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Sushi Diner
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Sushi Bars Japanese, Sushi Bars [Edit]
7530 Mesa College DrSte B
(between Ashford St & Wellington St)
San Diego, CA 92111
Neighbourhood: Clairemont
(858) 565-1179
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 3 pm
Mon-Thu 5 pm - 9:30 pm
Fri 5 pm - 10 pm
Sat 4 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
388 reviews for Sushi Diner
Review Highlights
-
"Funky Kingston (DELICIOUS." In 10 reviews -
"There's some reggae music playing in the background, too..." In 7 reviews -
"Thanks for taking such good care of me, Daisuke." In 18 reviews
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388 reviews in English
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Review from Jessie H.
San Diego, CA
5/21/2012
Why am I taking the time to add one review to the nearly 400 already on here?
Because this place is THAT DESERVING.
I can't claim to be a sushi connoisseur (thanks to Google for the spelling). I've never had $50 rolls as my husband and I are cheap. But that is where Sushi Diner swept in and saved the day. For 10 bucks, I can get spicy tuna and albacore (I love it simple) and stuff myself silly. My husband gets the Ziggy Combo nearly every week....less than $16 for 18 pieces of art. But hey, if none of their hundreds of options appeal to you, tell the chef and he'll create any roll you want.
Speaking of, we've only ever noticed the same 2 sushi chefs attacking our rolls, but perhaps they don't try to fix what's not broken? The wait staff is sweet and prompt. The diner is the size of a postage stamp, and you get the vague feeling you're in some Bob Marley shrine while eating, but that kind of adds to the charm. We usually call in and order pick-up as the diner always has a line outside waiting. But hey, when you've found a good place, why change?
Oh, and another perk....Rockie's Frozen Yogurt is right around the corner, so once you've loaded up on some inexpensive sushi, you can go top off with some crazy cheap yogurt (which also happens to be the best in San Diego since they make it different!).
So, as long as you avoid showing up on Wednesday nights (hey, that's OUR night), have yourself a fantastic time. =) -
Review from Joseph D.
San Diego, CA
5/23/2012
I and a friend arrived around 6:45 on a weekday. They have a little stand outside with a clipboard, and you have to put your name down and how many in your party. There were only 2 chairs outside, so we had to stand outside and there is not any room to stand. Plus it was a little chilly out. I am not sure if you can call and make reservations. But finally at around 7:10 we were called to come in.
Inside there is not a lot of room. The tables were so close together we ended up chatting with people on either side of us. It didn't bother me though, but if you are seeking an intimate place to take a date, I would not recommend this place.
If you can get there before 7:00 they have happy hour specials, but because of the wait, we could not take advantage of that. The beer I thought was a little expensive, like around $6+ for a large bottle. The rolls however are moderately priced. The food came very quickly, the portions were good sized, we ended up ordering way more than we could eat. The food was pretty tasty.
So a pretty good experience, but didn't appreciate having to wait outside for so long, but if you go, just bring a jacket in case you have to wait. -
Review from Megan S.
San Diego, CA
5/16/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Was the sushi worthy of four stars? Not really. But the total package was.
I've been craving sushi like a hungry seal pup the last couple of weeks. I actually found this place thanks to Yelp (of course), and I'm so glad I did. This may well become my regular Tuesday night dinner between work and class.
The place is tiny. Tiiiiny. There's a small sushi bar, a few (like, 4?) small tables, and it looked like there were a couple of tables outside in a little enclosure. There was also a clipboard outside for a wait list. I'm sure they get busy and there's definitely no place to wait inside. I got there around 5:15, right after they opened for dinner, so I was able to grab a seat at the sushi bar with no problem. I can also see parking being a major issue. I happened to grab the last legitimate parking spot in the sad little lot. The lot for the strip mall next door was already full and the vultures were circling. There really isn't any street parking to speak of. I have no idea where people park when it's busy. But again, I came at I good time and it wasn't a problem.
