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Best Japanese Restaurants in National City

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19 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Nobu San Diego restaurant
1. Nobu San Diego
4.6
Exceptional(3780)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 41 times today
Nobu San Diego is a beacon of excellence in Contemporary Asian cuisine, nestled in the vibrant Downtown area. With Chef Nobu Matsuhisa at the helm, the restaurant offers a culinary adventure that has diners raving. Known for legendary dishes like the Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, guests are treated to "world-class dining" that leaves a lasting impression. Executive Chef David Meade brings unique creations to the menu, ensuring every dish is "perfectly prepared." The ambiance is both sophisticated and lively, making it ideal for special occasions. As one satisfied diner put it, "Nobu is an experience definitely worth having."
A photo of Roy's San Diego Waterfront restaurant
2. Roy's San Diego Waterfront
4.2
Awesome(3709)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 38 times today
At Roy's San Diego Waterfront, the art of steakhouse dining is elevated with a unique Pacific Rim twist, making it a must-visit culinary destination in Downtown San Diego. Situated beautifully on the water, this restaurant offers a dining experience that matches the stunning marina views. Guests rave about the "warm, juicy and delicious" filet mignon, and the attentive service that makes every visit memorable. With an ambiance that is both lively and elegant, Roy's combines "outstanding service" with "fantastic food," offering patrons a delightful blend of flavors and hospitality that keeps them coming back. Perfect for any occasion, Roy's promises an exceptional steakhouse experience.
A photo of Lumi restaurant
3. Lumi
4.6
Exceptional(716)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 38 times today
Lumi, located in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers an exceptional Cocktail Bar experience that elevates any dining occasion. Guests rave about the "creative fresh cocktails" that perfectly complement its innovative Japanese fare. The rooftop location provides a vibrant atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for an unforgettable night out. The bartenders are lauded for their expertise, crafting unique drinks like “The Mule,” an intriguing twist on a classic favorite. With its lively vibe, attentive service, and expertly crafted libations, Lumi stands out as a must-visit destination for cocktail enthusiasts looking to enjoy a memorable evening in a stunning setting.
A photo of Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant
4. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego
4.7
Exceptional(1766)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 32 times today
Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego, nestled in the vibrant Downtown, is a standout in American cuisine. Renowned for its innovative twists and seasonal ingredients, it offers a fresh-catch experience that diners rave about. One reviewer exclaimed, "The food was incredible and perfect to share," highlighting the delectable variety and quality presented in each dish. Notably, the restaurant's American flair is evident in the exquisite steak and lobster spaghetti, praised as "amazing" and "rich and tasty." With its polished ambiance and exceptional service, Lionfish ensures an unforgettable dining adventure, making it a must-visit for lovers of authentic and refined American cuisine.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
5. Cloak + Petal
4.7
Exceptional(994)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Little Italy
Booked 69 times today
Cloak + Petal in Little Italy, San Diego, offers an unparalleled experience in Japanese Speciality cuisine, where authenticity meets artistry in a stunningly unique setting. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere, reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying "the best sushi in SD," as one enthusiastic diner proclaimed. Guests rave about the meticulously prepared sushi, flavorful small plates, and delectable drinks that capture the essence of a traditional Japanese hanami. The decor, featuring Sakura trees and hip-hop tunes, complements the exquisite dishes, making Cloak + Petal a must-visit destination for those seeking a captivating Japanese dining experience.
A photo of Botanica restaurant
6. Botanica
4.6
Exceptional(47)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • North Park
Booked 7 times today
Botanica, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of North Park, San Diego, is a haven for those who cherish exquisite Tapas and Small Plates. The restaurant crafts an unforgettable experience with its delectable array of small bites that perfectly complement their artisanal cocktails. Patrons rave about the "creative small plates" that elevate any dining occasion with their sophisticated flavors. The ambiance is both lively and intimate, making it an ideal spot for a cozy yet vibrant dining experience. Praised for its "delicious food" and "amazing service," Botanica ensures that every visit feels like a celebration of culinary artistry and exceptional hospitality.
