50 Best Sushi Bars near National City

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

“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.“

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

“Quaint looking from the outside, welcoming on the inside. Large dining area, big enough for a reasonably sized party. Quite a few people seated (last I went), but the staff were tentative and prompt. Very courteous and helpful, they made us feel welcomed and at home. The all you can eat is reasonably priced per person, and the rules are simple: 3 rounds (couldn't do more than one) and up to 2 hours, you order it / you eat it. The rest of the menu is reasonably priced as well, with a good selection. Will be coming back here when I'm in the area!

Vegetarian options: More vegetarian options than expected. Usually I expect two or three vegetarian sushi options available, but there were more, and not plain Jane options either!

Parking: As this establishment is in, amongst other businesses, there is usually plenty of parking, handicapped or otherwise.

Wheelchair accessibility: ADA compliant, ease of access, large accessible restrooms, and tabletops for those who bring their own chairs!“

“Good sushi, good service, recommend.“

“Honestly It is much better than I expected. I like that it is spacious, has plenty of
sports tv's and plays good Reggae Music regularly. They are not quite on that 5 Star level, but if they turned on the A.C. and had a little more attentive table service, they would be.“

“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!!“

“This place had very good food!!! I went with my boyfriend today and it was 1hr away from closing so there weren't a lot of people. The waitress there served us quickly and the food came out quickly too!!! I forgot what my bf ordered but it was some beef & broccoli noodles? That are pretty crispy on the edges!!! Omg it was so yummiiii!!!! And then I got the shrimp tempura udon for about $10!!!!! :DDD I got the noodles themselves in some stone bowl then a plate of fried vegetables and 4 shrimp tempura!!!!! The fried vegetables were carrot, zucchini, and potato!!! It was a lot of food for a very good price!!!!!! :DDDDD you should go here if you'd like to eat some cheap Japanese food!!! ???“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“Fantastic fresh food; great sushi bar. Wonderful service from Kaz. I highly recommend..best sushi and sashimi around!“

“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.“

“The shrimp head moving scared the crap out of me but everything was delicious and awesome“

“My friends, and I literally all agreed that this was the best sushi we’ve ever had. The fire fire roll was IT!! However, if I’m being particular, I feel as though the ambiance could use some music or more viby feels but overall great spot!“

“My husband and I have been going here for over 15 years and it's our go to spot for delicious sushi and bento boxes! Oh you got to order the katsu zucchini, so yummy! The owners Mike and Maria always make you feel welcome, and you can tell they care about not only the quality of the food, but how they treat their customers too. Our son ate his first sushi here and has liked it ever since! Thank you Mike and Maria!“

“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.“

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

“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!!“

“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.“

“Good experience! Friendly atmosphere“

“Glad to find some Korean food in downtown San Diego. I’m visiting from out of town and was craving comfort food. Quite expensive for fishcake udon soup but it was good. I got the fried Mandu/gyoza because of a special. Usually I don’t buy dumplings when I eat out since they usually taste solid but never wow me. I was surprised I enjoyed them as much, of course the filling is good, but the texture stood out to me! It was so light and crispy - idk if it’s the skin or temperature they fried it but I looooved it. I just Wish they did not charge extra for kimchi, at least for the Korean dishes 😢 Service was good. Unsure if I’d come again for the traditional korean dishes, but I want to try the sushi and ofc get the dumplings. it was very clean and organized inside“

“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.“

“This is top tier sushi! beautiful location , small and attentive. Do not skip on this if you're in the area! The cuts are big and fresh, the sides are all delicious and the large beer and saki special is great to enjoy with friends on a night out for a delicious dinner!“

“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“

“My family (with 3+ kids) loves sushi and know good sushi when we eat it. We've been coming to Meijo for 15 years. Just stopped in again and had a delightful meal. Everything was fresh and delicious. All ingredients as they should be. Fish was colorful and artfully arranged (Rainbow!). Great vegetable tempura.

Staff was prompt and friendly and courteous. We called ahead to order but then dined-in and they were ready for us.

This is a family friendly venue. No need to dress up. I ate there with my parents who struggle to hear and it was not too loud -- we were able to talk.

Decor is not modern but don't be put off, it's great food and great service.

Vegetarian options: I'm not a strict vegetarian but there are vegetarian options on the menu that don't include fish.

Parking: Adjacent to a strip mall. Friday night there were plenty of spaces to park.

Kid-friendliness: Bring the children! Sushi is fun and it's a great environment for them.“

“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.“

“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.“

“@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.“

“Great experience, however! The restaurant and staff need to make it clear that the “soy tuna” is real tuna and not a vegan option! It may not make a difference to some, but to others it means a world of difference!

Vegetarian options: Not clearly labeled when it comes to the soy tuna! In fact it is very deceptive!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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“

“Sushiroll is a visually stunning restaurant that exudes warmth and a welcoming atmosphere. As soon as I entered, I was struck by its aesthetic charm and commitment to sustainable practices, especially their use of sustainable water. The service was top-notch; our server was not only polite but also incredibly kind, making the experience even more enjoyable.
The food at Sushiroll is a delightful surprise, showcasing a unique blend of Japanese and Mexican flavors that creates a tantalizing fusion. Each dish was crafted with care, and the generous portion sizes left me feeling satisfied. The creative combination of flavors added an exciting twist to traditional sushi that I hadn’t experienced before.
Overall, my visit to Sushiroll was a memorable one, and I can’t wait to return to explore more of their delicious offerings. I highly recommend this establishment to anyone seeking a fresh and innovative dining experience!“

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

“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✅✅“

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

“This restaurant is an absolute gem! Every time I dine here, I’m blown away by how consistently amazing the food is—it's always bomb! The flavors are on point, and the dishes are beautifully presented. Whether I'm trying something new or sticking with my favorites, I’m never disappointed.

The staff here are fantastic as well. They’re friendly, attentive, and always willing to make recommendations. It really feels like they care about your experience, which makes the visit even more enjoyable.

I truly believe this restaurant deserves more credit than it gets. It's a hidden treasure that more people need to discover! If you're looking for a place with outstanding food and great service, look no further. I can't wait to come back for my next meal!“