Dining here is a stark reminder that a business is only as strong as the people who run it. This establishment, once perhaps a promising spot in the culinary landscape, has now devolved into a cautionary tale of mismanagement, incompetence, and a complete disregard for the very patrons it supposedly serves. Our experience began on a note of confusion and disappointment. Arriving at 8:50 PM, well within their stated hours of operation (listed as closing at 9:30 PM on both Yelp and their website), we were greeted not with hospitality, but with a curt warning that the kitchen was about to close. The urgency and brusqueness with which we were forced to order felt more like an eviction notice than a warm welcome. One of our party members hadn't even returned from the bathroom before the server--whose name might be Jasmine or Melissa--insisted we place our orders immediately. It was as if our presence was an unwelcome intrusion rather than a source of revenue. Despite the initial red flags, we decided to give the food a chance. In retrospect, this was a grave mistake. The waitress, demonstrating a level of indifference that bordered on contempt, brought our bill alongside the food, as if we were being asked to settle our tab before we'd even begun to eat. Her attitude was not just dismissive; it was a clear signal that the restaurant's priorities lie far from customer satisfaction. The family seated next to us experienced a similar, if not worse, level of disrespect. When they politely asked for a bottle of soy sauce, they were scolded for supposedly wandering around the restaurant unattended--an accusation as absurd as it was insulting. The situation escalated when they were forced to retrieve a fork from another table, only to be chastised for taking matters into their own hands. The common denominator in these interactions was a staff member whose actions seemed more aligned with sabotaging the business than supporting it. It's no surprise that "this restaurant" was eerily quiet on a Saturday night--a time when any competent restaurant should be alive with activity. The dismal service, coupled with fishy sushi requiring activated charcoal post-meal to avoid food poisoning, paints a clear picture of why this place is struggling. This isn't a case of a restaurant suffering due to circumstances beyond its control; this is a business in free fall due to its own negligence and poor management. To the owners - this is a wake-up call. The road to irrelevance is paved with the kind of experiences we--and, undoubtedly, many others--endured at your establishment. A successful restaurant requires more than just food; it requires a commitment to excellence at every level, from the kitchen to the front of the house. Unfortunately, your current trajectory suggests a future where little more than a memory--another failed venture relegated to the dustbin of Yelp's historical archives. For potential diners, my advice is simple: steer clear. There are too many great dining options available to waste your time and money on a place that clearly doesn't care. read more

Hooked on Sushi in Encinitas is a true gem that effortlessly combines delicious sushi creations with an inviting atmosphere. From the moment I walked in, I felt the warm welcome that sets this restaurant apart. A special shoutout goes to Bela, the hostess, whose exceptional service added a personal touch to my experience. Bela was incredibly friendly, attentive, and professional, making sure every guest felt valued and comfortable. Her cheerful demeanor and knack for managing the flow of the restaurant with grace left a lasting impression. It's rare to encounter someone who embodies hospitality so naturally--Bela truly elevated the evening. Beyond the impeccable service, the sushi here is a work of art. The rolls were fresh, bursting with flavor, and beautifully plated. It's clear that Hooked on Sushi takes pride in their culinary craftsmanship. If you're looking for a dining experience that blends fantastic food with stellar service, Hooked on Sushi Encinitas is the place to go. Don't forget to say hi to Bela--she's the heart of this wonderful establishment! read more

It's been a while since I had ordered sushi from this place. I was impressed by the quality of the sushi rolls and the nigiri. Nothing has changed since the pandemic started. As a matter of fact, the food tasted even better. The Super Mario roll has just the right amount of spice to make my boyfriend uncomfortable a bit, hahah. The Yo-Yo roll has always been one of my favorites, and I was so happy to have it again. The tuna was amazing! Nice, deep pink color. You can tell quality when you see it. And of course, the service went above and beyond once more. Our amazing server, Alyssa, knows what she's doing when it comes to recommendations, even though we already knew what we wanted. She also remembered who we were and made sure the chefs prepared our food to the highest level possible. Alyssa is a rockstar and Hooked On continues to be one of the best sushi spots in San Diego! read more

Walked in and ordered take-out on 5/27/19. Really nice people, and they turned around the order faster than I expected. Ambience was modern and clean. Fun selection of rolls, even had no rice and other options (like gluten free) clearly marked. Food was ok, and I really hoped to like it more since the people and service were so nice. 3 of the rolls were slightly dry in texture, but kinda surface-wet at the same time... like how leftover sushi gets in the fridge. (1) Hooked on Sushi - I liked the flavors, and was the best of the 4 (2) Namaste - really tough chewy seaweed wrap, and really bland (3) Unicorn - not bad (4) Stark Protein - had a good moist tenderness, but the soy paper was thicker than I'm use to, and had a dryish texture Prices are in line with other sushi places, so I'm still looking for a good value place. read more

My girlfriend and I have been here a handful of times and have always had mixed experiences. When the restaurant first opened, quality was impeccable and service was attentive. Their yogurt sake was amazing, which they unfortunately no longer carry :( However, over time I feel like Hooked on Sushi has slipped a bit. Service can be (seriously) lacking and the quality is not the same. However, we do understand when restaurants grow in popularity we tend to expect a slight dip in service and quality as they are trying to accommodate their higher client volume. We will still come here. My girlfriend loves their sashimi roll and we appreciate their variety in rolls. A good place to take out of town guests that are looking for a fun sushi experience. read more

