40 Best Japanese Restaurants near Solana Beach

“This is quite easily the best sushi restaurant we’ve eaten in since moving to San Diego years ago. The fish is fresh, always consistent and the owners treat us like regulars. Because we are. If you like sushi that’s inventive, tasty and fresh consider Samurai!“

“I ordered sashimi at the sushi bar for lunch also had 2 piece Ikura (salmon roe) and a soft shell crab appetizer. Fish was very fresh it was obvious since they were still breaking it down in front of me. 2 guys on the sushi bar 3 in the back and one waitress. I was probably 2nd customer and only person at the bar. I got a weird look from waitress when I asked for the bar and she had to ask one of the guys if it was ok. I soon realized that it was not a real sushi bar after I looked at the menu and realized that they did not have sashimi on the menu.
When I go to a new place I usually order sashimi before I look at a menu because I know what I want.
The place filled up quick and the one waitress was running hard but the guys at the bar took care of me. Fresh fish good beer and sake I was very happy.
Music was very loud and irritating some kind of pop but the guys had no problem turning it down (they did not like it either).
I found it strange that they were pre-cutting the fish into slices but I guess if you are doing production that makes sense, I just have never seen it.
I read a lot of the reviews and part of the problem is people going to a sushi bar for something other than sushi. On the other hand if a restaurant is going to offer it it should be good.

Spent $120 after tip but it was at the coast on pch so location and all. Not to much more than my normal spot maybe $20 or so.

I was happy with my dining experience.“

“Fantastic food quality. Purist food.“

“The sushi is amazing...baked salmon roll and Philly rolls are my go to!“

“We dined at their SM North Edsa branch. Good food. 👌 Crews were accommodating. 💯“

“We are visiting from Mexico, and the food at Moment was absolutely delicious. The sushi was one of the best I’ve ever had. The quality of the food is exceptional, but what truly stands out is the extraordinary service. Everyone was incredibly kind and attentive. I made the mistake of ordering a roll without asking about the ingredients, and when it arrived, I realized it had truffle oil, which I really dislike. Without me saying anything or asking for a replacement, a young staff member noticed when I leaned in to smell the sushi and came over to check if everything was okay. I explained that I hadn’t asked about the ingredients and wasn’t a fan of truffle. They replaced it immediately, no questions asked. It was an incredible experience with top-notch service. Highly recommended!“

“this sushi place is hidden gem! the owner is a old man who is so welcoming and always smiling. He makes everyone feel at ease. I ordered chirashi bowl, and let me tell you that was one of the best I ever had! so fresh and so much in quantity! also the kind man gave chocolates, apple, water with it.. Will definitely visit again! ( the door might seem closed, they have a shade or something, but they are open! )“

“My brother, husband, and I have been coming here for years. This is our local spot for sushi, and we will be lifelong customers for sure! We love their happy hour specials (from 3:30-5:30). When we can't decide what to eat, we get the lunch bento box combo and it hits the spot every time! I think I've tried every non-spicy roll on their menu. If you're down to get something that tastes as fantastic as it looks, go for the Cucumber Special Roll. It won't disappoint!“

“yellowtail roll is amazing!“

“1st timer here!

I read through the bad reviews and happy to share some advice. As far as wait time, it’s to be expected for this type of dining. I went in with the expectation of waiting, just check in and they will text when ready. As far as the quality, everything tasted fresh!! You get a full plate of veggies with tons of oils, sauces, and spice to add to your broth. Make sure to ask questions about the broth, some are simple so that you can add your preferred flavors. It seems like this isn’t a typical traditional hot pot set up and I’m totally okay with it. I actually enjoyed having my own pot and I was able to eat the entire thing.

Paid a little more for the premium meat, ribeye and short rib… I regret NOTHING! I guess I’m only sad that I didn’t have more of their pumpkin slices - pairs so well with the meat!!“

“Food is good. Drinks are expensive. Service is unimpressive, waitstaff do not seem to enjoy what they do, they are polite but do not care about customer or making sure the order is correctly submitted and received. Lovely dinning area and not overly crowded, so noise is not a problem.“

“Food is awesome n delicious“

“I've been following them since before they became Mot'to. The freshness in flavors, everything perfectly cooked, char grilled proteins and veggie skewers 🫠🫠🫠 I used to eat here every day when the original place was in San Marcos but I do not mind driving down a little more for my fix. Great job ! See y'all soon!
Bf loves the sushi Rolls, generous sizes
I love their spicy pork loin bowl, their shrimp and spicy chicken entree plate with the most delicious salad sides 👌👌👌👌 definitely a family fave.“

“It's amazing. Simply amazing. Great customer service. Delicious sushi. Good music. Love love love.“

“Amazing sushi and noodles at Ayu Sushi & Noodles in Pacific Highlands Ranch in Carmel Valley. We loved everything, the tempura udon, the yume, sachi, and anata rolls, the bluefin crudo, and the salmon hand rolls. Great selection of species on the menu, next time will need to get more nigiri and sashimi. Great service, friendly and quick. We sat on the dog friendly patio. Recommend!“

“Im actually annoyed that I didn't know about this place sooner. The food was great and a big portion. I didn't get a chance to snap a photo of the gyozas because I inhaled them as I was drying back to work. The thai boba drink was perfect. Like the terminator, I'll be back.“

“Food is amazing.
Rose lychee green tea is refreshing and my new favorite

I had the chicken pad Thai level 1 spice and it was great. Not too spicy. But it has a decent kick to it.

I definitely want to try the bbq honey pork next.“

“It is a fun place to be! variety of foods available.“

“Ordered for takeout and the staff were nice. The restaurant is clean and I love the mural! The food is super fresh and tasty. I highly recommend. The baked sushi is the best baked sushi I've ever gotten and their nigiri is soo good it melts in your mouth.“

“I’ve never had a bad time at Glass Box! The food is amazing and the servers, sushi chefs, and management team will make you feel kind you’re a VIP from the second you walk in their establishment. I highly recommend the omakase experience!“

“Karaage was pretty good, served hot and juicy, but very lightly seasoned, could have had more of a Karaage taste. To me the original Hokka Hokka Tei Karaage from Japan is the standard to be met. A lemon wedge and Karaage spice packet would have made it a sure winner. Gizzards were tough, I wouldn't recommend those. The staff are Japanese which adds to to authenticity. Would recommend to others and I would return to try their other menu items. 🤤“

“Heated outdoor, large menu, great food!“

“We sat at Sam Cha’s sushi bar and it was amazing. This will be our go-to place for sushi. Great food, fun ambiance, easy parking. We can’t wait to return.“

“Pay attention everyone. THIS is how you operate a sushi restaurant.

We were greeted by the sushi chefs from across the room as we entered the front door. Seconds later, the wait staff guided us to a table. Water arrived lickity split, and our waitress patiently checked on us a couple of times until we were ready to order.

Miso soup and a side salad came with our entrees; they came out quickly and were delicious. The sushi didn’t take long, either. Before we knew it, our plates were empty and the owner herself came by to see how we enjoyed our meal. And we weren’t big spenders like the table next to us, but we were treated as if we were.

This is how you run a restaurant. It’s really not a high bar, but it’s astonishing how so few restaurants “get it.”“

“Me encanta el sushi y tienes muchas opciones!“

“Shiku Sushi has the best atmosphere for dining, from their amazing menu and service. You are greeted the minute you enter and each server has a smile for you. I love the rolls, and I try different ones each visit. Casanova, Summer Beach Body to name a few. This Sushi bar is a MUST when you're visiting. You won't be disappointed!“

“Fish Boon is very unique and really well done. You know your in for something good when your informed about the menu and there approach to dining when you first sit down. The surf and turf roll is amazing, best selection of Saki I have seen and really great service. This will be a regular destination of ours for sure.“

“Today was our first time visiting, and to be perfectly honest, this will be our new go to for sushi, even though we live in Ramona. Everything from the appetizers to the drinks and service was great. It seems like it would be a great spot for game or fight nights as well!“

“The food was delicious I recommend it everyone.... FrIendly waiter u can see them making the food I enjoyed it.. I’m coming to eat..“

“Good experience! Friendly atmosphere“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bowl To Go is a hidden gem! The portions are generous, and the pricing is very reasonable for how much food you get. The taste is absolutely amazing — every bite is fresh and flavorful. One of the best parts is how fast they are: when I place an order over the phone, it’s ready in about 5 minutes! The staff is always friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great food, great service, and great value. Will definitely keep coming back! Been going here for a year now!“

“it looks delicious never tried it I live in Puerto Rico USA used to live in California and ate sushi twice a week so I know west coast sushi, sashimi, miso etc. are the best your pics sure make me hungry thanks for sharing I would eat the entire tray 🍣🍤🍣🍤🍣🍤🍣“

“Ordered the Alaskan Roll for pick up. Excellent online ordering system with easy payment (and flexible options). I was concerned that the salmon would be smoked (I’m not a fan of the smoked variety), so I made a note about it. They prepared my order perfectly and included a note, “Not smoked… enjoy!” They even included the extra ginger I requested. Easy pick up and the sushi roll was excellent and very tasty! When I went inside to pick up my order, it was packed and the energy in the room was very happy and warm. Highly recommend this place!“

“We ate so much sushi I can’t move. I actually feel like if mcdonalds ate CaseOh, and then I ate mcdonalds. Holy shit. Everything was delicious, the specialty rolls were stuffed. Service was fast and friendly. Nice vibe inside but an even nicer server 😩.“

“We tried the Fruit Sando! It was very good- and very generous on the cream. Fruit tasted fresh and bread was okay. Display was nice as well. Next time I’ll have to try some of their savory options but all and all a very easy and pleasing experience. $11 was a little steep and maybe around $8 i’d come more often and they could consider catering at that price. But still good stuff! Thank you“

“It is an okay place for a fast bite of sushi. Atmosphere is average. Service was average. Food was just edible. Not bad but not really good. Mediocre.“

“While roaming around the fast food area in UTC, my mom and I decided to try a Japanese food. We both ordered the same meal: a combo of beef and chicken teriyaki with rice and veggies. It was delicious! It was nice to be able to watch the chefs cook our food. The seating was comfortable, and the servers and cooks were really friendly. The portions were generous too, we even had leftovers.“

“Greeeat food, service and music.- Loved it, I’ll definitely comeback when I’m im town again!! — PS.- Shaky/Shivering tables was weird to my Amigo Joe though.- What was that!? 😆“

“Delicious options for vegans, nice customer service, outdoor dining 👍🏻“

“Really good food and service“