Best of 12 Hibachi restaurants in San Diego
Hibachi restaurants in San Diego are a must-visit for any food lover. These establishments offer a unique dining experience, combining delicious Japanese-inspired cuisine with a thrilling teppanyaki-style cooking show. Skilled chefs prepare meals right at your table, using traditional hibachi grills to create a variety of dishes, from succulent steak and chicken to fresh seafood and vegetables. With their entertaining atmosphere and mouth-watering food, Hibachi restaurants in San Diego are a perfect choice for a night out with family or friends.
1. Benihana
Teppanyaki-style cooking with fresh ingredients

Multiple parties had made reservations for different time slots, but some guests faced delays before being seated. Upon being seated, some customers found their tables in an unclean state and received inattentive or impolite service from the staff.
A disappointed customer shared a disturbing dining experience, where a spider descended from the restaurant's ventilation system onto their plates while they were being prepared. Additionally, the customer noted the overall filthiness of the establishment and the discovery of bugs on raw food items. Due to this experience, they vowed never to return to this particular Benihana location.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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2. Shogun Restaurant
Interactive dining experience, Skilled chefs with entertaining shows

Shogun Restaurant offers a fantastic hibachi dining experience. The chefs at Shogun are highly skilled, providing a fun and interactive atmosphere for customers. They cook the food to perfection, ensuring every dish is delicious and satisfying.
At Shogun, customers can enjoy a unique and engaging dining experience. The restaurant is known for its talented chefs who skillfully prepare meals right in front of the customers. One chef, in particular, excels in creating a delicious vegan roll, catering to customers with dietary restrictions.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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3. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
Interactive teppanyaki grill dining, entertaining performance by chefs

During my initial visit to Gyu-Kaku, I had a mixed experience with the food. The restaurant is unique in that it brings uncooked meat to your table, which you then cook on a grill in its center. The menu offers various flavors of beef, poultry, pork, and seafood, all of which are marinated. Along with your meat selection, you can order a side of rice and an assortment of vegetables, which are wrapped in foil for grilling.
Despite the interesting cooking experience and decent flavor, I was not completely satisfied with Gyu-Kaku. I found the portions to be rather small given the high cost, which, in my opinion, did not justify the value. Although some dishes stood out as good, others were only average. I went in with high expectations, but ultimately left feeling disappointed.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Hidden Gems
4. Yoshino's Japanese Restaurant
Interactive teppanyaki grills, Wide variety of Japanese dishes

Yoshino's Japanese restaurant is worth a visit and deserves five stars. It has been a family restaurant since the 1970s, although ownership has changed over the years. The current ownership lacks the warm and intimate atmosphere that the original owner, Mrs. Yoshino, provided. However, the food remains down-to-earth and delicious, offering a foundational experience with Japanese cuisine. I would recommend it to anyone, especially Americans who have not been to Japan.
Yoshino's may not be the most luxurious restaurant, but that is part of its charm. It offers classic and high-quality sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes. Although the tea was not remarkable, the food makes up for it. I would highly recommend Yoshino's to anyone seeking authentic Japanese cuisine, as it provides a foundational experience that is both classic and delicious.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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5. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
Interactive Hibachi cooking show, wide selection of premium meats, and lively atmosphere

The menu offered numerous gluten-free options, all clearly labeled for convenience. Meat dishes were enjoyable and flavorful, but it's recommended to use the sauce to further enhance the taste. The dining experience was positive and satisfying.
Gluten-free choices were abundant on the menu, ensuring easy identification with clear markings. Regarding the food, the meats stood out for their quality, and adding sauce further elevated their flavor. Satisfaction with the dining experience was high due to the tasty food and clear labeling of gluten-free options.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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6. Chiba Japanese
Interactive teppanyaki-style cooking

The food at this establishment is outstanding, with sushi being a particularly impressive dish. The ingredients used are top-notch, and the preparation is clearly done by professionals. The udon is also worth mentioning, as it is some of the best that can be found on this side of the Pacific.
The service at this place is equally impressive, with the entire staff providing excellent service. The food is not only delicious, but it is also brought to the table by a staff that is attentive and helpful. This combination of terrific, fair, and delicious food and amazing service makes for a dining experience that is sure to be enjoyed again and again.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
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7. Osaka Japanese Food & Sushi
Teppanyaki-style cooking, wide variety of fresh seafood

The service at this establishment is a mixed bag. Some customers have had positive experiences with friendly and helpful staff, while others have reported poor customer service, with servers being described as rude. It's clear that there is a lack of consistency in the level of service provided.
The sushi at this restaurant is reasonably priced and offers a wide variety of options, making it a good choice for those looking for an affordable meal. The menu is extensive, and the sushi has a nostalgic feel to it. Overall, the sushi is of average to good quality, making it a popular choice for many customers.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Mid-Range
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8. Tsuruhashi Japanese BBQ
Interactive dining experience, entertaining teppanyaki shows, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Tsuruhashi Japanese BBQ is a dining establishment that offers an enjoyable and unique experience, allowing customers to grill their own meat on tabletop BBQs. The presence of Japanese customers and the constant busyness of the restaurant are good indicators of its quality.
The restaurant is known for its top-notch food quality, sourcing wagyu and Kobe beef from Snake River Farms. Along with excellent food, Tsuruhashi Japanese BBQ also boasts exceptional staff service. The atmosphere of the restaurant is cozy and bustling, providing a lively and enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
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9. Negihama Sushi Bar & Grill
Interactive dining experience, teppanyaki-style cooking

Sushi restaurant provides a pleasant and fresh dining experience, although the sushi is not entirely authentic. The presentation of the food is visually appealing, and the staff is welcoming and kind to customers.
During the meal, diners can enjoy a variety of unique sauces to complement the sushi. One sauce, in particular, stands out - the "pinche" sauce. It is a flavorful addition, unlike any typical sushi condiment. The sauce has a nice kick, adding an unexpected and enjoyable twist to the traditional sushi meal. Overall, the restaurant offers a memorable and delicious sushi experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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10. Robataya Oton
Warm and interactive dining experience

Robataya Oton is a highly recommended hibachi restaurant known for its delicious food and authentic atmosphere. The restaurant offers a unique hibachi experience, using fresh ingredients to create mouth-watering dishes. The cozy and intimate setting makes it an ideal location for a special occasion.
Diners can enjoy a variety of hibachi dishes, all prepared with the freshest ingredients. The skilled chefs cook the food right in front of guests, providing an entertaining and engaging dining experience. The menu features a range of options, from classic hibachi fare to more adventurous dishes. The authenticity of the restaurant, combined with the quality of the food and the skilled chefs, make Robataya Oton a standout choice for anyone looking for a memorable hibachi experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
- Social Gatherings
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11. Tomodachi Sushi Bar & Restaurant
Interactive and entertaining hibachi chefs

This dining establishment is known for its consistently friendly service and affordably priced, delicious food. For those who love sushi, this restaurant is a must-visit in SoCal. The Peter roll, in particular, is a standout, featuring soft-shelled crab and a mouthwatering orange sauce. The Volcano roll is another favorite, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Whether you're a local of Campbell or just visiting the area, this sushi spot is definitely worth checking out. The fast and friendly service makes for an enjoyable dining experience, and the food is consistently delicious. If you're a sushi fan, you won't be disappointed with the selection and quality of rolls offered here. It's highly recommended to try this place out and see for yourself why it's a local favorite.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Fusion Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Dinner
12. Suki Hana
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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