Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Japanese Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

Price
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

50 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(10229)
$$$$
• Japanese • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 121 times today
Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff is a steak lover's paradise with its exceptional steak offerings that promise to tantalize your taste buds. "Food never disappoints," rave patrons, with glowing reviews highlighting the perfectly prepared steaks that leave diners coming back for more. Situated in the picturesque Cardiff By The Sea, the restaurant provides not only delectable cuisine but also stunning ocean views, making it the ideal spot for a memorable dining experience. The ambiance and attentive service complement the culinary excellence, ensuring every visit is a delight. Come for the steak, stay for the view, and enjoy an unforgettable meal.
A photo of Shimbashi Izakaya restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1042)
$$$$
• Japanese • Del Mar
Booked 10 times today
Nestled in the heart of Del Mar, Shimbashi Izakaya offers an authentic Japanese dining experience that transports diners straight to the vibrant streets of Japan. Known for its seasonal menu that pairs beautifully with sake, Shimbashi Izakaya delights with offerings that are both "fresh and tasty," and "not terribly Americanized," ensuring a genuine taste of Japan. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident in its exquisite sushi, which patrons describe as "better than regular Sushi Restaurants in Japan." With its attentive service and a cozy ambiance providing stunning ocean views, Shimbashi Izakaya is truly a hidden gem of San Diego.
A photo of Kai Ola Sushi Encinitas restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(43)
$$$$
• Japanese • Encinitas
Booked 6 times today
Located in the beach town known as Leucadia, Kai Ola is Encinitas, California’s best sushi in a laid-back, casual atmosphere with Hawaiian vibes.You will get the freshest, finest, and the best quality sushi at Kai Ola. We serve fresh, unique (as well as traditional) sushi and we take pride in how it tastes. Our chefs prepare top quality creations and we take pride in our work. Kai Ola is not about the scene. While locals and visitors alike love to dine with us, this is not a fine dining experience. This is about the fish. Sandals, board shorts, and bathing suits are welcome. Kai Ola has the true Aloha! spirit in everything we do. Please come join us for the best fish and sushi creations you have yet to taste.
A photo of Boto Sushi Del mar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(33)
$$$$
• Japanese • Del Mar
Booked 4 times today
From tranditional sushi, to Asian fusion dishes; delicious bento to gourmet homemade dessert, we got them all here for you.My greatest joy comes from finding the highest quality ingredients and creating the taste i imagine for each fish, whether it be raw, salted with seaweed, or pickled and fermented with vinegar; it all depends on what is best for that individual piece.Our executive chef and owner Gary devotes his passion and skill to provide delicious, authertic sushi and Japanese cultural food, in order to warm people's hearts worldwide
A photo of Katsuya Ko restaurant
4.1
Excellent(133)
$$$$
• Japanese • Torrey Pines
Booked 24 times today
The next chapter of an iconic culinary legacy. We are thrilled to announce the opening of Katsuya Ko, the youthful and approachable evolution of the globally renowned Katsuya brand!Katsuya Ko—meaning 'child' in Japanese—is designed as a warm, relaxed, and utterly craveable destination where everyone is welcome. Stepping away from formality, we bring the artistry of Japanese cuisine into a "Relaxed Casual, Easy to Love" setting, perfect for families, friends, and every occasion.Indulge in our vibrant menu, honoring the classics while offering new plates to explore. Savor impeccably crafted signature sushi and sashimi rolls, fresh daily from our expert chefs. Delight in the smoky perfection of dishes from our lively central robata, and pair your meal with a selection from our innovative, seasonally driven bar program.
A photo of King's Fish House - Carlsbad restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4516)
$$$$
• Japanese • Carlsbad
Booked 39 times today
King's Fish House in Carlsbad offers a quintessential American seafood experience that has been delighting diners since 2003. Nestled near the Carlsbad Premium Outlets and LEGOLAND, this restaurant prides itself on serving "excellent seafood with many options," as one reviewer noted enthusiastically. With a commitment to quality and freshness, the menu boasts a variety of dishes, from perfectly cooked trout to the best clam chowder around. Patrons rave about the "great service" and "wonderful atmosphere," making it a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. Experience the essence of American seafood dining at its finest at King's Fish House.
A photo of Benihana - Carlsbad, CA restaurant
3.5
Very Good(4211)
$$$$
• Japanese • Carlsbad
Booked 35 times today
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.To make your experience even more rewarding, don’t miss out on our new loyalty program, Friends With Benefits! Instantly unlock member status and get a free appetizer reward to enjoy during your next dining visit. Register today by visiting our website or ask your server for more details.
