The sashimi set meal was very satisfying.The octopus was especially fresh and delicious.The mackerel sushi (Samara) was very large and satisfying.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Kimura Miki
We became a big fan of Kokoro and the chef. We had Sushi Omakase. My husband and I are from Japan, but this place had the best and most authentic sushi we've found anywhere in Japan or the U.S. I chose it for my husband's birthday, and it was a hit including the atmosphere and portion! We've since recommended it to some friends, and they've all been fans as well. We will definitely be going back soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Housemade Panna Cotta, Nigiri, Omakase Course
Ryne Hager
It's going to be such a pity when this place gets its Michelin star. Friends take me here every time I'm in town, and both the bento and omakase are immaculate, perfect, exceptional, and any other superlative you care to use.Eat here before it's impossible to get a table. Been to Michelin-rated places that were miles worse.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bento, Omakase Course
lina najeeb
I think the cheapest omakase I have ever been $120-$125. I guess going to more expensive ones have set the bar high for me when it come to omakase. Overall, the sushi and everything tasted good but you don’t get the excellent omakase experience. Not too much interaction and definitely fish quality is on the average range. I think it’s a good place to try if you are new to omakase and you want cheaper options but yet it’s not really that cheap lol. I had the main course and got only two sushi which was disappointing and sashimi platter was small. I think their prices should be little bit cheaper for the amount of food they have for the omakase. Bottom line, not impressed.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Lina N.
I think the cheapest omakase I have ever been $120-$125. I guess going to more expensive ones have set the bar high for me when it come to omakase. Overall, the sushi and everything tasted good but you don't get the excellent omakase experience. Not too much interaction and definitely fish quality is on the average range. I think it's a good place to try if you are new to omakase and you want cheaper options but yet it's not really that cheap lol. I had the main course and got only two sushi which was disappointing and sashimi platter was small. I think their prices should be little bit cheaper for the amount of food they have for the omakase. Bottom line, not impressed.
Tyler
My girlfriend and I came here last year for our first date. And the other day came back one year later as a full circle reunion. And we could not recommend this place more. The vibe is intimate and cozy, traits that separates the restaurant from other competitors. The food is spectacular. The service is so kind and welcoming. We will definitely be back soon.
Katherine W.
Awesome service and amazing fish! We did the omakase and loved every bite. They were really busy on a Saturday night but still delivered top notch service and the chef made sure to check how we liked our food multiple times throughout the meal (even though he was the only chef for the entire restaurant!). Looking forward to coming back.
David Yalacki
I cannot believe this place doesn’t come up as the first result when searching “Sushi”.It should!!!This place is very unassuming from the outside. However, when you walk in you are transported to Japan. They gave the traditional chefs’ counter, traditional Japanese dinnerware, artwork, the whole atmosphere is excellent.Secondly, the food was very good. We had the Omakase which is $120 per person. Honestly, was completely worth it. This place is awesome and can wholeheartedly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anna Acup
I just moved to San Diego and was so excited to get good sushi. I stumbled on this restaurant on google and am so glad I did. It is the BEST sashimi I have ever had. The ambiance was amazing too! I live a block away and will be returning regularly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christina X.
Overall experience was decent. The place is extremely small. Food is great but I am not sure if it's actually that great to match the price charged. Staff was friendly but the kitchen probably gets busy. I feel the food was serviced very slow though it wasn't a big deal since we were hanging out while waiting for food. I don't intend to go back there. I personally like the sushi place in liberty station more Given the fact that its about the same size but the cost was lower there and food was great there as well. No complain to the food here. I think it's great but will not go back or take friends there based off overall experience.
Food - excellent traditional style sushi, fresh, fun to eat and interesting. Not a rolls place, this is a place for people who love fresh fish and high quality. Service- fast and unpretentious. Unlike other high end sushi places, there is no snobbery, it's not a scene. Ambience- Cozy, small, clean and quiet enough to have a conversation. Intimate for sure. If you're into high end sushi but don't want to wait months for a reservation- go to Kokoro. They're also open for lunch. The food is the most important part of any restaurant (my opinion) and their food is amazing.
Mindy O.
I met my friends here for dinner a couple of times lately. Both times I had assorted sushi 10 pcs and some a la carte items like miso eggplant and assorted tempura. The nigiri sushi rice has a stronger vinaigrette taste compared to other places, which I like and I think makes the sushi here tastes better. Sushi is good overall but the fish here is a bit dry and small. I prefer a little larger sushi pieces, both fish and rice. Jazz is nice but got a bit louder than we wanted at times for having quiet conversations. You know those high trumpet and saxophone tunes... The waitress was courteous and checked on us. This place is tacked away from the crowdedness of Convoy and has easy parking that is definitely a plus in the area. It's a nice place if you want an intimate setting for Japanese cuisine with the Chef's personal touch.
Isabelle Y.
A hidden sushi gem in San Diego -- Kokoro is an absolute must visit! The fish is fresh and curated carefully with a large portion size for the Omakase course. The price is super reasonable and you can tell the head sushi chef takes pride in his food. Really enjoyed the clean simple ambiance of the restaurant and is a great place for a date or celebratory meal. The service was swift and polite, we felt constantly taken care of. We were also gifted a ponzu sauce made by the head chef which was extremely thoughtful and sweet!
Timothy C.
The omakase was delicious! So many courses and the fish were high quality. The chef and servers were kind and the restaurant is cute inside. We also were gifted ponzu sauce! Will come back!
Daniel W.
