Best Japanese Restaurants in Kensington

24 restaurants available nearby

1. Nobu San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(3746)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 69 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego, Nobu continues to dazzle patrons with its exceptional "New Style" Japanese cuisine. Known for its sushi, Nobu San Diego stands out for its quality, creativity, and the use of fresh ingredients. Reviewers rave about the sushi, describing it as "delicious" and noting the "impeccable service and ambiance." A standout dish frequently mentioned is the Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, celebrated for its perfect balance and innovative flavor profile. As one review puts it, "Every single dish was undoubtedly immaculate," emphasizing the consistent excellence and culinary mastery that Nobu San Diego delivers, making it a must-visit destination for sushi lovers.

A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant

2. Benihana - San Diego, CA

4.0

Excellent(7385)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 167 times today

Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

3. Cloak + Petal

4.6

Exceptional(964)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Little Italy

Booked 78 times today

At Cloak + Petal, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy in San Diego, sushi isn't just food; it's an art form. This stylish restaurant offers a unique twist on traditional sushi, creating a dining experience that's both authentic and innovative. The ambiance, reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, enhances each meal, making it unforgettable. Guests rave about the sushi's freshness and quality, with one diner exclaiming, "the sushi was great and the special rolls were mind blowing." The restaurant's commitment to quality and atmosphere has made it a must-visit spot in San Diego, ensuring that each visit is not only a meal but a memorable event.

4. Lumi

4.6

Exceptional(687)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 55 times today

At Lumi, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego, the essence of authentic Japanese cuisine is elevated by the innovative genius of celebrity chef Akira Back. This upscale rooftop gem dazzles with its "exceptional service and ambiance," perfectly complementing an "interesting sushi/Japanese/fusion menu" that leaves patrons raving about its uniqueness and quality. Guests consistently laud the "amazing food" from the "tuna pizza" to the "Seabass roll," each dish crafted to perfection. With its combination of a "super cool vibe" and expertly curated flavors, Lumi is a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier Japanese dining experience.

5. Botanica

4.7

Exceptional(30)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • North Park

Booked 26 times today

Botanica in North Park, San Diego, is celebrated for its exceptionally crafted cocktails and delightful Tapas / Small Plates, making it a must-visit spot for an elevated dining experience. Patrons rave about the "creative and delicious" small bites that perfectly complement their innovative drinks. A standout feature is their Omakase, which offers a sampler of chef's choice bites, ideal for sharing and tasting a variety of what the kitchen has to offer. The ambiance of Botanica, described as a "sexy artsy speakeasy," adds to the allure, creating a perfect backdrop for enjoying high-quality, beautifully presented Tapas. With enthusiastic reviews about the "friendly and attentive" service and the unique, artistic decor, Botanica has secured its place as a top destination for Tapas lovers in San Diego.

A photo of Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

6. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(1736)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 28 times today

At Lionfish Restaurant, situated in the heart of downtown San Diego, seafood lovers revel in a culinary experience that is as delightful as it is authentic. This modern sushi and seafood haven, led by the talented local chef JoJo Ruiz, showcases a passion for fresh-catch cuisine that’s evident in every dish. Enthusiastic diners rave about the “best sushi and sashimi I have ever had! Melts in your mouth!” and commend the innovative, delicious dishes like the "Angry Fish," described as “the BEST fish I’ve ever had.” Lionfish not only excels in creating mouthwatering seafood but also provides an atmosphere and service that consistently exceed expectations. Whether it’s celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a night out, Lionfish is a must-visit for exceptional seafood in San Diego.

7. AKA San Diego

new

3.8

Excellent(59)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 31 times today

Located in the bustling heart of Gaslamp, San Diego, AKA is more than just a restaurant. It’s a destination where exceptional food, craft cocktails, and an energetic nightlife converge. With a menu curated by renowned Chef Takuya Kudo, AKA offers a captivating fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai culinary traditions, all crafted with fresh ingredients and innovative techniques. The venue features a vibrant atmosphere complemented by artisanal craft cocktails from mixologist Gerardo Bedolla and striking design by Cassandra Builer. AKA welcomes guests to indulge in its exquisite dishes while enjoying electrifying entertainment. Committed to transforming the dining and nightlife scene in San Diego, AKA offers a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone looking to savor gourmet cuisine, sip on craft cocktails, and dance the night away.

