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✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
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Nestled in the heart of downtown San Diego, this hidden gem offers a serene and inviting private sushi bar. Step inside and embark on a Japanese “和 (WA)” time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Chef MARU’s traditional yet creative omakase course will tantalize your taste buds for two hours, featuring a delightful assortment of sushi and warm dishes made with fresh, seasonal fish and ingredients. Experience the art of Japanese hospitality, known as “Omotenashi,” as you interact with the friendly Chef MARU and his team. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience that will stimulate your senses and leave you with a lasting impression. Reservation only, limited to 12 seatings by sushi counter per session.
Hours
| Friday | 5–10:30 PM |
| Saturday | 5–10:30 PM |
| Sunday | 5–10:30 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5–10:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5–10:30 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1345 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: https://marusushisd.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: exploretock.com
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Related Web Results
Omakase: Experience Authentic Sushi in San Diego • Sushi MARU SD
Taste the best of omakase at Chef MARU’s private sushi bar. Experience Japanese hospitality and fresh ingredients.
Sushi Maru (@sushi_maru_sd) · San Diego, CA – Instagram
We are thrilled to be recognized as San Diego Magazine’s “2025 Best Sushi Restaurant”! It has been an incredible year since our opening last April.
Menu – Sushi MARU SD
1345 Third Ave. San Diego, CA 92101. E-mail [email protected]. Hours Wednesday–Sunday 1st seating: 5:30pm 2nd seating: 8:00pm. Follow Us. Instagram logo …
Reviews
Jeremy Wong
Heard about this place from a friend and was not disappointed! They have two set dinner services so you have to make a reservation in advance. Small restaurant with an inconspicuous entrance that just says “Maru” on the door. Walking in, you are greeted and taken to your designated seat(s). Darker, upscale-looking interior. Countertop seating with about 14 seats. The waitress gave us a drink menu to look over and offered suggestions based on our preferences. We got the Hon Kid sake which was light and sweet. Chef Maru welcomed us in and began the service, briefly describing each course one by one. The wait staff would clean our “eating block” after each nigiri and clear our dishes between each course as needed. Large variety in seafood and dishes, and the ingredients were all very quality and fresh. Chef Maru and one waitress took the time to get to know the diners, which made the experience more personable. Everything was prepared and seasoned wonderfully! Finished the night with dessert, which was hojicha ice cream with a strawberry – the ice cream was creamy and the flavor was nutty and warm. Would very much recommend for a special occasion!
… moreRegal Randy
Wow is this place a trip. Very expensive but worth the price. I would go again in a heartbeat. Fun atmosphere. For big eaters this isn’t really the place to go as the food is very high quality and priced accordingly, so dont expect an all you can eat buffet. The portions are elegant and that of a fine dining establishment. I wouldnt say their food is pretentious but they definitely prioritize quality over quantity. Was a real treat watching chef Marcus prepare the food. He really enjoys his job and puts care into every item. They have some rare foods like cuttlefish, red bream, urchin, and Japanese snow crab. Menu changes monthly.
… moreGustavo Pena
Sushi MARU in San Diego is an absolute must-try for any sushi lover! My wife and I had an amazing experience, and the customer service was a huge part of it. From the moment we walked in, we felt like VIPs. The staff were attentive, personalized, and incredibly friendly. They took the time to explain each dish, answer our questions, and even offered recommendations for sake pairings. It was clear that Chef Maru and his team are passionate about delivering an unforgettable experience.
The 20-course omakase was a culinary journey, with dishes crafted using the freshest seafood from Japan and local produce from Chino Farms. Highlights included the melt-in-your-mouth nigiri, braised sea eel, and bluefin tuna. The ambiance was serene and elegant, with a cozy counter seating area perfect for a special night out.
If you’re in San Diego, don’t miss it!
… moreThe 20-course omakase was a culinary journey, with dishes crafted using the freshest seafood from Japan and local produce from Chino Farms. Highlights included the melt-in-your-mouth nigiri, braised sea eel, and bluefin tuna. The ambiance was serene and elegant, with a cozy counter seating area perfect for a special night out.
If you’re in San Diego, don’t miss it!
