38 Best Japanese Restaurants near Encinitas

“Me encanta el sushi y tienes muchas opciones!“

“Greeeat food, service and music.- Loved it, I’ll definitely comeback when I’m im town again!! — PS.- Shaky/Shivering tables was weird to my Amigo Joe though.- What was that!? 😆“

“Fantastic food quality. Purist food.“

“The sushi is amazing...baked salmon roll and Philly rolls are my go to!“

“Can’t say enough about the goodness here at my first visit. My son who is 7 took one bite of my me so hot and it was his. The noodles were cooked perfect and the broth was to die for.

A bit out of my way but I found my new ramen obsession!!“

“Happy Hour is such a good deal - pretty much everything is 50% off - apps, sushi, special rolls, entrees. Only sashimi, drinks and a small section of the rolls are not on sale.
the yellowtail nigiri I had was super fresh.
Crispy rice was excellent!
Rolls are huge! But not in a good way. I like traditional size that fits nicely in your mouth in one bite, but they have american size rolls, oh well.“

“If you are lucky in life, you occasionally get to have a real dining experience. Something that defies expectations, challenges the norms, sets the bar at an unattainable level. That often comes with high-end restaurants with renowned chefs. When it happens in a tiny, unassuming neighborhood establishment, it makes me giddy. I just had one of the best meals of my life hosted by Hiro the chef and only employee at Hanaya Sushi. In fact it was just he and I in the restaurant on a Wednesday early evening. He served me a beautiful presentation, delicious beyond any words that I possess. It was truly edible art. Hiro was amazingly talented in his food preparation, a real culinary artisan. On top of that, he was funny, kind, humble, grateful and entertaining. When it was all done, he sent me home with an awesome little goodie bag. What's clearly evident to me, that while my treatment seemed so special and personable, I know he takes care of everyone with the same effort and respect. He doesn't really want a crowd, even though he deserves one. He is happy taking care of one customer at a time and giving them all he has, grateful for the living it provides for himself. We need more Hiros in this world. I've eaten at a lot of good places and have been happy to provide reviews for the ones that really stand out. But I've never written a dining review quite like this. I'm so grateful for this very personal experience and I'm actually sad I don't live in the area so that I can enjoy Hiro and Hanaya Sushi on a regular basis. This will be a dinner I'll never forget and I hope to make it back one day. Thank you Hiro!“

“I just had the pleasure of trying this restaurant for the first time yesterday.

My husband and I had our own seafood salads to go.

They were delicious and very generous with the fish portions for how affordable they were!

And the staff were very friendly and helpful.

I highly recommend you give them a try!“

“1st timer here!

I read through the bad reviews and happy to share some advice. As far as wait time, it’s to be expected for this type of dining. I went in with the expectation of waiting, just check in and they will text when ready. As far as the quality, everything tasted fresh!! You get a full plate of veggies with tons of oils, sauces, and spice to add to your broth. Make sure to ask questions about the broth, some are simple so that you can add your preferred flavors. It seems like this isn’t a typical traditional hot pot set up and I’m totally okay with it. I actually enjoyed having my own pot and I was able to eat the entire thing.

Paid a little more for the premium meat, ribeye and short rib… I regret NOTHING! I guess I’m only sad that I didn’t have more of their pumpkin slices - pairs so well with the meat!!“

“Im actually annoyed that I didn't know about this place sooner. The food was great and a big portion. I didn't get a chance to snap a photo of the gyozas because I inhaled them as I was drying back to work. The thai boba drink was perfect. Like the terminator, I'll be back.“

“Amazing sushi and noodles at Ayu Sushi & Noodles in Pacific Highlands Ranch in Carmel Valley. We loved everything, the tempura udon, the yume, sachi, and anata rolls, the bluefin crudo, and the salmon hand rolls. Great selection of species on the menu, next time will need to get more nigiri and sashimi. Great service, friendly and quick. We sat on the dog friendly patio. Recommend!“

“yellowtail roll is amazing!“

“It's amazing. Simply amazing. Great customer service. Delicious sushi. Good music. Love love love.“

“Food is awesome n delicious“

“It is a fun place to be! variety of foods available.“

“This is quite easily the best sushi restaurant we’ve eaten in since moving to San Diego years ago. The fish is fresh, always consistent and the owners treat us like regulars. Because we are. If you like sushi that’s inventive, tasty and fresh consider Samurai!“

“I’ve never had a bad time at Glass Box! The food is amazing and the servers, sushi chefs, and management team will make you feel kind you’re a VIP from the second you walk in their establishment. I highly recommend the omakase experience!“

“Awesome the freshest sushi I’ve ever had“

“I love it“

“Pay attention everyone. THIS is how you operate a sushi restaurant.

