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Yi Sushi
Categories: Restaurants Sushi Bars Restaurants Japanese Sushi Bars, Japanese [Edit]
2650 Jamacha RdSte 139
El Cajon, CA 92019
(619) 741-8881
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
Sun 12 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
27 reviews for Yi Sushi
Review Highlights
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"More importantly, the fish was really fresh." In 3 reviews -
"Great new sushi place for Rancho San Diego." In 3 reviews -
"I wil be going back and trying other items." In 2 reviews
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27 reviews in English
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Review from Tania w.
5/19/2012
thank goodness there is finally a decent sushi place in rancho!
sushi is fresh, they have a great happy hour and their specialty rolls are good and inventive (try the east county roll).
we've been three or four times and have yet to be disappointed. keep an eye out for groupons, there was a recent one that was a great deal! -
Review from Ramy D.
2/20/2012
Came and was introduced to this kool #new sushi restaurant while taken a nice walk at Rancho SD shopping center. Saw few photos of their famous Sushi rolls and dishes. I have to say "THEY WORK" HAHA
I asked my wife to dine-in with me for lunch dragging our new born son as well.
Good yummy sushi rolls. We ordered "The Lady in Red" no not the Song! its a real roll that was dressed up in some "pink" color code. It was yummy and Pretty Good.
I also ordered "Creamy Base butter, lemon sauce topped off with Shrimp and centered Steam Rice" It was a lithely heavily on the salty side.
I would not mind on going back under one condition, "If my other sushi restaurant is Full or having a busy night." Over all prices and taste quality food is a B- -
Review from Mike Q.
San Diego, CA
2/10/2012
The sushi was okay but the portions were very small and over priced. After paying $45 for sushi I shouldn't still be starving...
You're better off driving to Tsuruya in Point Loma. I will not be coming back to Yi Sushi. -
Review from Bobbie M.
La Mesa, CA
5/16/2012
East County does not have enough great restaurants, but this is a great sushi place. It is relatively new, very nice decor. I love the San Diego Roll! You have to try this place, you really do!
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Review from Nadeen G.
El Cajon, CA
5/11/2012
Yi Sushi never fails to amaze me. Always fresh, amazing service, and great food! All of their specialty rolls are 20% off all day every day! They have the best happy hour from 3-6 Mon to friday with selections from 5-10 dollars! I really recommend the Hot Hot roll, After burn, Sear salmon roll, rancho roll, beef negimaki, hibachi dinners, i can go on and on! Anything you order will be delicious! Yi sushi has become a favorite for my family and I! :)
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Review from Jamie M.
Spring Valley, CA
5/10/2012
This is the best place in rancho for nice reasonably priced sushi! The place is clean and modern looking. The food was great and I can't wait to go back! Tabu is expensive and horrible service, but this place makes me a regular with their look, location, and prices!
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Review from Joe M.
El Cajon, CA
5/6/2012
Got a coupon from get1free and it was never honored hostess said it was a misprint .... Will Never go back to this place.
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Review from Todd P.
La Mesa, CA
1/24/2012
Keep in mind sushi as a cuisine is very poorly represented in San Diego's East County. We prefer farm animals out here....stuff you can shoot with a gun. As far as fish we like that Mrs Paul's frozen stuff they serve at the Brigantine, you know with the ranch and yellow cheese...but I digress
I've had several of their specialty rolls...good stuff, fish is fresh, rice is good. Ahi is good Yellowtail is also good. I like the Oshinko and Cucumber rolls as well. Great Service nice spot. Price is fair...Try it you will like it
I might even say best Sushi east of the 15. Lots of options out here but not many good ones. Yi is the standard. -
Review from Nelson V.
1/7/2012
I LOVE sushi,,, here's the deal with this place. First off we were greeted by one of their Sushi chef smoking next to the entrance (I know cooks and servers smoke, but a bit unprofessional and kinda gross to see it). Too expensive for small rolls with not enough fish on them and slow to medium service time.
