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Ichiro Japanese Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Sushi Bars Japanese, Sushi Bars [Edit]
4344 Convoy StSte Q
(between Othello Ave & Armour St)
San Diego, CA 92111
Neighbourhood: Kearny Mesa
(858) 565-8603
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 2:30 pm
Mon-Wed 5 pm - 10 pm
Thu-Fri 5 pm - 12 am
Sat 11:30 am - 10 pm
Sun 3 pm - 9 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- 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:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
May T. said: "My hubby & I were hungry and driving aimlessly, looking for anything that sounded remotely "non repulsive" (as we say when neither of us can make up our mind lol) We ALMOST kept driving past this place, and I'm SOOO happy we didn't!!…" read more »
125 reviews for Ichiro Japanese Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"Shabu shabu salad is always good." In 8 reviews -
"Crunchy roll is really good too." In 8 reviews -
"...recommend Ichiro, and be sure to stop in during happy hour." In 3 reviews
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125 reviews in English
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Review from Melinda D.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
5/23/2012
We had been at Rady's Childrens Hospital for hours and hours and were tired and hungry. We knew to head to Convoy for all foods Asian, and Ichiro did not dissappoint. Perfect for anyone craving Japanese, even if you are in a rush and super hungry.
Delicious dragon roll, CA roll, tempura, bento boxes, and an excellent happy hour during the week on appetizers and drinks. Quick unobtrusive service, and fair prices. I'd go back any time. Authentic. -
Review from anh p.
San Diego, CA
5/2/2012
I had my 22nd birthday there with 15 people on a Saturday night. Reservations were for 7pm.
Had all my guests come by 7:10, had orders sent in at 7:20 and first dishes to come out 7:40--VERY EFFICIENT kitchen in the back.
I have had my eye out for yakisoba and was sad to find out that Mitsuwa became an all-noodle/ramen soup food court (don't go there often), so I ordered it at Ichiro's and let me tell you, it was FREAKING DELICIOUS. Exactly how pan-fried noodles should taste. I recently had some at Sakura's also on Convoy and it was soppy and not fried at all--it was like panda express noodles..but even worse.
I asked all of my guests if they enjoyed their specialty sushi rolls (crunchy, sunshine, etc) and everyone loved it! My friend ordered the crunchy roll with extra crunchy and there was so much crunchy on her roll she couldn't find it! It was funny because another friend ordered it too without the "extra" crunchy and it was still already massively piled. Needless to say their crunchy rolls live up to their name and taste.
Other friends ordered the bento boxes and shoyu ramen and they definitely gave two thumbs up.
My friends ordered me sake for the first time and it was pretty good too. I had birthday champagne but they said it would cost a fee of 10 dollars to pop my own cork.
At the end of the night my friends arranged for the restaurant to offer me their 'birthday special' which was a scoop of green tea ice cream followed by the delightful hosts/waitresses singing me their happy birthday song. They know how to carry a note! Definitely made my night.
Would definitely come here again to try other dishes and for group dinners. -
Review from Jenny S.
San Diego, CA
3/30/2012
Food is good and is always authentic. All the staff are friendly and helpful. Place is a bit smaller than it looks like from outside but they have a side area to the left that's for large parties. Happy hour is the time to be here and get all the little dishes. Everything is izakaya style
So it's great for getting beers and food to nosh on. Friday is the day to go for sushi as Ya-san works that day and always gets fresh fish for friday nights. Favorite thing about this place is the home made sesame ice cream, the happy hour chicken wings, and the crazy sushi dishes Ya-san makes on Fridays.
One of my favorite Go to places -
Review from L T.
Poway, CA
5/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great happy hour specials - $3!! yummy eel hand roll, miso ramen was yummmmmy!!
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Review from Jennifer R.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 5/14/2012
Delicious food, huge portions, low prices, friendly employees, fast service. I love this restaurant. My only complaint is the parking lot, but that isn't the restaurant's fault...
