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Hane Sushi
Categories: Restaurants Sushi Bars Restaurants Japanese Sushi Bars, Japanese [Edit]
2760 5th Ave(between Nutmeg St & Olive St)
San Diego, CA 92103
Neighbourhood: Banker's Hill
(619) 260-1411
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy, Trendy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
364 reviews for Hane Sushi
Review Highlights
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"Please try the double double tuna roll." In 8 reviews -
"The salmon belly was to die for." In 21 reviews -
"i also prefer the cozy atmosphere at ota." In 35 reviews
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364 reviews in English
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Review from Audrey Y.
San Diego, CA
5/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Saying goodbye to one's 30s is kinda tough because that was a great decade for me and I didn't want it to stop. How did I cushion the blow? I came to Hane Sushi for the first time and tried out their omakase lunch.
I was meant to have the day off, but there's been a lot going on at work so I reluctantly canceled my original me-day plans on my birthday, and schlepped my now older body into the office, but I did make sure I had a damn good sushi lunch lined up somewhere on my calendar.
I got there at 11:40 and the place was virtually empty. It didn't stay that way long -- the other customers were out on the streets of Bankers Hill, looking for parking spaces. By 12:15 the place was half full but it looked like you could still walk off the street and grab a seat at the sushi bar.
I sat at the sushi counter before Masato. He seemed to be the most senior of the sushi chefs that day. I asked if they served omakase for lunch, and he said yes. He got started with 10 pieces of their finest. Don't ask me what it was --- a lot of belly (salmon, yellow tail), mackerel, eel, uni and salmon roe, marugai, skipjack, amberjack and fatty tuna among other things. Masato isn't a chatty guy but that's probably because he's concentrating on the multiple orders in his head and barking orders to the back kitchen. Being a sushi chef requires a ton of multitasking and a good degree of bossiness (but in a good way).
I wiped out those 10 pieces like nobody's business and then Masato asked me if I wanted to keep going. I said "Yes, please" but in my mind I was thinking "Hell yeah, I want to keep going!"
Well, this little piggy ended up eating a total for 22 pieces of sushi total including a fried ama ebi's head (Masato removed the outer shell and sliced it in half -- a nice touch).
After 22 pieces of sushi, I would normally make some sort of reference to stretchy pants but I fasted for breakfast and Hane's nigiri sushi is so light. There's very little rice --- just enough to hold up the gorgeous fresh fish on a nice little pedestal. I was full but not overstuffed. The damage was $80 which isn't that bad, considering I ate the best of the best and I think I'm skipping dinner tonight.
If I had to do it again, this is what I would do: Order an omakase 6 or 10 piece plate and then order my favorite sashimi items.
Based on the distinctive long cut of the belly sushi, I think it's true that Hane and Ota are owned by the same people. It's kind of unfair to compare the two though --- it's like comparing Kate Middleton to her sister Pippa. Sushi Ota is more like Kate --- traditional, for the Japanese by the Japanese and the decor and service conveys that line of thinking. Hane is more like Pippa --- a bit more trendy and rebellious --- and willing to cater more to the American crowd.
For example, at Hane the waitstaff graciously accommodated a woman at the sushi bar who couldn't use chopsticks. It was kind of painful for me to see her eating sashimi with a fork (not to mention the other guy who dipped his ginger in soy sauce before eating it --- why, oh why?!!), but if anyone at Hane was wincing, they sure didn't show it. And when she dumped her ama ebi onto her boyfriend's plate, I wanted to shake my head and say "tsk tsk tsk" . . . but he's probably dating her because she doesn't enjoy the good stuff and that means more for him. A great strategy in my opinion.
I didn't see any Japanese people in Hane today but the last time I dined at Sushi Ota for lunch, it was packed with Japanese people. Don't let that put you off though.
So, in a nutshell, Hane Sushi offers the best of both worlds. Really great no-frills traditional sushi with a tremendous variety for the purists and funky, plump rolls for the not-so-purists. Service is great --- I must have had about 5 refills on my green tea. Dirty plates are whisked away almost as soon as you put down your chopsticks. Also, they didn't wince at someone eating their sushi with a fork. Is that super nice or what? -
Review from Christopher P.
La Jolla, CA
4/15/2012 2 photos
Freakin' good, and probably the best in the San Diego area, which means that this just may be the best uni you'll be able to get in the world - SD has the world's freshest uni. Anyways.
This place and Sushi Ota, I suppose, will always be compared to each other, complete with rumors that they're owned by the same peoples. Who knows. But Ota's location is stranger by far, sitting next to a 7-11 and Planned Parenthood, and the interior is more business-like and Asian, if that matters to you. Hane has more of a hip new movie restaurant look, with cooler tones, as opposed than Ota's warmer tatami palette.
As to the fish, I'd have to give the upper hand here to Hane. Simply put, I always enjoyed going to Sushi Ota, but Hane's just tastes just a step above. Since the house tables were completely filled, I sat at the bar, but no matter; as any sushi aficionado knows - these are the best seats in the house! From the bar, you get to talk to the chefs and order omakase (chef's choice), giving you basically the best cuts in the house. Be warned, it may be a little more expensive, but what you do end up getting is the chef's strongest and most interesting foot forward (they do ask questions to guide the food choices).
Of the dishes I can recommend, the Honeymoon Delight and live shrimp were strong; the black sesame ice cream, though, disappointed. And if you do try omakase, know that it can set you back near a bill, depending on your appetite. -
Review from Joe C.
La Habra, CA
I left my cable for my iPhone at home so I had to serenade to myself while driving to SD.
Me (serenading): "I am in the wilderness. You are in the music, in the man's car next to me. Some where in my sadness I know I won't fall apart..."
Her: "Can we turn on the radio!"
What a bitch! And that's what Hane Sushi was a bitch!. Tasteless sushi heat lamp bathing, over priced sushi. So disappointing. The place was inviting, your typical modern decor, chocolate cherry wooden floor, soft lighting.
I don't frequent San Diego very often. But I thought I should take some time away. Our sushi total price including tips, $180! And we order the usual: Amabe, taro sushi, Uni, blah blah blah.
Have you heard a story of Emeril Lagasse and his delivery? Like any other day, he was checking his fish delivery, he put his nose to the Salmon to make sure it's fresh. As he was carrying the crate of Salmons he told the delivery guy in a calm manner, "Come with me I want to show you something."
They both walked to the back door of the restaurant. Then splash!!! He tossed the crate of Salmons into the alley, " this is what I do to bad fish!" That's how I feel about Hane's Sushi, tossing that shit out in the street!
Recaps:
Service was attentive, and friendly
Food - terrible! Lack of skills, freshness, flavors. Where's the climax? There were none. Has that ever happen to you? You're going at it, going at it and you just stopped and decided to not want to go any more. You're just left bored, and without climax, lol.
I think I figured it out a tell tale of a bad sushi place, there're bunch of white folks eating there. I think it was our table and the table next to us that were Asian, 90% of the customers were White. Yeah I said it! White people has no taste buds for good sushi! -
Review from Jennifer A.
San Diego, CA
5/19/2012
After my tenth time dining here, it's time to give Hane its props. Excellent quality sushi and non-sushi. (try the asparagus sticks). Fantastic cocktails and wonderful service.
The Diego roll is inspired! -
Review from Jenny S.
San Diego, CA
4/21/2012
Outstanding Food! By far the best Sushi in San Diego!!
They also have beer on tap that is so cold it comes out Icy!! -
Review from Ariela I.
San Diego, CA
5/14/2012
Best sushi in this area of San Diego (including downtown). When I came in on a Wednesday I got the FIRST cut of a fresh salmon they had just gotten in, and it was delightful and obviously fresh. Sit at the bar, come in early afternoon, and enjoy the no fuss, fresh, & authentic sushi.
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Review from Mia L.
4/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Love this place it was super good but super expensive..
Agedashi Tofu: Not too shabby, tofu was lightly battered
Mix Sashmi Plate: The fish was good, I wouldn't say it was the best I ever had but was it pretty darn fresh
Roll: I completely forgot which roll we ordered, but I'm sure every roll at Hane is a treat.
The decor is very modern, the service was super quick, and the highlight of the night was not the fish but their beer. They serve you beer with crush ice. OMGosh it was awesome!
We didn't order much and our bill came out to be about $60. That's pricey for 3 plates of food. But hey when its good its good. -
Review from Rufus Figgums L.
