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Best Japanese Restaurants in Carmel Valley

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12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Glass Box Asian Coastal Inspired Kitchen + Bar restaurant
1. Glass Box Asian Coastal Inspired Kitchen + Bar
4.6
Exceptional(257)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Carmel Valley
Booked 12 times today
Glass Box Asian Coastal Inspired Kitchen + Bar, located in Carmel Valley, San Diego, offers an exceptional Asian dining experience, revered for its authentic and fresh cuisine. The restaurant captures the essence of Asian flavors with a modern twist, as noted by customers who describe their meals as "SOOOOO GOOD" and "spectacular." Master Chef Ethan's expertise shines through in every dish, with many diners praising the "super fresh fish" and the incredible omakase offerings. From the delightful poke nachos to the exquisitely prepared sushi, Glass Box provides a "transparent authentic cultural experience" that keeps patrons coming back for more.
A photo of Shimbashi Izakaya restaurant
2. Shimbashi Izakaya
4.6
Exceptional(998)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Del Mar
Booked 12 times today
Nestled in the heart of Del Mar, Shimbashi Izakaya offers an authentic Japanese dining experience that transports diners straight to the vibrant streets of Japan. Known for its seasonal menu that pairs beautifully with sake, Shimbashi Izakaya delights with offerings that are both "fresh and tasty," and "not terribly Americanized," ensuring a genuine taste of Japan. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident in its exquisite sushi, which patrons describe as "better than regular Sushi Restaurants in Japan." With its attentive service and a cozy ambiance providing stunning ocean views, Shimbashi Izakaya is truly a hidden gem of San Diego.
A photo of Arterra restaurant
3. Arterra
4.7
Exceptional(440)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Del Mar
Here at Arterra enjoy one-of-a-kind, locally inspired food with a commitment to sourcing seasonal, sustainable ingredients. Our culinary team shines a focus on supporting local San Diego Farmer’s markets and purveyors. Indulge in our curated sushi menu by Sushi Chef Andew Ho. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails featuring local distillers, and innovative signature wine list, and a selection of bottled and draft beers from the area’s top craft breweries.
A photo of Boto Sushi Del mar restaurant
4. Boto Sushi Del mar
4.4
Awesome(31)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Del Mar
Booked 1 time today
From tranditional sushi, to Asian fusion dishes; delicious bento to gourmet homemade dessert, we got them all here for you.My greatest joy comes from finding the highest quality ingredients and creating the taste i imagine for each fish, whether it be raw, salted with seaweed, or pickled and fermented with vinegar; it all depends on what is best for that individual piece.Our executive chef and owner Gary devotes his passion and skill to provide delicious, authertic sushi and Japanese cultural food, in order to warm people's hearts worldwide
A photo of Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant
5. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff
4.8
Exceptional(9359)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 54 times today
Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff is a steak lover's paradise with its exceptional steak offerings that promise to tantalize your taste buds. "Food never disappoints," rave patrons, with glowing reviews highlighting the perfectly prepared steaks that leave diners coming back for more. Situated in the picturesque Cardiff By The Sea, the restaurant provides not only delectable cuisine but also stunning ocean views, making it the ideal spot for a memorable dining experience. The ambiance and attentive service complement the culinary excellence, ensuring every visit is a delight. Come for the steak, stay for the view, and enjoy an unforgettable meal.
A photo of Pacific Catch - La Jolla restaurant
6. Pacific Catch - La Jolla
4.4
Awesome(672)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • La Jolla
Booked 21 times today
Pacific Catch - La Jolla offers an unparalleled Pacific Rim dining experience that has quickly become a local favorite. Known for its "exceptional" seafood dishes, the restaurant consistently delivers fresh and flavorful meals that delight diners. The diverse menu, featuring everything from sushi and poke bowls to tacos and burgers, showcases the authentic essence of Pacific Rim cuisine, blending flavors and techniques from around the ocean. Guests frequently praise the "freshness and variety" of the seafood, noting that it never disappoints. With a welcoming ambiance and attentive service, Pacific Catch ensures a memorable dining experience every time. Highly recommended for seafood enthusiasts!
