Best Japanese Restaurants in Encanto

21 restaurants available nearby

1. Nobu San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(3749)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 68 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.

2. Lumi

4.6

Exceptional(687)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 58 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.

3. Botanica

4.7

Exceptional(30)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • North Park

Booked 16 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

4. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(1736)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 42 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.

5. Craft Bar Kamon

4.8

Exceptional(189)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 35 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.

6. AKA San Diego

new

3.8

Excellent(59)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 27 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.

A photo of Full Moon Sushi Kitchen Bar and Lounge restaurant

7. Full Moon Sushi Kitchen Bar and Lounge

4.4

Awesome(399)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 34 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.

A photo of Zama Restaurant & Bar restaurant

8. Zama Restaurant & Bar

4.0

Excellent(295)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 29 times today

Zama Restaurant & Bar in vibrant downtown San Diego expertly fuses Latin American flavors with exquisite Asian culinary techniques, creating a unique dining experience that stands out in the city's food scene. Esteemed Chef Tayuka Kudo, formerly of Nobu and Lumi, brings authenticity and excellence to Zama's Japanese-inspired sushi bar, ensuring every dish is a masterpiece. Patrons rave about the "incredible" food and "fantastic" ambiance, highlighting the Asian fusion dishes that are "cooked to perfection." Whether it’s the creatively presented ceviche or the perfectly cooked King salmon, Zama promises an unforgettable meal that brilliantly showcases the best of Asian cuisine with a Latin twist.

9. Bang on 5th

3.7

Very Good(15)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 6 times today

Bang on 5th, nestled in the vibrant heart of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, is a premier destination for exceptional Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service experiences. This venue, celebrated for its Asian-fusion cuisine and sushi, truly shines with its bar offerings. Patrons rave about the "interesting Nippon inspired drinks" and the well-crafted cocktails that complement the lively atmosphere, enhanced by the largest disco ball on the west coast and tunes from a live DJ. Awarded the Opentable Diner’s Choice from 2021-2023, Bang on 5th guarantees a memorable outing with its "great music and vibe" and "powerful but balanced" drinks, making every visit a delightful escape to downtown Tokyo.

10. Downtown Sushi

4.5

Awesome(71)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 6 times today

Downtown Sushi in the vibrant heart of San Diego is a paradise for sushi lovers. Chef Andy’s creative genius shines through in every dish, especially noted in crowd favorites like the Love Roll, Fire Roll, and Tower Roll. Patrons rave about the freshness and quality, claiming it’s the best sushi in the area. One diner enthused, “The best sushi in downtown you won’t regret it fresh fish I highly recommend my favorite specialty roll sky love gas lamp.” Another declared, “It's the best rated sushi spot in the area for a reason. Everything was fantastic.” Whether it’s the inventive rolls or the premium sashimi, Downtown Sushi consistently delivers an exceptional dining experience that keeps guests returning for more.

‘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

T
ThomasVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Had an amazing experience at Nobu trying the Holiday Omakase menu. My wife and I went for our anniversary and were thoroughly impressed by the attentive service, professional staff, and most of all the outstanding meal. Each course was delivered in a very timely fashion, as we never felt rushed yet never waited on the next course. Cocktails were promptly prepared as ordered, and our water glasses were always topped off. The dinner was well prepared and no course was lacking. At the end, they were thoughtful enough to include a “Happy Anniversary” message on our dessert plate. Overall, I was impressed by and grateful for the entire course of service. Will certainly return.
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Nobu San DiegoPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.6
K
KaliyaniVIP
San Diego •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
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
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BotanicaPrice: Moderate• Japanese• North Park
•
4.7
J
JESSICA
San Francisco Bay Area •36 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We started with the Happy Hour mules, rock shrimp, tacos, kale salad and then moved to the regular dinner menu scallops, sushi rolls and dessert. The service and ambience was great. Very friendly staff and the food was served quickly. We live downtown and will definitely return. Highly recommend the kale salad, Hokkaido scallops, Bezerk sushi roll and churro ice cream.
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Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San DiegoPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.6
J
Jannah June
Las Vegas •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The service was amazing! The host, Amadeus, was so friendly and easy to talk to! He was very attentive as well as the bartenders. The drinks and food were also very delicious
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Craft Bar KamonPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.8
Z
ZainahVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing as always!!! Best tuna truffle pizza and wagyu nigiri in town
More info
LumiPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.6

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Best Japanese Restaurants in Encanto

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21 restaurants available nearby

1. Nobu San Diego

2. Lumi

3. Botanica

4. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

5. Craft Bar Kamon

6. AKA San Diego

7. Full Moon Sushi Kitchen Bar and Lounge

8. Zama Restaurant & Bar

9. Bang on 5th

10. Downtown Sushi

See what locals rave about

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