My wife has been dying to go to Kaito Sushj for a while, but they are closed on Sundays so we went…read moreon a Friday before 6 and it wasn't too packed, but the dinner rush definitely happened and it was busy with dine in customers and take out orders. The ambiance is lovely with rope decorations on the ceiling and feels very authentic. Service was great to start but once the dinner rush started our waiter disappeared due to how busy it was. We were going to order more food, but just decided to get the check since service was taking so long...which we had to get another waiter to get for us. That is really the only thing preventing this from being a 5 star because the food is DELICIOUS. The rolls and fish were SO FRESH! Just get anything that swims. I wouldn't get the beef tongue again, but that is probably just me because I know it is a fan favorite. Also, bring CASH because it is cheaper.

Favorite sushi in Carlsbad/Encinitas! Small cozy restaurant…read morewith quality sushi and friendly staff.

Sago was the BEST experience!! Our server Lamar was amazing, he recommended we try a bunch of…read moredishes and eat them family style so we did. They spaced the timing of the dishes coming out perfectly and everything was delicious (i'm still dreaming about the chicken with caviar). The atmosphere was fun and lively and I loved how they had a live DJ. If you want amazing food/drinks and to feel like you're on a tropical vacation, book your reservation at Sago IMMEDIATELY!!

I've been to Sago a few times before, but tonight honestly stood out as my best visit yet. The food…read morewas incredible across the board, but what really made the night was the service. Aysha took care of us and was just amazing, super genuine, kind, and attentive in a way that didn't feel forced at all. We showed up a bit hangry, and she totally read the situation, helped guide us through the menu, and made some great recommendations. It really made a difference. The vibe in there is always on point too, great atmosphere. Definitely coming back again, and had to give a shoutout because the experience was just that good. Highly recommend.

Kids loved it and so did we! Came here for my 12yo son's birthday and they can't wait to come back!read more

Went for the first time with my boyfriend, such an awesome place! Our sever Jacob was extremely…read morefriendly, and the food was so delicious, we went back a second time less than a week later! 10/10 recommend :)

Khloe, Peter, Raf, and Jared were everything. Food was insane, vibes were perfect, and the…read moreatmosphere was so good, but the service is what really made it. They made the whole night feel effortless and fun. Had the best time, definitely coming back.

Wonderful food and great service even in the busy environment. Hand rolls were great looking…read moreforward to dining here again!

for nearly two years, Scout, my orange, husky-looking mut and I have been driving by their…read morenow-shuttered Encinitas location four times a week after playdates at Power Lines Dog Park. every time we do, I think "we gotta back there for another visit." pretty sure CHIKO has aged out of my draft queue. now that I've finally gotten around to finishing the review, they've been closed for months. in the draft, I suggested CHIKO might not be a destination restaurant, but if you happen to be in the neighborhood, it's definitely a place worth stopping by for eats. if you wait long enough, like I did, the nearest ones are in the DC area and probably not worth a cross-country trip. sad.

Post-mortem... I was sad to hear that CHIKO permanently closed their doors at the end of last year…read more It's rare for an East Coast based Asian chain restaurant to migrate to California, but that was what CHIKO did. As noted by its name, this place served a fusion of Chinese and Korean cuisines. Their Encinitas location took over what used to be a roadside diner along N Coast Hwy 101. The seating capacity was less than 40 people which included a few high-top counter spots. At my last visit, I came for a late dinner before their closing time. A large menu was posted on the wall behind the service counter that listed about two dozen food offerings. The items seemed to be comfort food like pot stickers, spring rolls, fried rice, and chicken wings but flavored with unique combinations of seasonings and spices. I started my meal with the Marinated Beef Tri-Tip Skewers which came as a set of three and a Chinese mustard for dipping. The meat was very tender and well-seasoned. I also ordered the Cumin Lamb Stir Fry which the cashier said was medium spicy. After tasting a couple of bites of the noodles from the serving bowl, I agreed that the heat level was moderate, even for my palate. I thought the portion size should have been more for the price. That was my main criticism for both items, otherwise the food was solid for an Asian fusion eatery.

Personally, I LOVED the freshness and flavor present in everything my group ordered for take-out:…read moreteriyaki chicken, avocado-eel rolls, protein rolls, salmon sashimi, miso soup, and Philly rolls. I waited an extra 15min past the estimated pick-up time for the order and the restaurant wasn't that busy at the time for the wait to make sense, but beauty takes time I suppose. The staff appeared friendly and the interior of the restaurant was very laid-back and casual. This would be a fun spot to go for a relaxed sushi dinner.

