Best Japanese Restaurants in University City/Golden Triangle

18 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pacific Catch - La Jolla restaurant

1. Pacific Catch - La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(653)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • La Jolla

Booked 5 times today

Pacific Catch in La Jolla is a sushi lover's paradise, offering a delightful variety of fresh, top-quality sushi that consistently impresses. Diners rave about the "sashimi deluxe," which features a "top-notch variety of fish" that is "super fresh" and "melts in your mouth." This fresh take on classic sushi dishes, combined with a warm, inviting ambiance, makes Pacific Catch a standout destination. Visitors love the creative twists on traditional sushi, ensuring there's always something new and exciting to try. With its commitment to freshness and quality, Pacific Catch is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and delicious sushi in La Jolla.

2. Takaramono sushi

4.8

Exceptional(46)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • La Jolla

Booked 10 times today

At Takaramono Sushi in La Jolla, San Diego, you are invited to indulge in a Japanese cuisine experience where tradition splendidly meets innovation. Patrons rave about the "exquisite service" and "deliciously flavorful sushi" that make every visit memorable. Highlighted by glowing reviews, dishes like the unique uni pasta and freshly made kizami wasabi set this establishment apart, with one diner noting it offers "nothing like this in all of San Diego." The intimate and elegant setting at Takaramono Sushi, coupled with its commitment to high-quality ingredients, ensures a culinary journey that is both authentic and inventive. As a testament to its excellence, visitors consistently proclaim it a "must-visit" for anyone craving exceptional Japanese cuisine.

A photo of Ambrogio by Acquerello restaurant

3. Ambrogio by Acquerello

4.6

Exceptional(85)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • La Jolla

Experience Michelin Star Chef Silvio Salmoiraghi’s Iconic 8 Course Tasting Menus in our charming La Jolla restaurant, recently included in the Michelin Guide.Signature Tasting Menu - $159/person. Vegetarian Tasting Menu - $139/person. A La Carte Menu: From Tuesday through Thursday, you get to enjoy the Great Classics of Italian Cuisine through the lenses of Chefs Silvio Salmoiraghi and Enea Sintoni on this special A La Carte Menu. It includes two (2) courses of choice + dessert for $99/person. Not sharable and not combinable with Tasting Menus.We seek to operate within the frame of a New Italian Cuisine. Italy, France, Korea, Japan and California: the five places that define our cuisine and allow us to create a unique set of masterpieces.Reservations require a $20/person deposit, fully refundable up to 24h in advance.We gently require a 48h notice for allergies and dietary restrictions. A full Vegan Menu is available only upon request.

4. Arterra

4.8

Exceptional(438)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Del Mar

Booked 1 time today

Here at Arterra enjoy one-of-a-kind, locally inspired food with a commitment to sourcing seasonal, sustainable ingredients. Our culinary team shines a focus on supporting local San Diego Farmer’s markets and purveyors. Indulge in our curated sushi menu by Sushi Chef Andew Ho. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails featuring local distillers, and innovative signature wine list, and a selection of bottled and draft beers from the area’s top craft breweries.

5. Sushi Mori

4.7

Exceptional(39)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • La Jolla

Booked 1 time today

Sushi Mori, nestled near La Jolla Shores Park in San Diego, is a haven for sushi lovers seeking both quality and authenticity. Patrons consistently rave about the fresh, melt-in-your-mouth sushi, with one diner describing it as "some of the best sushi I've had!!" The restaurant prides itself on its creative offerings, such as the vegetable tempura sushi roll and the Mori Crispy appetizer, which have been highlighted as favorites. The ambiance of Sushi Mori is perfect for a romantic dinner or a quick bite, with its modern decor and proximity to the beach adding to its charm. As one review puts it, "Come experience the absolute perfection of an authentic Sushi restaurant!" Sushi Mori promises an unforgettable dining experience with every visit.

6. Rakiraki Convoy

4.7

Exceptional(11)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Kearny Mesa

Booked 4 times today

Dive into the heart of San Diego's Asian culinary scene at Rakiraki Convoy, located in the bustling Kearny Mesa neighborhood. Renowned for its authentic and innovative approach to Japanese cuisine, Rakiraki stands out with its exceptional ramen dishes, crafted by the visionary Chef Junya Watanabe. Patrons rave about the quality and authenticity, with one diner proclaiming it the "best ramen I've ever had!" From the rich, flavorful broths to the perfectly cooked noodles, every bowl promises a delightful experience. Don't miss their signature dishes like the charcoal-fired yakitori and specialty sushi rolls, complemented by an impressive selection of local craft beers and sake. Whether it's the A5 Wagyu edamame or the award-winning kimchi ramen, Rakiraki Convoy delivers an unforgettable dining experience that keeps guests returning for more.

