50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Lemon Grove

“Pleasantly surprised by this place. First time trying it as I’m looking to make 2023 a year I explore new food places. This was my first new place of the year and I’m glad I found them! Friendly people and don’t be fooled by the small frontage. Hole in the wall places are the best. I also liked their happy hour menu….I was there for lunch but will be going back for happy hours and dinners😃“

“I’ve been to this sushi spot several times and always appreciated their variety and freshness. However, during my most recent visit, the rice was noticeably stiff and tasted as if it might have been old. Hoping this was just an off day, as I’ve usually enjoyed their food!“

“Makai Sushi offers a cozy, casual dining experience where the focus is clearly on the freshness of the ingredients. I tried their hapa roll, featuring Aji tuna and crab, and was impressed by how fresh everything tasted. The venue itself is small, with just four tables inside, but the patio provides a more spacious alternative. It’s a counter-service spot, so you order up front and they bring the food to your table—perfect for a relaxed meal. When I visited, the place wasn’t busy, allowing for quick service. A word of advice: the rolls are generous, and the large pieces make it a challenge to eat in one bite. I’m eager to return and explore their sushi burritos next time!“

“@kinmesd delivered a memorable experience for us. From beginning to end I was in awe with the attention to detail, precision and heart they put into every bite. There was never a moment we weren’t taken care of by the chef’s assistants. It was beautiful to watch a group of people work together, harmoniously, and the reflection that had on the food.

@kinmesd I will be thinking about this meal for a very long time. Thank you for making our anniversary dinner such a special experience.“

“Luke is an amazing multitasker❤ made us feel very welcome.“

“this is clearly one of my favorite Japanese markets in San Diego is not that big but I has enough stuff to make you happy in the dinner place is really good the ramen is amazing and I love you decoration because it makes you feel like you're in Japan looking at the samples you should totally go here will never regret it. prices are there regular has another Asian market but when you think about these being products that you don't get every where it is kind of cheap.“

“The food is SO good. The chef was super friendly and nice. We can’t wait to go back. 😄“

“Owner is from Hawaii. Great service and great taste. Spicy Miso Broth hit thr spot. definitely will be back when I'm in town for work. 🤙🤙🤙“

“I’ve been to Hatsuzakura four times now and each one has been a unique and rewarding experience. From the service, to the atmosphere, and the food. Especially the food! Each meal has been a welcoming reminder of wonderful times living in Japan. An absolute must when in San Diego! Don’t forget, they close briefly from 3-4:30 pm.“

“Eaten here numerous times. Excellent quality food, and service. Equivalent to San Francisco Bay Area Japanese restaurants..which are outstanding.“

“The best you can find stateside without a doubt and better than most in Japan too and I lived in Japan for 10 years. �. Can’t go wrong and the atmosphere is awesome. �“

“Great place. True European feel.“

“Everyone who works there is friendly With excellent customer service food was delicious 🤤“

“Outstanding Mother’s Day omakase dinner with Ni, Ronald, Kay and Emily. We been to some great award winning restaurants around the world, but Ju Ichi stands out because of the care and passion that is evident in the menu and quality of the dishes that Ni and crew create and execute. We’ve been to JunIchi several times but the omakase for Mother’s Day was particularly outstanding. The menu was modern and creative but in keeping with classic taste profiles of traditional Japanese. It was simply delicious, the presentation was world class and the service was excellent. I go to Japan a lot and I would put Ju Ichi up against the the best I’ve been to. We will definitely go again.
Thanks Ni, Ronald, Kay and Emily for cooking for us as if we were family, great work!!!!“

“Kumi Café is one of those hidden gems you find and just keep coming back to. My husband and I have been here multiple times, and every visit is just as good — if not better — than the last.

The service is always amazing. The staff is kind, fast, and really on top of things without ever making you feel rushed. They create the kind of experience that makes you feel genuinely taken care of.

Today, we had the Korean short rib, the bento box with gyoza and a California roll, and the tuna poke bowl. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. I normally don’t even like California rolls, but theirs are so good — fresh, not too mayo-heavy, and the rice is just right. My husband said his poke bowl was refreshing and delicious, and I couldn’t stop stealing bites.

We’ve also tried the sashimi and the chicken katsu curry on past visits, and both are incredible. The sashimi is super fresh and generous, and the curry — especially the chicken katsu version — is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. Definitely one of our favorites on the menu.

The place has a chill, modern vibe — clean and simple, but welcoming. It’s become one of our go-to spots when we want something that hits the spot without breaking the bank.“

“Best Sushi, Omakase, and experience hands down.
These chefs are masters and the nicest guys who put everyone at ease and take your taste buds on an journey of pure joy and deliciousness.

Everything is sooo fresh and top quality. Each bite feels sacred, you can't help but close your eyes when enjoying the symphony of flavors.

