Best Japanese Restaurants in La Mesa

18 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill restaurant

1. Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • La Mesa

Booked 27 times today

Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill in La Mesa is celebrated for its exceptional Sushi cuisine, consistently wowing diners with its freshness and creativity. Patrons rave about the "amazing freshness" of the sushi and the "beautiful presentation," making each visit a culinary delight. Known for its hospitable service and a vibrant atmosphere that blends traditional Japanese design with modern aesthetics, Banbu Sushi is a favorite among locals. Highlights such as the "ultimate hamachi roll" and the visually stunning "tiger lilly" roll are often mentioned, with guests praising the unique flavors and the quality of ingredients. The glowing testimonials, such as "Best sushi I've ever had!" and "Every time I come here, the service is amazing," underscore why Banbu Sushi is a must-visit for sushi lovers in San Diego.

A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant

2. Benihana - San Diego, CA

4.0

Excellent(7385)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 168 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. Nobu San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(3746)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

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.

A photo of Roy's San Diego Waterfront restaurant

4. Roy's San Diego Waterfront

4.3

Awesome(3670)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 35 times today

At Roy's San Diego Waterfront, the seafood isn't just a dish; it's a culinary adventure. Nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego at the Marriott Hotel and Marina, Roy's offers a breathtaking view of the marina that complements its exceptional seafood offerings. Renowned for blending classic techniques with adventurous Pacific Rim flavors, the restaurant has been a beacon of culinary innovation since its inception. Guests rave about dishes like the "Chilean sea bass," described as "outstanding," and the "lobster bisque" hailed as "the best anywhere." The freshness of the seafood is a testament to the care and passion that goes into each dish, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience that keeps diners returning for more. Whether it's the "perfectly cooked" scallops or the praised "Canoe Appetizer," each bite is a celebration of quality and flavor at Roy's.

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.

6. Cloak + Petal

4.6

Exceptional(964)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Little Italy

Booked 77 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.

7. Lumi

4.6

Exceptional(687)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

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.

8. Craft Bar Kamon

4.8

Exceptional(189)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

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 Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

9. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(1736)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Downtown

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.

10. AKA San Diego

new

3.8

Excellent(59)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

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.

‘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

R
RodVIP
Chicago / Illinois •683 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Thurs 7pm seated promptly. Decided to sit inside, tad chilly/breezy outside despite heat lamps. Delicious food & fantastic service from our waitress Amanda. Another enjoyable dining experience!
More info
Roy's San Diego WaterfrontPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
•
4.3
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
•
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
D
Dominique
San Diego •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 20, 2024
Service was spectacular! Also the seasonal menu is so well executed. The food comes out exactly as described in the menu and tastes great. I really have no complaints other than, if you’re trying to catch up with friends it’s a tad bit noisy for table conversation.
More info
Banbu Sushi Bar & GrillPrice: Expensive• Seafood• La Mesa
•
4.5
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 La Mesa

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18 restaurants available nearby

1. Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill

2. Benihana - San Diego, CA

3. Nobu San Diego

4. Roy's San Diego Waterfront

5. Botanica

6. Cloak + Petal

7. Lumi

8. Craft Bar Kamon

9. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

10. AKA San Diego

See what locals rave about

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