Seattle, WA
5/13/2012
Great sushi. Mrs. Figgums loved the Del Mar roll. One of the best (the best?) meals we had in San Diego.
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Review from Jonathan W.
3/10/2012
This place is pretty popular, came in on a very quiet night.
It can't compete with Sushi Ota - although they are the same company, an insider tells me the quality of fish is a grade lower.
The rolls can be creative but for the freshest fish, you have to give it to Ota.
It's more pricey, the clientele is more into the scene and flash and not so much the food. -
Review from Anna E.
3/28/2012
Very good, fresh sushi. I'll keep it short and sweet and give you the down and dirty:
--Eggplant tempura with spicy tuna - So good, even my friend who doesn't like eggplant liked it.
--Tuna tostada with truffle - I've never disliked anything with truffle. Interesting combo that I've never had before. Definitely worth the $$.
--Rainbow - fresh and tasty.
--Softshell crab - ehh, not my fave of the nite.
--Salmon belly - like buttah!
--Salmon Sashimi - also like buttah! We had some wine, so I can't say if one was better than the other, they were both very, very good.
--Diego Roll (jalapeno) - good, but not as spicy as I would've preferred.
--Double yellow tail - too much wine to remember this one, but nothing out of the ordinary.
--Crunch Roll - ditto.
You definitely get what you pay for. Decent portion sizes and very fresh fish! Good service who tolerated our obnoxious-ness too. -
Review from Denise K.
Updated - 4/28/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Omakase was very entry level.... and Roger didn't pace our meal very well. We spent over two hours at the sushi bar and spent most of that time waiting for our next dish. Very unsatisfying if you compare Hane to it's parent restaurant, Ota. I think I'll stick with Ota... especially since the prices are the same!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/29/2011
Yum! I think I like Sushi Ota better. Stick with the sashimi and sushi. The rolls are a bit… Read more »
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Review from Bryan B.
Long Beach, CA
Since I love fresh sushi, Hane Sushi would have to rank as one of the best in San Diego.
Great food and wonderful service. Make sure you make a reservation. -
Review from Cristina B.
San Diego, CA
3/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
The staff here is awesome! Friendly without hovering.
We walked in, were immediately greeted, and seated. Unfortunately we were seated between two families with very young kids, and while the table to our left boasted well behaved children the one to our right was appalling. Rambunctious adolescent boys with parents present but not paying any attention to them. They seated their eldest boys on the outside of the table closest to me and my friend, and the first thing the boys did was plop down on ym purse and coat which were right beside me. I said excuse me and tugged on my things to try and get them back, and he didn't move and his mom glared at me like I had just assualted the kid.
When the kids started towel-whipping each other ACROSS THE TABLE with the cloth napkins (and nearly hitting us) I asked the hostess to be moved...
The staff was very accommodating, inviting us to take any table we liked and they would move our drinks and appetizers.They did so promptly, and we enjoyed the rest of our meal in peace while we empathized with the poor servers as they mopped up 3 spilled sodas, tried to dodge flying objects. Totally unacceptable behavior for kids 8-10 in a nice restaurant.
I wanted to go up to the family with well behaved children who watched this entire exchange wide eyed,and thank them for being such responsible parents and having such well behaved children.
So, on to food! The menu is pricy, I imagine we are paying a bit extra for the zipcode. I ordered the sashimi meal and was hoping for more than 2 pieces of sashimi of each variety. The hot tea was good, the miso soup was good, and we finished our meal by splitting the Double Double roll which was realllllllly good. -
Review from Chern L.
San Diego, CA
3/27/2012
Dining at Hane is always a delight. Supposedly it's owned by the same family behind the infamous Sushi Ota in Mission Bay. I do find the food at Sushi Ota better, but Hane is more conveniently located just outside of downtown in the Banker's Hill neighborhood.
At Hane, you can expect the absolute freshest sashimi in San Diego. Their portions are also generous. Expect a traditional Japanese sushi dining experience and not the flashy fusion food that you may be used to.
Be sure to make reservations. This place is always packed for dinner. -
Review from Catherine D.