Karoline L
My fiancé & I were running 30 mins late to our 5:30 reservation. After emailing them in a frantic to let them know, (they do not have a phone # to call, which I believe is intentional and just adds to the experience because they want you to focus on the meal and not be distracted), chef Maru was so unbelievably kind and waited for us to arrive before beginning the meal (big apologies and thanks to the family of 3 for waiting for us as well!).
Although there were a couple pieces I could’ve done without, I was impressed by all the flavors from the starter and appetizer down to the dessert, which was simply WOW and out of this world. The waiter was also great in his recommendations for sakes. The whole experience was divine and lovely; from the moment you walked in to when you leave, you are treated like family. They were so easy to talk to and even recommended other food places to check out for our last day in San Diego (definitely make a res for Callie too).
The interior design is simple and sleek, yet impactful. You can tell everyone working there loves what they do and want to bring you a fine dining experience, which is what Sushi MARU is. Chef Maru is knowledgeable and passionate about his craft and explains each piece so well. Most of his fish pieces are not what you normally get at typical omakase places, but that is what makes this place unique in its own way. Some of our favorite pieces were the seabass and Toro Takuan (both of which we ordered additional pieces of). They also allowed us to try both the San Diego uni and uni from Japan. I love that they also source ingredients from local spots.
This was my favorite meal of my San Diego trip (beating Sushi Ota by a hair though). If I ever find myself in S.D. again, I’ll be sure to make my way to Maru. Do yourself a favor and dine at Maru for an unforgettable omakase experience. Well worth the money, time, and visit!
… moreAlthough there were a couple pieces I could’ve done without, I was impressed by all the flavors from the starter and appetizer down to the dessert, which was simply WOW and out of this world. The waiter was also great in his recommendations for sakes. The whole experience was divine and lovely; from the moment you walked in to when you leave, you are treated like family. They were so easy to talk to and even recommended other food places to check out for our last day in San Diego (definitely make a res for Callie too).
The interior design is simple and sleek, yet impactful. You can tell everyone working there loves what they do and want to bring you a fine dining experience, which is what Sushi MARU is. Chef Maru is knowledgeable and passionate about his craft and explains each piece so well. Most of his fish pieces are not what you normally get at typical omakase places, but that is what makes this place unique in its own way. Some of our favorite pieces were the seabass and Toro Takuan (both of which we ordered additional pieces of). They also allowed us to try both the San Diego uni and uni from Japan. I love that they also source ingredients from local spots.
This was my favorite meal of my San Diego trip (beating Sushi Ota by a hair though). If I ever find myself in S.D. again, I’ll be sure to make my way to Maru. Do yourself a favor and dine at Maru for an unforgettable omakase experience. Well worth the money, time, and visit!
Yeji Soh
I had an amazing experience at Sushi Maru. The sushi rice was perfectly seasoned and so delicious — you can really taste the care that goes into it. They use fresh, seasonal fish, which makes each piece unique. Great downtown location that’s easy to walk to. The staffs and Maru San himself were all super friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend!
… moreAiden Nishino
If you’re seeking an authentic traditional omakase sushi experience, this place is the place to be. My wife and I, originally from Japan, had an incredible time here. It’s clear that the chef puts in a lot of effort and care for his guests. The simplicity of his dishes highlights the freshness of the ingredients. The snow crab nigiri was simply phenomenal! Imagine the meticulous preparation involved, extracting every last bit of crab meat from the shell and also crafting the exquisite crab miso sauce. The abalone was equally impressive, with its fantastic abalone sauce. The local sea urchin was simply delightful, and I personally prefer it to Japanese sea urchin. He ensures that his fish base broth complements the Chino farm vegetables without overpowering them. None of his dishes overpower the freshness of the ingredients. Maintaining simplicity is challenging because it’s impossible to hide. It’s true Japanese-style omakase sushi! He manages to do it effortlessly. The service was also top-notch. The floor staff’s training is evident in their attentive and personalized service. The chef and floor staff work in perfect harmony as a team. We would definitely return for another special night!
… moreAlex Xander
I haven’t had much sushi in San Diego but this has to be one of the best sushi and omakase experiences and meals you will ever eat in SD.
Chef Maru is an absolute gem of a human being, chef, and curator of all things sushi and fine dining. Yet he is not cocky, he is not stuck up or snobby, and he is not fake. He is the real deal, genuine, humble, joyful, and amazing chef you should and would expect at any restaurant.
And not only is theChef absolutely outstanding, but so are his staff. Each and every person makes this experience so much better and incredible that the meal isn’t complete without them.
All the sushi was incredible. The fish was so tasty, fresh, unique, and delicious, while the rice was perfect in every piece and with every bite.
The side dishes were unique, intriguing, and sometimes even mind blowing.
Even the most simplest of dishes like the miso soup was beyond anything I found in California and rivals that of the most unique options in Japan.
If you are not one to engage with the chefs and staff, if you are not one to appreciate all that goes into this type of meal, from the selection of ingredients to the combination of flavors and the final execution before it is served in front of you and carried into your mouth – then don’t bother dining here or anywhere similar. This meal is not complicated or confusing. It is simply true to who and what Maru is meant to be and what Maru is bringing to the San Diego food scene.
… moreChef Maru is an absolute gem of a human being, chef, and curator of all things sushi and fine dining. Yet he is not cocky, he is not stuck up or snobby, and he is not fake. He is the real deal, genuine, humble, joyful, and amazing chef you should and would expect at any restaurant.
And not only is theChef absolutely outstanding, but so are his staff. Each and every person makes this experience so much better and incredible that the meal isn’t complete without them.
All the sushi was incredible. The fish was so tasty, fresh, unique, and delicious, while the rice was perfect in every piece and with every bite.
The side dishes were unique, intriguing, and sometimes even mind blowing.
Even the most simplest of dishes like the miso soup was beyond anything I found in California and rivals that of the most unique options in Japan.
If you are not one to engage with the chefs and staff, if you are not one to appreciate all that goes into this type of meal, from the selection of ingredients to the combination of flavors and the final execution before it is served in front of you and carried into your mouth – then don’t bother dining here or anywhere similar. This meal is not complicated or confusing. It is simply true to who and what Maru is meant to be and what Maru is bringing to the San Diego food scene.
Tokiko Crawford
Delicious, delicious, delicious!
I love the presentation, and the atmosphere of the restaurant is amazing!
Every piece of nigiri was delicious, and the chef explained the fish to us.
The staff were very kind.
We had a wonderful dinner.
… moreI love the presentation, and the atmosphere of the restaurant is amazing!
Every piece of nigiri was delicious, and the chef explained the fish to us.
The staff were very kind.
We had a wonderful dinner.
Brittany Glasnow
An amazing omakase experience better than most cities I have experienced from NYC to LA to Oahu. Chef Maru, the owner, is incredible, introducing every dish with such detailed explanation and such a passion for providing fish from Japan, Uni from San Diego and produce from local farmers. The staff was incredibly attentive and service was 5 star, Michelin quality. I could not recommend this experience more.
… moreJohn W (Live Love Ride Eat)
This is a wonderful new “omakase” sushi restaurant that is in Downtown San Diego.
The sushi is quite excellent, with an excellent presentation and fantastic tastes that will delight any sushi lover.
The staff is friendly, engaging, and professional.
They have a very nice selection of wines and sake, enough to please any enthusiast.
While the sushi was excellent, I found the portions to be quite small (smaller than I’ve ever been served at a comparable high end sushi restaurant). I felt that this was more of a sushi “flight” sampler, than a proper dinner.
Nonetheless, it was nice to come here, and I would recommend the sushi here. Though I would also recommend that you prepare to go somewhere afterwards to fulfill your appetite.
… moreThe sushi is quite excellent, with an excellent presentation and fantastic tastes that will delight any sushi lover.
The staff is friendly, engaging, and professional.
They have a very nice selection of wines and sake, enough to please any enthusiast.
While the sushi was excellent, I found the portions to be quite small (smaller than I’ve ever been served at a comparable high end sushi restaurant). I felt that this was more of a sushi “flight” sampler, than a proper dinner.
Nonetheless, it was nice to come here, and I would recommend the sushi here. Though I would also recommend that you prepare to go somewhere afterwards to fulfill your appetite.