I wish I could give more than 5 stars. My only advice: sit at the sushi bar and enjoy the ride :)“

“The food was delicious ! The atmosphere was ok, it's just a small place and gets packed at dinner time. The server was nice, but took the order of a family that came in after mine first. I didn't like that at all ! But overall, it's a good place for sushi. 🍣 -“

“One of the best restaurants in gas lamp of San Diego. Living in San Diego, we rarely have occasion to come to the area. Most restaurants are over priced tourist traps with mediocre food. You will not find that here.

This is a high quality sushi restaurant. The fish is always delicious. The omakase is quite good with interesting selections. The staff is knowledgeable and courteous, and they aim to give you the best experience.

Definitely recommend Taka sushi for locals and travelers.“

“We found this place thanks to Google Maps and their high ratings. It's in North Park, around the block from City Tacos (highly recommended).

My wife and kids were tired, hungry, and over stimulated. Needles to say, we were ready for good food and quick service.

It took them a while to get us seated with a lot of tables open. The lady serving us came and left whenever she felt like it. They were mopping the floors right next to us, and it smelled like chlorine a lot. The whole combination was putting my wife over the edge, and I just walked outside with our kid.

When I came back, food was served and ready. Very good, but a tad overpriced (probably the area). The food was a good experience, and everyone started to calm down a bit after eating, thankfully.

Will we be back? Probably not because we have much better sushi places around us. But, if you're around, food's good there.“

“Very good price for all you can eat premium waygu meats. Very simple and to the point menu. Only wish their sauces was a little better and they had one extra side like steamed egg or japchae. It's just missing one or 2 things that would make it excellent, but for the lunch price of $35 and dinner for $40 you get your value. The parking isn't too bad either compared to other spots in clairemont.“

“What a find! Completely unexpected gem in Chula Vista. Food was absolutely amazing. My garlic noodles with pork belly was the best pork belly I've ever had. By far. The cut of pork and preparation were perfect. My UK coworker gave a huge 2 thumbs up for their fish and chips. Said it was legit. Another coworker raved about their bao buns. Drinks from the bar were great as well. A must visit when in San Diego.“

“Been going to this place for over 20 yrs. Beside good excellent food , staff are always friendly never change.. love every time I’m here, it feels like my second home..“

“I recently dined at Kaki Sushi and had an exceptional experience. The food was outstanding, with each dish prepared meticulously to highlight the freshness and flavors of the ingredients, especially the sushi. The service was impressive, with attentive and efficient staff who were incredibly kind and hospitable. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and valued. Overall, Kaki Sushi offers a delightful combination of excellent food and exceptional service, making it a top-notch dining destination. I highly recommend it.“

“Amazing omakase, friendly and knowledgeable staff“

“I don’t usually leave reviews, but I had to after today’s visit. I came in during lunch so it wasn’t too busy, and it looked like they were training new staff. Lacy, our server-in-training with orangeblonde hair, was the first person to ever introduce herself at this store. She introduced herself at the beginning and let us know at the end that if we had a good experience, a review on the establishment would be appreciated so here I am.

She was doing amazing. Super sweet, confident, and honestly just adorable. She had a great sense of humor and kept a smile on whether she was helping guests or talking with her trainer. She even took time to play with the kids at tables and made the whole dining experience feel easy and welcoming.

Beyond that, the whole team worked really well together yesterday. Servers were cleaning, bussing, and setting up tables together. Waters were always filled, sodas refilled without needing to ask, and the food came out promptly. Even with staff in training, things ran smoothly. The food was good. Came out in under ten minutes and it was actually mild this time. The Thai tea is also good here, it’s a bit sweet but nothing out of the ordinary.

I’ve had a few so-so experiences at this location before, but earlier in the day felt like a huge step up. If they keep this kind of service going, the rating here will definitely go up. Coco is known to be busy but service is usually mid.“

“The food is amazing, as is the service. My family have eaten there since they opened in 1986. They were small then, when Swenson's ice cream used to be next door. My favorite dish was the champon noodles. It still tastes the same!!“

“Really busy store but I really enjoy the food!
The place is a little crowded. The portion of the food is similar to what you get in Japan, and so is the quality. So far I feel like this place resembles what you might get in Japan, small portion but higher quality.“

“👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🤗👍👍👍“

“First of all, it is extremely difficult to make a reservation. ???

It took us TWO YEARS to finally dinning at this exquisite restaurant.??

I deeply appreciate this waitress to allow me to record this video. ❤️❤️❤️

The service is absolutely excellent! And it is not bad at all to enjoy your omakase on the patio. They have an under table heater so you won't feel cold.???

Parking is only street parking.

This humble looking Japanese restaurant is actually a Michelin One Star.

The only way to make a reservation is via their reservation partner. They will send you an email notification like two hours ahead of your reservation.

However, you have to really "fast hand" to confirm your reservation. If you are like a sloth, you will never be able to complete your reservation.???

And, they will charge a despite of $50/ person when the reservation is confirmed.“

“Happy Hour at Artifact is the highlight of my week! I always look forward to those afternoons when I can wrap up an early day at work and walk over to unwind.

Kendra and Kelly are the best—they always greet me warmly and, knowing sparkling rosé is my go-to, pour a glass right after saying hello. The ambience is light and relaxing, and the conversation is consistently pleasant and entertaining—it’s the perfect way to transition from work mode to relaxation.