The place is decked out in Bob Marley gear and really had a laid-back, friendly vibe. I was greeted very quickly. My server was very nice and took my order promptly. My miso soup (only $1!) came out right away, delicious and piping hot. I've paid way more for miso soup that was essentially just broth. This one had a lot of stuff in it (tofu, green onions, those little seaweed bits, etc). My sushi also came out pretty quickly. It wasn't the best sushi I've ever had by far, but it was really pretty decent and it was cheap. That combo of "decent and cheap" works just fine for me! A lady who I think may have been an owner stopped by a couple of times to clear empty plates and ask if I needed anything. She also took care of my bill very quickly. And my iced tea was never empty, which is a big deal for me.
Great service, great value, decent sushi. The parking situation and a long wait may have dampened my enthusiasm if I'd come at a different time, but my visit was smooth sailing. See you next Tuesday, Sushi Deli! -
Review from Raechel L.
San Diego, CA
5/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really wanted to LOVE this restaurant and have it be my new to-go sushi spot...but the place is just too small to feel comfortable. The service was touch and go...sometimes, the server would be very attentive but when we needed her to order more rolls and to get our check, it would take her 10 minutes to come back to our table. I understand that, as a former server, that you get busy and are unable to service all of your tables as quickly as you would like, but an acknowledgement would make things much easier. Regardless, the rolls are quite delicious and you can taste the fresh fish and salami. I would come back here for Happy Hour...they have rolls for one buck if you order a beer.
-
Review from Jason K.
Littleton, CO
5/27/2012
This is will become a staple of any San Diego vacation I take in the future. Unfortunately the last time I was in the are I tried this place out for the last meal of the trip. Huge mistake considering the prices are extremely reasonable, and the flavor combinations are just great. So far I don't think you can wrong with anything they offer. As far as other people knocking it down because it is small, maybe the fact that it is small is something that let's their prices stay so manageable. We've all probably had that expensive sushi that we wish tasted half as good as the rolls that they serve at Sushi Diner!
-
Review from Jill E.
5/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is based off one roll.
I am quite picky when it comes to sushi. My friends brought me here and I was thrilled that it looked like a hole in the wall. Parking can get bad so try another lot if there aren't any parking.
Upon entering, service was prompt, water and menu were served and was greeted by the place's love for bob marley music and memorabilia. It was refreshing.
So there's a plethora of rolls and you can get 16 pieces sampled with 4 rolls. I just opted to buy one of their custom rolls. It's called jawaiian. Not a typo. It was topped with delicious smoke salmon and avocado and the inside had crabmeat, and eel. It'd a tad spicy but lovvvvvved it.
I wish I took a picture but it looked good that I ate it all before I can take a snap shot.
Prices were great. All specialty rolls are for the most part under 10 bucks. Good stuff. Will return again. -
Review from Arlene P.
If one begins to salivate as they plan their review, you know the place is good.
I've been going to an eatery right near this place for almost a year, yet I never ventured to try this place. Actually, it's so unassuming, I never even knew it was there!
Thanks to YELPers help, I found this place.
Be sure to take a look at one of the pictures depicting the front so you know what to look for. Jacob S. uploaded a good one here. It's what helped me! http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Once inside, it's an oxymoron. Rastafarian Sushi. I guess they don't really contradict each other, but they certainly don't define each other, but then, that is what makes this place so charming.
Don't expect aworld class dining experiene, but do expect something down to earth and tasty.
For what you pay for a roll, you get alot!
* Albacore roll (albacore is a fav of mine) was $5.50 and it was FILLED with albacore! http://www.yelp.com/bi...
* My baked California roll was large too and I think it was only $4.75! http://www.yelp.com/bi...
* The chicken yakitori was so perfect. Light and tender! It has ruined me for all other chicken skewers. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
I can't wait to go back and try the specialty rolls they have! They have cute names and from the looks of the pictures, they look really satisfying! -
Review from Melina F.
San Diego, CA
4/23/2012
I was craving Sushi. I am on a budget, Sushi Diner $, not $$ or $$$, $. Despite the high reviews, I came in skeptical but left a fan. There is so much variety and the value is fantastic. If you are craving "authentic" sushi, don't come here, you won't like it. If you are looking for something creative, fun and "americanized" try this place out. It's small, but who cares! And if you're like me and despite having so many roll options can't find what you want, they have a create your own roll!
This place is frequently compared to Sushi Deli, I've never been there, don't care to go ever, so if you're like me, try this place out! -
Review from Jill H.
4/22/2012
Fun, adorable little sushi place! But holy cow, is it small! Be sure to get here before the dinner rush whatever night you come. Otherwise you'll be waiting outside for a while.