I placed a to go order sometime around last week and totally forgot to put in a review. Ava took my order up front and gave really good recommendations. I ended up getting the mexican, honey, and yesterday roll. They were all completely different vibes, but individually so good. I especially loved the honey with its hint of sweetness. My order came out quick too, I'm pretty sure the person who packed it was named Gabi, she told me I just can't remember. She was able to give me extra ginger and wasabi and a lot of the sushi places I try just don't give enough which can be very disappointing when you get home to not have enough. Overall, service was excellent, food was delicious, and I will be placing another ord read more

If you're seeking fresh, flavorful sushi in Encinitas, Hooked on Sushi is a must-visit. Their commitment to quality is evident in every bite, with generous portions and a diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options. The staff is consistently praised for their friendliness and attentiveness, creating a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. Whether you're indulging in their signature rolls or exploring their plant-based selections, you're sure to enjoy a meal that's both satisfying and memorable. read more

incredible experience at Hooked On Sushi during my first time Shyla, our server, was absolutely amazing. From the moment we walked in, she made us feel so welcome. Her recommendations were perfect, and she was incredibly attentive throughout the meal. She cracked jokes every now and then, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. The sushi was super fresh and delicious, but it was Shyla's friendly and professional service that really made my experience at the restaurant very enjoyable . She's hands down a great server. I'll definitely be back again! read more

I just had an amazing experience at Hooked on Sushi, all thanks to our Server Melissa. She was super friendly from the moment we walked in and made us feel right at home. Her service was top-notch--always on point and never missing a beat. She was incredibly organized and made sure we had everything we needed without hovering. It was clear she really knows her stuff and enjoys what she does. I'm definitely coming back! If the rest of the staff is as great Melissa, this place is a winner. Thanks for such a fantastic experience! read more

I sincerely recommend hooked on sushi for those families who love to laugh, eat sushi, and keep their kids happy. Service is great, food came out right on time and was perfectly fresh. Ambience was great, it was a great environment, lots of music and family friendly. At Hooked On Sushi, they have lots of tvs to entertain the kids, as well as coloring sheets if you're not wanting your child to watch tv. In my opinion, Hooked On Sushi is the best sushi restaurant I've ever been to, and it definitely gets a 5-star review! read more

Favorite sushi spot in North County! I dine in or take out from there weekly. Two standouts for service are the hostess Riley and server Melissa. Whether she is taking my order over the phone or greeting us when we get there, Riley always has a smile on her face and is so sweet! Melissa is hands down the best server! She is always so friendly and on top of it, love chatting with her. She gives the best recommendations when I am in the mood to try something new! Definitely recommend :-) read more

How can you improve, hooked on? Fire your manager Melissa, at the encinitas location. She is unstable, rude, passive aggressive, and should absolutely NOT be in customer service. Take it from another local small retail business owner- Melissa is hurting your business. I doubt I'm the first customer she's verbally assaulted and I promise I won't be the last. Be careful doing it though. She will threaten you and try to sue you. I know the type. Get rid of her, and fast, and good luck. read more

I had an amazing experience at Hooked on Sushi! The sushi was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Every bite was delicious, and the quality of the fish was top-notch. The atmosphere was inviting, and the staff was friendly and attentive, making the dining experience even better. Whether you're a sushi enthusiast or just looking for a great place to eat, I highly recommend Hooked on Sushi. I'll definitely be coming back for more! read more

I had an amazing experience at Hooked On Sushi during my first visit! Melissa, our server, was exceptional -- she made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in. Her recommendations were spot-on, and she was attentive throughout the meal, ensuring everything was just right. The sushi was fresh and delicious, and Melissa's friendly and professional service truly made the experience even better. I'll definitely be back again! read more

I had an amazing experience at Hooked on Sushi, and I have to give a huge shout-out to Shyla! She was incredibly friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. She helped us choose the perfect rolls, and her recommendations were spot-on. The service was quick, and she made us feel like valued guests throughout our meal. If you're ever at Hooked on Sushi, definitely ask for Shyla -- she truly made our visit memorable! read more

Fantastic customer service - we are always seated so quickly. The servers are always very attentive to our needs. The food arrives quickly. The fish is delicious and tastes way more expensive than it is. If I close my eyes I feel like I'm at Nobu. LOL. The lunch special is very affordable with large servings. So glad I found this place! It's also very kid/toddler friendly and isn't as stuffy as other sushi restaurants! read more

We had a fantastic experience at Hooked on Sushi! The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented--everything you want from a great sushi spot. What really made the night special was our wonderful server, Sicily, who was warm, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed. Her friendly energy added so much to the meal. Highly recommend this place for both the sushi and the service! read more

This is one of the best sushi spots in Encinitas. I am a vegetarian so it's hard to choose sushi spots for me because I usually only order the veggie rolls and there's tons of places that they aren't very good at but this is for sure one of my go-to spots ... very tasty and flavorful! Not to mention that Sarah is so sweet! I love going to see her and getting my weekly fix of veggie rolls :) read more

Hooked on Sushi is hands-down my favorite sushi spot! The quality of the fish is always fresh, the rolls are creative and packed with flavor, and the service is consistently amazing. Whether dining in or ordering takeout, they never disappoint. The staff is friendly and welcoming, making every visit a great experience. If you're a sushi lover, this place is a must-try! Highly recommend! read more