Best Japanese Restaurants in Normal Heights

23 restaurants available nearby

1. Nobu San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(3753)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 71 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 Roy's San Diego Waterfront restaurant

3. Roy's San Diego Waterfront

4.3

Awesome(3686)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 33 times today

At Roy's San Diego Waterfront, the art of steakhouse dining is elevated with a unique Pacific Rim twist, making it a must-visit culinary destination in Downtown San Diego. Situated beautifully on the water, this restaurant offers a dining experience that matches the stunning marina views. Guests rave about the "warm, juicy and delicious" filet mignon, and the attentive service that makes every visit memorable. With an ambiance that is both lively and elegant, Roy's combines "outstanding service" with "fantastic food," offering patrons a delightful blend of flavors and hospitality that keeps them coming back. Perfect for any occasion, Roy's promises an exceptional steakhouse experience.

A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant

4. Benihana - San Diego, CA

4.0

Excellent(7435)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 119 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.

5. Botanica

4.6

Exceptional(34)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • North Park

Booked 19 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.

6. El Sueño

4.1

Excellent(181)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Old Town

Booked 32 times today

El Sueño in Old Town, San Diego, redefines the Sushi experience with its exceptional quality and authentic flavors. Guests rave about the "amazing aguachile roll," highlighting the restaurant's unique twist on traditional Sushi. With a focus on fresh and high-quality ingredients, every dish promises a delightful culinary journey. The ambiance adds to the experience, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion. While the restaurant is celebrated for its Mexican fare, its Sushi offerings stand out, making it a must-visit for Sushi enthusiasts. El Sueño is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors and craftsmanship in every bite.

A photo of Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

7. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(1740)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 35 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.

8. Lumi

4.6

Exceptional(696)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 42 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.

9. Tako

4.3

Awesome(60)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Old Town

Booked 24 times today

Tako, located in the vibrant Old Town San Diego, offers an extraordinary Bar/Lounge/Bottle Service experience that patrons consistently rave about. This 21+ speakeasy is celebrated for its "cool vibes," "amazing drinks," and "unmatched atmosphere." Guests are enchanted by the lively ambiance, with a live DJ providing nonstop jams that set the perfect backdrop for an exciting night out. The staff goes "above and beyond" to ensure every visit is special, making it a perfect spot for any occasion. With its creative cocktails and fresh ingredients, Tako delivers an unforgettable experience that leaves guests eager to return.

10. Craft Bar Kamon

4.9

Exceptional(196)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 26 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.

‘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
K
KennethVIP
Los Angeles •40 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Roy’s has always been a fave for our family! The butterfish entree was delicious and the bread pudding excellent. Just miss their wonderful rolls they used to serve pre Covid, it’s always nice to enjoy some bread with a salad appetizer.
More info
Roy's San Diego WaterfrontPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
•
4.3
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

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Best Japanese Restaurants in Normal Heights

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23 restaurants available nearby

1. Nobu San Diego

2. Cloak + Petal

3. Roy's San Diego Waterfront

4. Benihana - San Diego, CA

5. Botanica

6. El Sueño

7. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

8. Lumi

9. Tako

10. Craft Bar Kamon

See what locals rave about

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