On our most recent visit, we had Josie as a server and she was INCREDIBLE! She was very friendly,…read morefast, and made great suggestions on the menu. Food was amazing as always and wait time on a Saturday night was exceptional for such a great meal. We'll be back! Thank you Josie!

Amazing service. They took us in very close to closing time and we felt like family…read more We showed up just before closing after a concert at belly up; instead of turning us away the chef made us two spectacular sushi rolls. Will be going back on our next trip to Solana Beach.

THE BEST GARLIC EDAMAME!!! We travel from south OC for this and the fresh FRESH spicy scallops…read morehandroll.

There are a handful of trendy, Western-style sushi spots in North County, but I was craving…read moresomething more "traditional," and Blue Fin definitely hit the spot. The lunch nigiri sets are a good value and tasted super fresh. We also ordered the hamachi kama which was delicious (it takes a bit longer to cook, so it came out about halfway through the meal). Service was friendly and attentive; everything felt relaxed. Would come back to try more of their specials and the rest of the menu.

This restaurant is a hidden gem in Encinitas! I hesitate to write this review because I don't want…read moremore people to find it! The service is always top notch and the food is great quality. We are greeted with a smile everytime we walk in and they have come to know us as regulars. Also, when you sit at the sushi bar, whatever the sesame dessert is that they give you is one of the best bites of food I have had in a long time!

High quality sushi at a low-key spot! We visited during early dinner without a reservation and was…read morelucky to get seated right away! It looks like most of the other tables were reserved for reservations. The decor is modern and very clean and chic. They also had a high chair and was accommodating with our baby. Food was incredible and the quality of the fish is evident throughout. We started with the mixed shrimp and vegetable tempura - light crispy batter, really good. The sashimi champaloo came with 12 pieces of sashimi, salmon, tuna, yellowtail, and the fish of the day was albacore. For rolls, we got the Luna Lemon, Maru's Sushi Toro, and Hamachi Hiro. The rolls were a good size and I loved how each had a fun twist (but at the same time not TOO crazy with their combinations like some other sushi places). You can tell it was designed with intention and each roll had a nice balance. The Luna Lemon roll was great with spicy tuna inside, salmon outside, and the soy dressing and shallot oil put it over the top. The Maru's Sushi - Toro roll looked so good in the photos so I knew we had to order it. The negitoro was delicious and did not disappoint. The Hamachi Hiro roll was hearty and loved the combination of yellowtail outside the shrimp tempura in the inside. We were blown away by how fast the service is. The staff was friendly and on top of everything, and the food came out REALLY fast. For example, when we ordered an extra roll at the end, it came out in maybe 3 minutes and we were shocked. Highly recommend!

My favorite sushi place for the north SD area! Their sashimi has been fresh everytime, very unique…read moredishes also available like carpaccio with monk fish liver that you can't easily find elsewhere to try. They also have a rotating specials menu so there's different seafood options to try for your sushi and also cooked options. My go to is the chirashi bowl. Good portions and delicious sashimi! Sushi is one of my favorite foods, so I don't say it lightly :). I have brought family and friends back here too My brother in law brought his kid and tried the chicken of the sea nuggets (tuna) and even I loved them! Friendly service, although sometimes food takes a while to come out. The parking is plentiful, in a plaza parking lot. Good ambiance for a bit more casual date night that's cozy!

Although I still haven't eaten here inside, I've continued to order several times per month…read more Typically I forget to take photos of the perfectly prepared and packed food because of how much we love the food. On my last order... Chicken Bowl-fresh vegetables and teriyaki chicken over round rice. Sunomono (cucumber) salad was delicious and refreshing. Spicy tuna roll and tiger roll were incredible as always. I'm so glad that this restaurant opened few years ago. We've pretty much had everything on the menu and never been disappointed.

I was in the area for an event and so was a friend. She suggested I meet her at Sapporo. It was…read moreconveniently located across the street. When I came in, there were no other tables except for my friend but I was greeted warmly upon arrival. I found my friend and joined her. She had ordered a plate full of sashimi. I was craving Hamachi so I just ordered a hand roll. It was flavorful and the fish tasted fresh. My friend enjoyed her sushi as well. Our waters were kept filled, and our server was very attentive. We were just a little bit too early for happy hour, but it looks like they have some good deals and I would definitely come back and try other things.