Best Japanese Restaurants in National City

21 restaurants available nearby

1. Nobu San Diego

4.5

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 46 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

2. Roy's San Diego Waterfront

4.4

Awesome(3642)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 19 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.

A photo of Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

3. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(1725)

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.

4. Lumi

4.6

Exceptional(680)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 34 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. Cloak + Petal

4.6

Exceptional(947)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Little Italy

Booked 48 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.

6. Craft Bar Kamon

4.9

Exceptional(183)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 21 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 Zama Restaurant & Bar restaurant

7. Zama Restaurant & Bar

4.1

Excellent(283)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 20 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.

A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant

8. Benihana - San Diego, CA

4.1

Excellent(7323)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 118 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. AKA San Diego

new

3.4

Very Good(38)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 14 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

10. Full Moon Sushi Kitchen Bar and Lounge

4.5

Awesome(394)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 19 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

D
Denise
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had a wonderful waitress and cook. Delicious food and variety! Our big complaint - we had a 7:15 reservation and were seated at 7:45, we were served soup and salad quickly- 8:00-8:15. But the cook did not make it to our teppanyaki table until 10:00pm. If we had known we would be eating at 10pm on a 7:15 reservation we would not have seated. Tables seated after us had a cook before us. They kept promising us that the cook was coming, and then other tables would get a cook, but not us. the discrepancy was never explained. We were given a free appetizer of edamame while we waited. It was Thanksgiving, so it was very crowded at the restaurant. Still we would go back on a non-Holiday because when we did get service, it was great and the food was delicious.
More info
Benihana - San Diego, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Mission Valley
•
4.1
L
Leslie
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The Friendsgiving meal was absolutely delightful! The happy hour was a highlight, particularly the mouthwatering oysters. Outstanding service and delicious food made it a memorable experience!
More info
Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San DiegoPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown
•
4.6
M
Martinvip
San Francisco Bay Area •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had a great experience at Nobu. Our server helped us craft a menu to try all the favorites. Everything was perfectly prepared.
More info
Nobu San DiegoPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
•
4.5
M
Michael
Berlin •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Recommend to sit at the bar with a Sushi chef! Great food and nice staff
More info
Cloak + PetalPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Little Italy
•
4.6
J
Jonvip
Atlanta Metro •18 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 21, 2024
Incredible place w great unique food and creative fresh cocktails. One of my favorite places on the West coast. Servers are very helpful explaining the drinks and dishes. Highly recommend for any occasion.
More info
LumiPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
•
4.6

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Best Japanese Restaurants in National City

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21 restaurants available nearby

1. Nobu San Diego

2. Roy's San Diego Waterfront

3. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4. Lumi

5. Cloak + Petal

6. Craft Bar Kamon

7. Zama Restaurant & Bar

8. Benihana - San Diego, CA

9. AKA San Diego

10. Full Moon Sushi Kitchen Bar and Lounge

See what locals rave about

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