1 Previous Review:
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8/29/2011
I LOVE this restaurant! Such a great find! Delicious food, great service and very modest prices.
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Review from Chris B.
Midway, San Diego, CA
My favorite when it comes to Japanese food. Great food and atmosphere. The food is top notch and authentic. Very good service too! I have been coming here for a while and never but a great experience every time. On of the most consistent restruants I go to. Love this place
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Review from Catherine D.
San Diego, CA
4/2/2012
I've been meaning to try this place for a while, because I heard it was authentic japanese food. The sushi was ok. Not bad, but not awesome either. When I walked out I saw a couple eating shabu and it looked really good. I guess I was still hungry. I'll try it and update my review on that. But overall this place let me down a bit. Their miso soup doesn't have tofu pieces swimming around. I had the crunchy roll, and it looked like a big mess. I thought it was a bit too sweet, not enough fish, too much sauce. I also tried the dragon roll which was ok, Aloha roll was not too flavorful, and the spicy roll tasted like a ball of creamcheese with a bit of rice, barely any fish.
I won't give up on you, Ichiro. I'll be back for Sashimi, shabu and ramen. -
Review from Dyryl B.
San Diego, CA
2/20/2012 17 photos
My friend invited me to come here for some Omakase from chef Yasu! Omakase is where the chef personally chooses your sushi dishes. It is definitely the way to go because the chef knows what's fresh and will usually create items not on the menu! Yasu does not disappoint! The sushi from Yasu was as fresh as it gets in San Diego. Check out my photos for some of the items we had.
Recommendations:
Omakase from the bar! -
Review from Dan N.
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Interesting little Japanese restaurant.
They have a bunch of small dishes that are kind of like tapas to choose from. Most dishes were hit or miss for me. OK overall but I did think the Fish Cheek dish was pretty good.
The service is very good. Waitresses who are actual japanese girls are helpful and cute. Especially Iyaku.
Price is fair.
Decor is typical japanese sushi house.
Overall, I recommend this place for going in small groups because of the large selection of different dishes to try and eating family style. -
Review from T. B.
San Diego, CA
2/12/2012
I've been coming here for years, and let me tell you, I was missing out by sitting at the tables. The sushi bar is where it's AT!
Excellent happy hour prices, my favorite appetizer is the saba shio, and I love anyplace that serves mackerel and keeps it coming. Such an underrated fish! The servers keep the drinks coming and are on top of the orders. -
Review from Trisha S.
San Diego, CA
2/16/2012
First time at this restaurant last night with my husband and my brother. We had the Seafood salad - mixed sashimi over mixed greens and their dressing on the side... delicious. Seaweed salad - standard and delicious. Miso soup was good. They had an evening special of their Crunch Roll for $6.00 so we gave that a try and it hit the spot. The Alaskan roll and the Sunshine Roll were also decent. HOWEVER, nothing compared to their homemade ice cream for dessert!! It is black sesame seed ice cream and it is like heaven in a little bowl. OH SO YUMMY. It is a MUST save room for dessert situation.
Honestly we were originally going to Sushi Deli3 but with the ridiculous wait time and noisy atmosphere, we were very delighted to have found Ichiro. The atmosphere is relaxed, staff are super friendly and there was parking!
I would definitely go back and try some of their other dishes. -
Review from Christal B.
San Diego, CA
1/7/2012 4 Check-ins Here
Consistently good tokoyaki keeps me coming back for more :)
I'm also a a fan of their okonamiyaki.
However, the rest of the entrees I've gotten have just been okay.
I've had the chicken katsu curry and sukiyaki (both chicken and beef)
The staff is friendly and attentive.
I never have had to try and flag someone down for a drink refill or to have my order taken.
Prices are also pretty reasonable.
I know when tokoyaki cravings hit, I'll be back! -
Review from A Y.
