Amazing omakase with interesting and friendly chefs
Debbie Li
I’ve been to many sushi restaurants around the world. Matoi would stand up to any omakase style sushi experience in Japan. Exceptional attention to detail goes into every course. From the rice to the various type of fish imported from Japan. Most of them you won’t find at any other restaurant. It’s hard to eat at other sushi restaurants around San Diego once you’ve gone here. It’s better than the Michelin starred one.
Reza Afra
The best sushi I have ever had in my life and I have had many. The chef is very knowledgeable about fish, sushi, and Japanese culture. I not only loved the food but also learned some new things about various fish. He is also entertaining and funny. Overall, I would go there again knowing I will get a fantastic experience.
Kristine Isom
A Hidden Gem of Japanese Elegance – Matoi is a Masterclass in Omakase Dining
Dining at Matoi is less of a meal and more of a transcendent experience. From the moment you step into this intimate Japanese sushi sanctuary, you’re transported—welcomed not just with warm hospitality, but with a quiet reverence for the craft of sushi and sake.
The preset menu is incredible and each course, unfolds with intention and artistry. The sake pairing is thoughtfully curated and beautifully presented, it not only complements each dish, but deepens your appreciation for the harmony between food and drink. Chef TJ is incredibly knowledgeable, offering insights that add dimension to the experience without disrupting the flow of the meal.
Matoi’s small setting makes the dining experience feel personal and special. Whether you’re a longtime omakase enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates craftsmanship and care, this place will leave you in awe. It’s rare to find a restaurant that so effortlessly blends tradition, intimacy, and innovation.
A must-visit. A must-return. A memory in the making.
Binglin Wu
I won’t call this place an omakase, rude chef and terrible food.
Daniela Gaspardo
My husband and I had an Amazing Omakase Experience at Matoi!
Matoi delivers a truly special omakase experience. The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, with the chef guiding you through each dish with expertise.
The sushi is outstanding—fresh, perfectly seasoned, and beautifully presented. Every bite melts in your mouth.
Service is impeccable, and the sake pairings complement the flavors beautifully. If you're looking for top-tier sushi with thoughtful presentation and a relaxed yet refined ambiance, this place is a must-visit!
Also the music and chef tied the whole experience!
Steven Paletz
Chef TJ is incredible. We used to live in San Diego and whenever we return we make a point to try and visit. We eat omakase around the world, and this is really one of the best in the world. Chef TJ finds unique fish and puts in the work to make it a great experience for everyone. Top quality. Highly recommend.
Michelle Zhuang
Extremely delicious fresh fish with traditional but very unique pairings. Completely blown away and the chef was so fun to talk to! Super worth the visit.
M P
I had the full menu here and it was beyond amazing. Sushi will never be the same for me, I will have to make a way to come back again. The staff was on point and the chef was skilled and hilarious.
We had a fantastic experience at this restaurant. The fish was delicious, and the ambiance was very inviting with a laid-back vibe. We will definitely be returning and highly recommend it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dana Crowell
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.
Amazing omakase with interesting and friendly chefs
I’ve been to many sushi restaurants around the world. Matoi would stand up to any omakase style sushi experience in Japan. Exceptional attention to detail goes into every course. From the rice to the various type of fish imported from Japan. Most of them you won’t find at any other restaurant. It’s hard to eat at other sushi restaurants around San Diego once you’ve gone here. It’s better than the Michelin starred one.
The best sushi I have ever had in my life and I have had many. The chef is very knowledgeable about fish, sushi, and Japanese culture. I not only loved the food but also learned some new things about various fish. He is also entertaining and funny. Overall, I would go there again knowing I will get a fantastic experience.
A Hidden Gem of Japanese Elegance – Matoi is a Masterclass in Omakase Dining
Dining at Matoi is less of a meal and more of a transcendent experience. From the moment you step into this intimate Japanese sushi sanctuary, you’re transported—welcomed not just with warm hospitality, but with a quiet reverence for the craft of sushi and sake.
The preset menu is incredible and each course, unfolds with intention and artistry. The sake pairing is thoughtfully curated and beautifully presented, it not only complements each dish, but deepens your appreciation for the harmony between food and drink. Chef TJ is incredibly knowledgeable, offering insights that add dimension to the experience without disrupting the flow of the meal.
Matoi’s small setting makes the dining experience feel personal and special. Whether you’re a longtime omakase enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates craftsmanship and care, this place will leave you in awe. It’s rare to find a restaurant that so effortlessly blends tradition, intimacy, and innovation.
A must-visit. A must-return. A memory in the making.
I won’t call this place an omakase, rude chef and terrible food.
My husband and I had an Amazing Omakase Experience at Matoi!
Matoi delivers a truly special omakase experience. The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, with the chef guiding you through each dish with expertise.
The sushi is outstanding—fresh, perfectly seasoned, and beautifully presented. Every bite melts in your mouth.
Service is impeccable, and the sake pairings complement the flavors beautifully. If you're looking for top-tier sushi with thoughtful presentation and a relaxed yet refined ambiance, this place is a must-visit!
Also the music and chef tied the whole experience!
Chef TJ is incredible. We used to live in San Diego and whenever we return we make a point to try and visit. We eat omakase around the world, and this is really one of the best in the world. Chef TJ finds unique fish and puts in the work to make it a great experience for everyone. Top quality. Highly recommend.
Extremely delicious fresh fish with traditional but very unique pairings. Completely blown away and the chef was so fun to talk to! Super worth the visit.
I had the full menu here and it was beyond amazing. Sushi will never be the same for me, I will have to make a way to come back again. The staff was on point and the chef was skilled and hilarious.
Amazing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Food was good, the Toro is the best in San
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jabara Toro
We had a fantastic experience at this restaurant. The fish was delicious, and the ambiance was very inviting with a laid-back vibe. We will definitely be returning and highly recommend it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sashimi Combination, 3 Plates Appetizer Sampler, Jack Mackerel, A5 Wagu Skewer, Matsutake Soup, Miso Marinated Chilean Sea Bass, Sake Pairing, Omakase Nigiri Course, Cherry Bouquet Dewazakura Ginjo Oka Yamagata
The quality of ingredients was great, the chef and staff were all welcoming and fun, playlist was fire
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Took my girlfriend here for her birthday! She enjoyed it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Green Tea Ice Cream, Sushi, Sake Pairing, Omakase Nigiri Course
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