A photo of Glass Box Asian Coastal Inspired Kitchen + Bar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(349)
$$$$
• Japanese • Carmel Valley
Booked 12 times today
Glass Box Asian Coastal Inspired Kitchen + Bar, located in Carmel Valley, San Diego, offers an exceptional Asian dining experience, revered for its authentic and fresh cuisine. The restaurant captures the essence of Asian flavors with a modern twist, as noted by customers who describe their meals as "SOOOOO GOOD" and "spectacular." Master Chef Ethan's expertise shines through in every dish, with many diners praising the "super fresh fish" and the incredible omakase offerings. From the delightful poke nachos to the exquisitely prepared sushi, Glass Box provides a "transparent authentic cultural experience" that keeps patrons coming back for more.
A photo of Fish Boon restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(104)
$$$$
• Japanese • Carlsbad
Booked 8 times today
Fish Boon, nestled in the scenic hills of Carlsbad, offers an extraordinary seafood dining experience that wows every guest. With a dedication to “freshness, quality, and flavor,” this seafood haven is celebrated for its meticulously crafted sushi dishes, where each bite tells a unique story. Customers rave about the “incredibly fresh” fish and the generous portions that make each meal a delight. The surf and turf rolls and tuna tostadas are often highlighted as standout stars, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a local or visiting, Fish Boon promises a “freshest of fresh” seafood journey that is not to be missed.
A photo of Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub restaurant
Icon
4.8
Exceptional(1579)
$$$$
• Japanese • Oceanside
Booked 29 times today
Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub is an Oceanside gem for Seafood lovers, offering an unparalleled dining experience that celebrates the freshness and creativity of marine cuisine. Guests rave about its "amazing food and presentation," with standout dishes like the "seared albacore sashimi" and "dry aged Bluefin Tuna" that blend incredible flavors with artistic flair. Chef Davin Waite's commitment to local, responsibly sourced fish ensures that every bite is as fresh as it is inventive. The omakase is a particular highlight, providing a "wonderfully unique experience" with non-traditional fish selections, making it a must-visit for those seeking a truly authentic Seafood adventure.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Rex
    California Central Coast •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Tried Katsuya Ko in La Jolla for Mother’s Day and honestly had a really great experience. The restaurant was beautiful without feeling stuffy, service was attentive, and the food actually lived up to the presentation. A special thank you to our wonderful server, Dylaina, who was warm, knowledgeable, attentive, and made the whole experience feel relaxed and enjoyable without ever being overbearing. Great service really makes a difference, and she did an amazing job. We shared the Wagyu Denver steak, Salmon Citrus roll, wok fried greens, and sweet potato. The steak was perfectly cooked with a great char and flavor, and the sushi tasted fresh and balanced instead of overloaded with sauces. The grilled greens were surprisingly one of my favorite dishes. We also tried the Choya Umeshu plum wine and prosecco, which paired really well with dinner. For a nicer La Jolla dinner on a holiday weekend, I felt the pricing was fair for the quality, atmosphere, and portions. Total for two with drinks was around what I’d expect at an upscale spot in the area. Definitely somewhere I’d come back to for a date night or special dinner.
    More info
    Katsuya Ko$$$$• Japanese• Torrey Pines
    4.1
  • ChristineGold
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Beautiful views, exceptional food and customer service! 3rd time here and it never disappoints. Love Shimbashi Izakaya!
    More info
    Shimbashi Izakaya$$$$• Japanese• Del Mar
    4.6
  • Hugh
    San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Server Cole was outstanding. Very attentive and knowledgeable. Food was outstanding, esp Halibut Special and Paella. We had seating outside late aft. It worked perfectly. Heaters are available when/if clouds roll-in. We intend to come back often.
    More info
    Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff$$$$• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
    4.7
  • Michelle
    San Diego •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 3, 2026
    Best sushi meal I’ve ever had! The New Zealand King Salmon was incredible. Love this place!
    More info
    Kai Ola Sushi Encinitas$$$$• Sushi• Encinitas
    4.8
  • SammyGold
    Phoenix / Arizona •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 19, 2025
    Great sushi, was extremely fresh and tasted incredible!
    More info
    Boto Sushi Del mar$$$$• Sushi• Del Mar
    4.5
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2026 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo