The Best Japanese Food in San Diego
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The best Japanese food in San Diego, according to the experts: Michelin Guide, The Infatuation, and Eater have all weighed in, and their honors are what rank this list. SOICHI comes out on top.
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Yakitori Tsuta and Cloak & Petal hold the next two places. Eater shows up on more of this list than any other guide, with Michelin Guide next.
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Rank 1. SOICHI
Sushi
A neighborhood omakase counter in University Heights where the chef is visibly charming the room, yet the sushi arriving in front of you signals that nothing casual is happening back there. Fatty tuna comes luscious, sea bass gets broiled and caramelized over two misos, and the meal closes with homemade green tea ice cream. Michelin one-star, and it seats like a local secret.
The awards
- Michelin Guide Michelin Guide: 1 Star
- The Infatuation The Infatuation: The 25 Best Restaurants In San Diego
- Eater Eater: The 38 Best Restaurants in San Diego
- Michelin Guide 1 Star
- The Infatuation The 25 Best Restaurants In San Diego
- Eater The 38 Best Restaurants in San Diego
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Rank 2. Yakitori Tsuta
Japanese
San Diego's first yakitori omakase counter fits twelve people total, eight at the bar and four at a table, so the chef's full attention on chicken and vegetable skewers over two hours feels less like dinner service and more like a private audience. The room is spare and elegant. Reservations open thirty days out and disappear fast, which is either an inconvenience or a good sign, depending on your disposition.
The awards
- Eater Best New Restaurant
- The Infatuation The 25 Best Restaurants In San Diego
- Eater The 38 Best Restaurants in San Diego
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Rank 3. Cloak & Petal
Japanese
Two faux cherry trees in bloom flank the bar, old-school rap plays overhead, and graffiti covers the walls: Little Italy's Japanese fine dining scene is apparently not interested in your expectations. Cloak & Petal runs shareable plates, sashimi, and tableside Wagyu alongside creative maki rolls for the kind of crowd that books a month out and still acts surprised when the bill arrives.
The awards
- AAA AAA: Three Diamonds
- Michelin Guide Michelin Guide: Selected Restaurant
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Rank 3. Sushi Tadokoro
Traditional Sushi
A strip-mall sushi counter in Old Town where the omakase draws a devoted following and the fish travels farther than most diners do to get here. Scallops from Hokkaido, oysters from British Columbia, sea urchin from both coasts at once: the sourcing is quietly serious. The room is small, the vibe is warm, and the chef keeps things approachable enough that the whole operation feels like a good secret rather than a test.
The awards
- Michelin Guide Michelin Guide: Selected Restaurant
- Eater Eater: The 38 Best Restaurants in San Diego
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Rank 5. Matsu
Modern Sushi
The awards
- Eater The 38 Best Restaurants in San Diego
- San Diego Magazine Best Japanese Restaurant · The Best Restaurants in San Diego
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Rank 6. Hidden Fish
Sushi
A chalkboard lists the day's fish at this tiny omakase counter, which keeps seats scarce and reservations non-negotiable. The 90-minute sushi experience moves through nigiri sourced from San Diego waters, Peruvian fishing boats, and Japanese suppliers, with a handroll menu waiting for anyone not quite ready to leave. The Michelin Guide has taken notice of this Convoy Street spot, which feels like an inside track even when the room is full.
The awards
- Michelin Guide Michelin Guide: Selected Restaurant
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Rank 6. Himitsu
Sushi
Eight seats at a hinoki counter is the whole point at this discreet La Jolla sushiya, so a reservation is non-negotiable. The omakase format is the move, though à la carte runs from sashimi to maki with rice that regulars mention unprompted. The chefs talk through their fish and technique like they enjoy it, which they appear to, and the room, all greenery and natural wood, makes the whole thing feel quieter than the address deserves.
The awards
- Eater Eater: The Best New Restaurants in America
- Michelin Guide Michelin Guide: Selected Restaurant
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Rank 8. Ichifuji
Sushi
The awards
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Rank 9. Tenkatori Miramar
Yakitori
The awards
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Rank 10. Sushi MARU
Sushi
The awards
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The awards