San Diego, CA
3/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
I think I've found my go-to restaurant for quality sashimi in San Diego. My stomach is still in heaven after my first visit to Hane this weekend. I've had its sister restaurant, Sushi Ota, on my radar for months now, but since the boy has already been there, I was searching for new places for us to both try. Enter in Hane Sushi, located in the quiet Bankers Hill neighborhood. We popped in without reservations on a Saturday evening and were sadly almost turned away since the place is relatively small (about 70 people can fit at once) and all the tables were reserved. However, the staff was amazing and while we were discussing other options, they moved tables around to accomodate us.
At first glance, the place is sleek, with modern decor and color. This already gives it a step up from most hole-in-the-wall sushi places I've been to in the past. While we were deciding our order, the boy and I got hot sake and an Asahi beer (on tap) for himself while snacking on miso soup and edamame (all very standard items, but good to start with.) I already knew we had to order the Very Belly Belly (3 salmon, 3 yellowtail and 2 toro bellies). The boy and I are toro fanatics and have made it tradition to save it as the "piece-de-resistance" for the meal closer. We decided on that plus unagi don (eel over rice) and a rainbow roll.
Our food came out quickly - we barely had time to play our thumbs drinking game (but I bet this was also their way of getting us out quickly so they could accomodate their other reservations.) The rainbow roll had its traditional fishes (salmon, yellowtail, tuna) but also octopus, which the boy liked (he said it was tender and not rubbery.) The unagi was covered in a deliciously sweet sauce but did not overpower the eel's flavor. It was also very tender, and the warm white rice it came over made a good contrast to the taste of eel. Then came the Very Belly Belly, which did not disappoint. All three types of fish were tender, plump, melt-in-your-mouth fresh. The boy and I agreed it was the best way to end our meal, and our stomachs were happy clams the rest of the night.
It is pricey (our total bill was almost $100) but we are strong believers in quality over quantity when it comes to good Japanese food. While I stlll want to try Sushi Ota, the boy assured me Hane Sushi was one star above. Look no further San Diegans, Hane Sushi is the place to go! (Just be sure to make a reservation!) -
Review from Andy P.
2/29/2012
At first I said "hane sushi" like "hanes briefs" but was quickly greeted with "Han-neh suh-shi". I felt so ignorant and uneducated that I can't even pronounce it correctly. This is for those people who get this "cheap" feel because of the English pronunciation...which is incorrect. Don't fall into temptation...I keep getting flashes of briefs in my mind. Oy.
The quality of their sushi is outstanding and comparable to Sushi Ota but not as packed as I assumed (call in ahead of time).
Their box of assorted sashimi with a bed of rice was definitely steep in price, but unforgettable. Each bite I was amazed with how the sashimi just dissolved in my mouth. The texture was perfect. I savored each piece I ate. The tuna was to die for.
The ambiance was perfect too. Kind of a hip feel though - which is a bit different from Ota.
Bring your rich friends or parents pitying your state of malnutrition. You kind of don't want to be too conscientious of prices or else you will be sucked into oblivion in this pricey side of heaven...without tasting the fullness of Eden.Listed in: Best of SD
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Review from Kim K.
San Diego, CA
5/19/2012
Favorite sushi restaurant in San Diego. Just as good as Sushi Ota and better atmosphere.
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Review from Gin K.
San Diego, CA
3/23/2012
Hane is Sushi Ota's sister restaurant. The fish is just as fresh, but the digs are a little fancier. It looks like they were trying to keep with the ebb and flow of that trendy/hip downtown vibe. I prefer Ota, but Hane is closer to me and will have to do. (:
This place gets pretty busy around dinner time - I've had to sit at the bar my last three visits. I actually prefer the bar; it ensures that the frost on my beer glass isn't compromised during its journey from the tap to my hand. Plus, the bartender and I fell into a very titillating discussion about Shark Week during my last visit. So awesome!
I usually order sushi/sashimi. Their rolls are pretty impressive, but I feel like it kind of masks the quality of the fish. And if I'm paying top dollar for sushi, I'd rather my meal taste like sushi than spicy mayo. Definitely stick with the fish in it's truest form (GET THEIR UNI zOMG), and throw in a few appetizers. The beef tataki is a good, safe choice, but make sure to try the spicy tuna appetizer. I forgot the name of it, but they serve mounds of spicy tuna on slices of eggplant tempura (?)... it sounds a little off, but it is SO GOOD.