The atmosphere here is really fun. Think Mexican spring break, meets Reggae Sunsplash concert, meets the Bahamas. Oh, and if you don't like Bob Marley, don't come here. He's everywhere.
The menu is really cool...fun names, lots of variety. Wish there were more true, raw sushi options and the wacky rolls had more fish and less condiments/fillers, but everything we had was still delicious.
What we ordered:
- Smokin Jamaican Roll: Never would have thought to put smoked salmon in a sushi roll, but damn, it's good!
- Nigiri Sushi and Roll Combo (came with one bowl of miso soup; since we had a party of two, they should have just brought two bowls--not like it's expensive)
- Spicy Tuna Rainbow Roll
- One iced tea
Came to about $32, which ain't too shabby. Definitely coming back in the future!Listed in: Get yo noodle and fish on!
-
Review from A Y.
San Diego, CA
4/17/2012
Came in because Mien Trung (next door) isn't open on Monday.
Ordered edamame, salmon poke, protein rainbow roll and yellowtail roll.
Edamame was so overcooked that it was mush. Salmon poke had too much sauce. The raw fish on the rolls didn't taste very fresh. -
Review from Elaine C.
San Diego, CA
4/12/2012
This place is kind of small and I would give it 3.5 stars if I could but it wouldn't be a 4 star to me.
The rolls are good. The prices are decent. We ordered way too much food between 3 girls and had a ton left for another meal.
The rolls are good but a little drenched in sauce. The bob combo was pretty cool and such a big portion. I really liked the baked scallop and crab roll but that was a little too saucy. I don't remember some of the other rolls but all were just decent.
I would definitely go back if I'm down for some cheap rolls but I saw the wait outside and I definitely wouldn't wait that long to eat here. -
Review from Genevieve C.
San Diego, CA
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!
I went here twice in one week upon discovering this delicious sushi heaven.
I have ordered miso soup, the Mike's Moment of Zen Roll and the Baked Scallop and Crab Roll. I have also had bites of the Protein Rainbow Roll, Joint Roll (which is also no rice), salmon sashimi, and the chicken yakitori. Everything was so delicious. The fish tastes and looks so fresh and the servings are very large and filling. I am used to having to order two or more rolls when I go out for sushi; however, after eating one roll here I am so stuffed! I am a big fan of their miso soup for some odd reason...also, it is only $1! Also, the prices on everything on the menu are really great and affordable.
The staff here is very kind and friendly. The two times I ate here, a woman politely came around and informed us that it was last call and would we like to place another order. I really liked this because I lose track of time when I eat and with this friendly reminder, you can go ahead and order that second roll to-go!
Also, the atmosphere here is really cozy and nice. Since it is a small restaurant, you get that personal feel, as if you are eating at someone's home. They play reggae music and the place is decorated from head to toe with Bob Marley paraphernalia.
Word of advice: Each time I went, I had to wait to be seated because this is such a small restaurant. That being said, I don't recommend choosing here to eat if you want a quick bite to eat...because there may or may not be a wait.
I can't wait to eat here again! I really want to try one of the rice bowls (in addition to some sushi, of course!) because they looked really delicious when I saw them being served to other tables.
I'm hungry for Sushi Diner! -
Review from Jessica L.
Anaheim, CA
This place is ok. It's a little crowded and parking around it sucks.
It really reminds of me Sushi Deli and they're around the same price range. I guess the biggest difference, however, would be their HUGE list of sushis. Seriously, the list is massive. For a person that likes simple choices, I felt a little overwhelmed at this massive menu.
The rolls were decent (I forget what I got) but it was nothing to write home about. Overall, decent place but nothing too memorable. -
Review from Kia S.
San Diego, CA
5/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was really surprised. Great taste, great portions and great friendly staff. I love the lil' quaint diner. So much personality. Reggae playing in the background. Love the vibe all together. I tried the Smok'in Jamaican roll - very popular. The Bob Marley Roll definitely caught my attention for next time! Yep, there will be a next time!
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Review from Jasmine K.
San Diego, CA
4/7/2012
Finally, a cozy sushi restaurant with DELICIOUS rolls! The service and the prices are great too.
This is my favorite sushi restaurant here in San Diego :) -
Review from Jayson N.