All of the food here is absolutely delicious, but the ahi crudo and beet salad are my favorites. They’re fresh, flavorful, and never disappoint.

Artifact has mastered the art of creating a welcoming, delicious, and enjoyable happy hour experience. Highly recommend!“

“Had my birthday there, and you can absolutely taste the good quality of the food there. Recommend their premium family combo, I’ll say it’s a good amount for 1-2 people. The regular beef tongue is also a great option. Really nice service, the only problem is it’s a little pricey, but fair enough for what you get.“

“good food, friendly staff and atented“

“Fresh and delicious sushi at Kotobuki! Ordered takeout of the sashimi bowl (tuna, salmon, yellowtail, comes with miso soup), hamachi jalapeño roll, rainbow roll, and dragon roll. The rice tastes really good and makes for a really nice chew. The staff is very friendly and waited about 20 minutes to pick up my order. Recommend!“

“Basic neighborhood Japanese restaurants serving basic dishes at very affordable prices. You order at the counter and they bring the food to your table. Part of a 3-restaurant group that has served San Diego for decades.

The lunch and dinner specials are excellent deals. On my most recent visit, the teriyaki chicken was freshly grilled, with just the right amount of char with crispiness on the outside, tender juicy inside, and a sauce that is neither too sweet nor too thick as one would expect from other bargain Japanese restaurants.“

“We had the most amazing meal there on Wednesday night! Everything was exceptional, especially the uni! The service was fantastic! We will be back!“

“We love Chiba! We lived here 8 years ago and we’re back. I am glad to see the food is still as delicious as I remember! The food was fast and I recommend the sushi! Also, our waitress was great!“

“The nigiri at Komatsuya is wonderful, I had salmon, chutoro and amaebi, they were truly great. We also had udon noodles and tofu, which were delicious and cucumber salad and edamame, both of which were exquisite. We are from San Francisco and have travelled in Japan. This place is really wonderful, it is a very nice environment and the service is perfect. What a pleasant surprise in our road trip !“

“Awesome food. Service is great also. Prices are moderate.“

“Ok. Now I know where to have my go to Ramen. 1st time and definitely when I want ramen,I'm coming here. The flavor of my spicy beef ramen was AMAZING.😋😋😋

The other two dishes ordered by hubby and son were also delicious.😋😋😋

It's spacious and had no long lines. Started to get crowded after I got there. The food came quickly, and we were able to eat and savoe the food and run!

I really recommend this place!
Expect Mexican music in the background
Of its sunny sit by the window in the back. It's a little chilly in there. 🥰“

“This was the BEST sushi we have ever had. The entire experience was so wonderful. We left feeling relaxed and happy. Highly recommend this place and the staff were all fantastic and very attentive.“

“I've been coming here since I was a little kid. I don't come often, but I love this place. It hasn't changed much, but that's a good thing. My bf and I had a great time, the sushi chef overheard me talking about being a long time customer and took very good care of us. The lemon roll is my favorite and we also ordered a caterpillar roll and salmon skin hand rolls. Everything was delicious and reminded me that I should eat here more often.“

“Great prices! While everything seems to be getting more expensive it's good to know there are some places putting out delicious food for a decent price. The rice is good thats what makes or breaks a sushi spot. We had the Red Dragon roll, Rainbow roll, Philly roll, California roll and some orange chicken all were really good. If you live in National city and want to stay in the area and have goid sushi this is a place worth stopping at.“

“First Time great. Second time even better because the man in charge remembered me and he was not even working.Awesome tasty food and portions are worth it by far. I buy what I buy from other places in San Diego- no comparison they are on top of their game.“

“Food is amazing.
Rose lychee green tea is refreshing and my new favorite

I had the chicken pad Thai level 1 spice and it was great. Not too spicy. But it has a decent kick to it.

I definitely want to try the bbq honey pork next.“

“Best sushi in San Diego at reasonable prices! Delicioso!!!“

“Sakura's Mystery, the new hibachi food truck, offers an exceptional dining experience. Their flavorful hibachi bowls and delectable sushi platters are absolutely delicious. The friendly staff and skilled chefs create a warm and inviting atmosphere. With a variety of options available, Sakura's Mystery is a must-visit for anyone seeking a culinary adventure on wheels. Five stars without hesitation!“

“Oishii is such a hidden gem! Very clean, and the insanely friendly and attentive staff make you feel right at home. The highlight for me was the pork noodle soup—seriously, it’s the closest thing I’ve found to authentic street noodle soup from Thailand. Such a rare find! Everything we tried was fresh and delicious. I’m already planning my next visit. Highly recommend!

Also 50% off apps and some rolls, beer and Thai tea for happy hour. Can’t beat it. Everyday from 2-5pm.“

“Sushi is DELICIOUS! Customer Service is Awesome! Place is Mellow and Relaxing and very Enjoyable!“

“Good food and friendly employees“

“Love their food and drinks!“