I am now craving Hane, and it's 11:00 PM. Balls. -
Review from Donna A.
If you enjoy fresh fish and delectable sushi here is the place. This spot is the sister spot of my all time favorite sushi place in San Diego- Sushi Ota.
Hane is hipper and in a more trendy part of town. They have many of the same rolls as Ota. They threw in a few innovative rolls like Fish n Chips roll.
If I am in the area I would go again. Great service and the glasses of beer were frosty. -
Review from Amy W.
Kansas City, MO
4/22/2012
Great sashimi dinner. Also tried the hamachi/jalapeno appetizer. The fish was really wonderful. Sat at the sushi bar. Re: other reviewers thinking there's ice in the beer: I'm not so sure there was literally ice in the beer -- I think that's the ice from the glass itself. But whatever. It's a nice touch.
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Review from Robert F.
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
4.5 stars....It's up there for best sushi in SD....for me the location and digs are more desirable than other top spots. Chic, minimalist decor and comfortably dim lighting gives Hane a good feel. Not the most exciting design, but it comes off as a new school Ota, and the sushi and menu match that as well.
I am not a sushi connoisseur, but I know what I like. The double double roll with tuna was delicious, a great combination of texture and flavor, with a good portion of fish. The Diego roll is covered in Serrano peppers and I found that interesting, regardless of whether or not is Americanized. Even the most authentic menus will have to cater to local clientele, and I am okay with that. Giving a one star review doesn't make sense and obviously shows more about the reviewer, especially with the mass of good reviews.
The miso soup was clean and piping hot...and the seaweed salad was refreshing, actually a touch bitter, or at least not as sweet as other places. And I find that to be a good thing. The prices are steep...I think the quality is there to back it up, but the truth is I would come more if I could afford to. They get crowded, and don't seem to be worried about turning tables, so maybe that's an explanation. Definitely worth a trip if you need a great sushi spot, and even better if you're going out on a date or on the town. -
Review from David C.
Chula Vista, CA
Updated - 3/5/2012
Had a hard day at work, needed to relax and get away from all the bs. On the way to try a restaurant I had been meaning to try, I ran by here again and my stomach lead the way. The restaurant was completely packed so I sat at the bar.
The servers were very attentive especially given that there wasn't really an empty seat in the house save for like one or two at the bar. Sushi chef, also incredibly attentive.
I had the very belly belly and the threesome roll. The roll was good, solid flavors, needed the smallest amount of texture in my opinion since the shrimp tempura on the inside more than likely got a little bit soggy from the sauce but I just love avocado and tuna so I can't complain. Belly sashimi of three different fish is something that I can never really put down in any way aside from the fact that I wanted to slaughter schools of fish for more.
All in all another great time. xD1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/18/2012
The decor here is incredibly nice, simple and sleek. The wait service is excellent and incredibly… Read more »
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Review from Matt F.
San Diego, CA
3/8/2012
So after moving from Japan, where I lived for two years, I searched all of San Diego for a "good" sushi restaurant. My Fiance says I'm jaded, but sorry most of the stuff you find in the US is not good sushi. Even some of the "go to places" recommended to me by friends were terrible. I hate to break it to my fellow Americans but a California roll, or Spicy Tuna or Avocado Roll is not Japanese Sushi. Nigiri, Shashimi and some simple rolls like Tako (Octopus) maki are...
Anyways so my desire for a good sushi place was fulfilled when I went to Hane Sushi. As soon as I walked into the restaurant and was greeted by the entire staff yelling "Irasshaimase!!" I had a feeling it was going to be good. If you've ever been to Japan you've heard it a million times- its an honorific way of saying welcome/come in. The food is fantastic and the best I have ever had outside of Japan in the continental U.S. (best overall in U.S. was in Hawaii unfortunately).
I almost always get nigiri or sashimi and while it's expensive compared to Japan the quality and sizes are fantastic! (and the price is pretty good to compared to many other places I've gone). This is hands down the best sushi in San Diego...I'm no expert but I've probably eaten sushi in Japan a hundred times (no exaggeration)- you will NOT be disappointed. So go out, try some nigiri or sashimi and not just a California Roll and thank me later...j/k.
(BTW get the very belly belly sashimi...it's AMAZING!) -
Review from Tiffany H.
La Jolla, CA
3/14/2012
If I'm going to be paying this much for sushi, it better be spectacular. The only decent fish we had here was the salmon sashimi, but even that was overpriced for the quality. This is a place you would go only to eat expensive rolls (and the clientele and reviews reflect that). Do not come here thinking you'll get an authentic omakase at the sushi bar like you would at Sushi Ota or Kaito.
Listed in: San Diego Japanese
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Review from Brian A.
San Diego, CA
4/18/2012
I love everything about Hane and have been a regular for about two years. The service and sushi can't be beat anywhere.
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Review from Nikki n.
Encinitas, CA
4/13/2012
I LOVED IT!
We had the Crunchy roll, Caterpillar roll, Rainbow roll, and some roll with egg and a bunch of other things- sorry don't remember the name but it wasn't that good. The first three were reallllyyyy gooooood. We also asked them if we could do a sake tasting and they brought us like 6 different types of sake and each glass had a good amount of sake in it. Anyways the total came to something like $90 and a bit.
I REALLY enjoyed the rolls, and the service was great! Definitely going back! -
Review from Sunny W.
San Diego, CA
2/22/2012
I love the ice-cold draft beer they serve, it comes to you with frothy bits of goodness that melt as they touch your lips. And then they follow up this incredible sushi! As if things couldn't get better, but they do, over and over again with each bite and sip.
The only two places I recommend for sushi hands-down in San Diego are Sushi Ota and this place. Don't go anywhere else. -
Review from Katrina P.
San Diego, CA
4/5/2012
Simple, clean food. Delicious. Fresh. It's expensive, but worth every penny.
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Review from Marco C.
San Diego, CA
4/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
It was a monday night and I had been feeling ill all day. I had been in bed. I wanted fish soup. I did a yelp search and they popped up. I had been hearing great things about them for a while now, and their online menu showed that they had fish soup, so I was like great I'll finally get to try them. THEY DIDN'T HAVE FISH SOUP. In face the waitress looked at me like I was crazy and then called some other waitress, to come help me. I explained about the onilne menu, and they didn't even apologize or say that they would update their online menu.......she just said "miso soup and clam miso soup" I had the clam miso soup, it was good, but not spectacular. Oh, and then I asked for it as an appetizer and they didn't bring it out until the whole meal was brought out. As for the rolls we had the soft shell crab, yuck. The rainbow and the catepillar were pretty good, but not amazing. We didn't have any sashimi or anything else, so my review is just on miso soup, service and rolls. It was a funny clientele, it was monday and people were all dressed up and not work dressed up, but like going out dressed up. This one girl had a diamond embellished bow on her hair, looked ridiculous. There was a group about three tables away, all dressed up for the club, eating, boozing on a Monday night, I was like, this isn't NYC, its SD, get over yourselves! To be fair to Hane Sushi, I will return when I'm not expecting fish soup and give them another try.
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Review from Maria C.
11/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
OMAKASE at the sushi bar...
$100 a pop and worth the experience, especially for a special occasion.
Sister restaurant to Ota, so I was really excited to see what this sushi restaurant had to offer.
The dinner included:
-Sashimi platter (giant clam, Spanish mac, uni, hamachi, salmon, toro and orange crab)
-Turban shell
-Black cod cheek
-Sea eel, lobby, jack mackerel, salmon, eggs, baby snapper, pike mac, salmon with kelp, mayo, and snowcrab
Everything was fresh and delish! I could eat the sashimi forever.... The service was good and would love to come back again for another omakase experience. The sushi chefs and staff were fun and interactive.
It's a bit on the $$$ side and comparable to Ota. Not as crowded but still a happening place to get some great sushi. -
Review from Penny L.
San Diego, CA
4/6/2012
LOVE LOVE LOVE! best sushi downtown. we always have the best serice too. and i am always blown away by, i think he might be the owners son or nephew, always seems to remember us and makes a point to either come by our table or greet us on our way out. it hads been like a year the last time i went there and he still remembered me, i was shocked. yes it is pricey but its worth it, super clean, and always fresh fish, yum!
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Review from Terry M.
San Diego, CA
12/5/2011
Hane is the sister restaurant to Sushi Ota. I live closer to Hane and it's easier to get a reservation, so it's a good option. They have a limited printed menu, but everything on it is done well.
Everything is sleak and clean in Hane. Ota feels like a contemporary take on traditional Japanese aesthetics. Hane just feels contemporary.
I recommend the chirashi sushi, hamachi kama (baked yellowtail cheek) and any nigiri sushi. -
Review from Jennifer Y.
San Diego, CA
12/8/2011
I'm going to write a review for this place before I forget all the yummy details.
I came with some coworkers because it's supposed to be Sushi Ota's sister restaurant, and also on Zagat's top 10 for San Diego. Oh and the yumyum sushi part. We sat the sushi bar, and had 3 sushi chefs wait on us. It was quite wonderful, not to mention staring at their concoctions.
So like a good foodie, I did my research beforehand, and concluded that no matter what price it is, I MUST get the very belly belly sashimi. Well folks, get the very belly belly because it's very very yummy for your hungry belly. It consists of 2 pieces of tuna belly (TORO!!), 3 pieces of salmon belly and 3 pieces of yellowtail belly. All of them are super fatty and melt in your mouth. Despite my obsession with toro, I have to say that the salmon was my favorite of the night. It's a 5 inch long piece of buttery fish in a perfect peach color, curled onto your plate and beckoning you to just stuff it all in your mouth at once. No soy sauce needed! I think I'm giving this place 5 stars just for the very belly belly.
Other things we got:
* jalapeño hamachi: okay, I honestly thought this was a roll, but I guess the special was a hamachi sashimi plate. It was good fish, but the sauce that they poured over it didn't do anything to my palate. It was like one of those useless light gyoza sauces. The jalapeño was interesting. I love spicy food, but this was a bit too in your face for my liking. I thought they did more with the jalapeño than slicing it into thin pieces and putting them on top of the fish. A bit lazy in my opinion.
* threesome roll: of course we got this just so we can boast that we "had a threesome". Others include "it's only $25 for a threesome", "they wanted the threesome. i just watched." Okay I'm done. So the roll was pretty good because it combines some of my favorite guilty pleasure roll ingredients: unagi, dollops upon dollops of guacamole on top and shrimp tempura. I'm going to avoid talking about this further using food allegories.
* spicy tuna handroll: good thing was that this roll had very generous amounts of tuna, even when you get to the bottom of the roll. The seaweed was crunchy and fresh instead of that soggy nonsense other places serve. It's good if you just want to enjoy the taste of the fish with their spicy sauce, but if you like any of the extra stuff like garnishes, you won't get it here. I wish there was just that something else to complete the taste :(
* del mar roll: we got this because the preparation for this roll was pretty awesome. Thin slices of kobe beef on top of an ordinary Krab roll with asparagus, BUT THEY BLOW TORCH THE BEEF. Pretty cool from where we were sitting at the bar. I even asked the sushi chef to pose for me as I took a picture haha... The final product was soso but the entertainment made it a good decision in the end.
* double double roll: we got this with salmon. Wow, this was an amazing melt-in-your mouth roll! The topping literally looked like piles of peach-colored fat the way it crinkles and falls apart. But it was awesome. Got this one first and it started off the night on the right note. I don't remember what was in the roll because I was too preoccupied with the fish on top but yeah... full of flavor and definitely more signature than the other typical rolls, ie. caterpillar. Please -___-
* misc: the green tea was good! endless refills, like someone else said before. authentic. chinese approved :)Listed in: Foodie dream in SD
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Review from Walter M.
11/9/2011
We as San Diegan's know of a lot of different sushi places. Hive, Zen, Deli #1, Deli #, Harney's or your more local spots, but I fear Hane gets little attention compared to Ota (sister restaurants) that it's a little unfair. Since Ota is so far and above most other places and that people don't know Hane is related they don't check this place out and go to their usual spot. Banker Hill while although revived somewhat in recent memory has yet to have a marquee attraction until Hane came along. Much like Ota is the best sushi in San Diego, Hane is the best food in Bankers Hill.
A very similar menu to ota with fresh sushi and classic rolls with impeccable service and presentation. Again be sure to make reservations as no one wants to wait or be turned away.
