Ken Sushi Workshop

Favorite sushi in San Diego!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ken’s Sushi Workshop looks like nothing, tastes like everything. You sit, the room hushes, and Ken starts conducting. He’s calm, gracious, laser-focused. No theatrics. Just warm rice, pristine fish, and seasoning that whispers instead of shouts. One bite in, you nod. Three bites in, you stop talking. Bring your poker face. It won’t help.

Service moves at your pace. They talk with you, not at you, and they never hurry the counter. The only thing fast is how quickly you fall for it. Fish tastes alive. Cuts are precise. A brush of nikiri replaces the soy you thought you needed. Citrus shows up only when it makes the piece sing.

Ken had a drink with us, told us a slice of his story, and thanked us for being there. Not a performance. Gratitude. You feel it in the way he watches the rice, in how he times the handoff, in how he treats regulars and first-timers the same. He remembers where he started and honors it every night.

Greats find their way here. Phil Mickelson. President Obama. People who know craft when they taste it. Some nights you wonder if Del Mar even deserves him. Lucky for us, he’s here.

Better than New York or San Francisco? Often. At least as good, easily. Sit at the counter, say omakase, trust the rice, cancel your next plan.

Quality, value, experience, ambiance. Checks every box.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great sushi in the Del Mar/Carmel Valley area. The quality is exceptional. Good place for both lunch or dinner.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 4

Exceptional Every Time – Our Favorite Sushi Experience

My wife and I have the pleasure of dining at Ken Sushi Workshop regularly, and it has become our number one sushi destination. Whether we’re enjoying an intimate date night or gathering with friends, the experience is consistently outstanding.

The fish is always of the highest quality, prepared with precision and artistry that highlight the freshness and balance of every bite. The omakase menu, in particular, showcases the chef’s incredible skill and creativity.

The team provides exceptional service — professional, attentive, and genuinely warm — creating an atmosphere that feels both special and comfortable. Ken Sushi Workshop delivers an unmatched dining experience every time and continues to raise the bar for sushi in Southern California.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best of Best Sushi, Sashimi. Uni. Ikura. Tenpura, California Roll. Hand Roll & Miso Soup.

Mr Ken as Owner Chef, He is amazing person. Kindly. nice foods maker.

I m living Irvine orange county, 1~2 times visiting Ken Sushi since first open year.

Reservation first... But... always full few months...

Anyway, I recommend around 9pm for walk in.

if, you are in Ken Sushi one time..... you never...ever... complain !!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

High quality sashimi

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Such a fun atmosphere. The food was amazing

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ken is the best. This restaurant is very unique. The vibe is crazy go on a Saturday night and you will see what I mean. Nothing like it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

If you want probably the best sushi in San Diego and one of the best sushi spots I have personally experienced outside of Japan, this is it.

Don't go here if you want to be able to continue to enjoy your gas station sushi.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best sushi in North county by far. The crispy rice app is a must. There is an off menu hand roll - sexy mama - that you have to get. The twister roll is very creative and worth the try. The service is always excellent and Ken is a true pro.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Extremely high-quality ingredients for all dishes with lots of creativity served with amazing hospitality.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The menu is a bit limited, but food was great, especially the rolls. It's a little pricier than some other sushi places, but given the location, not unreasonable. It was continuously busy on a Friday night but not chaotic. There is a small sushi bar which would be perfect for 1-2 people, and tables inside and outside for larger parties. The service was good, and they were accommodating to our party with one child. My one complaint (and it would honestly probably keep me from going back) is that sitting by the front door, which was propped open, I got at least 10 mosquito bites on my feet and ankles. It may have been better elsewhere in the restaurant, but at one point I noticed they sprayed some sort of citronella spray, so it's obviously a known issue if they have that on hand. If so, I think it would have made more sense to just keep the front door closed (or have a fan blowing or something to deter mosquitoes). Otherwise - great place!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sushi is delicious and unique. On the pricey side but the service is impeccable 👌

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best sushi I’ve had in my life. Genuinely fresh sashimi and rice. 10/10 compliments to the chef

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Price was reasonable. Ample parking.
Highly recommend it.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5