San Diego, CA
4/4/2012
Everyone loves Ota, but this is my favorite sushi bar in San Diego. I stumbled across this place when I was looking for an alternative to the always-busy and mediocre tasting Sushi Deli, and have never gone back.
They have a mix of Japanese dishes that I've never bothered with, a ton of different kinds of rolls, and the regular selection of nigiri. I generally order rolls when with friends, but I personally like to stick to the nigiri. Huge slices of fresh fish over rice and at a very reasonable price (under $4 per order). That's quite a deal for such high quality. I generally order tons of salmon and yellow tail. Their spider hand rolls are also fantastic, and salmon maki is also an option (can you tell I like salmon?).
I know a lot of people want to know about rolls, so I can recommend a few of the dozen or so I've tried. I like the Bruce Lee roll with its spicy wasabi oil, and the seared albacore roll has a nice charred taste that I like. There's also this deep friend one with spicy tuna and cream cheese that sounds terrible, but is somehow very delicious. The salmon and avacado is a nice standard too. Oh, and their salmon skin roll is also very good with a nice balance of extra meat stuck on the skin but not too much. It's wrapped in soy paper instead of seaweed, and is something we always order for my wife.
They even have a good dessert in the chocolate gyoza. Just as the name implies, melty chocolate inside of friend gyoza served with a strawberry waffer and vanilla ice cream. It's fantastic.
Oh, and yeah, the place is decked out with surf boards and Bob Marley stuff. Reggae music plays throughout the place. I don't listen to stuff normally, so now whenever Ih ear it on the radio, I think of this place. You must try this place!
One final note. This place is getting busier and busier as word spreads about how good it is. Expect a wait as, to my recollection, they don't take reservations. But it's worth it! -
Review from Maren D.
San Diego, CA
2/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
99% of the time, I'm looking for the following qualities in a sushi restaurant:
-- Yummy sushi
-- Good value (preferably with happy hour deals)
-- Casual vibe
-- Friendly sushi chef
-- Plum wine (guilty pleasure)
At Sushi Diner, you get all that! Plus:
-- Reggae music + Marley-inspired rolls
-- Surfing videos
-- Spam fried rice (my companion's favorite)
It's small so it's not the best place to come with a large party but it's perfect for a date or a group of 3-4 people.
When the parking lot is full I usually park by the martial arts place next door and I've never had a problem. -
Review from Patrick A.
San Diego, CA
3/22/2012
OMFG I love this place. Actually, I discovered this place thanks to Yelp. When you first walk in you wonder why there's Bob Marley and such all over the walls, but quickly settle in to the cool kind of atmosphere it brings. I've have plenty of dates here because of the perfect cozy environment it has... and an excuse to eat sushi! The place isn't that large, but you can fit a group of 6 easily enough. There is a small, covered patio as well.
By far, my favorite order is the Love Roll Combo. It comes with 4 half orders of different sushi. I think it's The Smokin' Jamaican, Bruce Lee... and I can't remember the other two. It comes with Miso Soup and everything. Don't forget to order the Garlic Edamame!
Some negatives are as follows: Not open 24/7... and closed on Sunday. I mean I get it, Sunday off. But still, I find myself driving here just to remember it's Sunday. I still do it till this day lol -
Review from April B.
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Yikes! This place is tiny! Came here last night w. a good friend, been wanting to try this place out for some time now. The first time I tried they were closed =/ we went around 730pm and there was still a wait. I put my name on the list and got a table prob 10-15min later.
The prices are very reasonable, I want to come back and try out their happy hour. But i don't know if i'd want to wait more than 20min for a table.
We ordered:
Seaweed Salad - the salad was good but they put smelt roe on top, which i'm not a fan of, so i'd definitely order the salad w.out it next time. but other than that it was decent.
Miso Soup - which is only $1, the only other place I know that has $1 miso soup is sushi deli, so I was pretty excited. Also the soup came out boiling hot which i like too, i HATE getting lukewarm soup.
Smokin' Jamaican Roll - this was actually my friends roll and i told her this was the talk of yelp so she decided to get it. i'm not a big fan of eel, but this roll was really good. i would order this for myself if i come back.