A photo of Craft Bar Kamon restaurant
7. Craft Bar Kamon
4.9
Exceptional(201)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 27 times today
Craft Bar Kamon, nestled in Downtown San Diego, is a hidden gem that captivates with its exquisite Asian-inspired craft cocktails and delectable cuisine. This unique speakeasy seamlessly blends traditional Japanese elements with modern mixology, creating an ambiance that transports you to "a secret bar on a Tokyo side street." Guests rave about the "unique and excellent" cocktails, crafted by knowledgeable mixologists who are "true artisans." The diverse drink menu, from the clarified ube cocktail to the Kyoto Negroni, is a testament to the bar's commitment to quality and authenticity. With its "amazing food" and "impeccable service," Craft Bar Kamon promises an unforgettable dining experience.
A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant
8. Benihana - San Diego, CA
3.9
Excellent(7544)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Mission Valley
Booked 169 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.
A photo of Zama Restaurant & Bar restaurant
9. Zama Restaurant & Bar
3.7
Very Good(324)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 16 times today
Zama Restaurant & Bar in downtown San Diego offers an exceptional Asian dining experience with a vibrant twist of Latin American flavors. The restaurant's unique fusion cuisine, crafted by Chef Tayuka Kudo, blends Peruvian, Mexican, and Japanese influences, resulting in standout dishes like their sushi rolls and Agua Chile. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "delicious sushi," praising the vibrant atmosphere that echoes the lush Amazonian jungle. The lively ambiance, complete with a DJ on select nights, creates a "fun and energetic" setting, perfect for celebrations or a memorable night out. With attentive service and creative cocktails, Zama promises a dining experience like no other.
A photo of King & Queen Cantina - San Diego restaurant
10. King & Queen Cantina - San Diego
4.3
Awesome(1199)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Little Italy
Booked 11 times today
King & Queen Cantina in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy neighborhood is a must-visit for steak enthusiasts. While the restaurant is renowned for its eclectic Latin-Asian fusion, the steak dishes here are a true delight. Diners rave about the "perfectly cooked and seasoned" steaks, which showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. The lively atmosphere complements the exquisite flavors, making each visit a memorable experience. Whether you're enjoying a weekday dinner or a special occasion, the steak at King & Queen Cantina promises to elevate your dining experience with its rich, mouthwatering flavors and impeccable service.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • MalloryVIP
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Our server Chris was the best! We enjoyed our dinner here and can't wait to come back again soon. We sat on the patio and they kept the heaters on the patio nice and toasty. We ordered the Poke appetizer, the shrimp tempura appetizer, and the Ebi roll, everything was so good. Great service!
    More info
    Roy's San Diego WaterfrontPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
    •
    4.2
  • Kristina
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Love this sushi spot it’s absolutely amazing. Tastes fresh and great combination of flavors. I love the spin of different types of things that they try to do with their dishes. Tonight our favorites were the spicy garlic noods, kamikaze roll, and the ribs! 🙌🏻
    More info
    Cloak + PetalPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • Shelly
    Houston •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    From the host to the server to the gentleman who filled Our waters… it was an amazing experience.
    More info
    Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San DiegoPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown
    •
    4.7
  • GilbertVIP
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Loved the rooftop experience. They mystery box was a great deal with thick pieces of fish and great flavors
    More info
    LumiPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • Isaac
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I loved the experience! I took my beautiful girlfriend there for our anniversary/Valentines Day and they were kind enough to write a little message on our dessert as per request. The food came out surprisingly faster than most restaurants. We got our food within 10-15 minutes when I excepted about 20-35 minutes with the amount of people there. I loved the vibe and will definitely come back again 🙌🏼
    More info
    Nobu San DiegoPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
    •
    4.6

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