Best Japanese Restaurants in Serra Mesa

30 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 109 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 Harmony Cuisine 2B1 restaurant

2. Harmony Cuisine 2B1

4.9

Exceptional(250)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Kearny Mesa

Booked 12 times today

At Harmony Cuisine 2B1 in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, the essence of Japanese cuisine comes alive, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic and exquisite Japanese flavors. Garnering OpenTable Diners' Choice awards in 2022 and 2023, the restaurant offers a blend of traditional sushi and innovative fusion dishes under the expert guidance of Chef Mickey Ninomiya. Patrons rave about the freshness and authenticity, with one noting the sushi "makes me feel like I'm living in Japan again." Special highlights include the premium A5 Miyazaki Wagyu and a creative menu that features not only classic sushi but also unique items like Wagyu Bolognaise spaghetti. The ambiance is "cozy," and the service is consistently described as welcoming and excellent, ensuring every visit is a remarkable dining experience.

3. El Sueño

3.9

Excellent(165)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Old Town

Booked 23 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.

4. Botanica

4.6

Exceptional(25)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • North Park

Booked 14 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.

5. Tako

4.1

Excellent(41)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Old Town

Booked 46 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!

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

6. King's Fish House - Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(2236)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 25 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.

A photo of Mikami Bar & Revolving Sushi restaurant

7. Mikami Bar & Revolving Sushi

3.9

Excellent(396)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Kearny Mesa

Booked 11 times today

Mikami Bar & Revolving Sushi in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, stands out as a top destination for sushi lovers seeking both quality and fun dining experience. This unique revolving sushi restaurant delights patrons with its fresh, delicious sushi and a vibrant atmosphere enhanced by modern amenities like Mika the robot server. Reviewers rave about their experiences, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to freshness and variety. One diner enthused, "Great experience at Mikami Sushi. Loved the revolving sushi option. Fresh, delicious sushi with excellent service. Highly recommended for sushi lovers!" Another added, "This place is great! Good quality. Amazing prices." Mikami’s all-you-can-eat sushi, coupled with attentive service and a family-friendly environment, makes it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic and exciting sushi cuisine in San Diego.

8. Rakiraki Convoy

4.7

Exceptional(11)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Kearny Mesa

Booked 1 time today

Dive into the heart of San Diego's Asian culinary scene at Rakiraki Convoy, located in the bustling Kearny Mesa neighborhood. Renowned for its authentic and innovative approach to Japanese cuisine, Rakiraki stands out with its exceptional ramen dishes, crafted by the visionary Chef Junya Watanabe. Patrons rave about the quality and authenticity, with one diner proclaiming it the "best ramen I've ever had!" From the rich, flavorful broths to the perfectly cooked noodles, every bowl promises a delightful experience. Don't miss their signature dishes like the charcoal-fired yakitori and specialty sushi rolls, complemented by an impressive selection of local craft beers and sake. Whether it's the A5 Wagyu edamame or the award-winning kimchi ramen, Rakiraki Convoy delivers an unforgettable dining experience that keeps guests returning for more.

9. Nobu San Diego

4.5

Awesome(3727)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 56 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.

10. Cloak + Petal

4.6

Exceptional(944)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Little Italy

Booked 51 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.

‘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

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
G
Gaileyb
New York City •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Harmony 2B1 is fabulous. Incredible, inventive and delicious sushi served in an intimate space. They have a small number of tables set around a large raised sushi bar which sits at the center of the restaurant. San Diego is fortunate to have several top notch sushi restaurants. Harmony 2B1 is absolutely one of them. We have dined here many times and have returned with friends to share the experience. All of them have raved about the sushi. Just go. You will love it.
More info
Harmony Cuisine 2B1Price: Very Expensive• Japanese• Kearny Mesa
•
4.9
K
Keith
Denver / Colorado •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
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.
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El SueñoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
3.9
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 15, 2024
Went here for my birthday and the staff went above and beyond to make it a special night. The DJ was amazing and ambience was so fun. 10/10. I will be back!
More info
TakoPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Old Town
•
4.1
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
More info
BotanicaPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• North Park
•
4.6

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Serra Mesa

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Best Japanese Restaurants in Serra Mesa

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30 restaurants available nearby

1. Benihana - San Diego, CA

2. Harmony Cuisine 2B1

3. El Sueño

4. Botanica

5. Tako

6. King's Fish House - Mission Valley

7. Mikami Bar & Revolving Sushi

8. Rakiraki Convoy

9. Nobu San Diego

10. Cloak + Petal

See what locals rave about

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