50 Best Sushi Bars near Lemon Grove

“First time here I played it safe, ordering some standard rolls which were very good.
Next visit I decided to order the BAD ASS roll from the special menu for dine in only. A bit on the pricey side, and took some time to prepare but well worth it, and it was HUGE. Their hours are a bit odd, closing for a couple of hours in the middle of the day. The staff set up a little misting fan aimed right at me-so thoughtful on a hot day!
On my third visit, I had the Japanese chicken nuggets which were very good but could have used a bit more dipping sauce, and the spicy tuna roll which was not spicy at all. But every meal comes with ginger and wasabi, so that helped spice it up a bit.

Parking: Three spaces out front are reserved for this place, even though the signs make it look like any vehicle parking here will be towed.“

“Quality sushi rolls found here! So happy to have found this place. The prices are super reasonable compared to most other sushi spots around the area. The portion size of the rolls surprised me too. Jam packed! The staff are also really kind and constantly checking if you need anything else <3 I would recommend trying the hawaiian roll and monkey punch roll. 10/10 I just wish the air conditioning in there was stronger. Especially in this blazing summer heat.“

“Amazing omakase, friendly and knowledgeable staff“

“Ichifuji is hands-down one of the best dining experiences I've had. The chefs are great conversation as well as great at making delicious, beautiful dishes. The service was very attentive and professional. There is a patio but I'd highly recommend sitting at the bar to see the dishes being prepared and to chat with the chefs - you'll have a wonderful time.“

“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.“

“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!“

“There is no better sushi in San Diego, no exaggeration. We came in here for the first time on a whim, and now are dedicated customers to 2B1. The atmosphere is clean and inviting, the staff is gracious, kind, and professional, and the sushi is genuinely incredible. I've been to many sushi restaurants in my life and this is definitely the best in San Diego.“

“Inspiring, creative menu that rivals the best menus in the world. Surprising affordable and unforgettably crafted cocktails. Entire staff is friendly, approachable and highly knowledgeable.“

“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.“

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

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

“Best sushi ever, very friendly“

“Update/Edit:
I would like to thank SoCal Sushi for setting the example for restaurants dealing with a negative experience on the customer end. They provided me a way to get in contact and they listened; they did not deny or make excuses. I spoke with the management and their responses were genuine, honest, and demonstrated professionalism. No business can be free from mistakes; it just matters how a mistake or issue is handled. I really appreciate their willingness to learn from this experience and I wish them all the best in the future.

Original Review: I don’t give this review lightly. I tried to find an email for an owner or manager so I could talk over this issue with someone rather than hashing it out like this, but I couldn’t find one. I felt bad even giving such a low rating given how great the sushi was, but this place will make me self-conscious go out as a solo female diner for a while.

I ate here for dinner on a Wednesday evening and had a great meal. The sushi was fresh and fantastic. I was thinking this would be a great place to bring my parents when they’re in town next time. I was just getting ready to leave after being seated at approximately 7:09 (based on their call to inform me I could be seated at exactly 7:08). I was then told to leave by the waitress after I paid as I tried to finish my drink. It was 8 pm exactly when I checked my phone in the parking lot.

The waitress had dropped off the check while I was still actively eating, but I thought maybe she was just trying to save a trip and not actually trying to rush me. I initially thought “oops, time must have gotten away from me, and I overstayed the 90 minute limit, my bad.” They have a small dining room, so having this limit makes perfect sense. However, I was only trying to finish my beverage before leaving. I paid for it, and it’s not like you can put a beer in a to-go cup. Again it was a weeknight, not a Friday or Saturday. I had to leave my drink a little less than half full on the table.

As I got to the parking lot, I realized my stay had been much shorter. I was immediately confused and embarrassed. She had asked me to leave in front of all the other guests. I even felt bad for “overstaying my welcome”, but it had only been approximately 50 minutes. I ate a little slow, but only because I really enjoyed the sushi and wanted to savor it. I don’t eat out much, and I wanted to make the most of my special “splurge” meal, as my bill totaled about 70 dollars. It was supposed to be a special treat. But I felt singled out as a solo female diner. I fought back tears as I got in my car. I felt terrible yet I did nothing wrong.

If the dining time limit was different for the bar area, I genuinely would have understood. Again, it’s a small restaurant. But the signs clearly state 90 minutes is the permitted time. I had no intention on even staying more than 60. I never want to be that person. The waitress singled me out even though I was just one woman at the end of the bar. Needless to say, I can’t recommend this place. The sushi chefs are wonderful, but don’t expect to be treated fairly if you’re alone as a woman.

