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University City's best

Japanese food

Sometimes the only thing that will satisfy the hunger is a bowl of ramen or a plate of sushi.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Ujin image 1
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Ramen restaurant

Modern interior with open kitchen creates a lively, romantic vibe. Fresh, house-made noodles and clean ramen broth offer authentic Japanese flavors. Seating options include outdoor views of a clock tower, blending community and style.

Ramen stands out with its fresh, house-made noodles and broth that is not too salty. Options like Tokyo shoyu and chicken ramen offer bold flavors and good texture, reminiscent of ramen in Japan.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best ramen I've had in San Diego."

"The ramen here has unique, thoughtfully crafted toppings and rich broths."

"I thought this was very good Japanese food, the best ramen in town."

Good to know

1

Ujin offers only four types of ramen with smaller portions compared to other places.

2

Prices are slightly high, with ramen dishes costing around $20.

3

Expect variable service experiences; some visits may be better than others.

02
Ahi Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy sushi bar offers fresh sushi with generous portions and specialties like tempura shrimp. Anime-themed decor adds a unique vibe. Family-run spot serves combo fried rice and yakisoba with attentive service at reasonable prices.

Sushi features great quality fish and generous portions with a variety from rolls to specialties like tempura shrimp sushi. The menu also includes combo fried rice and yakisoba, all served fresh with attentive service.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and delicious."

"The salmon sashimi here is so fresh and well made."

"The Japanese food here is amazing, with beautiful, fresh fish."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a two-for-twenty-five deal for dining in only.

2

Expect no long wait times, even during busy hours.

3

They offer sushi platters and boats for larger parties.

03
URBN Sushi - La Jolla image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy spot offers fresh fish and huge rolls with perfectly seasoned rice. Enjoy excellent miso soup and a quiet dining area that feels clean and casual. Complimentary edamame adds a simple, tasty touch.

Fresh fish sits perfectly on warm, lightly seasoned rice in nigiri. Specialty rolls and large portions come with consistently well-made sushi and excellent miso soup.

People are saying

"The sushi here is super fresh and delicious."

"The complimentary edamame was a nice treat."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, especially the sashimi."

Good to know

1

The average sushi roll costs $18, with lunch combinations being more cost-effective.

2

Vegetarian options are available, but check for cross-contamination with shellfish.

3

Physical menus with QR codes for payment are provided at the restaurant.

04
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Dessert shop

Outdoor seating with high top tables creates a lively vibe. Taiyaki is fluffy and soft with standout Red Beans filling. Soft serve offers Asian-inspired flavors and dairy-free options, making it a unique and allergy-friendly spot.

Taiyaki here is fluffy and soft, melting in your mouth. The Red Beans filling stands out, and you can enjoy it plain or with soft serve.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is delicious and not too sweet."

"I loved the taiyaki with ice cream; it was a unique dessert."

"The Japanese food, especially the taiyaki, is fresh, tasty, and melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

There are no tables inside, but plenty outside to enjoy the treat.

2

The mall allows the first 2 hours of parking free.

3

All their soft serve is dairy free.

05
SilverLake image 1
Ramen restaurant

Bright, clean space with dog friendly seating offers quick dining in a cold, noisy atmosphere. Ramen shines with creamy broth and tender pork, featuring unique options like garlic truffle. Combos include appetizers like Karaage, making it a solid spot for Japanese food lovers.

Ramen here features creamy flavorful broth and tender pork with options like garlic truffle ramen that stand out. The menu includes combos with appetizers like Karaage, and the noodles hold up well to rich broths.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was the best I had ever tasted."

"I found the vegetable ramen at the mall to be among the best."

"I thought the ramen here was the best I had ever tasted."

Good to know

1

The food is prepared in less than 10 minutes.

2

Vegan options are available on the menu.

3

Each dish costs $15, and no refills are provided without asking.

06
Menya Ultra UTC La Jolla image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen shines with excellent miso and rich tonkotsu with chasu. Small, clean space features traditional Japanese decor and smooth music for a calm vibe. Outdoor patio adds variety, while quick service ensures no wait times.

Ramen stands out with excellent miso and great tonkotsu with chasu. The Began Miso soup and karaage also offer strong flavors, with karaage noted as better than the ramen.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced."

"The vegetarian ramen's creamy, vegetable-loaded broth is so tasty."

"The ramen here is so flavorful and creamy."

Good to know

1

Expect a fast-moving line, making wait times shorter than other locations.

2

Payment is required before receiving food, typical of a counter service setup.

3

Prices are around $15-$17 for a bowl, which some find expensive.

07
Blue Ocean Sushi & Grill image 1
Sushi restaurant

Oceanic wall tiles and a blue whale mural create a modern, simple style with a relaxed vibe. Sushi offers insanely high quality fish and fresh ground wasabi, with options like a happy hour nigiri set. Semi-alfresco dining includes a dog-friendly patio with heaters and fire pits for comfort outdoors.

Sushi here features insanely high quality fish and comes with stunning presentation. Fresh ground wasabi appears on the menu, and options include a happy hour nigiri set and a $34 chef's set with rolls, sashimi, and sushi.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is so fresh and of great quality."

"The vegan sushi here is an amazing work of art."

"I loved the happy hour deals on sashimi and sake."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for the first two hours in the nearby structure.

2

Happy hour offers great deals on nigiri and appetizers.

3

The happy hour menu includes 7 nigiri pieces and a miso soup.

08
Katsuya Ko image 1
Restaurant

Spacious, colorful design creates a lively atmosphere with an upscale, casual vibe. Fresh and light sushi from the raw bar delights guests, while a kind sushi chef adds a personal touch. Loud music challenges conversation but keeps energy warm and inviting.

Fresh and light sushi comes from the raw bar, paired with delicious sushi rice. The sushi chef is kind and welcoming, adding a personal touch to the experience.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the tuna otoro nigiri, was incredible."

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and high-quality."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service.

2

A 5% service fee is added to all bills at checkout.

3

Many popular menu items may sell out quickly.

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