Best Japanese Restaurants in Kensington

23 restaurants available nearby

1. Nobu San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(3753)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 73 times today

Nobu San Diego is a beacon of excellence in Contemporary Asian cuisine, nestled in the vibrant Downtown area. With Chef Nobu Matsuhisa at the helm, the restaurant offers a culinary adventure that has diners raving. Known for legendary dishes like the Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, guests are treated to "world-class dining" that leaves a lasting impression. Executive Chef David Meade brings unique creations to the menu, ensuring every dish is "perfectly prepared." The ambiance is both sophisticated and lively, making it ideal for special occasions. As one satisfied diner put it, "Nobu is an experience definitely worth having."

2. Cloak + Petal

4.6

Exceptional(973)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Little Italy

Booked 56 times today

Cloak + Petal in Little Italy, San Diego, offers an unparalleled experience in Japanese Speciality cuisine, where authenticity meets artistry in a stunningly unique setting. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere, reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying "the best sushi in SD," as one enthusiastic diner proclaimed. Guests rave about the meticulously prepared sushi, flavorful small plates, and delectable drinks that capture the essence of a traditional Japanese hanami. The decor, featuring Sakura trees and hip-hop tunes, complements the exquisite dishes, making Cloak + Petal a must-visit destination for those seeking a captivating Japanese dining experience.

A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant

3. Benihana - San Diego, CA

4.0

Excellent(7435)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 140 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.

4. Botanica

4.6

Exceptional(34)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • North Park

Booked 20 times today

Botanica, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of North Park, San Diego, is a haven for those who cherish exquisite Tapas and Small Plates. The restaurant crafts an unforgettable experience with its delectable array of small bites that perfectly complement their artisanal cocktails. Patrons rave about the "creative small plates" that elevate any dining occasion with their sophisticated flavors. The ambiance is both lively and intimate, making it an ideal spot for a cozy yet vibrant dining experience. Praised for its "delicious food" and "amazing service," Botanica ensures that every visit feels like a celebration of culinary artistry and exceptional hospitality.

5. Lumi

4.6

Exceptional(696)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 44 times today

Lumi, located in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers an exceptional Cocktail Bar experience that elevates any dining occasion. Guests rave about the "creative fresh cocktails" that perfectly complement its innovative Japanese fare. The rooftop location provides a vibrant atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for an unforgettable night out. The bartenders are lauded for their expertise, crafting unique drinks like “The Mule,” an intriguing twist on a classic favorite. With its lively vibe, attentive service, and expertly crafted libations, Lumi stands out as a must-visit destination for cocktail enthusiasts looking to enjoy a memorable evening in a stunning setting.

A photo of Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

6. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(1740)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 39 times today

Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego, nestled in the vibrant Downtown, is a standout in American cuisine. Renowned for its innovative twists and seasonal ingredients, it offers a fresh-catch experience that diners rave about. One reviewer exclaimed, "The food was incredible and perfect to share," highlighting the delectable variety and quality presented in each dish. Notably, the restaurant's American flair is evident in the exquisite steak and lobster spaghetti, praised as "amazing" and "rich and tasty." With its polished ambiance and exceptional service, Lionfish ensures an unforgettable dining adventure, making it a must-visit for lovers of authentic and refined American cuisine.

7. Craft Bar Kamon

4.9

Exceptional(196)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 28 times today

Craft Bar Kamon, nestled in Downtown San Diego, is a hidden gem that captivates with its exquisite Asian-inspired craft cocktails and delectable cuisine. This unique speakeasy seamlessly blends traditional Japanese elements with modern mixology, creating an ambiance that transports you to "a secret bar on a Tokyo side street." Guests rave about the "unique and excellent" cocktails, crafted by knowledgeable mixologists who are "true artisans." The diverse drink menu, from the clarified ube cocktail to the Kyoto Negroni, is a testament to the bar's commitment to quality and authenticity. With its "amazing food" and "impeccable service," Craft Bar Kamon promises an unforgettable dining experience.

