Thanks to the city’s thriving and historic Japanese community, as well as its proximity to seafood fresh from the Pacific, San Diego Japanese Restaurants have a lot to offer hungry visitors. Overlapping with the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego’s traditional Nihonmachi, or Japanese neighborhood, is still home to plenty of seafood and sushi joints amid the quaint, scenic tourist sites. Further afield in Kearny Mesa, diners find a wealth of ramen restaurants and robatas, as well as the bustling Mitsuwa Marketplace, a self-contained shopping mall full of lunch spots, bakeries, Japanese groceries, and appliances. Though the city has its share of fancy Japanese eateries, be sure not to overlook hidden gems such as Pacific Beach’s Sushi Ota, whose unassuming strip-mall location belies its status as one of the best sushi restaurants in San Diego.
With a wide sushi menu, this restaurant offers everything from traditional rice rolls to sushi baked in the oven
Japanese restaurant serves udon noodles, veggies, and meats in variety of soups such as sukiyaki, miso, or spicy broth
Specialty sushi rolls share menu space with classic noodle dishes, hibachi, and teriyaki dishes
Japanese entrees such as hibachi steak and chicken katsu; sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls full of shrimp tempura and spicy crab
Fresh ingredients elegantly arranged into creative sushi rolls in a simple, understated dining room decorated with paper lanterns
Japanese entrees such as hibachi steak and chicken katsu; sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls full of shrimp tempura and spicy crab
Japanese restaurant with traditional and speciality sushi including the Bruce Lee, Godzilla, and Jackie Chan rolls
Diners choose their choice of broth, dipping sauce, and ingredients at this Szechuan-style hotpot diner
A menu that features favorites from cultures like Chinese and Mongolian backgrounds, along with an American favorite: fried chicken
Prime rib and Alaskan king crab weigh down tables in a glitzy dining room that Bing Crosby and Clark Gable frequented in the 1940s
Take in coastal views while dining on Alaskan and dungeness crab, Maine lobster, and prime steaks
Catering to large groups and big appetites, this Chinese restaurant serves family-style meals and generous portions for individual dishes
Chicago-themed independent restaurant serving up deep dish pizza, hot Italian beef roasted in house
Pitas stuffed with meat, veggies, and breakfast fixings and topped with sauces
Baristas serve organic coffee and healthy foods including acai bowls
The Melting Pot Gaslamp and La Jolla: Fondue and meats to be cooked fondue-style at the table, including filet mignon & herb-crusted chicken
A menu of South Indian cuisine includes several gluten-free and vegan curries, such as chana masala and chicken vindaloo
Customers can step back in time with a classic diner serving grilled sandwiches, burgers, milkshakes, and all-day breakfast
Regional takes on hot dogs and sausages, such as a spicy Thai currywurst with spicy basil aioli or a smoked bacon wrapped dog
At Fiori’s Pizza, diners sample the eatery’s specialty pies, like the pesto pizza that’s topped with artichoke hearts and black olives
Crispy, fried white meat, dark meat, and Cajun-style chicken sided with a biscuit
Casual Greek cuisine including gyros, kebabs, and loaded fries topped with gyro meat and feta cheese
Chef from the Mediterranean region prepares specialties from his homeland, including seven varieties of hummus and grilled meat kebabs
Enjoy margaritas and Latin American fare including burritos and quesadillas at this new Gaslamp Quarter taco bar
This famed burger joint is known for their 50/50 patty, which includes 50% ground beef and 50% ground bacon
Vietnamese counter-serve with traditional dishes like bani mi sandwiches and pho bowls, as well as Hawaiian-style shaved ice
This casual restaurant specializes in citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken, which goes into healthy salads and traditional Mexican fare
Ethically sourced beans go into the gourmet coffee at this locally owned shop, which also makes cake donuts loaded with sweet toppings
Chefs prepare Italian and American cafe options with an oceanview
Long-running pizza joint kneads homemade dough, topping it with specialty sauces, gourmet toppings, and fresh-cut veggies