If you want to try the sushi I don’t blame you, it’s wonderful, but go with a group who can stick up for you.“

“Best sushi ever!!! Umami roll is the most amazing roll I’ve ever had with tofu in it!“

“Amazing memorable experience. Chef so knowledgeable, creative, precise. Loved every minute! Had oysters in plum sauce, wagyu skewers, Blue Fis, Trigger fish, Octopus, mackerel tuna, Edo sushi, traditional nigiri, lotus root chips, tuna belly, two types of jack, etc etc. Presentation was breathtaking.“

“Great place to grab some sushi and ramen for the kids! They have the Japanese soda's the kids loved as a "special" drink. This is a must try secret sushi spot! You gotta have the amazing fried rice. Cheers.“

“The food is delicious! I love their chicken kelaquen and the pork ribs. Their food is always nicely presented! Highly recommend if you're craving Chamorro food!!“

“This place is wonderful....Good Japanese Traditional Sushi and Modern American Rolls for the Non Japanese. good service and quality is good.“

“Okay true confession: I am a sushi addict... I have been eating sushi for 62 years, yes, I'm an old man but I have never lost my love of fabulous sushi. And last night I found it, finally!!! I took a bus from downtown to try this well-recommended restaurant and boy was it worth it. This family-owned restaurant not only has the finest sushi, a very friendly expert sushi chef, but the homey atmosphere makes dining here a supreme delight. And when I got my bill I was shocked to see that the sushi was discounted to 50% off. What a pleasant surprise. Five star sushi at a price that even an old pensioner can afford. lol
Well, It looks like I am going to be spending much more time on the 215 Express bus, It is worth the trip.“

“Very simple, casual Japanese dining. The food and service are great. It has a wide selection of Japanese meals, and one of the larger and varied sushi roll menus in town.“

“Love the Sushi and Great Service“

“The fish is the freshest I have had in all of San Diego!!! Rodrigo was amazing and Hane commanded an amazing line. Don’t waste money on Samon collar there is no meat but everything else
Service and fish was the best!!! Will be back to try more! A great upbeat place with amazing quality fish and service!!!!!! I am kinda a sushi snob so it takes a lot to impress to thank you !!!!! Lina was the best server who brought the coldest beer in town!!!! Ty“

“Amazing food while we were visiting the area. Best service and the food presentation was perfection. Portions and pricing are both outstanding. 10/10 recommend.“

“@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.“

“Zzan delivers a delightful Korean dining experience with a blend of traditional and modern flavors. The chic ambiance complements its authentic menu, featuring sizzling bulgogi and rich kimchi stew. The Korean BBQ, where you grill your own meat, is a fun highlight, while the plentiful banchan side dishes add depth to the meal. Service is attentive, and the refreshing shaved ice dessert is a perfect finish. Zzan captures the essence of Korean cuisine with a contemporary twist, making it a great choice for all diners.“

“We had my dad’s retirement party here at JJ’s Island Grindz and our host was Ellis I cannot speak highly enough on the service he provided for us it will be unmatched. He treated us like family, very attentive, very respectful, on time with everything very professional. I just want to thank him and his crew for providing excellent customer service love and care to our family and friends. The food was amazing the drinks were delicious and had a great presentation. JJ’s Island Grindz is a good vibe. Thank you again for hosting our event.“

“Love they're food and prices are reasonable. Especially with discount of you eat in the restaurant. My favorite sushi restaurant!“

“I’ve had great experiences here dining-in during the lunch special. It’s a really great deal and the service is always fine. I picked up for dinner for the first time and was a little disappointed in both the quality of the food and how long it took. I called in and was told it would take 30 minutes. I went in after 35 and ended up waiting another 15 before the food was ready. They were busy so I understand the wait. The food was edible and I didn’t get sick or anything, but the fish tasted old/some pieces were extra fishy. I’m not sure if it was sitting out for a while or just was lower quality. I would go here again but only for the lunch special/happy hour.“

“When we lived in San Diego we were up the street from Obi's and we went at least twice a week. I still talk about it years later. If you are in the area definitely stop in its definitely worth the trip.“

“I celebrated my birthday at downtown sushi and it was very special. The moment I entered the restaurant, the host greeted me with a smile and accommodated seat preference. Also, Chef Ruthi (sushi chef) made a very personalized fire roll for me. All the food and drinks (especially the margarita) here are very amazing. The service as well is 10/10 would highly recommend!“

“Rico y buenos precios, me gusta ir por mi sushi y de paso voy a café 35 por mi bobba, la combinación perfecta“

“Amazing spot here! Very warm, and efficient team here. The outside does not do this spot justice. You step in and you’re transported to an amazing, live, fun, and energetic space. It’s bright and loud, and full of life! K-pop blasting, and their music videos all over the screens. Cool little tables throughout the place; karaoke rooms. The food was delicious. The salmon nigiri is good. The Beef Short Ribs are delicious. The rolls are great too. We didn’t love the calamari; but it was solid, just washed out by how good the other dishes were. Go here, and you will love your experience!!

Vegetarian options: Large veg section

Dietary restrictions: Plenty of options

Parking: Large open lot

Kid-friendliness: Yes. But also a little more of a night spot…but we came in late night after a concert.