A photo of King's Fish House - Mission Valley restaurant

8. King's Fish House - Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(2250)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 26 times today

King's Fish House in Mission Valley, San Diego, is a sublime haven for American seafood enthusiasts, proudly offering a "consistently good" experience that diners rave about. This family-run establishment, with its roots deeply embedded in American culinary tradition, is famed for its fresh, daily-changing menu that includes everything from oysters to creatively prepared fish dishes. "Phenomenal service and great food," echo patrons who admire the attentive staff and the inviting atmosphere that caters to both casual gatherings and special occasions. With its irresistible offerings like the "generationally delicious" sourdough bread, King's Fish House is a must-visit for those craving authentic American seafood.

A photo of King & Queen Cantina - San Diego restaurant

9. King & Queen Cantina - San Diego

4.3

Awesome(1187)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Little Italy

Booked 25 times today

King & Queen Cantina in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy neighborhood is a must-visit for steak enthusiasts. While the restaurant is renowned for its eclectic Latin-Asian fusion, the steak dishes here are a true delight. Diners rave about the "perfectly cooked and seasoned" steaks, which showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. The lively atmosphere complements the exquisite flavors, making each visit a memorable experience. Whether you're enjoying a weekday dinner or a special occasion, the steak at King & Queen Cantina promises to elevate your dining experience with its rich, mouthwatering flavors and impeccable service.

A photo of Full Moon Sushi Kitchen Bar and Lounge restaurant

10. Full Moon Sushi Kitchen Bar and Lounge

4.5

Awesome(401)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Full Moon Sushi Kitchen Bar and Lounge in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp District is a beacon of exceptional seafood cuisine. Celebrated for its "unbelievably good" sushi, this Kaizen sushi restaurant offers a menu brimming with fresh and delicious options. Diners rave about the "best sashimi" and the "phenomenal uni shooter," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and freshness. With a talented team led by Chef Sung, Full Moon provides an authentic seafood experience that combines impeccable service with creative and unique sushi offerings. Whether it's the "fresh fish" or the "exotic selections," Full Moon guarantees a memorable dining 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

R
Robert
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Great food! Flavors were awesome and complimented eachother!! Thanks for the great experience!!
More info
Cloak + PetalPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Little Italy
•
4.6
C
Carol
Washington, D.C. Area •109 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had the chef's tasting menu, and every selection was beyond delicious. The sake and wine selections suggested by our server created the perfect pairings for a magnificent dinner. Nobu is THE BEST!!!!
More info
Nobu San DiegoPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
•
4.6
D
Dave
San Diego •38 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We had a rough start to our dinner... right before we were sat the restaurant's system went down and we had to wait about an hour. The good news was that once it was back up and running, the place had cleared out pretty well and we were sat right away. Allison was our server and she was amazing. The star of the show was Paul, our Chef. An absolute legend of a chef and he made the evening super enjoyable. Allison kept our drinks full and checked on us frequently. What started as a rough dinner experience ended up being one of our best Benihana meals ever! Oh, and kudos to the ladies at the host station... they did a great job keeping everyone informed on the progress and handled angry customers well.
More info
Benihana - San Diego, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Mission Valley
•
4
S
sophie
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Had the most inviting and welcoming staff! Made friends with our neighbors and enjoyed all our drinks!
More info
BotanicaPrice: Moderate• Japanese• North Park
•
4.6
M
Meredith
Guam •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The staff at Lumi were able to accommodate our early seating request which was an hour before our reservation. The sake flights are such a unique item to have and the 2 we had were amazing. The fish was super fresh and tasty. We also go a free mochi ice cream for our anniversary which was a very nice gesture. We found a $50 off a $150+ bill on the in kind app which was also super awesome! Highly recommend.
More info
LumiPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
•
4.6

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Best Japanese Restaurants in Kensington

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23 restaurants available nearby

1. Nobu San Diego

2. Cloak + Petal

3. Benihana - San Diego, CA

4. Botanica

5. Lumi

6. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

7. Craft Bar Kamon

8. King's Fish House - Mission Valley

9. King & Queen Cantina - San Diego

10. Full Moon Sushi Kitchen Bar and Lounge

See what locals rave about

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