I prefer taking dates to Hane over Ota if we're just doing dinner and drinks. If we've plans after I'll go Ota. A more modern menu and more similar to your typical San Diego sushi restaurant.
Even though they have a full bar, I wish they carrier more drinks or that I didn't have to explain what drinks were. Another 5 star place ,but in the shadow of Ota and while still very worthy it has a ways to get there in terms of reputation. I find It does very different a few things that people may not like about Ota, but there really can be only 1 Ota. -
Review from Aurora Z.
El Cajon, CA
4/29/2012 1 photo
We wanted to try this place since everyone raved about it and my husband and I love sushi. So we meet there for dinner one night before going to the Old Globe for a show. I walked in and it looked great, liked the decor but mostly the location and that it was on a corner building so there was a lot of light and windows. We started with the clam miso soup and that was ok. We ordered the calamari and it was overfried (the grease was going through the napkin and evident on the plate). So when the waitress asked about the calamari I told her that it was not good, it was very oily. She asked if we wanted the chef to make us another, we said no. The rest of the meal was ok, there are other places in San Diego where you can get this quality for far less. Finally, when the bill came they actually charged us for the calamari that we didnt eat because they didnt make it right. All in all, we will not be coming back here. Service was good but not worth what they are charging.
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Review from Holly C.
12/3/2011 1 photo
From your friends at Sushi Ota. We loved Sushi Ota when we lived in San Diego and thought we'd give this a try during a visit. I don't regret it.
If they have it on the menu, definitely get the kitchen sink roll. A little bit of everything and very yummy. The chamame is also brillant. Edamame with lime juice and a spicy salt. The Diego roll, covered in serrano chiles, amazing. And if you love yellowtail, you'll adore the double yellowtail roll. Sapporo on tap and I was a happy camper.
Everything was amazing and it wasn't as hard to get into as I remember Sushi Ota was. We got same day reservations. Lots of people there, but not too crowded. Next time, omakase! -
Review from Angela W.
4/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
loved our experience here! granted, i still haven't dragged myself over to sushi ota, but we sat at the bar and did chef's choice with chef masato and it was just fantastic! first of all, very belly belly... amazing. i could just eat plates of that all day. but of course then i'd be broke so maybe that wouldn't be a really good idea. in any case, doing the chef's choice was fantastic - every dainty piece of nigiri was so fresh and perfectly marinated.. i barely even touched my wasabi. the soft shell crab hand roll.. also.. to die for. and the fried eggplant + spicy tuna appetizer is amazing as well if you're looking for something more substantial than sashimi.
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Review from Dariush J.
San Diego, CA
1/13/2012
Short and sweet:
Been here several times and it is my new favorite sushi spot. Not a single thing that has touched our table, has not been loved.
Recommend: Everything.
Service can be a little slow at peak times but that's expected at such a place.
Just be ready for a decent check at the end. You get what you pay for tho... -
Review from Alexa H.
Coronado, CA
10/31/2011
By far my favorite sushi spot in San Diego. The quality of the fish here is superb and in my opinion it is as authentic as it gets. I recommend calling and making a reservation ahead of time.
I always order double double yellowtail roll, spicy tuna handroll and the Diego Roll is phenomenal. Hot Green tea is a must + unlimited refills! :) -
Review from Deborah L.
San Diego, CA
11/12/2011
Last night was my first time here at Sushi Ota's sister restaurant :)
We made reservations and were seated immediately. The place is brighter than the intimate dim lighting at Sushi Ota. However, the presentation and quality of the food is superb and pretty much the same as Ota's. Food was served in a timely manner. The waitresses provide excellent customer service. Not once did I have to raise my hand to signal a refill for my green tea. They did so promptly when they noticed our cups were half empty.
We ordered the double double salmon roll and it was yummy, but I felt the pieces were a little small.
We also ordered the Very Belly Belly Sashimi combo which comes with 3 salmon bellies, 3 yellowtail bellies, & 2 toro bellies. The quality and texture of the fish is heaven. It tastes so smooth and buttery, melting right in my mouth.
Miso Chilean Sea Bass is a must-try! It's cooked to a sweet perfection.
Will definitely make my roommate hint to the boyfriend to take me back here ;)