Baked Scallop and Crab Roll - this one was good too! but i didn't like how there was so much liquid on the bottom of my rolls, it made my rice all soggy. plus i got tired of this roll pretty quick.
I would like to come back and try this place out again, we'll see!Listed in: Get Your Sushi On!
-
Review from Erica A.
San Diego, CA
2/24/2012
The name of this restaurant says it all - Sushi Diner is the quintessential cozy dining establishment with friendly staff, a laid back atmosphere and tasty, inexpensive food.
Their sushi rolls are not the best I've had but each one is flavorful and affordable. What I really like about this place is that you are able to get a great dinner in an unpretentious atmosphere. The place is very inviting adorn with a strong Bob Marley/reggae/SD theme and decor. Everyone of the staff is very friendly and attentive.
One of my fav local spots for a fantastic dinner out without spending a fortune! -
Review from Maria C.
I was craving sushi and this was on the way home. They have a small parking lot, which was full. You can park by K Sandwiches, but be mindful of the "tow away" sign. For a weeknight, it was still a wait. We waited about 15-20 mins before being seated in the outdoor patio (heated).
Ordered the following:
-Draft Sapporo ($4)
-Mixed Nigiri Sushi ($10.25): Comes with 2 pcs of Tuna, Yellowtail and Salmon. I requested no wasabi and the nigiri came with it. Disappointed. The portion was good, although the fish wasn't as fresh as I expected.
-Sashimi Bento Box ($14): Comes with tuna, salmon, yellowtail and snapper. Also tempura, edamame, salad, rice and miso soup. I tasted the miso, edamame (cold), and the tempura. Miso had good flavor. The edamame was cold (I prefer warm/hot), and the tempura came with 1 shrimp. I didn't care for the veggies much.
Cute little sushi place right behind K Sandwiches off Mesa College. Our service was prompt and friendly, with the exception of the wasabi mishap. One bathroom located in the kitchen.
The ambiance is cozy and really laid back.
Rasta theme...Cool... -
Review from Brandon B.
Poway, CA
1/6/2012
This is my favorite sushi restaurant in San Diego.
Very reasonably priced and delicious. The place is small, so you have to wait sometimes if it gets crowded.
I really like the atmosphere. The theme is Bob Marley/reggae, and they always play reggae music. Very chill spot.
They have a good selection and variety in the menu. Many original rolls, and you can create your own.
Service is good too. I've never had to flag down a waitress for a refill or anything like that. -
Review from Marco L.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 5/3/2012
Food's good. Not the best sushi I've had, but it's good enough.
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Review from Jessica L.
San Diego, CA
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Sushi diner is a tiny little sushi spot near Mesa college. It has a Hawaiian and Jamaican vibe to it. This restaurant is really small and sometimes can get packed quickly, so do expect a wait. The sushi is reasonably priced, similar to sushi deli prices. The ingredients for the sushi are fresh and they put a lot of care into their rolls. I have also tried their chicken katsu bowl. The chicken was mostly dark meat which I wasn't really a fan of and it was about 70% breaded and 30% meat, which was no bueno. Other than that, this is a pretty cool spot if you don't want to deal with the rude service, large crowds, and noise of sushi deli.
They have a small parking lot next to the restaurant; however, it is usually full, so be prepared to park on the street. -
Review from L. Na'Cole V.
San Diego, CA
4/4/2012
This place is a fun, tiny sushi restaurant! Pretty good, creative rolls. The food is good and inexpensive. Not the best sushi that I have had, but it does satisfy the sushi craving. This is a fun, quirky atmosphere! I would recommend it to my friends. :)
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Review from My T.
12/9/2011 1 photo
DID A NINJA CHICKEN SERIOUSLY APPEAR IN MY DREAMS LAST NIGHT.
Alas, it comes true when i sit down for dinner at sushi diner. I must admit, i've been here before and ehhhhhh i did not like it AT ALL. then a couple of my friends kept recommending it, so i decided to give it another shot. and BOY, I'M SO FREAKIN GLAD THAT THEY DID!
My girlfriend recommended the ninja chicken roll, and the greenday roll. YUM YUM YUM!!!!!!! so freakin delicious! the handrolls are also stuffed with deliciousnesssssss and they did not skimp on the salmon/spicy tuna! super good!!! definitely give this place a go, it's solid! -
Review from Rick L.