I've been to many sushi places (some which I haven't reviewed,, sorry), and I've had plenty of good quality with generous servings for a lot less. My girl and I ordered a Rainbow, Spider, Philadelphia, and Spicy Tuna rolls. We waited for a considerable amount of time for our rolls (considering the place wasn't full or busy). The disappointment came when we saw the small rolls that took so long to make,, really? It seemed as though someone didn't fillet the fish properly and used the sliver that got stuck to the skin on our roll. The taste was good,,, but I don't understand how they justify the price other than having to charge more for less to pay the lease and utilities in a nearly empty restaurant.
I hope to maybe come back someday and see if they have changed anything. Good luck.Listed in: Sushi Joints
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Review from erin c.
Whittier, CA
2/23/2012
Service was horrendous. I mean REALLY bad.
1. We asked for our wine to be corked. (PLUS: You can bring your own wine and have it corked for a very reasonable corkage fee of $8). We waited. And waited. And waited. After multiple tries, and 30 minutes, we finally got our bottle corked.
2. Order placed for sushi and entrees.
3. Wait.
4. Wait.
5. Entrees arrive. Still no sushi. I am vegetarian, and order veggie hibachi. I fully expected that my Hibachi Vegetables would be vegetarian. Arrived with shrimp on it. Mentioned nowhere on the menu. *Note: Veggie items may not be vegetarian, ask first*
6. Our waiter never visits. Flag down some other waiter, ask for sushi
7. Wait.
8. Thankfully my rolls arrive so I have something to eat. (PLUS: Sweet Potato Roll is AMAZING)
9. Ask for missing sushi again for part of my group.
10. Sushi never arrives.
11. Entrees done, wine done. Ready for check.
12. Missing sushi arrives. We had to decline. -
Review from Danielle B.
Lakeside, CA
1/4/2012
I thought this place was good, but not my #1 pick for sushi. I think the prices here are pretty similar to Tabu Sushi which is just down the street.
The staff is very nice, appears to be family owned, and are quick to serve you. They remodeled this place very nice, good set up for a small space. I sat at the sushi bar and thought it was strange when the server took my sushi order as opposed to just telling the chef what rolls you want.
I got two rolls and miso soup. The miso soup was pretty tasty, i got the cali roll and the crunchy calamari roll (i believe thats what its called) Both rolls were good, but i thought they were wrapped poorly and fell apart very easily.
I was also a little disappointed in their variety of rolls, there didn't seem to be much to choose from. But what i got was very good (the calamari roll was very oniony but it said that in the description so no complaints!)
It would be a toss up for me between Yi Sushi & Tabu Sushi as i feel Tabu has better variety to offer but Yi Sushi is not so crazy packed. -
Review from M K.
El Cajon, CA
5/7/2012
I agree with Todd P, the other sushi choices in the area are mediocre. That's why I was so pleased to come across Yi Sushi. The interior is elegant and tasteful, The rolls, tempura, sashimi we have had have all been first rate. We've never had problems with the service and i wonder if some of the other complaints are due to just having been opened. The sushi takeout is also much better than the area's compettion. Well worth a try.
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Review from Tim F.
San Diego, CA
11/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Let me start off by saying that I am sushi veteran and I have ate many of the best and worst San Diego has to offer in terms of sushi.
So far so good. I always get excited when a new sushi place opens in the east county for me to try. The place has a modern feel to it and the staff is legit Japanese which is usually a good thing, but not a golden rule. I started off with a house salad and before that came, the sushi chef made me a crab/cucumber salad appetizer that was awesome!. . The dressing on the house salad was good, but not better than the ginger dressing at Tabu which is better IMO than any others.
I got the salmon and yellowtail nigiri.What's different about this place is that they charge you per piece of fish, instead of an order of two pieces per the norm. My server seemed to not even be aware of the word "nigiri.
The salmon and yellowtail were good quality and served cold and quick. The salmon had good lines through it as well. I also ordered the oyster roll which was pretty good.