Excellent food and service. It's a very small restaurant so it's intimate. Biggest downside is that it's really expensive.
The sashimi set meal was very satisfying.The octopus was especially fresh and delicious.The mackerel sushi (Samara) was very large and satisfying.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
We became a big fan of Kokoro and the chef. We had Sushi Omakase. My husband and I are from Japan, but this place had the best and most authentic sushi we've found anywhere in Japan or the U.S. I chose it for my husband's birthday, and it was a hit including the atmosphere and portion! We've since recommended it to some friends, and they've all been fans as well. We will definitely be going back soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Housemade Panna Cotta, Nigiri, Omakase Course
It's going to be such a pity when this place gets its Michelin star. Friends take me here every time I'm in town, and both the bento and omakase are immaculate, perfect, exceptional, and any other superlative you care to use.Eat here before it's impossible to get a table. Been to Michelin-rated places that were miles worse.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bento, Omakase Course
I think the cheapest omakase I have ever been $120-$125. I guess going to more expensive ones have set the bar high for me when it come to omakase. Overall, the sushi and everything tasted good but you don’t get the excellent omakase experience. Not too much interaction and definitely fish quality is on the average range. I think it’s a good place to try if you are new to omakase and you want cheaper options but yet it’s not really that cheap lol. I had the main course and got only two sushi which was disappointing and sashimi platter was small. I think their prices should be little bit cheaper for the amount of food they have for the omakase. Bottom line, not impressed.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
I think the cheapest omakase I have ever been $120-$125. I guess going to more expensive ones have set the bar high for me when it come to omakase. Overall, the sushi and everything tasted good but you don't get the excellent omakase experience. Not too much interaction and definitely fish quality is on the average range. I think it's a good place to try if you are new to omakase and you want cheaper options but yet it's not really that cheap lol. I had the main course and got only two sushi which was disappointing and sashimi platter was small. I think their prices should be little bit cheaper for the amount of food they have for the omakase. Bottom line, not impressed.
My girlfriend and I came here last year for our first date. And the other day came back one year later as a full circle reunion. And we could not recommend this place more. The vibe is intimate and cozy, traits that separates the restaurant from other competitors. The food is spectacular. The service is so kind and welcoming. We will definitely be back soon.
Awesome service and amazing fish! We did the omakase and loved every bite. They were really busy on a Saturday night but still delivered top notch service and the chef made sure to check how we liked our food multiple times throughout the meal (even though he was the only chef for the entire restaurant!). Looking forward to coming back.
I cannot believe this place doesn’t come up as the first result when searching “Sushi”.It should!!!This place is very unassuming from the outside. However, when you walk in you are transported to Japan. They gave the traditional chefs’ counter, traditional Japanese dinnerware, artwork, the whole atmosphere is excellent.Secondly, the food was very good. We had the Omakase which is $120 per person. Honestly, was completely worth it. This place is awesome and can wholeheartedly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I just moved to San Diego and was so excited to get good sushi. I stumbled on this restaurant on google and am so glad I did. It is the BEST sashimi I have ever had. The ambiance was amazing too! I live a block away and will be returning regularly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Overall experience was decent. The place is extremely small. Food is great but I am not sure if it's actually that great to match the price charged. Staff was friendly but the kitchen probably gets busy. I feel the food was serviced very slow though it wasn't a big deal since we were hanging out while waiting for food. I don't intend to go back there. I personally like the sushi place in liberty station more Given the fact that its about the same size but the cost was lower there and food was great there as well. No complain to the food here. I think it's great but will not go back or take friends there based off overall experience.
Restaurantji Recommends
Food - excellent traditional style sushi, fresh, fun to eat and interesting. Not a rolls place, this is a place for people who love fresh fish and high quality. Service- fast and unpretentious. Unlike other high end sushi places, there is no snobbery, it's not a scene. Ambience- Cozy, small, clean and quiet enough to have a conversation. Intimate for sure. If you're into high end sushi but don't want to wait months for a reservation- go to Kokoro. They're also open for lunch. The food is the most important part of any restaurant (my opinion) and their food is amazing.
I met my friends here for dinner a couple of times lately. Both times I had assorted sushi 10 pcs and some a la carte items like miso eggplant and assorted tempura. The nigiri sushi rice has a stronger vinaigrette taste compared to other places, which I like and I think makes the sushi here tastes better. Sushi is good overall but the fish here is a bit dry and small. I prefer a little larger sushi pieces, both fish and rice. Jazz is nice but got a bit louder than we wanted at times for having quiet conversations. You know those high trumpet and saxophone tunes... The waitress was courteous and checked on us. This place is tacked away from the crowdedness of Convoy and has easy parking that is definitely a plus in the area. It's a nice place if you want an intimate setting for Japanese cuisine with the Chef's personal touch.
A hidden sushi gem in San Diego -- Kokoro is an absolute must visit! The fish is fresh and curated carefully with a large portion size for the Omakase course. The price is super reasonable and you can tell the head sushi chef takes pride in his food. Really enjoyed the clean simple ambiance of the restaurant and is a great place for a date or celebratory meal. The service was swift and polite, we felt constantly taken care of. We were also gifted a ponzu sauce made by the head chef which was extremely thoughtful and sweet!
The omakase was delicious! So many courses and the fish were high quality. The chef and servers were kind and the restaurant is cute inside. We also were gifted ponzu sauce! Will come back!
Excellent food and service. It's a very small restaurant so it's intimate. Biggest downside is that it's really expensive.