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✔️Breakfast ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out
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Hours
| Friday | 11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–10 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–10 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–10 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 4706 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117
Phone: (858) 246-6903
Website: http://eenamisd.com/
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EE NAMI Tonkatsu Izakaya
Bringing real flavor of Osaka, Western Japan to San Diego, California. Serving deep fried pork cutlet and seafood called “Tonkatsu” and Japanese Izakaya-style …
Menu – EE NAMI Tonkatsu Izakaya
4706 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92117. Dine-in, take out, and delivery available. Reservations on Tock. Tues-Sat: Lunch & Dinner. Sun-Mon: Closed.
Dinner Menu – EE NAMI Tonkatsu Izakaya
4706 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92117. Dine-in, take out, and delivery available. Reservations on Tock. Tues-Sat: Lunch & Dinner. Sun-Mon: Closed.
Reviews
Rina
I ordered the pork cutlet combo and chose the fillet, and it was really good — crispy on the outside and tender inside. They’re open for both lunch and dinner, which is convenient. With tip, it came out to about ¥5,000. You pay what you need to pay to enjoy good Japanese food in the States, and this place is worth it.
… moreTy Jones
This neighborhood gem is the best Japanese restaurant in San Diego.
I’ve been hitting Ee Nami for five years now, and at this point, Chef Jumon might as well start charging me rent. The Osaka-raised restaurateur has built something that shouldn’t exist in San Diego – an actual izakaya that doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard to be an actual izakaya.
Jumon was raised in restaurants, and it shows. The man understands that comfort food transcends translation. His pork tonkatsu is the main event here: thick cuts of pork wrapped in clouds of artisan panko, fried until the coating shatters at first bite while the meat stays impossibly tender. The katsu curry looks like something Miyazaki animated after a dream – deeply savory, warming, with just enough heat to remind you it’s there. You take a bite and suddenly you’re nostalgic for a childhood you never had in Osaka.
But focusing only on the pork would be criminal negligence. The sashimi rotation stays fresh, the small plates range from crispy cucumbers that somehow justify their existence to salads with tons of character and bite to Hokkaido scallops that make you reconsider your relationship with seafood. The rice bowls have become my cold-day emotional support system; portable comfort that travels the three blocks back to my place without losing its soul.
What keeps me coming back (besides proximity to Barrio Danos) is that Jumon treats the menu like a living document. New specials materialize, sake selections rotate, and they’re constantly tweaking the space to feel more lived-in and throwing great community events that you need to follow their Instagram for. The staff and service has that rare quality of actually seeming happy to be there – most have been around for years, which in restaurant years is basically geological time.
After five years, Ee Nami has become less of a restaurant and more of an inevitability for me; I always bring friends here when they’re visiting town. It’s the rare place that delivers on the promise of transported authenticity without the theatrical exhaustion.
Jumon built a proper izakaya in San Diego, and somehow made it feel like it was always supposed to be here.
Kanpai!!
… moreI’ve been hitting Ee Nami for five years now, and at this point, Chef Jumon might as well start charging me rent. The Osaka-raised restaurateur has built something that shouldn’t exist in San Diego – an actual izakaya that doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard to be an actual izakaya.
Jumon was raised in restaurants, and it shows. The man understands that comfort food transcends translation. His pork tonkatsu is the main event here: thick cuts of pork wrapped in clouds of artisan panko, fried until the coating shatters at first bite while the meat stays impossibly tender. The katsu curry looks like something Miyazaki animated after a dream – deeply savory, warming, with just enough heat to remind you it’s there. You take a bite and suddenly you’re nostalgic for a childhood you never had in Osaka.
But focusing only on the pork would be criminal negligence. The sashimi rotation stays fresh, the small plates range from crispy cucumbers that somehow justify their existence to salads with tons of character and bite to Hokkaido scallops that make you reconsider your relationship with seafood. The rice bowls have become my cold-day emotional support system; portable comfort that travels the three blocks back to my place without losing its soul.
What keeps me coming back (besides proximity to Barrio Danos) is that Jumon treats the menu like a living document. New specials materialize, sake selections rotate, and they’re constantly tweaking the space to feel more lived-in and throwing great community events that you need to follow their Instagram for. The staff and service has that rare quality of actually seeming happy to be there – most have been around for years, which in restaurant years is basically geological time.
After five years, Ee Nami has become less of a restaurant and more of an inevitability for me; I always bring friends here when they’re visiting town. It’s the rare place that delivers on the promise of transported authenticity without the theatrical exhaustion.
Jumon built a proper izakaya in San Diego, and somehow made it feel like it was always supposed to be here.
Kanpai!!
Peng Tang
Rare. Authentic tonkatsu in the area. Tonkatsu is the reason to be at EE Nami. Miso is just average though. Grounded sesame seeds is missing. No refill of rice and shredded cabbage. Average $30-35+/pax.
Uniqueness: 9
Value: 7
Experience: 8
… moreUniqueness: 9
Value: 7
Experience: 8
Derek Valenzuela
If you’re a fan of authentic Japanese comfort food, look no further than EE NAMI Tonkatsu lzakaya. Their katsu is truly a standout — perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. Each bite had the ideal balance of crunch and flavor, with the breading light and not overly greasy.
The premium kurobuta pork loin katsu curry was fried to golden perfection and served with a heaping portion of fluffy white rice. Along with the shrimp katsu coupled with fresh shredded cabbage salad, and a rich, tangy sauce that tied it all together beautifully. Portions were generous, and presentation was clean and inviting.
