Kawaii Sushi

0

50

29

1 year ago

They have a great lunch time deal that is available on weekends too. The sushi was delicious I had a shrimp tempura roll and a spicy tuna. I loved the cream cheese wontons and pot stickers. I also got a strawberry milk tea, it was ok, a little sweet for my taste. Staff was extremely friendly and offered great service. The place was cutely decorated but there was still plenty of room to move around. read more

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Ava M.

0

4

0

6 months ago

Super cute inside! I ordered through class pass and the service was great and quick. Everyone working here was really sweet and helpful.

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Auny M.

28

2

0

3 months ago

The service was really good and the Three Berry Smoothie was amazing!! Everything tasted fresh, and the staff was very friendly. I'll definitely be coming back. read more

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Michelle R.

205

31

12

1 year ago

Food was good and they had my favorite sake. They also had a large selection of smoothies , with or without boba, a kids menu with good Options for picky eaters and it was clean and modern. They also gave my son a prize and some lollipops for all of us at the end of our meal. They also have happy hour 5pm-7pm buy a beer or sake and get $3.99 appetizers. read more

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Alex A.

2

14

18

1 year ago

I love their Boba! So good! The place is really clean! Staff is so nice! They have a big selection of boba and drinks as well as food! Sushi is good! My favorite boba drink is the brow sugar read more

Kawaii Sushi - Brown sugar boba drink - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Chastitee W.

2

20

6

1 year ago

I love that this establishment has a variety of my favorites from the sushi, saki, and the honey dew smoothie!! I love it here. The customer service is great as well, definitely a place to check out. read more

Kawaii Sushi - Honey Dew Smoothie - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Trinity T.

396

31

38

7 months ago

stopped by here for a quick bite and they had viet iced coffee, smoothies, and boba drinks for a sweet treat. tammy was very sweet and informative and listed out their most popular sushi rolls and asked us to tell her our favorite fish so she can recommend us some rolls. read more

Kawaii Sushi - ca fe sua da - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Gaile C.

28

169

151

1 year ago

Haven't been since they moved from Mission Valley. We went to a late lunch around 1:30. Staff completely unfamiliar with how to prepare menu items. Food was nothing special. I ordered my precious favorite, the lemon roll. That and the other items were bland, rice was nutty and bland like it had been out too long. Won't be back. read more

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Julii G.

9

26

112

1 year ago

Appreciate the quick service and the excellent smoothies! We stop here weekly for them, they are affordable and good! read more

Kawaii Sushi - Strawberry smoothie - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Business owner information

Tammy N.

Hi Julii, thank you for your review and supporting us :)

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Larry P.

39

384

874

1 year ago

I saw the sushi place with 4.3 stars, and figured I'd give it a chance and it was only 15 minutes away, and I wanted some lunch, they open at noon. I sat down the waitress brought me two menus one for a lunch special and the normal menu. I decided to start with the lunch special, which was only $14.95, and came with soup included. I chose the spicy tuna and some other spicy selection. I don't remember the name of. She brought out the soup first it wasn't too bad not enough green onions though. The broth was tasty enough. I asked for some extra eel sauce as they don't put anything on these selections. They brought out some ginger and wasabi, very, very small amount of each, definitely not enough for me. And the waitress was a little scarce and I was gonna ask for more, but I finished my sushi before she got back. I had to have my water replaced because there was debris floating in it, what it was I have no idea. I also ordered a bottle of unfiltered sake, which was very good. She did remind me to shake it before drinking it so it would mix up properly. It was very tasty by the way. I then ordered the sushi combo After I ate the first two orders of sushi that came with the lunch. It was OK wasn't anything special. But it wasn't terrible either, but just average sushi. I'm not sure why this place is got 4.3 stars. It's just average sushi as far as I can tell. After I paid the nice young waitress brought me a tofu dessert for free, and it was actually pretty tasty. The place is nice and quiet, even though there were some kids there they weren't that noisy. If this place is close, the sushi isn't bad and there's a lot of choices and I might not have chosen the best, but only three stars for me. I may not be back Because it just wasn't that impressive. read more

Kawaii Sushi - Sushi Combo - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Kawaii Sushi - Miso Soup - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Kawaii Sushi - Some kind of dirt particles in my water, no thank you - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Kawaii Sushi - Lunch special, includes miso soup, not impressive - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Kawaii Sushi - I sat at the bar - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Kawaii Sushi - Tofu, dessert - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Kawaii Sushi - Unfiltered sake - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Kawaii Sushi - Entrance - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Candace H.