Thornton, CO
12/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Jamaican me crazy. I imagine that if they had a place that serves sushi in Kingston, it would look exactly like the Sushi Diner. I gotta say though, I REALLY loved this place. It's so different than your average sushi experience that it's makes it just awesome. If they have a branch in Boulder, I can only imagine the size of the 420 cloud around the joint, no pun intended. You ever seen Eddie Murphy's Raw? You know the part where he talks about the lonely housewife that goes to the Bahamas by herself and in walks "Dexter?" Dexter St. Jacques? Yeah this place is the Dexter St. Jacques (with the swinging dick) of all sushi places. COULD YOU BE LOVED????? AND BE LOVED?!!??!?! Yes I can.
The prices are awesome compared to some of the ones around Gaslamp where I stayed at. On top of their great prices, their food is absolutely delicious. I wished I had 4 stomachs like a cow. The owner is a fucking badass. I sat at the bar and basically watched him mold crack cocaine into sushi form after which I put into my mouth. There's only one way to describe the salmon nigiri, in which I must quoteth the great Sir Mixalot, "L.A. face with an Oakland booty." It looks fantastic, and it's thick and fulfilling.
Alongside the nigiri, I ordered a Baked Scallop and Crab roll (om nom nom), Crunch Roll, and the Smoking Jamaican Roll. Good god I didn't want to stop. Felt like I had to go to confession afterwards for sinning in gluttony. AND I'M AGNOSTIC! WTAF?! Parking for this place blows, but to get to treasure you gotta fight the dragon right? Puff the magic dragon. Love this place. The only thing they need is a soda fountain rather than cans. I needs me refills from eating so much food! -
Review from Kunal A.
San Diego, CA
12/9/2011
A sane person might ask - where does the connection between Bob Marley and Japan lie? If you don't know much about Asia, you might make a connection with Bruce Lee. Perhaps even with Kim Jong Il. But no, there's no such thing. But there does exist a Japanese man whose life was deeply influenced by Bob Marley. Or so it would appear. This place is a shrine and I'm understating here.
There are pictures. There are scarves. There are tributes. And I nearly forgot, there's some food too. Good food. Very good food actually. If you enjoy eating your garlic green beans with Marley looking over you as if he has the munchies, then bingo. If you don't, you can just eat them in the outdoor seating. Follow it up with some nice plum wine and misoshiru, then move on to a dazzling array of sushi.
Hot sushi. Not even kidding you. How's flambe for some variety? Or go with the good old raw fish, maybe lick your chopsticks once you are done. Actually don't. It's kinda rude.
Enough said? And yeah, don't use Japanese names. It confuses the poor waitress (who is Asian, but most definitely not Japanese) and she brings you miso instead.
Gambattey kudasai! -
Review from Madeline B.
San Diego, CA
9/25/2011 5 photos
If there were sushi gods, Sushi Diner would be their finest creation. It's basically like a little reggae shack of delicious sushi feasting with the most satisfying rolls I've ever experienced. I go at least once a week (ideally 2-3) and I have never been disappointed -- I simply can't say the same for the trendy, overpriced, douchey-atmosphere at Sushi Deli.
Oh, but be forewarned: if you're a real snob about traditional sushi, this is probably not the place for you. I'm sure you'd later bitterly refer to it as "gringo", "white people", or "American" sushi... that's okay, more for me!
Honestly, I would come here religiously even if the service stunk because I'm hopelessly addicted to the food, but it's always been pleasant (minus the fact that they are quite strict about their 5 PM opening and you'll be left out on the street if you arrive slightly early in your haste to feed your insatiable sushi appetite). I even pick up the goods and bring 'em home and they're STILL amazing a half hour-45 minutes later. The prices simply cannot be beat, especially with the unbelievably good quality of the sushi.
Now for the recommendations; the lunch menu is a great deal and they also have a lovely happy hour special, but they don't allow roll substitutions in the lunch combos which is a bit of a downer. Sushi-wise, the Tempura California Roll tastes like pure magic, however boring it may sound, along with the 420 Roll, Philly Roll, Crunch Roll, Smok'in Jamaican, Super Caterpillar, Philly Crunch, etc.. I'm pretty sure everything on their menu tastes heavenly, and the tempura is always perfect and never too greasy. I flippin' love this place...