8. Craft Bar Kamon

4.8

Exceptional(189)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 31 times today

Craft Bar Kamon, nestled in the vibrant East Village of Downtown San Diego, is a captivating destination for anyone seeking an authentic Asian dining experience. This unique establishment, inspired by the Taisho Roman era in Japan, seamlessly blends traditional Asian flavors with modern craft cocktails, creating a truly unique gastronomic journey. Patrons rave about the "complex and subtle drink flavors" and the exceptional dishes like "tuna and scallops," which are said to be "amazing." The ambiance, described as a "classy mystery novel," adds to the allure, making Craft Bar Kamon not just a meal, but an immersive cultural experience. The high praise from visitors, such as "the cocktails were exquisite and unique, truly one of a kind," underscores the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Craft Bar Kamon is a must-visit for an unforgettable slice of Asia in the heart of San Diego.

A photo of King's Fish House - Mission Valley restaurant

9. King's Fish House - Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(2242)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 31 times today

At King's Fish House in Mission Valley, San Diego, sushi enthusiasts can delight in an unparalleled dining experience. Known for its exceptional seafood offerings, the restaurant's sushi stands out with its freshness and authenticity. The menu, which changes daily, ensures a unique sushi adventure with each visit, promising the most seasonal and top-quality ingredients. Patrons rave about the sushi's excellence, with one customer exclaiming, "Great food and service, we had the wedge salad, some sushi rolls, oysters and clam chowder. Everything was really good." Another highlights the overall quality, noting, "Excellent food as always... Great sushi, sides and Caesar salads." King's Fish House's commitment to service and quality makes it a must-visit for sushi lovers in the heart of San Diego.

A photo of Full Moon Sushi Kitchen Bar and Lounge restaurant

10. Full Moon Sushi Kitchen Bar and Lounge

4.4

Awesome(399)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 30 times today

At Full Moon Sushi Kitchen Bar and Lounge in Downtown San Diego, diners are treated to a seafood experience that is as delightful as it is unforgettable. Renowned for its fresh, flavor-packed offerings, Full Moon is praised for its "absolutely flavorful" sushi and sashimi, making it a must-visit for seafood connoisseurs. The live sea urchin and oysters come highly recommended, celebrated for their freshness and quality. Patrons consistently rave about the "top notch sushi" and the exceptional service, emphasizing the attentive and friendly staff. The ambiance, combined with the culinary prowess of Chef Sung and his team, ensures every visit is a memorable gastronomic journey. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Full Moon promises an unmatched sushi experience right in the heart of the vibrant Gaslamp District.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
KaliyaniVIP
San Diego •12 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Incredible 5 course meal experience. Our server was very knowledgeable on the menu and offered excellent choices for drinks to pair well with the dishes. This was my first visit and I’ll definitely return! 10/10
More info
BotanicaPrice: Moderate• Japanese• North Park
•
4.7
Z
ZainahVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Amazing as always!!! Best tuna truffle pizza and wagyu nigiri in town
More info
LumiPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.6
S
sivan
Atlanta Metro •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Our food was delicious especially the beef tabanyaki, the tofu and the taryaki chicken but all the starters were great too. A very friendly and responsive service and a great vibe and atmosphere.
More info
Nobu San DiegoPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.6
S
Sharon
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
My family and I had reservations at 6:30pm the day before Christmas Eve. It was crowded and they were running behind. The hostess (Tiffany) was calm, professional and helpful even though many customers were asking her questions constantly. She was even bussing tables. We had another table of relatives (celebrating my birthday) and she was able to get us near each other. Which she didn't have to do. Once we were seated, our chef Chris was outstanding. He was funny, entertaining and the food was outstanding. Our wait staff was also wonderful but I've forgotten their names. My family and I will definitely return to Benihana's.
More info
Benihana - San Diego, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Mission Valley
•
4
K
KanitaVIP
Orange County •20 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 17, 2024
Great service and amazing ambiance. They were so accommodating of allergies and the server, Kieran, was wonderful and knowledgeable of the menu. We loved it and can’t wait to return.
More info
Cloak + PetalPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Little Italy
•
4.6

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Best Japanese Restaurants in Kensington

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24 restaurants available nearby

1. Nobu San Diego

2. Benihana - San Diego, CA

3. Cloak + Petal

4. Lumi

5. Botanica

6. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

7. AKA San Diego

8. Craft Bar Kamon

9. King's Fish House - Mission Valley

10. Full Moon Sushi Kitchen Bar and Lounge

See what locals rave about

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