San Diego, CA
12/20/2011
Came here for sukiyaki. $25 pp and portion is enough for three hungry regular sized people. Plate includes cabbage, carrot, onion, fish cake, noodle, vermicelli and lots of sliced fatty beef.
The only complaint is the overly salty soup base. Flavor is good but each subsequent bite into the meal will have you cringing from saltiness. A sukiyaki meal is contingent upon the soup base so the less than satisfactory base failed go deliver the meal.
3 stars for saltiness and priciness. -
Review from Helen N.
San Diego, CA
10/28/2011
I come here with my co-workers for lunch. At first, we were served with the miso soup. It is great. I ordered the rice with teriyaki chicken. Yummy!!!
In our group of 8, only me is an Asian girl, my co-workers are white so the lady server speaking Japanese with me. She give me a smile and knowing I am happy with my order.
I wish I can have a glass of wine they offer in the menu but alcohol not allowed for my work with the numbers. I have to come back to try the other sushi rolls if I have a chance. -
Review from Rob S.
Makawao, HI
3/12/2012
Went to Ichiro Japanese Restaurant in Kearny Mesa because Seoul Korean BBQ just a few doors away was closed. We went there on a Sunday and was very surprised to see that it had a good amount of people there.
The food served there is very authentic and tasty. There is a happy hour menu between 3p-7p on weekends and 5p-7p on weekdays. Prices are so so. I guess it's what you'd expect out of authentic Japanese cooking. If you're looking for "cheap eats" this is not the place. I had the Katsu curry with the curry on the side so I could dip the pieces. The food came with a side salad and some miso soup. I expected the portion to be a wee bigger, but taste made up for the amount of food (quality over quantity). I like spicy curry so I was all good. The atmosphere was nice and the employees are friendly. They made sure that our drinks were filled and that everything was okay. Some orange slices come with the check. All in all a pretty good experience. -
Review from Jessica H.
San Diego, CA
2/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
I so, so love the sukiyaki here. This is sort of the go-to place for an evening of yum for a group of my friends. There are no words needed - go there. Eat sukiyaki. Repeat often as needed. The only real downside in my opinion is the parking!
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Review from Lauren B.
San Diego, CA
3/3/2012
My first time ever having sushi ... my boyfriend is a regular. I wanted to find some place casual enough where I would be comfortable and he would enjoy. They were extremely nice and friendly...he loved the food (I didn't know what to judge anything on) but my meal was fantastic. Love
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Review from Anita S.
San Diego, CA
9/20/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Great happy hour specials!
yummy shabu shabu with lots of veggies and bomb beef, minimum 2 person order.
nigiri and sashami are really fresh and super good
they have sukiyaki too
lot of Japanese small plates to choose from.
Great Japanese restaurant! -
Review from Randy C.
8/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been coming to Ichiros since the late 70s. It was good then, and it is good now. A good value. We had the 3 roll lunch and the sushi special, which was the Happy Roll. All the rolls were good and fresh. The Miso soup was very good. The salad and the creamy sesame dressing is veryy good.
The Chicken Katsu was awesome. Tender, lightly battered and cooked so it was still tender and moist, with the best katsu sauce.
Service was great with a smile. -
Review from Sunny L.
San Diego, CA
11/15/2011
their miso soup is reall great
but... salmon teriyaki combo? I can't remember exact name
salmon was pretty dry and tough :( -
Review from keiske I.
Irvine, CA
7/23/2011
Ichiro is ichiban!
I love this place. I never come here for sushi or the regular food entree menu. I come here for the happie happie hour menu. It satifies my want and need in this place.
The food is great. The workers are great. The ownership is doing well. The tap Sapparo beere is so sparkling fresh.
How often do I say that with 5 stars!
Love it....eat it and poop it= winning formula for me. -
Review from John F.
San Diego, CA
4/2/2012
I love Ichiro's. Been coming here for a couple years. I've had the Katsu curry (excellent), but I mostly go for the rolls... they are absolutely the best I've had in San Diego. The three roll combo for lunch is to die for. Also, they have, hands down, the best onion rings in town, can't beat that tempura batter. Parking can be a bit tough as the parking lot is smallish, so park on the street if you see a spot open.
