San Diego Guide to Sushi

Just minutes from the Pacific Ocean, it’s an understatement to say that San Diego caters to fish lovers – with a crustacean obsession, every neighborhood in the county has its own favorite sushi place and specialty sushi roll to try.

Harney Sushi – It’s got the dance tracks of a downtown club and a sushi bar of a Japanese hole in the wall, but Harney Sushi in Old Town is anything but either of those – it’s merely a moderately scaled, popular sushi restaurant that acts like a dance club with some true sushi treats. The line is constantly out the door and the mood lighting is always one notch below too dark, but that hasn’t stopped patrons from gorging on huge quantities of such unique rolls as the Flaming Lip or Vitname-so-Harney.

Yu Me Ya – While it might not technically serve what most people would call “sushi,” this small Leucadia restaurant is home to the area’s largest sake stash and well-versed sake pourers, each with its own story and a well-versed memory from each staff. There might be a few menu items that you can scrap up to call “sushi,” aka some raw fish pieces or whatnot, but the real treat here is that it isn’t like all the typical sushi places you’ve been to before – embrace the change and you’ll never look back.

Sushi on the Rock- Even with it’s location change, the ever popular Sushi on the Rock wines and dines some of La Jolla’s elite, offering up some of the most prime cuts of salmon, yellowtail, tuna and more. With it’s bright ambiance and ocean terrace view, Sushi on the Rock’s extensive menu doesn’t just limit itself to straight up sushi, begging customers to ponder going raw or cooked. Either way you’ll be thoroughly impressed, and with an ocean view and great names (like the Slippery When Wet), what more can you ask for?

Sushi Deli- This is the ultimate hot spot for college students and entry-level workers. Why? It might be because of the great sushi, but it’s probably because of the great prices – just another average sushi joint, the Sushi Deli has become a San Diego staple (offering up three locations) because of it’s low, low prices. Sushi for two is about the same price as two specialty rolls at some of your favorite, high-end locations. Though there’s always a wait and never offers reservations that hasn’t stopped the crowd from returning.

RA Sushi- The key to eating at downtown’s RA Sushi is to head to the red and black interior during happy hour. Without this small window, you’d be paying a mighty buck or two – but thanks to the extensive happy hour, which includes drinks, most appetizers and several classic sushi rolls, you’ll be feeding fancy for a reasonable price. What’s even more sensatious about this Gaslamp location is just that – it is in Gaslamp. Drink up and head down Broadway for a post-dinner drink at one of the nurmous bars around the corner from the restaurant.

Aloha Sushi- If you never thought that clubbing and sushi went together, think again. Aloha Sushi powerfully combines the world of downtown clubbing with some simple, moderately priced sushi rolls and dishes that offer up a night on the town…in La Jolla. So it might not be the area’s biggest clubbing spot, but with outdoor lounges and comfortable patio furniture, you’ll forget all about that downtown breeze when you enjoy Aloha’s signature rolls on top of their white sofas. With a casual atmosphere and a ‘take your time’ service attitude, you’ll never want to say ‘aloha!’