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes! Ada compliant“

“This was a gorgeous downtown sushi place with top notch happy hour sushi deals Mon-Fri from 4-6 PM. Me and friend started off with miso soups which were yummy and different to any i’ve had before. They had these small balls inside the soup, and used green and red algaes alongside the tofu which gave the miso a richer and more complex taste. So much so that after the rolls we doubled down on an extra miso each. For appetizer we had these kaarage green beans and I kid you not they were some of the best appetizer snacks I’ve ever had. The green beans were fried to perfection and seasoned perfectly and had the most amazing umami taste that complemented so well with the aioli they come with. I never knew I could love the taste of green beans, but this had me munching hard on them. Finally we got our rolls and decided on the Saucy Boi, Kamikaze, and a Classic Spicy Tuna to make sure the meal was satisfying. We’d had a long day at UCSD, so it was well deserved. From those, the Saucy Boi was definitely the standout for joe absolutely delicious it was. It was almost remindcidnt of Mexican style sushi and I thought it was amazing. The kamikaze and spicy tuna were definitely more underwhelming, and I just didn’t love that the kamikaze had some fishier flavors as well as a ponzu/citrus base to it which I’m personally just not a huge fan of. Sam with spicy tuna, I don’t mess with it but my friend does and she said it was yummy. But being big backs, this was the point where we doubled on our miso soups, and also ordered the sticky fingaz ribs as well as some off menu sweet potato fries. Shoutout to the kitchen for whipping us up some sweet potato fries because they are literally so amazing, similarly to the green beans they have a je no se qua umami flavor to them and the spicy mayo pairing makes for a delicious crunchy fry. The pork ribs were also amazing and had a sweet glaze to them although I think the flavors were very Korean Spicy Sweet BBQ flavor and they weren’t the most notable option, although a good one nonetheless (the slaw wasn’t good tho). The decor was what really set he vibe though, and I just couldn’t get over how absolutely stunning the whole place is, especially with the ways they use lighting. We washed everything down with some diet cokes, and this place is also very much a bar so feel free to try out the cocktails, the people around us sure seemed to enjoy them??. Anyways, this place is straight gas and I recommend anyone from Daygo to pull up on a weekday from 4-6 and see what this gem has to offer for some really honest and humble prices. DAYGOEATS CERTIFIED✅✅“

“Live near by and have been wanting to go there. Ordered their 4 course special. It was delicious!! They actually serve toro! They pay nice attention to presentation and the flavors are on point. The fish is kept at a temperature so that when you taste it, it practically melts in your mouth. Been to many restaurants that store their fish at very cold temperatures that you have chew it for a while. This place is a sleeper, you must try! Service was excellent and prompt with reasonable prices. Definitely recommend and I am going back for the ramen.“

“The food was great. Mango-Mango roll was exceptional!!“

“This is a lovely Mexican style sushi spot that just joined the scene here in Chula Vista. The miso was yummy and was a great starter for the meal, and they brought us water while we decided on our options. We decided to go for the Kani Crunch and Dragon Rolls as our main dishes and I loved the Kani Crunch the most out of both. It paired really well with the sauces it came with, and the crunch was delicious and reminiscent of Tijuana sushi styles. For drinks we opted for the agua fresca liter pitcher in flavor mango, and this was absolutely divine. It tasted like hand made mango juice and was the perfect amount of sweet with no pulp (cost 14$ tho? but it was worth it). What made me love it tho was the amazing Japanese decor, and the beautiful woodwork and when I went to the bathroom, they even had a installed bidet. 10/10 the whole experience, and the service was amazing especially considering we showed up 45 mins before close. They also have free eel sauce, ponzu, siracha and soy sauce right at the table which again is so Tijuana - Mexico sushi coded and just reiterates how amazing this place it. Not many businesses can go from Mexico to the US, so it’s a DAYGOCERTIFED✅✅ for suree.“

“Great place love the food and music they be playing.“

“Always great food when I stop by #HWMYTastins #HWMY“

“San Diego’s best sushi! Get the CATS roll!“

“super delicious and fresh. Great service“

“This is actually two different restaurants combined; Chinese and Japanese. The Japanese food was good (but the teriyaki beef was a little overdone and I wasn't a fan of the salad dressing). The staff is very attentive and the food portions are huge but very inexpensive. Definitely going back.“

“My go to for sushi. I'm lucky it's right by my house. Probably eat here at least 1x a week. Dine in and take out is always great. Love the staff. The sushi never disappoints. I love everything.

Dietary restrictions: No rice rolls offered“

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

“Big crab legs, big oysters + military discount.“

“very good food and service“

“Love their food and drinks!“

“Sushi is great but try the non-sushi items rock. Try tue shishito pepper bao bun! Always delicious!“

“Great service (thank you to all the staff who helped a a team, and our main server who recommended adding some dishes of sauces to add to our rolls for added taste), great food (thank you to the chefs who prepared our food as if they were serving their own family), smaller place but nicely decorated and maintained. Definitely coming back soon.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ What an amazing place! Food & service were beyond great! We do not have special diets vegan, SF, GF). We just stopped in because it was a place on the way home. We knew nothing going in and came out huge fans! So much flavor & amazing staff! We'll be back for sure!!!“