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Review from Briget P.
4/8/2011
Their happy hour is decent but I wished they more than one roll on the happy hour menu. There are an array of appetizers and some handrolls on happy hour for $3 each.
The fried calamari was okay, unique batter and flavor (fishier than usual) The spicy eel roll $6 on happy hour wasn't my fave but I liked the Happy roll ($10.50) plus I asked for extra spicy mayo on the side to dip it; garlic kick.
Friendly service, they came to check on us frequently. I appreciated their service compared to many other restaurants in the Convoy area that lack that. -
Review from Janine C.
San Diego, CA
Yay, my first yelp review! With that being said, I couldn't think of a better way to lose my yelping virginity than by reviewing this restaurant. I've been going to this place for lunch for as long as I can remember... somewhere around 10+ years. There's even a certain waitress (Kimmy) that knows my usual order, slightly embarrassing but oh well.
I ALWAYS get the #1 lunch combo with sesame chicken ($7), it never lets me down. It comes with miso soup, salad, rice, tempura (1 shrimp, carrot, squash, zucchini), and sesame chicken. My sister gets the #2 with chicken katsu, also pretty good, but not as good as the sesame chicken.
I also really like their kimchi here that they give out for lunch. It's not like korean kimchi, which I am not a fan of. I usually order a huge bowl of it ($1.50) since I'm not satisfied with the tiny saucer they give for free.
Dinner is expensive, and so is the sushi. I always just stick to the lunch combo *DROOL* -
Review from Carrie H.
5/29/2011
This place is great!! In one of our searches for an interesting place to eat modes, we found this restaurant hidden away. We decided to give it a try and see how it goes. The host was very nice and seated us right away. They have several different specials for the day at good prices.
Our food was great and we enjoyed the great atmosphere of the restaurant. We definitely would go back there again. -
Review from Faye L.
5/16/2011 3 photos
This was my very first Japanese restaurant that I remember ever coming to. Ever. I think I must have been 7 years old or so. Can't believe it's still here - I'm sure it's different owners but it still brings a smile to my face when I remember my grams taking me here.
Anyhow, I heard that the owners of Umenoya (now closed restaurant in Miramar) had joined forces w/ Ichiro. I was craving Nabeyaki udon today and missed Umenoya's version - so I thought, hey what better time to try out Ichiro.
Surprisingly the place was packed. There weren't alot of current yelp reviews so I assumed the place would be empty for some reason.
I felt a sigh of relief when i saw a sign for 'Ginger Eggplant' inside the restaurant (for Umenoya fans, you will understand why I felt so happy).
Service was attentive but food came out really slow. I ordered:
1. Ginger Eggplant appetizer $3.50: AMAZING. Just like the original I had at Umenoya. Even if you are not a fan of eggplant, give this dish a try. It's deep fried eggplant (I believe) that's marinated in this wonderful, not-too-sweet , ginger sauce. THE best dish I had today
(see pic)
2. Nabeyaki Udon $7.50: Disappointing. Nothing special. Came w/ shrimp and squash tempura, cubed chicken, egg, shitake mushroom, green onions, carrots. The broth tasted like the one from Umenoya but the entire presentation/overall taste was not familiar (see pic)
- Note: this is when the hostess came over to refill my water and I asked her if the old owners of Umenoya worked here. She said 'no, they did in the beginning, until late 2010 or so, but no, they don't work here anymore'. So I guess this explains the Nabeyaki being different
3. Kaki Fri (fried oysters) $5.95: Not bad. 5 decent size oysters served w/ tonkatsu and tarter sauce. Came out piping hot.
Overall, the food wasn't bad. I was really hoping to see the old, friendly face of the woman that use to work at Umenoya. But the service at Ichiro was wonderful - hot tea (.50c/pp) was always refilled, as was my ice water.
