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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Kearny Mesa's best

Japanese and Korean food spots

Choosing between Japanese food and Korean food is a dilemma that only happens when both sound equally satisfying.

Based on 751 Opinions
+748
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Updated May 2026
01
H Mart Balboa image 1
H Mart Balboa image 2
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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 and a solid selection of Ramen stand out here. Yakisoba, udon noodles, and beef options are easy to find, though California rolls taste quite fishy.

Offers a wide range of pre-marinated Korean BBQ meats and fresh seafood. Ready-made Korean dishes like kimchi kimbap, bulgogi, and various banchan side dishes are available alongside fresh vegetables and live fish.

People are saying

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

"You can find everything you need for Korean food cravings here."

"I discovered Kimchi ramen here and life has never tasted so good."

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.

02
DalBam Moon Night image 1
Korean restaurant

Small indoor space with adorable decor and fun K-pop music videos playing. Atmosphere shifts from cozy and vibrant to loud and lively during peak hours, with dimmed lights enhancing the mood. Popular spot for authentic Korean drinking and bar food, attracting a lively crowd especially late at night.

Budaejjigae and takoyaki offer strong flavors, though takoyaki can be very hot inside and sometimes hard to bite. Other dishes like chadol yukgaejang, fried dumplings, and tteokbokki also deliver solid taste.

Bossam stands out with thin slices and a perfect balance of meat and fat for tenderness. Dishes like chadol yukgaejang, budaejjigae, and kimchi fried rice offer solid Korean flavors, complemented by top notch banchan and soju.

People are saying

"I found the Korean food here to be amazing, especially the bulgogi."

"It felt so homey and cozy here."

"I found the Japanese food, like takoyaki, absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking in this plaza can be tough, so arrive early.

2

Make a reservation to secure a table, especially on busy nights.

3

The restaurant is open until 1am, ideal for late-night dining.

03
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 and Korean dishes combine with crispy fried rice and delicious miso soup. The Pink Panda roll features perfectly fried shrimp tempura and fresh fish, offering flavorful, well-presented plates.

Authentic Korean dishes like kimchi seafood pot, bacon kimchi fried rice, and Bulgogi Japchae stand out. A wide selection of flavored soju, including watermelon, complements the food well.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and super fresh."

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

"The Japanese food here is delicious and super fresh."

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.

04
Thang Thang image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant with privacy-focused design and laid-back atmosphere offers an intimate, chill vibe that stays quiet on weeknights and livens up on weekends. It serves as a late-night spot with a playlist full of bangers and a focus on drinking alongside sharing-sized food portions.

Ramen stands out with its hot and flavorful broth and more vegetables than usual. Katsu chicken with rice offers a delicious, hearty option, while Gyoza Mandu pairs well with a salty dipping sauce.

Soju selection stands out with many types, including flavored and homemade versions. The kimchi pancake is large and filling, while dishes like kimchi jiggae and spicy pork ribs offer solid Korean flavors.

People are saying

"The Korean food, especially the cheese stir-fried rice cakes, was amazing."

"I loved the ramen; it was hot and flavorful."

"You have to get the watermelon drink, it's a whole watermelon with alcohol."

Good to know

1

The kitchen's last call is two hours before closing.

2

Parking is limited, but street parking is available nearby.

3

A service fee is charged for groups, including children.

05
Facing East Noodle & Bar image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a retro-inspired decor and great music. The space feels clean and inviting, attracting a busy crowd. Ordering and payment happen upfront, creating a straightforward dining flow.

Ramen here stands out with its rich and savory broth and perfectly cooked noodles. The Spicy Deluxe Paiko Ramen offers a crispy breaded chicken paired with a thick, flavorful broth that balances heat and savoriness well.

Bulgogi bibimbap features beef brisket, kimchi, egg, cabbage, cucumber, and carrot with a spicy kick. Korean dishes come alongside Chinese and Japanese options, blending traditional and fusion styles.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, savory, and truly the soul of the dish."

"The ramen broth here is so rich and savory, it feels like a hug."

"The Korean food's broths are complex and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Customers order themselves through their phones using a QR code on each table.

2

Prepaying for food is common here, which is unusual for sit-down restaurants.

3

Parking is challenging around the area, so plan accordingly.

06
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 stand out here. Onigiri also offers a really good taste.

A huge kimchi selection stands out alongside an amazing Korean BBQ range. The store offers a wide variety of soju, meat, and seafood, plus many Korean food products and banchan.

People are saying

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

"I found the fresh kimchi and rice cakes to be my loyal sidekicks."

"I loved the fresh sushi and sashimi options."

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.

07
Crispy Chicken n' Tomato - Clairemont Mesa Blvd image 1

Modern dining space offers a spacious interior with a large glass-walled patio and mountain views. The atmosphere balances loungy vibes with low lighting and classic Oldies music, creating a cozy yet lively setting. It suits casual dinners and small gatherings, with a clean, inviting environment and a well-sized bar.

Ramen made by the ramen machine stands out as especially delicious. Yakisoba also tastes good. Shrimp tempura comes from Costco and is previously frozen, but that does not affect its flavor for some.

Golden, crispy exterior and tender meat define the Korean fried chicken here. Fried chicken pairs well with beer and soju for a comforting meal.

People are saying

"I considered this the best Korean fried chicken I'd ever had."

"This Korean fried chicken is the best I've ever had."

"I really liked the Honey Butter wings."

Good to know

1

The lunch combo includes 3 pieces of boneless chicken, 3 wings, rice, cole slaw, and a drink for $15.95.

2

Expect crowded conditions and limited parking during lunchtime.

3

The outdoor patio is dog-friendly, making it a good option for pet owners.

08
Bonchon Convoy image 1
Korean restaurant

Spacious dining area with many big TVs showing sports creates a chill, low-key vibe. Music plays softly in the background, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. The place draws people looking for Korean fried chicken and casual meals with beer or soju.

Gyoza come out crispy and juicy. The Katsu and fried chicken stand out as really good. Takoyaki is served but not as warm or flavorful as the chicken.

Korean fried chicken stands out with options like spicy and yangnyeom sauces. The menu also features Bulgogi Tacos, hot stone bibimbap, pork potstickers, and a pork belly kimchi bowl.

People are saying

"You have to try the Korean fried chicken; it's so juicy and crispy."

"I thought the fried chicken here was the best I had."

"The Japanese food here, especially the chicken, is so tasty and juicy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Thursdays with discounted drinks.

2

Enjoy $1 wings on Mondays and Tuesdays during happy hour.

3

A $22 gratuity is automatically added for parties of six or more.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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