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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Kearny Mesa

Salmon spots

Made for those who have a specific preference for salmon and want it prepared with Japanese expertise.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Harmony Cuisine 2B1 image 1
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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. The omakase dinner offers a variety of delicious nigiri, including specialties like orange toro and truffle hamachi.

Seared salmon belly called Orange Toro comes torch seared with sea salt, scallions, and lemon juice. Mixed sashimi includes fresh salmon alongside toro and yellowtail for variety.

People are saying

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

"The Japanese food here has incredibly fresh, melt-in-your-mouth fish."

"The salmon here is unbelievably fresh and tender."

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
Domo Kitchen image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small interior with dim lighting creates a warm and welcoming but sometimes crowded atmosphere during lunch. Easy-going vibe suits families despite cluttered seating and limited space. Ordering food first and then finding a seat is typical due to high demand.

Sushi features thick nigiri with options like tuna, albacore, hamachi, and ikura. The menu also includes spicy salmon hand rolls and cooked Asian dishes beyond sushi.

Crispy salmon skin stands out in the hand rolls. Salmon sashimi pairs well with stuffed jalapenos. Lunch options include salmon with vegetables.

People are saying

"The sushi here is fresh, delicious, and super-sized."

"The lunch spot food is delicious, with amazing quality and taste."

"I enjoyed the salmon with vegetables."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult at lunch.

2

Customers must order their food first and then find a seat.

3

Dinner portions are standard 16oz takeout cartons with rice.

03
Obi's Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, clean sushi restaurant offers a calm and comfortable atmosphere with a cozy bar area that feels welcoming and fun. Voices carry in the intimate space, creating a lively yet relaxed vibe. Plenty of indoor seating and a large parking lot add to the accessible, family-owned feel.

Sushi here is incredibly fresh and beautifully presented, with rolls like dragon and mango standing out. The menu offers solid options, including a notable chicken katsu curry udon, all served with great service in a relaxed setting.

Freshness stands out with the salmon here. The fried salmon skin hand roll and the House Roll featuring salmon skin offer distinct textures and flavors.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"It's a relaxed and welcoming setting for delicious sushi."

"The salmon here tastes so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 pm.

2

Cash or physical cards are needed as they donโ€™t accept tap-to-pay.

3

The restaurant is family-friendly and accessible off the freeway.

04
Wa Dining Okan image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, cozy space with dark interior and izakaya-style dining creates a homey, casual atmosphere. The restaurant fills up quickly at dinner, attracting those seeking authentic Japanese flavors in a relaxed setting. It suits casual dinners rather than large groups or formal nights out.

Cozy izakaya-style dining offers fresh sashimi and sea urchin that stand out for their taste. Creamy Uni Udon, meaty mackerel sushi, and flavorful ramen add variety to the authentic Japanese menu.

Rich seafood flavor stands out in the salmon and salmon roe kettle rice, cooked perfectly. The rice ball in broth with salmon offers a comforting, well-rated option.

People are saying

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

"This Japanese food is amazing, creamy, and packed with flavor."

"The salmon kettle rice is rich with seafood flavor."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available and reasonably priced.

2

The restaurant is small, so seating is limited.

3

Parking is challenging due to a busy lot.

05
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.

Fresh sashimi like salmon, yellowtail, and clam stands out with quality cuts not common elsewhere. Hot plates such as Okonomiyaki, Katsu Curry, and sukiyaki udon offer rich, authentic flavors with tender meats and well-balanced broths.

Salmon here is fresh and flavorful, especially in sashimi form where it stays rich without tasting watered down. Cooked options like teriyaki and miso salmon come out well-prepared and tasty.

People are saying

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

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

"The salmon sashimi here is so fresh and flavorful."

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.

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. The sushi is fresh with plenty of variety and good quality throughout.

Seared salmon offers a rich, flavorful experience while the salmon skin stands out as crispy and well-prepared. The mango salmon sashimi appetizer combines sweetness and freshness for a vibrant taste.

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 seared salmon here is awesome."

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
Sushi Deli 3 image 1
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 is fresh and offers unique rolls with Mexican flavors like lemon, cilantro, mango, and tajin. Prices stay affordable while delivering consistently good taste.

Salmon appears in several dishes like salmon carpaccio, salmon nigiri, and the snapping salmon roll.** The nigiri pieces are notably large and come alongside eel and tuna.

People are saying

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

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

"The salmon nigiri was really good and pretty big."

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.

08
Katsu Cafe image 1
Japanese restaurant

Casual Japanese restaurant with retro 60s-70s decor and a laid-back atmosphere featuring loud eclectic music including 90s, 2000s, and island styles. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs and offers sunlit dining. Portions are generous and affordable, creating a relaxed, unpretentious vibe.

Fusion Japanese and Korean cuisine shines with crispy tonkatsu and comforting curry dishes. Sushi and ramen come out fresh, with fried sushi offering a crispy outside and soft inside texture.

Salmon rolls come with options like lemon and jalapeรฑo, often paired with avocado for extra flavor. The salmon skin salad appears regularly and pairs well with other dishes like the tonkatsu cheese plate.

People are saying

"The Japanese food portions here are huge; you'll have leftovers!"

"I enjoyed the fresh, flavorful sushi creations."

"The salmon skin salad here hits every time."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs every day from 3 to 6 pm with great drink prices.

2

The dinner for two costs less than $20, making it very affordable.

3

Expect large portion sizes, perfect for sharing.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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