We were greeted by the sushi chefs from across the room as we entered the front door. Seconds later, the wait staff guided us to a table. Water arrived lickity split, and our waitress patiently checked on us a couple of times until we were ready to order.

Miso soup and a side salad came with our entrees; they came out quickly and were delicious. The sushi didn’t take long, either. Before we knew it, our plates were empty and the owner herself came by to see how we enjoyed our meal. And we weren’t big spenders like the table next to us, but we were treated as if we were.

This is how you run a restaurant. It’s really not a high bar, but it’s astonishing how so few restaurants “get it.”“

“Where can I begin? Have you ever walked into a place and just felt like you were in heaven? The attention to detail as you walk into the restaurant and look around, every detail seems to have been given great thought. There was a place for women to store their bags without putting them on the floor. The food was absolutely breathtaking. From the sashimi that melts in your mouth, the appetizers that start the meal just right, the rolls you can’t find anywhere else to your classic favorites, the drinks that are exceptional, to the desserts that you just don’t want to stop at one, this place will not disappoint! I don’t think I can ever go to another sushi restaurant again after this meal! If you ever want to see heaven on earth in a restaurant, be sure to book a reservation so you do not miss out!!!“

“The food was delicious I recommend it everyone.... FrIendly waiter u can see them making the food I enjoyed it.. I’m coming to eat..“

“good sushi, and the teriyaki samon is delicious.“

“Heated outdoor, large menu, great food!“

“Loved this hidden gem. We’ll be back! Everything including wine was delicious. 🥰🙏🏼“

“This place is amazing. So yummy and the owners and staff are so kind and always attentive and the food is fresh.“

“Ordered the Alaskan Roll for pick up. Excellent online ordering system with easy payment (and flexible options). I was concerned that the salmon would be smoked (I’m not a fan of the smoked variety), so I made a note about it. They prepared my order perfectly and included a note, “Not smoked… enjoy!” They even included the extra ginger I requested. Easy pick up and the sushi roll was excellent and very tasty! When I went inside to pick up my order, it was packed and the energy in the room was very happy and warm. Highly recommend this place!“

“Today was our first time visiting, and to be perfectly honest, this will be our new go to for sushi, even though we live in Ramona. Everything from the appetizers to the drinks and service was great. It seems like it would be a great spot for game or fight nights as well!“

“Best sushi since Iroha in Sherman oaks. Just way above the others in san diego“

“We tried the Fruit Sando! It was very good- and very generous on the cream. Fruit tasted fresh and bread was okay. Display was nice as well. Next time I’ll have to try some of their savory options but all and all a very easy and pleasing experience. $11 was a little steep and maybe around $8 i’d come more often and they could consider catering at that price. But still good stuff! Thank you“

“Hooked on sushi never fails us. Always great food. We love this place“

“Came with a few friends, clean quiet place to eat, waitress was nice and friendly. Took a while for the food to come but overall it was good. Would recommend most rolls except the surf and turf, weird flavor combination but still decent. A little pricy but a good experience to go and eat. Would come back again.“

“We have been enjoying Katana sushi for the 3+ years that we've lived in Carmel Valley. It is an amazing go to for a great meal when we have company in town or just want to enjoy a date or family night out. The food is always expertly prepared, the prices are great and the staff are courteous and quick. In our opinion it is the best sushi in the Carmel Valley area.“

“Absolutely Delicious! SO Fresh! Great Customer service as well!“

“I ordered sashimi at the sushi bar for lunch also had 2 piece Ikura (salmon roe) and a soft shell crab appetizer. Fish was very fresh it was obvious since they were still breaking it down in front of me. 2 guys on the sushi bar 3 in the back and one waitress. I was probably 2nd customer and only person at the bar. I got a weird look from waitress when I asked for the bar and she had to ask one of the guys if it was ok. I soon realized that it was not a real sushi bar after I looked at the menu and realized that they did not have sashimi on the menu.
When I go to a new place I usually order sashimi before I look at a menu because I know what I want.
The place filled up quick and the one waitress was running hard but the guys at the bar took care of me. Fresh fish good beer and sake I was very happy.
Music was very loud and irritating some kind of pop but the guys had no problem turning it down (they did not like it either).
I found it strange that they were pre-cutting the fish into slices but I guess if you are doing production that makes sense, I just have never seen it.
I read a lot of the reviews and part of the problem is people going to a sushi bar for something other than sushi. On the other hand if a restaurant is going to offer it it should be good.

Spent $120 after tip but it was at the coast on pch so location and all. Not to much more than my normal spot maybe $20 or so.

I was happy with my dining experience.“

“This place is always amazing. The staff are always great and the food is so good it’s absurd. Ninja rolls all day long! Mmmmm“

“Delicious options for vegans, nice customer service, outdoor dining 👍🏻“

“Really good food and service“