Terrace seating and a small food court offer places to relax and enjoy fresh sushi and bento.

Fresh sushi comes with diverse meats and reasonable prices. Grab-and-go options include sushi, bento, and poke bowls that stay tasty and affordable.

Fresh fish stands out with a wide selection of sashimi and packaged options. Prices stay affordable while offering a variety of meat, fish, and poultry choices.

People are saying

"I found tons of authentic Japanese food and snacks here."

"I found this Japanese grocery store to have some of the best sushi."

"The sushi here is always fresh and reasonably priced."

Good to know

1

Tokyo Central San Diego accepts EBT payments.

2

Parking can be challenging during busy hours.

3

A 20% discount on ready-to-eat food is available after 6pm.

09
H Mart Balboa image 1
Korean grocery store

Huge Korean grocery store with spacious food court featuring about eight vendors and a small French bakery. Crowded aisles make maneuvering carts difficult, but the place offers an outstanding selection of authentic Asian foods and fresh seafood. Walls display maker-inspired graphics, adding a unique visual touch.

Fresh sushi stands out with a variety of rolls and live seafood options. The selection includes pre-marinated foods, kimbab, and banchan alongside sushi in the food court.

Fresh fish includes live fish on display and a wide selection of whole, filleted, frozen, and sushi trays. Options come in individual and party sizes, with quality fish alongside Korean BBQ and hot pot meats.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very fresh and plentiful."

"You can find so much fresh and frozen fish here."

"I liked buying their fresh sushi and side dishes."

Good to know

1

H Mart Balboa offers a large selection of Korean food and snacks.

2

Parking can be challenging at times.

3

The store is clean and well-organized.

10
Zion Market image 1
Korean grocery store

Large, modern Korean grocery store with spacious aisles and bright lighting creates a pleasant shopping environment. Frequent bursts of K-pop music add lively energy, while food court and bakery options offer diverse Korean cuisine experiences.

Fresh sashimi and sushi come with many options like rolls and salads. Prices stay decent but quality is mostly mediocre and just okay.

Fresh fish selection stays high quality and sashimi-grade. Plenty of fresh and frozen seafood options fill the refrigerated and freezer sections.

People are saying

"This market has a great variety of fresh produce and Asian snacks."

"I found the fish here to be so fresh and good."

"I loved the fresh sushi and sashimi options here."

Good to know

1

There are special offers every week.

2

Zion Market has a great selection of seafood, both fresh and frozen.

3

Expect to find the best deals on produce in California.

11
Izakaya Sakura image 1
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.

Fish is always fresh and of great quality here. The premium sashimi features unique cuts not common in other spots.

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."

"The fish here is always so fresh and delicious."

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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