A photo of Rakiraki Convoy restaurant
7. Rakiraki Convoy
4.2
Awesome(16)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Kearny Mesa
Booked 1 time today
For reservations of 3 or less please book through our sister restaurant The Yasai by RakiRaki Convoy!Experience the original RakiRaki Ramen experience at our first location located in Kearny Mesa—the epicenter of San Diego’s thriving Asian food scene. The lines out the door are worth the wait for Chef/owner, Junya Watanabe’s signature ramen recipes that blend the art of traditional ramen making with the highest quality ingredients available and a modern atmosphere. RakiRaki serves a wide variety of authentic ramen dishes and Japanese cuisine including tsukemen (dipping noodles), charcoal-fired yakitori, curry, ramen burgers, and specialty sushi rolls along with local craft beer and sake selections.
A photo of Takaramono sushi restaurant
8. Takaramono sushi
4.7
Exceptional(67)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • La Jolla
Booked 12 times today
Takaramono Sushi in La Jolla is a haven for lovers of Japanese Speciality cuisine, offering a delightful blend of tradition and innovation in every dish. Guests rave about the "incredible ceviche" and the "outstanding specialty sashimi," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to freshness and quality. The A5 wagyu and bluefin tuna are "top notch," and the unique omakase experience is highly recommended. With its "exceptional food" and "creative, fresh, delicious" offerings, Takaramono stands out as a hidden gem in San Diego. The service is warm and attentive, ensuring every diner feels like a "special guest," making it a must-visit for sushi enthusiasts.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Diego, CA | Scripps Ranch restaurant
9. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Diego, CA | Scripps Ranch
4.3
Awesome(986)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Scripps Ranch
Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other! Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!
A photo of Sushi Mori restaurant
10. Sushi Mori
4.8
Exceptional(44)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • La Jolla
Nestled near La Jolla Shores Park, Sushi Mori in La Jolla is a delightful haven for Ramen enthusiasts. This restaurant, often described as a "neighborhood find," offers Ramen that is both authentic and exquisite. The menu showcases the chef's artistry in each bowl, crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients that elevate the dining experience to new heights. Guests rave about the "delicious meal" and the "wonderful taste" of the dishes, which are prepared with precision and passion. The ambiance complements the culinary journey, making Sushi Mori a must-visit for those seeking exceptional Ramen in a charming setting.
‘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
  • OpenTable Diner
    Orange County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    We love this restaurant! The food is authentic and delicious. Growing up with a Japanese mother I have missed having real Japanese food! Just what I needed.
    More info
    Shimbashi IzakayaPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Del Mar
    •
    4.6
  • beccafromsandiego
    San Diego •4 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Too loud, hard to talk. Beet salad was just ok, not as good as I've had there before. Sea bass was great, ribs great, French fries mushy, service was excellent. Birthday cake slice was delicious!
    More info
    Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
    •
    4.8
  • ScottVIP
    New York City •146 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    First time eating here, place was terrific!! Great food and if your interested they have a happy hour menu, we opted for entrees.
    More info
    Glass Box Asian Coastal Inspired Kitchen + BarPrice: Moderate• Sushi• Carmel Valley
    •
    4.6
  • OpenTable Diner
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 15, 2025
    Our server was outstanding. Burger was delicious - cooked perfectly.
    More info
    ArterraPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
    •
    4.7
  • Chris
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 15, 2025
    We’re frequent diners at Boto Sushi Del Mar, and on Valentine’s Day, we walked in to find the restaurant fully booked with a line. Thankfully, we had made a reservation, or we would’ve ended up waiting for over an hour. Beyond the clean, welcoming atmosphere and the convenience of hassle-free parking, the main reason we keep coming back to Boto Sushi is the exceptional freshness of their raw fish. This is a non-negotiable for us. We never worry about the quality of their sushi, as we’ve never experienced raw fish that tastes off or isn’t up to standard. The consistency in their quality is why we trust them every time. We’ll certainly continue returning to Boto Sushi Del Mar. The only downside? They’re closed on Sundays, which is a bit of a bummer.
    More info
    Boto Sushi Del marPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Del Mar
    •
    4.4

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