50 Best Sushi Bars near Santee

“Love they're food and prices are reasonable. Especially with discount of you eat in the restaurant. My favorite sushi restaurant!“

“Great service (thank you to all the staff who helped a a team, and our main server who recommended adding some dishes of sauces to add to our rolls for added taste), great food (thank you to the chefs who prepared our food as if they were serving their own family), smaller place but nicely decorated and maintained. Definitely coming back soon.“

“Don't let the rating fool you. This place is great! The staff always takes of me when I go in. I was there tonight.“

“Their pork gyoza is the best! We went for sushi and enjoyed everything. Their hand rolls are large and stuffed. My only complaint was that my spicy scallop hand roll had sand or rocks or something in it, I thought I was going to bust out a filling, so I would skip the scallops next time. Lunch was pretty reasonable and wine pours are awesome“

“Eaten here numerous times. Excellent quality food, and service. Equivalent to San Francisco Bay Area Japanese restaurants..which are outstanding.“

“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!“

“Great food...would definitely recommend this restaurant 😍“

“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.“

“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.“

“Pleasantly surprised by this place. First time trying it as I’m looking to make 2023 a year I explore new food places. This was my first new place of the year and I’m glad I found them! Friendly people and don’t be fooled by the small frontage. Hole in the wall places are the best. I also liked their happy hour menu….I was there for lunch but will be going back for happy hours and dinners😃“

“We love Kappa! Good food Good service Good vibe“

“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.“

“Great service and food was yummy.. I had the TJ Roll and another one with albacore, spicy tuna and shrimp. 2nd one was delicious.“

“This was some of the best sushi I've ever had and I'm so upset I didn't take any photos to share! The Nigiri was incredible, absolutely melt in your mouth quality fish, and all the rolls were amazing as well. The chef was extra attentive to ensuring he put sauces on the side for my rolls as I am gluten free which was greatly appreciated.“

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

“San Diego’s best sushi! Get the CATS roll!“

“Got takeout from here and they were really quick! Seems like their online menu didn't quite match what they had in the store, there's a couple different sources so if in doubt give them a call. We ordered a ton of rolls and they were ready in less than 20 minutes.

All the sushi we got from here is really good. Looks like they have a sizeable patio. We've ordered from here a couple of times and have always been satisfied.“

“I’ve been to this sushi spot several times and always appreciated their variety and freshness. However, during my most recent visit, the rice was noticeably stiff and tasted as if it might have been old. Hoping this was just an off day, as I’ve usually enjoyed their food!“

“This spot earned a 3 Star rating, but the quality of the sushi, coupled with the fantastic service from Mika brought it up to a solid 4. The missing star is from no nigiri combo on the menu, coupled with no natto and prices that are above average. Will come back to see if owner really reads these and does something about it in the future….“

“Good Japanese restaurant! The Japanese food here was well-made and delicious. They have a pretty extensive sushi menu. However, I ordered the pork tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet), and it was one of the best katsu's I've ever had. Other components of the meal -- the gyoza, salad with ginger dressing, and the appetizer of chicken karage -- were tasty as well. The sushi was delicious too. We had the Alaska roll, tempura vegetable roll, and cucumber roll. The service was nice and attentive. I recommend this establishment if you are in the mood for Japanese food, sushi and non sushi.“

“Fast and friendly service, Great tasting food my favorite is the honey walnut shrimp💜“

“Oishii is such a hidden gem! Very clean, and the insanely friendly and attentive staff make you feel right at home. The highlight for me was the pork noodle soup—seriously, it’s the closest thing I’ve found to authentic street noodle soup from Thailand. Such a rare find! Everything we tried was fresh and delicious. I’m already planning my next visit. Highly recommend!