They had a huge Tajima-style tapas menu (w/ color pictures) that I think i'd come back and try.
But in the meantime, if you all go, try the ginger eggplant.... -
Review from tina t.
5/3/2011
The BF brought me here the other night, and the BF NEVER chooses where we eat so I was a little worried...
However, I was pleasantly surprised by the prompt service and the tasty sushi. Way to go BF. -
Review from Guy M.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 12/3/2011
I've been eating here for many, many years and the quality of the food is always consistent, excellent! Plus reasonable prices! You know the food is good when a lot of their patrons are from Japan!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/18/2010
I think more like 4.5 Stars for me. Me and my family have been going here for over 20 years, if… Read more »
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Review from Gen C.
San Diego, CA
2/2/2011
So, what can I say about Ichiros? Well, for starters, I don't think I could ever get tired of this place. I was first introduced to this fine establishment when I was in 6th grade. I'm 26 now, so you can do the math. My family and I have been coming here for that long and we just can't get enough! Lunch is the best value - you get so much food for under 10 bucks! My usual waitress, Kimmy, knows exactly what I want every time. The food never fails me because it's always the same - great tasting, just can't have enough type. Try the Sesame Chicken or the Chicken Katsu. Let's also not forgot how amazing their salad dressing and the free kimchi they give out. I can't get enough of the kimchi either so I usually have to order a bowl of it.
The service is always attentive, even on busy lunch days, the servers will always greet you with a smile. I guess that's what has kept me coming back. It's practically my second home because I'm there so often. -
Review from Gitte S.
Savannah, GA
12/5/2011
Delicious, thought it was better than Sushi Ota
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Review from Sandi W.
San Diego, CA
11/13/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Shabu shabu salad is always good. Lunch combinations are decent.
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Review from Eric L.
9/19/2010
My coworker brought me here after a letdown at Chicago Rocco's b/c they were out of bread.
So he tells me that he's come here about 1 or 2 times a week ever since one of the chefs went from their old place to this restaurant. It's an elderly couple that tends to all the Japanese writing menu items on the walls. They were out of the dish that I originally ordered so we ended up getting something else. They have a thing where you order 2 items and for a little bit extra, you can get salad, miso soup, and rice.
Fried Cod: Tasty but honestly, I thought Cod was supposed to be a flakey tender fish. Not a dry chewy fish. It was the low point of the meal.
Okinomiyaki (sp?) - The best I've had. Very tasty and had a decent amount of seafood in it. Good but still not great.
The other two dishes I can't even remember since it was that non-memorable
Would I go back? yes to try the dish they sold out of. But it's pretty pricey for what it is. -
Review from Thirtyeyes S.
Eugene, OR
7/3/2011
Okay, sushi is very good but only available at the bar on Friday when Yasu-san works. Sushi selection a bit limited, but great itamae pushes it up to 5 stars. Since about 2008 the sushi chef is in house only on Fridays, the rest of the restaurant is kind of a Japanese bento Izakaya combination and the owner is a very nice lady. However, my review is for Friday night only.
Very sad I had to move to Oregon before I could say goodbye. Very fast from job offer to leaving town. I was the bookstore guy and will return one day. -
Review from Julie V.
San Diego, CA
1/18/2011
Great sushi bar! I love eating here as long as I can eat up at the bar. I'm not a big fan of sitting in the restaurant area as the decor and tables are a bit run down.
That being said, every time we eat there we get awesome, FRESH sushi, off the menu recommendations and it's just fun watching them make the sushi. My advice is to sit at the bar, order a roll and start talking to the man behind the counter. He'll help you expand your palate and let you try things you didn't know about. I'm a big fan! -
Review from amarilla t.