461

6

2

1 year ago

Walk in randomly, staff fast and friendly help with recommendations. :) #smoothieLover !!! read more

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Chad G.

0

1

7 months ago

Food was delicious , service was great. I loved the miso soup before the sushi. It really helped my stomach prepare for a delicious meal. read more

Kawaii Sushi - Miso soup was full of flavor and small cuts on tofu . Very delicious - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Maja B.

3

46

19

2 years ago

This place never disappoints! 3rd time enjoying lunch with my daughter at Kawaii Sushi. Food is amazing, fresh, atmosphere is calming and place is always clean. People who work here are friendly and welcoming... read more

Kawaii Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Business owner information

Tammy N.

Hi Maja, thank you for your review and support. Glad to hear that you…

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Lucas E.

0

2

0

4 months ago

Loved the katsu. And the wait staff was friendly and personable. Rolls were a bit on the pricy side, but they were very flavorful.

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Aaron M.

0

89

13

9 months ago

I went here with my kids and had some great service. My server went out of her way to make sure my kids were happy. She kept them occupied and fed them food that they loved. I'm blown away on how friendly and attentive my server was. I didn't expect that from a restaurant like this. The sushi was okay. I'd probably not order it again but the chicken dish that they made for my kids was really good and fresh. I'll probably be back just because the service was so good. I won't get the sushi next time though. read more

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Daniel D.

16

7

1

1 year ago

friendly fast service and very kind. Food and smoothies both great and very inviting vibe! read more

Kawaii Sushi - Dining area. - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Business owner information

Tammy N.

Hi Daniel, thank you for your review. Glad you enjoyed, come again…

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Jessica R.

0

2

0

8 months ago

My husband and I just visited this restaurant for a Friday date night and we loved our experience here! This is a perfect place to get sushi with good vibes, cute decor with a cozy environment, and great service! I loved that our appetizers came in small boats and the sushi was so good! My absolute favorite roll was the Shrimp Tempura Roll! After we finished and paid for our meals, a waitress came back and gave us a free dessert! We were pleasantly surprised and this definitely ended our visit very happy. We had such a lovely and cozy date in this restaurant, we recommend it! read more

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Eric A.

8

111

305

2 years ago

Went back to Kawaii Sushi and was very pleased and impressed with my selection below. Again service was on top of it and this place is immaculately clean. read more

Kawaii Sushi - What a poetic display of sushi roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Business owner information

Tammy N.

Hi Eric, thank you for your review. Glad to hear you had a wonderful…

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Sunita W.

112

12

0

9 months ago

We love Kawaii all around! The owners and staff go above and beyond every time we've been here dining in or taking out. The food is amazing & we love the boba drinks as well! They have fun things for kiddos & adults (board games, crayons, school supply donations... & my hubs just won a plushie in the cute kid size claw machine! read more

Business owner information

Tammy N.

Hi Sunita, thank you for your review and support. Come again soon :)

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Danielle C.

0

2

3

8 months ago

Best sushi ever!!! I got the crunch, dragon, and garlic edamame. Service was so good and everyone was so nice! It's such a nice, cute little spot. read more

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Anne W.

0

32

7

5 months ago

Mediocre sushi. I went on a Wednesday afternoon at 5 PM so service wasn't an issue. The rainbow roll came with imitation crab in. It never had that before. The sushi on top of both rolls was old not fresh. The whole experience was not good. read more

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Heather A.

0

11

0

8 months ago

The rolls were amazing (my favorite is the red dragon roll) and the service was on point. The food came out fast and we enjoyed everything! Ambiance was clean and cozy! read more

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Lea T.

1

8

1

1 year ago

Our servers were very attentive. Food is made fresh, quick, and delicious. You have to try the honeydew and strawberry smoothie! read more

Kawaii Sushi - Strawberry Smoothie with Boba - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Linda O.

0

2

0

4 months ago

The smoothies and the sushi are great, I will highly recommend this restaurant to my family and friends!!!

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Anida I.

0

3

8 months ago

Um respectfully no... The wontons weren't hot at all, I'm talking like room temp soggy. Very much not the place for you if you happen to love sushi. The service was pretty slow but everybody was nice. read more

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Natalia G.

0

1

0

4 months ago

I have been to kawaii multiple times and the food and service is always consistent. I love their gyozas and mango smoothies especially. Definitely recommend read more

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George D.