Also 50% off apps and some rolls, beer and Thai tea for happy hour. Can’t beat it. Everyday from 2-5pm.“

“The lady's here are very clean and attentive to the customers!!! If you want quick good clean sushi come here.. Thank you lady's! Always a pleasure seeing you twice a week lol

Kid-friendliness: Yes

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes“

“Love their Bento Box! Tempura veggies, salad , California roll, teriyaki chicken are delicious 😋 Fast & friendly service.“

“One of the best Japanese Restaurant in town, highly recommended!“

“Our family go to sushi place! Great Sushi rolls, Ramen, Sashimi, and beer. Friends love when we bring them here too. Service is always great, staff is prompt and friendly and deserve big Tips!! Some of our favorite rolls are Crazy, Sergio, Sexy, Citrus, Rainbow, and always get a Chef choice off the menu. So fun when they bring it out on the big sushi boat. Recommend 10/10!!“

“One of my favorite sushi restaurants in East county! The food is amazing, the chef's definitely know what they're doing, they're quick, polite, friendly and great at what they do!
Only problem from time to time is the service. Lots of teenage servers but they aren't all very attentive. Granted, it's probably most of their first job's but trying to get their attention shouldn't be that tough.

Kid-friendliness: Plenty of options for non sushi eaters, teriyaki chicken, ramen, fried rice and simple things.“

“Favorite sushi place! Fantastic service and food every time we eat there. Absolutely love the uni shots when they have them available. The restaurant itself is also beautiful. 10 out of 10 would recommend.“

“I have been eating at Sushi Diner for 15 years. This is hands down the best sushi in San Diego. Surf videos, Reggae music to add to the chill, relaxing atmosphere. Can't get any better than Sushi Diner. Try the Smokin' Jamaican (smoked salmon&cream cheese) and Hang Loose Roll (has bacon!) youll be hooked!“

“personale gentilissimo. qualità del pesce ottima e.menu molto vasto e di qualita“

“Great atmosphere, great service , Great Food 🍶“

“The food was really good! Bursting with flavor. I marked it down to 4-stars because I felt that their prices are too high. Maybe if the portions were bigger they could justify the high prices, but their dinner meal portions are standard 16oz takeout cartons with a small white rice.“

“I went to Go Go Sushi and Ramen for an early lunch, the food was not bad but not great. The tuna sashimi was chewy and had veins in it, and was containing a lack of freshness. The Unagi Don was above average, the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce and the saltiness of the eel was delicious. The Tonkotsu Ramen was above average, the broth was fulfilling and rich, and the noodles were cooked well. The Chasiu/ BBQ pork was tender, but the one downside was that the egg was cooked through, when it should be runny and smooth. The Bulgogi Tofu was mediocre, since the tofu was smooth.“

“I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious my lunch was. It’s been a while since I’ve had such a good, authentic Japanese curry. The chicken tonkatsu was spot on—the perfect balance of crispy coating and tender chicken, just like I’d make it at home.
The two waitresses checked in on us after the food arrived, which was pretty quick. The restaurant itself is clean and spotless. I also appreciated the special poster highlighting the restaurant’s specials. I’ll definitely be back to try other items on the menu. There’s a good selection of sushi and ramen that I’m eager to explore.“

“The food was delicious ! The atmosphere was ok, it's just a small place and gets packed at dinner time. The server was nice, but took the order of a family that came in after mine first. I didn't like that at all ! But overall, it's a good place for sushi. 🍣 -“

“Had the all you can eat/ayce sushi. It was about $37.00 each adult. Had the nigiri, spicy tuna, appetizers, and their milk teas. Love the spicy tuna, the appetizers (takoyaki, cucumber, poke salad, spicy garlic edamame, baked mussels), and their drinks (taro milk tea and Thai milk tea). Ordered the nigir, but too much rice, so not worth ordering the nigiri, unless if you want to get real full. The fish was hanging off the rice, but too much rice. Might go back and order the special rolls instead to try more things. Most things we ordered, we liked, but the best part was the milk teas, LOVE the milk teas. The Taro milk tea had a hint of coconut flavor at the end, which added a special touch to the drink. Would still go back to try more things. Great customer service when we were there (wasn't that busy though).