San Jose, CA
8/27/2011
Everytime I visit my family in SD we go here for dinner. We've been coming here for a long time now. It's hard to find a Japanese restaurant run by Japanese folks. I don't know but I'm picky about that. Yes, I am Japanese. Other Japanese folks seem to agree since the place is usually filled with nihonjin. Anyway, they have a happy hour menu now and you can get handrolls, gyoza, and nasubi and all other kinds of stuff for $3 bucks. The food is consistently good and so is the service. I am looking forward to my next visit.
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Review from Erica P.
8/9/2010
During my early vegan days, the Hubby and I would venture to Ichiro fairly frequently so I could enjoy Vegetable Sukiayki without clear noodles (don't like them!) and no egg. Occasionally, I'd go wild and order Veggie Tempura or Veggie Itsake. Because veganism was an experience in patience (such restricted menu options!), slowly but surely we stopped going here and spent more time at Sipz because more vegan options were available. But now that I'm back on the BBQ Chuckwagon again after 7 years, we decided to give Ichiro a go again. The restaurant is clean, quaint and the staff is personable.
When I opened the menu upon viewing unlimited options for dining choices, my mouth salivated with joy! We picked the Shabu-Shabu with miso broth, salmon, chicken and a delightful array of vegetables. Though we were both exhausted from a long day at Comic-Con (Saturday no less! Hall H fatigue), it felt delightful just sitting in Ichiro's pleasant atmosphere, cooking our food Shabu-Shabu style and conversing over some Brazilian jazz. Nice spot for a casually comfortable date, or post Comic-Con recovery. -
Review from Daniel P.
San Diego, CA
7/18/2011
A hit every time I visit. I am a regular here, probably go once a week. My wife gets the Bento Box for lunch, which is around $7 and is huge. Comes with so much chicken, salad, soup, shrimp, rice, and vegetables. I will usually get a roll and we will share. The Tempura Dynamite roll is to die for. Also, the edemame is delicious. The service is exceptional as well. Everyone is friendly and they check your table frequently. If I had to pick a favorite Sushi restaurant in San Diego this would be it!
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Review from Crystal S.
San Francisco, CA
1/29/2008
WARNING!! DO NOT EAT HERE!!
When I first moved down to San Diego, I was looking for a real authentic japanese restaurant and I thought Ichiro was the one. The food was decent and the prices were fair so I just started going there when I felt like some sushi.
The last time I visit there...OMG...I found a ROACH in my Nabayaki udon after i ate half of it already. It was stirred in with all my vegetables. I couldnt believe my eyes... I almost threw up. After my roommate sent it back, the waitress said "oo..... i'm sorry. does she want another one?" HELL NO I don't want another one, you know all the soup is in one pot unless the stupid roach crawled in there after they cooked it which I highly doubt!
Anyway, we sent it back and to compensate for it, they waived my udon only and gave me one free mochi. After I found a roach in it. I couldn't believe it... if you find a fly in your soup, hey. that happens... but if you find a friggin' roach in ur soup... COMP THE WHOLE MEAL CHEAP A$$E$!!
I WILL NEVER GO BACK THERE AGAIN AND NEW PATRONS... BEWARE!! -
Review from John Y.
San Diego, CA
10/16/2007
A great authentic Japanese restaurant with fresh fish always.
Mike and Yasu are two of my favorite sushi chefs in San Diego and every Friday night are a blast to hang out with. Be sure to ask Yasu for his "69 special" and uni handroll with a quail egg on top. Junko is a great owner who loves to talk and enjoy her client's company. With great people and awesome sushi, Ichiro is a weekly stop for me. See you there on Fridays. -
Review from Ange T.
San Antonio, TX
10/27/2007
Service was great! =) But i would not go back there even with the great service.
Ummmmhmmmm....maybe SD peps have a different opinion as to what constitutes good sushi....We took out our cousins to this spot and uhhhh hmmm....I think this place is comparable to Kiki sushi in SF. WAIT WAIT, ok, not THAT bad. but definitely not that fresh and definitely that good. Might I add that I was drunk when I was eating there. If alcohol doesn't help, I dunno what will...