(I'll save you the trouble of counting and just tell you that the word "sushi" appears 9 times in the above review. Well, now it's 10. You're welcome.) -
Review from Liz P.
San Diego, CA
12/30/2011
Possibly my favorite place for sushi in the SD area. The rolls are great, the service is friendly, and the prices are reasonable. The atmosphere is really fun too! They could definitely use more seating, so we generally try not to go at busy times.
We moved out of the area, but make it a point to go every time we are in the neighborhood! -
Review from Tamara L.
9/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
So you've just left Sushi Deli, frustrated that you're place in line has you 1. sitting outside shivering on a cold night, 2. pissed at your friends because no one could get there earlier to get your names on the list, 3. wondering how many other people can hear your stomach growling because by now you are STARVING!
Someone suggests another little sushi bar down the road that has low prices, good quality and an assortment of creative roles. Sushi Diner! Shoot, why didn't we think of that 3 hours ago? It is a tiny little sushi restaurant with a reggae/rasta vibe that definitely deserves a stop by. There can be a line there too sometimes, but nothing like the Deli. Give it a shot, I don't think you'll be disappointed. -
Review from Melanie G.
San Diego, CA
2/7/2012
I don't need to write a review for this place. This place is always crowded and for a good reason. I heart anything covered in spicy mayonnaise (if you know what I mean.) I love eating at the bar and having other people who are waiting for a table outside watch me eat slowly and enjoy myself.
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Review from Saritah K.
San Diego, CA
11/27/2011
The rolls are very creative and different, with funny names and some interesting combination of ingredients. We were surprised that all the rolls we ordered had some kind of sauce on them, making the meal very heavy and rich. The worst, though, was we ordered octopus (tako) nigiri, and it was so chewy and bad quality that I had to spit it out in my napkin. It wouldn't break down at all and it was like chewing gum.
I will not be going back to Sushi Diner. -
Review from Denise K.
10/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
They have some great happy hour specials. Buy a beer and then you can order off the HH menu which has 99 cent items? Wow. Or what about the special: buy a large bottle of beer and small sake all for $7? Awesome!!
This place is great for fun sushi. Not authentic, but fun. They've got all sorts of different rolls with different mixins and toppings. Fun Fun Fun. Tasty Tasty Tasty... If fun is what you're looking for. This is no Sushi Ota, but it will definitely satisfy you nonetheless.
Sushi Diner is a great place to come with friends or a large group. The prices are VERY reasonable (like Sushi Deli) and the rolls are 6-8 pieces; large enough to share. There's one Japanese sushi chef (owner) and he must love Bob Marley and Hawaii. You walk in and all you see are Marley posters, Marley music playing in the background and surf competitions on the TV... Ahhhh, reminds me of my aloha days.
There must be at least 30 different rolls to try. I wonder if anyone has tried all of them?! -
Review from Jonathan Z.
Orange, CA
8/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't know why, but my experience at Sushi Diner was not as great as other reviewers. Sodas come in cans. No fountain drinks here. No biggie.
My group had the gyoza, the chicken katsu, and sashimi combo #3. I found the gyoza was fine, but the sush rolls that came with it were smothered with excess toppings. I found the chicken katsu to be rather thin and dry. Thet sashimi combo #3 was fine. The best part of the combo was the tempura. The fish was average for freshness. The salad and edamame were not as fresh as I wanted, but it was edible.
The would give this place a 2.5 for the food and another 0.5 stars for the atmosphere. -
Review from Neil E.
Snohomish, WA
11/7/2011
After two days of non-stop Mexican food we were craving something that once had fins on it so sushi was in order. After some Yelp searching we settled on Sushi Diner as it sounded tasty, reasonably priced, and unpretentious.
Sushi Diner delivered on all three points. We arrived at 11:20, waited for about 12 minutes for the place to open, and were the second group seated. As others have mentioned there's a lengthy list of rolls to choose from. I had two pieces of hamachi, which were huge and delicious, and the spicy tuna peno crunch roll. Also delicious, and also definitely spicy!
My sweetie had a basic cali roll and a tempura spicy tuna roll which she inhaled.
The only sad part is they didn't have quail eggs, which meant no tobiko with quail egg for me. Oh well :( -
Review from Charlene C.
