Sushi Deli [One] (Hillcrest)
228 W. Washington, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 231-9597
This was one of the first sushi places the two of us went to in SD (when it used to be downtown on Broadway and 11th). It was a hole in the wall place with 7-10 tables, but as we've come to discover, these locales typically have the best fare. A couple years later it moved to a new address - off of Washington in Hillcrest - sporting more room and updated decor. The food took a dip in tastiness, but I reasoned the Sushi-Yas hadn't quite broken in the kitchen yet.
Sushi Deli Too (Downtown, Broadway and 2nd)
135 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 233-3072
When our SD friends call up and say "we're going to get sushi", this was the understood location unless otherwise specified. On Thursday and Friday nights, it was usually about a 45min wait for a 4-6 person table, but it was oh so worth it. The staff is incredibly friendly, and the seasonal specials are always fantastic! Regardless of whether it's your first time, or your 10th time, get the sake sampler ... and don't forget to drink what's in the saucers! Served cold (what you drink your sake warm?!), this is the middle to top shelf stuff, and will be the smoothest form of rice to hit your palette. Sip, eat a roll, and sip again and be amazed at the changing flavor.
Sushi Itto (by Horton Plaza, Downtown)
409 F St, San Diego
Edo Sushi (UTC, Renaissance Plaza)
8895 Towne Centre Dr # 100A, San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 457-4455
I've been here a total of about 4 times, but each time the rolls were delicious and the atmosphere was quiet and almost personal. I thought the hours were a little funky, although that could have been our fault trying to get a sushi lunch at 2:30pm.
Sushi -n- Joy (Oceanside)
2530 Vista Way, Suite J,Oceanside, 92054
760-721-1888
So technically, this place isn't in San Diego, but we've been here at least twice a year. Since our close friends Jared and Joy would frequent this place far more regularly, we would always get regal treatment. The tradition had always been strawberry picking in Carlsbad, followed by a round or putt-putt, and rounding out the night with a hearty sushi dinner with plenty of Sapporo and sake. One particular instance I can remember is following a particularly large meal (that ended up costing around $200 for 12 people) we were surprised with three platters of seared Ahi tuna and mochi, on the house! I think, we left them a $100 tip that night.