Service was fast and friendly, and the atmosphere felt cozy and perfect setting for enjoying a comforting meal. Whether you’re a katsu enthusiast or trying it for the first time, EE NAMI Tonkatsu lzakaya delivers a truly satisfying experience.
What really sets this place apart is the owner, Jumon. You can truly feel the passion and care he puts into every dish and every customer experience. His warm and welcoming attitude makes you feel right at home. Thank you, Jumon, for making every visit memorable!
A must-visit for katsu lovers!
… moreThe premium kurobuta pork loin katsu curry was fried to golden perfection and served with a heaping portion of fluffy white rice. Along with the shrimp katsu coupled with fresh shredded cabbage salad, and a rich, tangy sauce that tied it all together beautifully. Portions were generous, and presentation was clean and inviting.
Service was fast and friendly, and the atmosphere felt cozy and perfect setting for enjoying a comforting meal. Whether you’re a katsu enthusiast or trying it for the first time, EE NAMI Tonkatsu lzakaya delivers a truly satisfying experience.
What really sets this place apart is the owner, Jumon. You can truly feel the passion and care he puts into every dish and every customer experience. His warm and welcoming attitude makes you feel right at home. Thank you, Jumon, for making every visit memorable!
A must-visit for katsu lovers!
Steve D
PARKING: Free! And while mostly full, there always seems to be a few open spaces.
RESERVATION: Pretty much required here. We made reservation for seating when they open on weekdays evening, and we’re clearly told we would need to leave by 7PM, when the table was reserved.
FOOD: Everything served is delicious, and was very hot – as in be careful, it’s hot! Meats are juicy and full of natural flavor, as if organic. Meats are perfectly cooked, presented well, and not smothered in sauces. Speaking of sauces, all were delicious. The rice was room temperature, which is great for sushi, but was expecting it to be warmer. The pickled items were just right, as was the hot mustard, and ginger.
SERVICE: Service was fast for ordering and food to table delivery. Two of the waiters were a bit on the “cold” side, but were efficient. The female waitress was very accommodating, friendly, and brought a good vibe to the table.
RETURN? Yes, I will return because I really want to try their curry!
PS – The plum wine with soda is just wonderful! Gotta try it!
… moreRESERVATION: Pretty much required here. We made reservation for seating when they open on weekdays evening, and we’re clearly told we would need to leave by 7PM, when the table was reserved.
FOOD: Everything served is delicious, and was very hot – as in be careful, it’s hot! Meats are juicy and full of natural flavor, as if organic. Meats are perfectly cooked, presented well, and not smothered in sauces. Speaking of sauces, all were delicious. The rice was room temperature, which is great for sushi, but was expecting it to be warmer. The pickled items were just right, as was the hot mustard, and ginger.
SERVICE: Service was fast for ordering and food to table delivery. Two of the waiters were a bit on the “cold” side, but were efficient. The female waitress was very accommodating, friendly, and brought a good vibe to the table.
RETURN? Yes, I will return because I really want to try their curry!
PS – The plum wine with soda is just wonderful! Gotta try it!
ryant lee
I can’t say enough about EE Nami. I love the food and the service there. We try to try different things from the menu when we come and everything is really tasty. They fry everything perfectly. I personally love their tonkatsu sauce, it has great flavor and makes their tonkatsu pop.
Great sake selection as well and the servers have great recommendations. Their appetizers were also very good.
If you dine in the patio they also allow dogs!
… moreGreat sake selection as well and the servers have great recommendations. Their appetizers were also very good.
If you dine in the patio they also allow dogs!
Rosina Su
This tonkatsu spot is a must-visit for me every time I’m in San Diego!
The pork cutlet is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside. The shrimp tempura is also fresh and flavorful.
The white rice meets expectations, though the miso soup is pretty average.
I wish the salad dressing had options like Japanese sesame or yuzu vinaigrette — it would’ve enhanced the flavors.
Highly recommend making a reservation, as the wait can be quite long without one.
… moreThe pork cutlet is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside. The shrimp tempura is also fresh and flavorful.
The white rice meets expectations, though the miso soup is pretty average.
I wish the salad dressing had options like Japanese sesame or yuzu vinaigrette — it would’ve enhanced the flavors.
Highly recommend making a reservation, as the wait can be quite long without one.
Eric
Outstanding to katsu restaurant! I love tonkatsu, especially katsu curry, and this place didn’t disappoint. The katsu was one of the crispiest and most tender I’ve had in recent memory. The curry flavor was classically delicious and complimented the pork perfectly. The apps we got were excellent and service was on point. Prices were reasonable and plenty of parking. 10/10 recommend, will be back!
… moreDaylan (Pyril Fox Fire)
Amazing place with a great selection! Everything has a unique flavor and the atmosphere was relaxing. Unfortunately we left still somewhat hungry with all the food we ordered. Along with that, without a reservation we had a 45 minute wait.
… moreSiria Camacho
We couldn’t make a reservation because it was fully booked, but we got there soon after they opened. It gets very busy, so be aware of that. We waited 1 hour to be seated, but it was worth it. The waitresses were polite and welcoming. We didn’t have to wait long before our food arrived. It’s one of the best katsu curry we have had. The pork is crispy and tender! The curry had pieces of pork, which added extra flavor and depth. I highly recommend this place.
… more