San Diego, CA
8/5/2011
Japanese-Jamaican fusion, say whaat?! I just adore this little sushi joint because while cheap sushi typically is an oxymoron, they manage to do it well here and do it with style.
I love love love the atmosphere. Peter Tosh or the Skatalites playing in the background,the tiki-esque decor, and surf videos on the small TV behind the bar bring the irie island flavor. Yes, my first apartment was bigger than the entire restaurant, but regardless I dig it. Really love their wall o' chopsticks too, for a small fee you can keep a pair there to use whenever you stop by - both green and business savvy to keep your customers coming back. One thing, since its super tiny, you will most likely have a wait if you go on a Friday or Saturday night. I usually opt to get it to-go but really I much prefer eating there because its so cute!
The rolls have awesome island-themed names too like the Red Stripe, Cool Runnings, and Funky Kingston rolls. My favorites are the Smokin' Jamaican and 96 Degrees rolls, which are both seared on the outside using a blowtorch versus being baked. The blow torch gives a nice even char to the fish on top and slightly chars the rice in the sushi rolls too - it's not burnt but the searing gives extra flavor and oomph. I can't forget to give them a shout out for using just enough rice in their rolls, not too little or too much like most places in SD. They also do a nice tight roll that doesn't fall apart and their rolls are reasonably sized little gems of flavor.
Not sure what to get? The Love Roll combo is a great intro to their menu with 4 pieces each of their Bruce Lee, Caterpillar, Smokin' Jamaican, and Diner CA rolls. Another great option is to get the build your own roll where you can flex your sushi creativity. Non-sushi options abound too, from teriyaki to gyoza. I've had their Spam katsu (delicious!) and lobster cocktail in an avocado half, all tasty non-traditional treats, and I've been jonesing to try their karaage.
Since Sushi Deli has been permanently kicked out of my sushi rotation, Sushi Diner has risen in the ranks to become my favorite cheap sushi spot. Don't miss out on this little diamond in the rough - yes its out of the way, yes it looks a little iffy from the outside, but trust me on this one and just go!Listed in: For the Japanophiles
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Review from Kina D.
Del Mar, CA
4/22/2012 3 Check-ins Here
it is ok........
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Review from Sarah E.
Updated - 8/11/2011 3 photos
I love this place... it's seriously some of the best sushi EVER!
Despite our initial issue with the owner regarding our reservations and the size of our party, the night ended up being one to remember! The food was amazing, the drinks were plentiful, and the vibe was chill and fun!
Best rolls include:
1. Smok'in Jamaican
2. 4/20
3. Crunchy
4. Crab and Scallop
5. Spicy Scallop
6. Spicy Tuna (this is the best place to get this roll, especially since you can get it as part of their happy hour special)
*In all honesty though, I think every roll on the menu is probably as amazing as the five mentioned above.
I also think this place has the best happy hour out of any sushi place I've ever been to. If you order to large sake or beer, you can get either a selected appetizer or sushi roll for .99!! Yes, you read that right, .99! Best deal EVER!!!
My main point is... GO, GO NOW, and bring your friends. Just not more than few because A. This place is tiny so there isn't a lot of room and B. This place is soooo good that if word gets out there will be huge lines and long waits to get a seat!Listed in: Best SD Happy Hour
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/1/2011
OMG this is seriously the best sushi ever. I'm seriously depressed I don't live down the street from… Read more »
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Review from Sandi E.
San Diego, CA
11/2/2011
This place is RIDICULOUSLY CHEAP (I LOVE IT!) and they have new specials like every week.
Their menu is huge and has sooo many rolls so it was pretty hard to choose. I had to keep telling the waitress we needed more time haha.
Bruce Lee Roll (Boyfriend loooves his salmon.)
Spicy Tuna Tempura Roll (only $4.50 for 8 pieces. Basically a spicy tuna roll deep fried)
Sampler with Cal Roll, Spicy Tuna, Crunch Roll (only like $6. Good deal!)
House salad (I really didn't like this salad. The dressing was awful. I thought it was gonna be a miso dressing but it was really weird and tart lol.)
Just don't come here when it's super busy for this place is super tiny. Like 10 tables max plus a little sushi bar. So if you have a party of like 8-10 people, you've already taken up like all of the inside part of the restaurant.