Vegetarian options: Have some vegetarian dishes, but didn’t see much options.“

“I have eaten Vietnamese cuisine throughout California, and Grandpa Tao ranks among the best. In addition to the amazing tastes, the casual restaurant is friendly and comfortable. Ingredients are fresh, the environment clean and relaxing. I particularly recommend the Pho, the Rice Vermicelli (try it!) and the Shaking beef. You'll like it.“

“We've enjoyed every roll, every appetizer, every visit. Left this afternoon planning a return trip on Friday.“

“Started with the Spicy Heights with the volcano heat level. It was the perfect spice temperature where I am about to break a sweat. Restaurants need to commit to catering to an authentic high spice level, and this place delivered!

Also, ordered the Crunchy Roll. It is shrimp with eel sauce and I loved it.

Great service and the best AC unit in San Diego. Check it out!“

“I recently dined at Kaki Sushi and had an exceptional experience. The food was outstanding, with each dish prepared meticulously to highlight the freshness and flavors of the ingredients, especially the sushi. The service was impressive, with attentive and efficient staff who were incredibly kind and hospitable. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and valued. Overall, Kaki Sushi offers a delightful combination of excellent food and exceptional service, making it a top-notch dining destination. I highly recommend it.“

“Very fast service, friendly people. Delicious food especially the ramen.“

“good food, friendly staff and atented“

“Fresh and delicious sushi at Kotobuki! Ordered takeout of the sashimi bowl (tuna, salmon, yellowtail, comes with miso soup), hamachi jalapeño roll, rainbow roll, and dragon roll. The rice tastes really good and makes for a really nice chew. The staff is very friendly and waited about 20 minutes to pick up my order. Recommend!“

“My husband and I last ate here at least 3-4 years ago. We were craving dumplings, but were already far from Convoy and didn’t want to go back. Then we remembered this gem tucked away. Our intent was to order food to-go for date night at home. We ended up ordering both kinds of chicken wings, the pork belly quesadilla, beef soup, and crispy noodles. We ended up taking about half of everything home to eat for breakfast the next day. This place serves Asian fusion. I like the comfort of familiar foods with Asian flavors. I like the quesadilla with it’s gooey cheese and charsiu pork and sweet ouster sauce. Both wing favors are delicious—might as well order both and decide for yourself. The space is a bit cramped, but the patrons are friendly. The staff is friendly and accommodating. Ask for recommendations if you’re not sure.“

“We love Chiba! We lived here 8 years ago and we’re back. I am glad to see the food is still as delicious as I remember! The food was fast and I recommend the sushi! Also, our waitress was great!“

“The tempura was the best part, closest “taste” to Japan. Only down side it needs, an oil paper, some parts were extremely oily. Like my lips were shiny. The gyoza was amazing!!! (Pork) 5*****. The mayo in the sushi was sweet, threw the whole taste off. Ramen broth (-*)was also sweet but the udon noodles were on point 5*. The service was amazing! The ladies were very attentive and quick.“

“I've been coming here since I was a little kid. I don't come often, but I love this place. It hasn't changed much, but that's a good thing. My bf and I had a great time, the sushi chef overheard me talking about being a long time customer and took very good care of us. The lemon roll is my favorite and we also ordered a caterpillar roll and salmon skin hand rolls. Everything was delicious and reminded me that I should eat here more often.“

“I came here with a friend on a Friday afternoon. During a bingo tournament. They had us come back after 5 PM when all of the bingo people we're checked in. The hostess remembered us and greated us kindly once more. We sat outside because the weather was nice. We were going to order a meal, but since we arrive just at the beginning of happy hour, she suggested we give those options a try... So glad we listened to her, the sticky wings are to die for.All of the happy hour options are very tasty. We ordered one of each, and we were not disappointed. We will be coming back for more!“

“Our favorite spot for sushi and sashimi😍“