Best of 10 Japanese restaurants in Pacific Beach
Japanese restaurants in Pacific Beach are a foodie's paradise, serving up an array of delectable dishes that showcase the rich flavors and techniques of Japan. These establishments offer an authentic experience, whether you're craving sushi, ramen, or yakitori. With their modern ambiance and friendly service, Japanese restaurants in Pacific Beach are a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of Japan in a vibrant coastal setting.
1. Sushi Ota
Fresh seafood flown in from Japan, owned by a Michelin-starred chef

The cost of dining at Sushi Ota is perceived as expensive by some customers, while others think it's a reasonable price for the high-quality food. Many customers agree that the prices are comparable to other top-tier sushi restaurants.
Sushi Ota is widely regarded as one of the best Japanese restaurants around, known for its fresh and generously-sized slices of sashimi and sushi. The ambiance is clean and unpretentious, with a large sushi bar that allows patrons to watch the chefs at work.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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2. Mister Sushi
Quiet and intimate ambiance, fresh and delicate fish, sake pairing recommendations

Mitta Soosee is a sushi restaurant known for its reasonable prices, friendly staff, and high-quality food. The prices are consistent with the quantity and quality of food offered, making it a great value for customers. The restaurant has a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere, with a focus on providing a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience.
The seaweed salad at Mitta Soosee is particularly noteworthy, with a delicious flavor and fresh ingredients. The restaurant also offers a wide variety of other culinary delights, including a range of sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes. The menu has something for everyone, making it a great choice for groups or for those with specific dietary needs or restrictions. Overall, Mitta Soosee is a excellent choice for anyone looking for delicious, reasonably-priced sushi in a friendly and welcoming environment.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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3. Sushi Kuchi
Freshly grated wasabi, traditional Japanese decor, and locally sourced fish

On a Saturday night, I visited this new sushi restaurant and sat at the sushi bar. The staff greeted us immediately with high energy and friendliness. I ordered the Kobe beef sashimi, which was seasoned and cooked to my preference, adding fresh wasabi that delivered a nice kick. The nigiri combo featured fresh pieces of tuna, salmon, eel, red snapper, ikura, and uni. Despite being a new establishment working out minor issues, food delivery time was reasonable with a pleasant presentation.
I also tried their take-out service, and the order was ready upon arrival, complete with ample sauce, napkins, chopsticks, and ginger. The staff was accommodating with my request for extra ginger. The restaurant was clean, with a lively and happy clientele during my visit. Overall, the sushi was delicious, and their prices were very reasonable, making me consider returning to try their kitchen food and specialty rolls. My experience was satisfying, leaving with a full stomach and a positive impression.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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4. Ichiban PB
Tea ceremony room, traditional Japanese decor, knowledgeable staff

This is a glowing review of a sushi restaurant that offers affordable and quick service. Customers may need to wait in line to place their order, but seating usually becomes available by the time they are ready. The restaurant has impressive lunch deals, including specials on rolls and cooked items.
The sushi spot has a welcoming atmosphere and a friendly staff who are knowledgeable about their food. They provide excellent recommendations to customers and even help them find places to buy specialty ingredients. The food is fresh and served quickly, making it an ideal spot for a quick and delicious meal.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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5. Ramen Ryoma Pacific Beach
Cooked in small batches, Emphasis on locally sourced ingredients

The opening night of the new ramen spot in Pacific Beach is going smoothly, with a friendly and welcoming staff. The community is excited about the replacement of the previous ramen restaurant, as there were no other options in the area. The diverse menu did not disappoint, with three out of four guests enjoying their unique ramen choices.
In addition to the ramen, I opted for two sushi rolls and a pork belly bun, all of which were satisfying and delicious. The takoyaki, consisting of battered octopus and an egg tartar, was a standout dish that I would highly recommend. Overall, the new ramen spot has proven to be a great addition to the Pacific Beach food scene, offering a variety of tasty options for all types of cravings.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
- Dinner
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6. PB Sushi
Small, cozy spot with a relaxed atmosphere

PB Sushi is a notable sushi restaurant that stands out amongst its competitors. During specific daytime hours, the restaurant offers a 20% discount on all items. The menu includes a variety of traditional and fusion-style sushi rolls, which are generously proportioned and reasonably priced. One of their most popular dishes is the baked salmon roll, which is delightfully flavorful.
The spicy tuna roll with albacore on top is another customer favorite. The sushi at PB Sushi is always fresh and delicious, leaving guests highly satisfied. The restaurant's guests often recommend PB Sushi for its excellent quality and value. Overall, PB Sushi provides a great sushi experience, and its affordability makes it an even more attractive option for sushi lovers.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Dinner
7. Wasabi Sushi
Attentive service, fresh ingredients, beautiful plating

Wasabi Sushi, located at 2662 Garnet Ave in San Diego, is a popular sushi spot that catches the eye with its prominent sign as soon as you turn off the highway. The restaurant prides itself on serving fresh fish, and the prices are reportedly reasonable. Customers consistently mention the friendly and accommodating staff as a highlight of their dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
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8. Izakaya Pacific Beach
Beachside location, live music on weekends, pet-friendly patio

The tapas at this establishment are exceptional, as enthusiastically enjoyed by a group of four hungry diners. The service was commendable, with quick and attentive staff. Prices were also found to be reasonable, making for a satisfying dining experience. Even if one inadvertently fills up, the ice cream sampler is highly recommended for a fitting end to the meal.
Moving on to the pork belly, it is a must-try dish at this restaurant. The quality of the dishes, including the pork belly, were outstanding and highly satisfying. Despite being full, the ice cream sampler is a worthy choice for those wishing to indulge in a little more.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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9. Zen 5 in Pacific Beach
Offers happy hour specials and a variety of vegan options

Pompano Beach, Florida, is home to an affordable and pleasant sushi restaurant, particularly on Tuesdays when they offer specials. This establishment is not only popular among beachgoers and locals but also prides itself as a great spot for sushi lovers looking for decent dishes at reasonable prices.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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10. Temakeria San Diego in Pacific Beach
Authentic Japanese cuisine with a California twist
Temakeria San Diego is an excellent restaurant that offers a unique fusion of Brazilian and Japanese flavors, especially in their hand rolls. The fish used in the hand rolls is always fresh, elevating the flavors and making for a delightful dining experience. The hand rolls are not only delicious but also affordable, making it an ideal spot for anyone looking to try something new or for seafood lovers.
The portions served at Temakeria San Diego are generous, and the fish used in their dishes is consistently fresh. Among their offerings, the salmon with cream cheese and grilled salmon with teriyaki are two standout favorites. Temakeria San Diego is highly recommended for people who want to enjoy a great dining experience that offers a unique combination of flavors and fresh seafood at a reasonable price.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Social Gatherings
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