Best Japanese Restaurants in Kensington

26 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant

1. Benihana - San Diego, CA

4.1

Excellent(7309)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 105 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.

2. Nobu San Diego

4.5

Awesome(3727)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 58 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. Cloak + Petal

4.6

Exceptional(944)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Little Italy

Booked 56 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.

4. Lumi

4.6

Exceptional(678)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 27 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.

5. Botanica

4.6

Exceptional(25)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • North Park

Booked 17 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 Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

6. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(1722)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 32 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

7. King's Fish House - Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(2236)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 24 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.

8. Craft Bar Kamon

4.9

Exceptional(180)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 22 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 Zama Restaurant & Bar restaurant

9. Zama Restaurant & Bar

4.0

Excellent(280)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 24 times today

Zama Restaurant & Bar in vibrant downtown San Diego expertly fuses Latin American flavors with exquisite Asian culinary techniques, creating a unique dining experience that stands out in the city's food scene. Esteemed Chef Tayuka Kudo, formerly of Nobu and Lumi, brings authenticity and excellence to Zama's Japanese-inspired sushi bar, ensuring every dish is a masterpiece. Patrons rave about the "incredible" food and "fantastic" ambiance, highlighting the Asian fusion dishes that are "cooked to perfection." Whether it’s the creatively presented ceviche or the perfectly cooked King salmon, Zama promises an unforgettable meal that brilliantly showcases the best of Asian cuisine with a Latin twist.

A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Diego, CA | Downtown Gaslamp Quarter restaurant

10. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Diego, CA | Downtown Gaslamp Quarter

4.6

Exceptional(264)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 17 times today

Step into the heart of Downtown San Diego and discover Gyu-Kaku, where the art of Japanese BBQ (yakiniku) comes alive in a vibrant, interactive dining experience. Celebrated as the world's #1 Japanese BBQ brand, Gyu-Kaku offers a unique chance to take the reins as chef, grilling premium meats to perfection right at your table. Guests rave about the "delicious and high-quality beef" and are particularly fond of the "Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib." The restaurant's atmosphere is always bustling yet welcoming, with reviews highlighting the "fun atmosphere" and "exceptional service" that make every visit memorable. Whether it's the smokeless grills or the meticulously curated meat selections, Gyu-Kaku stands out as a must-visit for BBQ aficionados 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

J
Jonvip
Atlanta Metro •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 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
N
Nicole
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Always a great time with the family. We celebrated our son’s birthday!! Yuki was our server and was phenomenal! Great personality, on top of our request and very pleasant. Fausto our Chef made our food with love and soooo flavorful! Thanks!
More info
Benihana - San Diego, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Mission Valley
•
4.1
L
Lisavip
Las Vegas •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Portions are small so I would recommend ordering multiple dishes for each person. Food was delicious! My favorite dish was the black cod miso.
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Nobu San DiegoPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
•
4.5
G
Geenavip
Calgary / Southern Alberta •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 14, 2024
Loved our evening here-absolutely fantastic cocktails and great vibes. Highly recommend
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BotanicaPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• North Park
•
4.6
D
Diego
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 12, 2024
This was quite possibly the best experience we’ve ever had we came here once through just walk in we said we’d come back another time with a reservation and this time around it was even better having that reservation the service was amazing the food amazing the ambiance amazing staff are all friendly server was beyond amazing 10000000/10 would recommend for anyone to go here
More info
Cloak + PetalPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Little Italy
•
4.6

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Best Japanese Restaurants in Kensington

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26 restaurants available nearby

1. Benihana - San Diego, CA

2. Nobu San Diego

3. Cloak + Petal

4. Lumi

5. Botanica

6. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

7. King's Fish House - Mission Valley

8. Craft Bar Kamon

9. Zama Restaurant & Bar

10. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Diego, CA | Downtown Gaslamp Quarter

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