Best Japanese Restaurants in Hillcrest

29 restaurants available nearby

1. Cloak + Petal

4.6

Exceptional(947)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Little Italy

Booked 31 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.

2. Nobu San Diego

4.5

Awesome(3729)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 47 times today

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.

3. El Sueño

3.9

Excellent(165)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Old Town

Booked 8 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 Roy's San Diego Waterfront restaurant

4. Roy's San Diego Waterfront

4.4

Awesome(3636)

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 Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant

5. Benihana - San Diego, CA

4.1

Excellent(7310)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 129 times today

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.

6. Tako

4.1

Excellent(43)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Old Town

Booked 44 times today

Nestled in the most historic neighborhood in California, Old Town San Diego, there is plenty to see and do. We strive to provide an unforgettable experience with top notch cocktails, the freshest fish & ingredients available, and unmatched atmosphere....21+ Speakeasy, If the light is on we're Open!

7. Lumi

4.6

Exceptional(680)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 25 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 Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

8. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(1722)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 11 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.

A photo of King's Fish House - Mission Valley restaurant

9. King's Fish House - Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(2238)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 16 times today

At King's Fish House in Mission Valley, San Diego, sushi enthusiasts can delight in an unparalleled dining experience. Known for its exceptional seafood offerings, the restaurant's sushi stands out with its freshness and authenticity. The menu, which changes daily, ensures a unique sushi adventure with each visit, promising the most seasonal and top-quality ingredients. Patrons rave about the sushi's excellence, with one customer exclaiming, "Great food and service, we had the wedge salad, some sushi rolls, oysters and clam chowder. Everything was really good." Another highlights the overall quality, noting, "Excellent food as always... Great sushi, sides and Caesar salads." King's Fish House's commitment to service and quality makes it a must-visit for sushi lovers in the heart of San Diego.

10. Botanica

4.6

Exceptional(26)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • North Park

Booked 2 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.

‘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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Anne
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We went to celebrate my 45th birthday and it was wonderful! The food was excellent, our waitress explained everything and provided wonderful pro tips and at the end they brought out a birthday treat!
More info
Nobu San DiegoPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
•
4.5
M
Michael
Berlin •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Recommend to sit at the bar with a Sushi chef! Great food and nice staff
More info
Cloak + PetalPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Little Italy
•
4.6
J
Jonvip
Atlanta Metro •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Incredible place w great unique food and creative fresh cocktails. One of my favorite places on the West coast. Servers are very helpful explaining the drinks and dishes. Highly recommend for any occasion.
More info
LumiPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
•
4.6
CN
CherylNvip
Las Vegas •22 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Much was fantastic. We had not been to Roys in awhile. It is one of our favorite restaurants. We no longer have one close to where we live. It was nice to enjoy their food again
More info
Roy's San Diego WaterfrontPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
•
4.4
K
Keith
Denver / Colorado •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 17, 2024
We cut a narrow path through the menu. She had a spicy margarita, I had the Oh Behave (a horchata/rum concoction that was most yummy). We split the queso fundido, and seriously, we could have stopped there, as we're apparently in our eat-like-a-bird era. But no, we plowed ahead, gorging on lobster tacos and enchiladas del mar--all of it was awesome and we each got down like three bites. These are not huge portions (nor are they small)--it is us, of woefully tiny stomachs. Oh well, go, go hungry. You'll be satisfied.
More info
El SueñoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
3.9

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Best Japanese Restaurants in Hillcrest

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29 restaurants available nearby

1. Cloak + Petal

2. Nobu San Diego

3. El Sueño

4. Roy's San Diego Waterfront

5. Benihana - San Diego, CA

6. Tako

7. Lumi

8. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

9. King's Fish House - Mission Valley

10. Botanica

See what locals rave about

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