7. Cannonball

4.4

Awesome(1150)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Bay

Booked 19 times today

Cannonball in Mission Bay, Belmont Park, is a gem for Pacific Rim cuisine lovers, offering a stunning fusion of flavors with a breathtaking ocean view. Patrons rave about the "seriously tasty sushi" and the "refreshing craft cocktails," which elevate the dining experience. The restaurant's commitment to culinary creativity shines through in dishes like the life-changing lobster roll and the freshly made sushi rolls, providing an "amazing food" experience as noted by many guests. The atmosphere, paired with "incredible service," makes Cannonball the perfect spot to enjoy the essence of Pacific Rim cuisine while overlooking the scenic Mission Beach. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual outing, Cannonball promises an unforgettable dining adventure with every visit.

A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant

8. Benihana - San Diego, CA

4.0

Excellent(7363)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 153 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.

9. El Sueño

4.0

Excellent(173)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Old Town

Booked 18 times today

El Sueño in Old Town, San Diego, offers an exceptional sushi experience that combines inventive flair with traditional techniques. Diners consistently rave about the quality and creativity of the sushi dishes, highlighting the restaurant as a standout in the area. Reviews praise the "sumptuous sushi rolls" and the vibrant ambiance, creating an inviting atmosphere for sushi enthusiasts. The fusion of sushi with Mexican culinary elements adds a unique twist, making each visit memorable. With glowing testimonials like "the food was awesome from the sushi rolls to the enchiladas," El Sueño is celebrated not only for its quality but also for its innovative approach to sushi. This makes it a must-visit destination for both sushi purists and adventurous diners alike.

10. Botanica

4.6

Exceptional(28)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • North Park

Booked 8 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.

‘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

S
Sheri
Las Vegas •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The Ahi is very fresh. Loved the Ahi bowl. Visited with good friends in a relaxed unhurried environment.
More info
Pacific Catch - La JollaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• La Jolla
•
4.6
S
Stephen
San Diego •21 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 13, 2024
This qualifies as a neighborhood find for us and we are luck to have it. The sushi is wonderful and the service is great. I would describe their menu as delicate; focusing on the wonderful taste of the fish and avoiding heavy sauces. The sauces are excellent, just applied sparingly but sufficiently. Highly recommend.
More info
Sushi MoriPrice: Expensive• Japanese• La Jolla
•
4.7
E
Ed
San Diego •47 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 8, 2024
If you are expecting a typical restaurant meal you will not get it here. If you a looking for a true dining experience I highly recommend Ambrogio by Acquerello. 8 courses of extraordinary food, wine pairings and top notch service. The surprise “breakfast” as the third or fourth course is fun. Playing the “guess the ingredients” game is challenging. Bon appetite.
More info
Ambrogio by AcquerelloPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Italian• La Jolla
•
4.6
S
SHEILAVIP
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 3, 2024
This was our second time here in the past 3 weeks and for sure will not be our last! Our new favorite sushi restaurant in La Jolla by far!
More info
Takaramono sushiPrice: Expensive• Sushi• La Jolla
•
4.8
M
MatthewVIP
New York City •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
The food staff and service not only met but exceeded our expectations. The menu was creative and extremely fairly priced. From the chefs sushi tasting to the rib steak beyond what a hotel restaurant typically offers. Jose, Ken, Mindy & Chris went above and beyond to ensure world class service during our short stay. Can not wait to return.
More info
ArterraPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
•
4.8

Explore OpenTable

University City/Golden Triangle

Japanese

Best Japanese Restaurants in University City/Golden Triangle

Price

Regions

Neighbourhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

18 restaurants available nearby

1. Pacific Catch - La Jolla

2. Takaramono sushi

3. Ambrogio by Acquerello

4. Arterra

5. Sushi Mori

6. Rakiraki Convoy

7. Cannonball

8. Benihana - San Diego, CA

9. El Sueño

10. Botanica

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable