Best omakase sushi in San Diego. Established 2012 by Owner chef Takeaki Tadokoro.
Michelin guide book 2020, Michelin guide book one starred 2021,2022, 2023. The restaurant requires a reservation, so please make a reservation by online in advance. At lunchtime, both omakase and a la carte options are available at sushi bar.
Dinner time are only omakase couse available at sushi bar.
Spare & compact venue spotlighting traditional sashimi & nigiri, also serving sake & beer.
Trevor Nielsen
Came in for the omakase experience yesterday and was very impressed. Jessie was our chef and he prepared very delicious courses for us all while being extremely knowledgeable about the ingredients and his work. The courses shocked me on their flavors, simplicity, and freshness. Atmosphere was very welcoming and staff were very kind. Secured away in an unassuming corner, I never expected to have such a memorable experience in a quaint corner of San Diego.
… moreMiche
Wonderful omakase experience. Explanations for each piece were thorough and the sushi chef who did our omakase was very nice! Sushi pieces (Mackerel, amberjack, toro, striped jack, etc) were very fresh! Favorite was the sushi hand roll with amazing uni (from Hokkaido) and ikura!
… moreWinnie Xu
cute spot, quiet neighborhood. relatively empty on a week night, the omakase takes around 2 hours and each course is made hot. the fish selection was pretty standard, the rice was not the best i’ve had in the nigiri. overall was good but not amazing.
… moreJason C
Been to this spot multiple times and when I have the time (and the reservation!) I will make the trip. One of my favorite sushi spots that has the quality and some of the feel of an omakase place but without the pressure of needing to eat everything they give you. You order from a menu and can ask for additional things, really really great. Can’t wait for my next trip to San Diego.
… moreC Neon
This is a one Michelin star sushi bar. The owner chef offered a nice kaisaki style pre fix meal. The cooked dishes are good and the sashimi and sushi are fresh and good. We had a good experience here.
… moreRich Hill
Upon entering, it was immediately apparent that this establishment would be a delightful experience. We were warmly welcomed by the friendly hostess and promptly seated. The owner and chef were exceptionally personable and well-informed. The cuisine was simply outstanding, featuring incredibly fresh ingredients. I highly recommend the Umi and the Eel, though everything on the menu is certainly worth exploring. I fully intend to return to this hidden treasure.
… moreSimon Chen
One of the most authentic sushi in San Diego. If you go, don’t order the rolls, get the daily special sashimi or nigir.i
… moreAmy Li
Course 1 appetizers – monkfish liver subbed for tofu because I asked to avoid tofu, I was surprised that it was so decadent. oyster was also really good
Course 2 sashimi – all great, toro was best
Course 3 Chilean sea bass with sweet miso and pickled ginger – perfect
Course 4 shrimp shell – crunchy, was like a nice snack. We were wondering where the rest of the shrimp went, until course 5 🙂
Course 5 nigiri – perfect
Course 6 salmon roe and San Diego Uni – incredible
Course 7 tuna yakitori with teriyaki glaze – was good but probably my least favorite course
Course 8 more nigiri – perfect
Soup Fish bone soup – Clear broth with a lot of pure fish flavor.
Dessert Panna Cotta – somehow tasted like a smooth chocolate. Best panna cotta I’ve ever tasted, and it was homemade
… moreCarlton Scotton
Could hardly believe this sushi was hiding behind such a modest storefront in Old Town. The omakase was a masterclass in simplicity and detail, with each piece perfectly balanced. The uni from Hokkaido and California stood out, and even the flame touched mackerel tasted like something I will still be thinking about. The staff and chefs took care of me in a way that felt personal, not just polished, and I walked away feeling like I had something really special. Getting a reservation for Saturday can be a bit of a bet since spots fill up fast, but that little scramble in advance was definitely worth it.
Parking is not spacious, with a small lot nearby, and they even sketch you a map to make sure you park right, but good luck leaving disappointed. Once I was inside, everything felt intimate and calm. The traditional approach, the chefs at the bar, and the lack of hype around the place made it feel like a genuine experience, not just another sushi outing.
… moreAndrew Lim
Sushi Tadokoro offers one of San Diego’s most authentic and refined sushi experiences. Located in Mission Hills in a modest, intimate setting, the restaurant impresses with beautifully prepared sushi and sashimi crafted by skilled chefs who honor traditional techniques. The fish is consistently fresh, delicate, and of exceptional quality. Attentive and knowledgeable service enhances the dining experience, making it perfect for sushi purists or those seeking genuine Japanese cuisine.
… more