KOTOBUKI

9340 Clairemont Mesa Blvd suite b, San Diego
(858) 737-4267

Recent Reviews

Vivian N.

I've been craving some fish and this had really hit the spot! I had gotten the sashimi bowl and it was really satisfying, the fish was cut into larger strips and it was tender and it didn't have a strong fishy smell to it. The rice underneath was quite good as well it was flavorful without being overly vinegar-y. Also if anyone was wondering what the difference was between the sashimi bowl and the sashimi set with rice (both of which are the same price), it seems like there's more rice in the sashimi bowl and there's some crushed seaweed and sesame seeds on the sashimi bowl between the rice and the fish. The restaurant itself is on the smaller side, I don't think I would bring more than 2-4 people with me.

Kelly Q.

I loved this sushi restaurant! It's a hidden gem for sure - it was pretty quiet for a Saturday night but it might've been because it was rainy today. I ordered a rainbow roll and my boyfriend ordered a dragon roll. Both were phenomenal - taste and presentation wise!! Seriously - check out of the pictures (also my boyfriend took a bite out of the dragon roll already by the time the picture was taken so it looks a bit unbalanced). Also, the salmon tasted so good and fresh!! It was also pretty affordable for both rolls. Our host was both kind and timely. I highly recommend anyone who lives around here to give this place a try. I'm not even from San Diego, but I can't wait to come back to have sushi here again. It might be my favorite place

Carolyne K.

One of the best sushi places ever!!! I was shocked by the price of the fish, given the high quality. It's a small little restaurant, but one that should not be underestimated. The lady who took care of us was the only one working in the front and she was very kind. I honestly hope this place doesn't get too busy because I feel like it's my new hidden gem, but I'm also rooting for the owners and their success!

Vivian K.

My fav sushi place :) food is great I love the soft shell crab roll. Service is great and they are very kind.

Aaron M.

This is my favorite Japanese restaurant in San Diego. I mainly come here to practice speaking Japanese with the waitress, to eat their really fresh sashimi, and for their quiet ambiance. It's a shame that this place doesn't get more business, but I love that it's not busy. But when it does get busy, please be patient, because there is only one waitress working.

Shea A.

I called in to get a table for some of the leadership of my company. Evidently this restaurant hates money. They literally won't sit more than 6 people. That's insane!!

Max D.

Buttery salmon and salmon kama. Nice tempura. Limited seating. This is one of those ones I hesitate to review because I'm afraid it will become too crowded.

Caroline K.

Walked in at 7pm and sat at the bar. By 7:15pm I had to flag down the waitress to speak to us and put in my order. By 7:30pm, I asked if she had started our order and she said they just started making my edamame...mind you we had two sashimi bowls and 2 hand rolls, too. She said they had one chef and that's why it was taking so long. It would have been nice to know when we entered and sat down with a baby. Extremely disappointed and won't be back.

Angel L.

Decent local find! 4.5 stars Sees to be family run and they have decent selection of sashimi and teishoku sets. They even have this chopstick adapter for my little one to use the disposable chopsticks with! We enjoyed their scallops, yellowtail, grill salmon set Prices are reasonable and the food was fresh. Will return again

Ansha H.

Absolutely amazing! Such an unassuming place with delicious food. We stopped in for a low-key date night close to home and were BLOWN AWAY with how great everything was. Definitely keeping this as a "go to" spot

Rose M.

What a hidden gem! I placed a to-go order for a sashimi bowl that came with miso soup and some unagi nigiri, and it was all ready in 10 min. I found the restaurant empty on a Saturday night (usually not a good sign lol), but the fish was super fresh and affordable. Highly recommend, will be back.

Tiffany T.

I dream about this place! The fish was so fresh. Oh man, if I knew about this place while I worked nearby I would be here every lunch. The prices are expensive but the quality of the fish makes sense. We came for dinner on a Thursday and the place was dead. Which was great for me and the girls since we usually sit around, gossip and drink sake. The sake is good too. Service is quick and owner is great. The place is small but when we went there was no crowd. We spent way too long there, we practically closed the place down. The Sashimi bowls were a lot bigger than I thought. I love the rice they use it was very tasty. I got a roll thinking that the bowl wouldn't fill me up but it was a big bowl the photos are deceiving in a good way. Well, all in all, the girls and I had a great girl's night out here and we will be back again.

Amelia W.

Quality of the fish was very good, quiet and intimate setting. Very fair prices. My only complaint is it just tasted bland, it's hard to explain what was missing. I've eaten at sushi ota and really enjoyed it, so I don't know, I feel like my standards with sushi are fairly high but not completely unreasonable. Maybe your experience will be better.

Diana Ha

This is a cute place for sushi. The menu was basic which was good, helped me decide easier what I could choose from my options. The fish and rice were fresh. They were the best I have tasted so far in San Diego. The prices are fair. The teriyaki chicken was also very good. My kids ate it all up. I likes that it came on a bed of salad. The miso soup was good as well. I highly recommend for a classic sushi restaurant.Kid-friendliness: Other families had their kids with them. There is no kid menu.Wheelchair accessibility: There was a wide layout where the tables were far apart from each other allowing wheelchair accessibility.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Miso Soup

hansub

Small place with not a lot of seating, max 6 at a table, only one worker, small menu, but pretty good fish. I got the sashimi bowl, and although portions of fish are small and I did not leave full, it was pretty good.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

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