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Best Japanese Restaurants in College Area

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21 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Botanica restaurant
1. Botanica
4.6
Exceptional(28)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • North Park
Booked 9 times today
Botanica in North Park, San Diego, is celebrated for its exceptionally crafted cocktails and delightful Tapas / Small Plates, making it a must-visit spot for an elevated dining experience. Patrons rave about the "creative and delicious" small bites that perfectly complement their innovative drinks. A standout feature is their Omakase, which offers a sampler of chef's choice bites, ideal for sharing and tasting a variety of what the kitchen has to offer. The ambiance of Botanica, described as a "sexy artsy speakeasy," adds to the allure, creating a perfect backdrop for enjoying high-quality, beautifully presented Tapas. With enthusiastic reviews about the "friendly and attentive" service and the unique, artistic decor, Botanica has secured its place as a top destination for Tapas lovers in San Diego.
A photo of Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill restaurant
2. Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill
4.5
Awesome(388)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • La Mesa
Booked 18 times today
Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill in La Mesa is celebrated for its exceptional Sushi cuisine, consistently wowing diners with its freshness and creativity. Patrons rave about the "amazing freshness" of the sushi and the "beautiful presentation," making each visit a culinary delight. Known for its hospitable service and a vibrant atmosphere that blends traditional Japanese design with modern aesthetics, Banbu Sushi is a favorite among locals. Highlights such as the "ultimate hamachi roll" and the visually stunning "tiger lilly" roll are often mentioned, with guests praising the unique flavors and the quality of ingredients. The glowing testimonials, such as "Best sushi I've ever had!" and "Every time I come here, the service is amazing," underscore why Banbu Sushi is a must-visit for sushi lovers in San Diego.
A photo of Nobu San Diego restaurant
3. Nobu San Diego
4.6
Exceptional(3740)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego, Nobu continues to dazzle patrons with its exceptional "New Style" Japanese cuisine. Known for its sushi, Nobu San Diego stands out for its quality, creativity, and the use of fresh ingredients. Reviewers rave about the sushi, describing it as "delicious" and noting the "impeccable service and ambiance." A standout dish frequently mentioned is the Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, celebrated for its perfect balance and innovative flavor profile. As one review puts it, "Every single dish was undoubtedly immaculate," emphasizing the consistent excellence and culinary mastery that Nobu San Diego delivers, making it a must-visit destination for sushi lovers.
A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant
4. Benihana - San Diego, CA
4.0
Excellent(7363)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Mission Valley
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
5. Cloak + Petal
4.6
Exceptional(962)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Little Italy
Booked 24 times today
At Cloak + Petal, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy in San Diego, sushi isn't just food; it's an art form. This stylish restaurant offers a unique twist on traditional sushi, creating a dining experience that's both authentic and innovative. The ambiance, reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, enhances each meal, making it unforgettable. Guests rave about the sushi's freshness and quality, with one diner exclaiming, "the sushi was great and the special rolls were mind blowing." The restaurant's commitment to quality and atmosphere has made it a must-visit spot in San Diego, ensuring that each visit is not only a meal but a memorable event.
A photo of Roy's San Diego Waterfront restaurant
6. Roy's San Diego Waterfront
4.4
Awesome(3658)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 30 times today
At Roy's San Diego Waterfront, the seafood isn't just a dish; it's a culinary adventure. Nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego at the Marriott Hotel and Marina, Roy's offers a breathtaking view of the marina that complements its exceptional seafood offerings. Renowned for blending classic techniques with adventurous Pacific Rim flavors, the restaurant has been a beacon of culinary innovation since its inception. Guests rave about dishes like the "Chilean sea bass," described as "outstanding," and the "lobster bisque" hailed as "the best anywhere." The freshness of the seafood is a testament to the care and passion that goes into each dish, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience that keeps diners returning for more. Whether it's the "perfectly cooked" scallops or the praised "Canoe Appetizer," each bite is a celebration of quality and flavor at Roy's.
A photo of Lumi restaurant
7. Lumi
4.6
Exceptional(685)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 9 times today
At Lumi, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego, the essence of authentic Japanese cuisine is elevated by the innovative genius of celebrity chef Akira Back. This upscale rooftop gem dazzles with its "exceptional service and ambiance," perfectly complementing an "interesting sushi/Japanese/fusion menu" that leaves patrons raving about its uniqueness and quality. Guests consistently laud the "amazing food" from the "tuna pizza" to the "Seabass roll," each dish crafted to perfection. With its combination of a "super cool vibe" and expertly curated flavors, Lumi is a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier Japanese dining experience.
A photo of El Sueño restaurant
8. El Sueño
4.0
Excellent(173)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Old Town
Booked 18 times today
El Sueño in Old Town, San Diego, offers an exceptional sushi experience that combines inventive flair with traditional techniques. Diners consistently rave about the quality and creativity of the sushi dishes, highlighting the restaurant as a standout in the area. Reviews praise the "sumptuous sushi rolls" and the vibrant ambiance, creating an inviting atmosphere for sushi enthusiasts. The fusion of sushi with Mexican culinary elements adds a unique twist, making each visit memorable. With glowing testimonials like "the food was awesome from the sushi rolls to the enchiladas," El Sueño is celebrated not only for its quality but also for its innovative approach to sushi. This makes it a must-visit destination for both sushi purists and adventurous diners alike.
A photo of Craft Bar Kamon restaurant
9. Craft Bar Kamon
4.8
Exceptional(188)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 31 times today
Craft Bar Kamon, nestled in the vibrant East Village of Downtown San Diego, is a captivating destination for anyone seeking an authentic Asian dining experience. This unique establishment, inspired by the Taisho Roman era in Japan, seamlessly blends traditional Asian flavors with modern craft cocktails, creating a truly unique gastronomic journey. Patrons rave about the "complex and subtle drink flavors" and the exceptional dishes like "tuna and scallops," which are said to be "amazing." The ambiance, described as a "classy mystery novel," adds to the allure, making Craft Bar Kamon not just a meal, but an immersive cultural experience. The high praise from visitors, such as "the cocktails were exquisite and unique, truly one of a kind," underscores the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Craft Bar Kamon is a must-visit for an unforgettable slice of Asia in the heart of San Diego.
A photo of Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant
10. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego
4.6
Exceptional(1733)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 23 times today
At Lionfish Restaurant, situated in the heart of downtown San Diego, seafood lovers revel in a culinary experience that is as delightful as it is authentic. This modern sushi and seafood haven, led by the talented local chef JoJo Ruiz, showcases a passion for fresh-catch cuisine that’s evident in every dish. Enthusiastic diners rave about the “best sushi and sashimi I have ever had! Melts in your mouth!” and commend the innovative, delicious dishes like the "Angry Fish," described as “the BEST fish I’ve ever had.” Lionfish not only excels in creating mouthwatering seafood but also provides an atmosphere and service that consistently exceed expectations. Whether it’s celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a night out, Lionfish is a must-visit for exceptional seafood in San Diego.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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