36 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!“

“this is my favorite local sushi spot in Carlsbad! they have amazing options and all of the sushi i’ve tried is delicious (i recommend the awesome roll and the white house roll!) this is the spot if you want fast and efficient service and delicious food“

“We frequent this restaurant often during weekends. We typically come early part of lunch time, so we never have to wait for a table. Our go-to is usually Show You Ramen, Katsu Curry, Tonkatsu, Salmon Onigiri, and Umeboshi Onigiri. And from time to time, I would order the special Tan Tan Ramen. We love that the Ramen is always piping hot, which is much appreciated. Service is always great, and staff is attentive.“

“This place was really good. I got a to-go order and was really surprised at how many extra sides I got along with my two rolls. I didn't think I ordered that much but was absolutely full when I ate everything. The Philadelphia roll had a generous amount of cream cheese. I'm definitely going back for more.“

“Came here with my mom and we had a really good experience. I’ve been here before for the pho and I’m honestly picky about it since it’s my favorite, but they do it right. It’s simple, flavorful, and just hits every time.

This time we tried the chicken cutlet curry and it reminded me so much of what I used to eat when I lived in Japan. It was actually really nostalgic.

The service was great too. The waiter wasn’t overbearing but still really attentive and on top of everything. The vibe was calm and just felt easy to enjoy.

It’s honestly hard to find places in the U.S. that feel authentic because it’s usually hit or miss, but this spot really delivers. Definitely one of my go-to spots now.“

“Awesome the freshest sushi I’ve ever had“

“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!!“

“I stopped at Mot’to Japanese Grill and WOW… this place seriously delivers 🔥🔥🔥🔥

I ordered the Chicken & California Roll and it was so worth it. The grilled chicken was perfectly cooked and covered in rich, flavorful teriyaki sauce, and the California roll was super fresh and tasted way better than expected. 👀 It also came with rice, miso soup, and a salad, so you’re getting a full, satisfying meal. 🤤🫶🏻

Everything tasted fresh, clean, and really well put together—not heavy, just super enjoyable. The portions were solid, the flavors were on point, and you can tell they actually care about the quality. 😊💕

Service was quick and smooth, and the staff was friendly, which made the whole experience even better. 🫶🏻

Definitely one of those spots I’ll 💯 keep coming back to when I'm here in Carlsbad - highly recommend 🙌🏼🙌🏼👌🏼👌🏼“

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

“Food is awesome n delicious“

“yellowtail roll is amazing!“

“I had such a great experience at Ayu Sushi in Carmel Valley! What I loved most was their dog-friendly patio—it's so spacious and convenient for pet owners. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, making sure both we and our pup were comfortable. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing outdoor lunch. The sushi was fresh and the service was top-notch. Definitely our new favorite local spot!“

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

“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!“

“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 love it“

“We went on a Friday night and it was packed. Waited about 20 min to get seated. While the server was nice, service was horrendously slow and getting our food was even worse. We ordered 3 appetizers, a bento box, ramen and about 8 rolls. The appetizer rook so long that the owner gave me a free beer and apologized. Then my hubby's bento box and daughter's ramen came out first. They were fully finished while we were still waiting on our rolls. The owner came by again to apologize and gave us a free roll. She also came by when we were finished and again apologized profusely for the long delays with our food.

With that said, everything was fresh and delicious. We will definitely go back, but not on a Friday night.“

“Heated outdoor, large menu, great food!“

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

“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..“

“Such a lovely place with a wonderful atmosphere. The interior is beautifully designed and full of small details that make the space feel special.
I was especially impressed by the fresh flower arrangements — they are incredibly stylish and thoughtfully composed. As someone who really appreciates aesthetics, this detail made a big impression on me.
The service was warm and attentive, and the rolls was very fresh with beautiful presentation.
We will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend!“

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

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

“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!“

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

“Fresh fish, a great variety, and friendly staff! While it can get very busy with both dine-in and takeout orders, the team stays on top of it well. The chefs are happy to customize orders upon request. The outdoor patio is a huge plus, and their 50% off specials are awesome!“

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

“absolutely great. if ever back in Cali will definitely do again“

“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.“

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

“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“

“Really good food and service“