The price is the only possible negative. For 6 smaller pieces of fish, two rolls (more pricy ones), and a small salad it came to right around 54.00 dollars. Add a tip on that and you have 30.00 dollars a person for lunch which equals not a lot of food for two people
I am rating this place three stars until further consideration. I wil be going back and trying other items. If the other items are as good or better I will upgrade to a 4 star. -
Review from Daniel T.
El Cajon, CA
11/19/2011
Their prices are comparable to local Rancho San Diego sushi restaurants, but it's more authentic, and a lot less pushy. The décor was nice and probably kind of trendy, but I wouldn't say tacky. More importantly, the fish was really fresh. We had the Maki A combination (Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail rolls), and a Rainbow roll, as well as salad and I had (a big) Miso soup.
We'll definitely go back. And now we don't have to drive so far to wait outside for 45 minutes elsewhere. Check them out. Ming was our very kind and personable server, and Mary was very nice and helpful as well.
Can't wait until next time to try the Tempura Ice Cream and Ginger Créme Brûlée. -
Review from Nicole M.
12/2/2011
I really cant say enough great things about this place. I am SO happy to finally have a nice sushi place in Rancho that isn't chintzy with their roll size. Yes, Tabu, I am talking about you.
We were greeted by every single member of the staff upon entering, seated promptly, NFL on the two big screens, and waters/miso/sake was out in a flash. Our waitress was probably one of the best persons I have ever had wait on me in a restaurant, she stood by and closely watched over the whole dining room between working her tables, and as soon as someone's head lifted as to look around for some help, she was right there ready to assist. Even the host was jumping in here and there when she was busy.
Rolls were MONEY. And no, I don't mean expensive. In my opinion, the $11-15 range we stayed in for their special rolls was a very fair price in relation to the size and quality of our rolls.
We got the Green River roll first, which was not only visually appealing, but really unique flavor and STUFFED with fish. Good quality green soy paper too, it almost tasted like a thin tortilla.
Next came the Dancing Eel and Sake rolls... holy wowzers. I have NEVER had broiled eel like this before. Most eel is super thin and tasteless but THIS was a masterpiece. Big fluffy pillows of broiled eel pieces atop a scrumptious spicy tuna roll (minus the flake for me though). The Sake roll was killer, with a dreamy creamy spicy salmon and avocado inside topped with really fresh and beautifully cut fresh salmon. MELT IN YOUR MOUTH kinda good.
Finished with the Red Lady (they were even so kind as to sub fresh shrimp instead of tempura to make it Gf for me). I was honestly so stuffed from the previous 3, that I only had two bites of this. But it was also quality, top notch. Hubby took the leftovers home and devoured them for dessert.
All in all, for 4 HUGE rolls, miso soup, and sake.. its safe to say we got our money's worth and then some. If you arent lookin for a fancy sushi fix, their rolls and handroll selection is large, and very well priced. No more driving way out of the way for good sushi, its right here in the neighborhood now!
I cant wait to come back with my girlfriends and share the Chirashi... :) -
Review from Lexi B.
North Park, San Diego, CA
3/13/2012 1 photo
Great service!! Cute decor, and clean. Great tempura, n fresh fish...Jus wish my rolls weren't double wrapped in mushy rice :(
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Review from amanda c.
San Diego, CA
12/1/2011
Worst sushi I have ever eaten. I had a spicy tuna and a toro scallion. The rolls were mushy and bland. I spent twenty dollars to get grossed out. Threw the whole thing in the trash. I'm not even sure it was fish. YUCK.
Don't waste your time or money -
Review from Lauren D.
El Cajon, CA
11/22/2011
Great new sushi place for Rancho San Diego. Really fresh, high quality fish. I got the Maki A combination which comes with soup or salad. They used a lot of fish in these rolls and the miso and salad were great. The tea is really good too. It is a green tea with a smokey, popped rice flavor. They also seemed to have a good selection of asian beers, sake, and wine. There was a ginger crème brûlée. Unfortunately, we were full but I will be trying that in the future.
It's a nice atmosphere and you can tell they put a lot of thought into the decor. It feels like a restaurant that would be located in a more urban part of San Diego. The people were really nice and friendly if you feel like chatting with them for a while, but in no way pushy. The chefs are from restaurants in New York and make their own unique sauces and dishes for the menu.
This is definitely a more authentic, simple, and classic version of sushi and dining in general versus that of Tabu sushi. We will definitely coming back. I can see me ordering the Maki A combination every time I go. -
Review from B B.
El Cajon, CA
2/25/2012 9 photos
Heard about this place through a friend of ours who just raved about the food so we had to try it. Today we stopped by for some lunch and I must say our friend was right it was DELISH! We all had something different and every ones plate was fresh and tasty and the service was excellent. I am so glad to find a place in my own neighborhood that the entire family can enjoy. I will definitely be going back.
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Review from Jeanne S.
Spring Valley, CA
1/9/2012
Super yummy fresh roll. I had one called "east county" it's not on the menu. It was a special so I was worried on a Monday they might be trying to move some salmon from the weekend as has happened at other places but not here. Delicious. shrimp tempura on the inside, salmon on the outside with a thin slice of lemon and cilantro. Can't wait to go back and eat another!
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Review from CE G.
San Diego, CA
12/1/2011
We took our kids there for their B-day and had a nice dinner. The Sushi was fresh and there was plenty of food. We have been twice now and we like the atmosphere and staff. The decor is simple and tasteful. We love the Vegetable Tempura!
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Review from Dawn O.
El Cajon, CA
11/14/2011
I think the past reviewers have never had sushi before! My best friend, my boyfriend and I went there since we LOVE sushi and wanted to try a new place. THIS PLACE WAS HORRIBLE! The tables were EMPTY. The rolls were small , tasteless, and just down right horrible. I have had my share of sushi, and this was the worst that I have ever had. When we got our check, for five rolls and drinks came out to $50 and we were still hungry. We decided to walk over to Applebees and get food, which finally hit the spot. I was so disappointed. I am never going back.
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Review from Jack M.
Rancho San Diego, CA
11/3/2011 13 photos
Today I had the pleasure to try out this new sushi bar out here in Rancho San Diego. The place has been on the verge of opening the last few days, so I drove by today and to my surprise they were open for the first time. The place is very trendy inside, yet comfortable. I ordered some hot green tea and some lightly battered calamari served with a delicate creamy butter sauce (Ika Rings). The Ika rings were very tender and the breading was light a flaky. I liked them very much. I also ordered the salmon skin rolls which is one of my favorites. The roll was perfect because it was tightly rolled and packed with salmon skin. I also had the Alaska roll which had a handsome amount of salmon and avocado. Good roll. To my surprised, the waitress let me know that rolls, hand rolls, and special rolls come with a choice of either house soup or salad. What a nice surprise! I choose the salad and it was terrific! I let sit for a few minutes because the ginger dressing was ice cold straight out of the chiller. The dressing was very good. It was crisp and refreshing and I wanted more. Next time, I will order "the big salad," pardon the "Seinfeld" reference but the dressing was yummy.
The menu is extensive with a variety lunch and dinner items. They also have a separate bar menu which I plan to try on my next visit. I also saw some dinner specialties I would like to try soon. -
Review from Cameron K.
La Jolla, CA
11/8/2011
This place just opened so I tried it out and was totally impressed! Great sushi and friendly service! Great happy hour atmosphere as well. This is the best sushi place I've found in East County so I highly recommend you try it!
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Review from Aaron W.
El Cajon, CA
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great place for lunch. Good menu, friendly staff, great food.
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Review from Son V.
Riverside, CA
11/6/2011
Great service, great sushi, I just love everything I ordered, definitely coming back!
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Review from Ike I.
San Diego, CA
11/5/2011
I agree with Jack, I'm coming back to this place, it's phenomenal! I got calamari rings (Ika), spicy tuna roll, salmon hand roll and saved the best for last - tempura Ice cream (vanilla). I'm gonna try the green team ice cream next time around! The Staff was extremely helpful and their recommendations resulted in a fine dining experience!