30

21

15

1 year ago

Very welcoming staff the sushi was fresh and delicious. They offer a very wide variety with different takes on classic rolls. I would highly recommend giving them a try. read more

Kawaii Sushi - Sashimi Salad Lemon Roll Lion King Roll Protein #2 roll Fried Tofu (4pcs) - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Kawaii Sushi - Protein #2 roll and sashimi salad. - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Ramiro S.

0

4

3

10 months ago

Hidden gem! First and foremost the customer service was superb, they are so friendly and attentive. The sushi rolls were fresh delicious, we had the protein roll, lemon roll, recon roll and eel roll and they were all fire! I haven't been to a sushi place where I've loved all the rolls I ordered so this is a first. Beer is cold and they have dessert and boba. This is going to be our go to sushi spot from now on. Lastly they are kid friendly and the chicken nuggets were a hit with the kids. read more

Business owner information

Tammy N.

Hi Ramiro, thank you for your review. Glad to hear you enjoyed, come…

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Jazmine A.

0

2

0

1 year ago

sushi delicious and boba drinks are yummy too ! Friendly and prompt service. Highly recommend to try. read more

Business owner information

Tammy N.

Hi Jazmine, thank you for your review. Come again soon :)

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J F.

0

5

0

9 months ago

When it comes to local sushi delis I never expect a world-class meal. That being said, Kawaii Sushi is always a good spot when you're looking for a sushi-fix. Very friendly counter service, and quick preparation. They do have a rewards program for you frequent-flyers and also have a nice little spot for kids to grab stationary and school supplies (free). The Hot Night Roll and the Shut Up Roll are my top favorites. read more

Business owner information

Tammy N.

Hi J.F, thank you for your review. Come again soon :)

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Caesar N.

1

53

141

1 year ago

Bomb asf. I never knew jalapeño poppers could be this good. I definitely will be returning here to try something else on the menu. read more

Kawaii Sushi - Jalapeno Poppers - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Business owner information

Tammy N.

Hi Caesar, thank you for your review. Glad you enjoyed, come again…

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Melissa P.

0

15

27

1 year ago

Tasty, fresh, fast food in the La Mesa neighborhood. You won't regret stopping by to fill up here after a hike on Cowles Mountain! Enjoy!! read more

Kawaii Sushi - Hot Night Roll and yep Protein #1 Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Kawaii Sushi - Vegetable tempura - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Kawaii Sushi - Protein Roll #1 - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Business owner information

Tammy N.

Hi Melissa, thank you for your review. Come again soon :)

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Carleigh G.

215

12

2

11 months ago

Not only does Kawaii have excellent sushi, but they are also very kid friendly! Theres a play area for littles, and our server even offered to play with our toddler for a while so my husband and I could eat uninterrupted for a few moments. Bless them! read more

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Morgan H.

0

62

160

2 years ago

We've been looking for a new sushi spot in the area and this is probably going to be it! The food was amazing. Pricing was amazing. Everything was so fresh! Also their boba drinks are 10/10. read more

Kawaii Sushi - Caterpillar Roll and Angry Dragon Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

Kawaii Sushi - Shrimp tempura - Sushi Bars Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Business owner information

Tammy N.

Hi Morgan, thank you for your review. Come again soon :)

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Cynthia M.

0

3

0

2 months ago

i always love going to this boba spot! fast service and great food. the boba here is amazing!

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Rich ..

0

2

0

5 months ago

Great service and very friendly! The hot Food came out quickly and it tasted amazing. We also ordered their sushi and HAD to order seconds! Will definitely come by and eat here again! read more

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Sky B.

0

7

3

11 months ago

I have been coming here for years, the food is amazing, the customer service is always good and the environment is warm!

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Back

Page 2 of 15

5575 Baltimore Dr
Ste 110
La Mesa, CA 91942
Directions
(619) 584-8888
Call Now
Visit Website
https://kawaiisushi.restaurant

Full menu

Hours

What time does Kawaii Sushi open?

Kawaii Sushi opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Kawaii Sushi opens at 12:00 PM on Sunday.

What time does Kawaii Sushi close?

Kawaii Sushi closes at 8:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Kawaii Sushi closes at 9:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.Kawaii Sushi closes at 8:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon-Thu 11:00 AM - 8:30 PMFri-Sat 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMSun 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Kawaii Sushi take Bitcoin?

No, Kawaii Sushi does not take Bitcoin.

Does Kawaii Sushi take credit cards?

Yes, Kawaii Sushi takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Kawaii Sushi have catering options?

Yes, Kawaii Sushi does have catering options.

Does Kawaii Sushi have a drive thru?

No, Kawaii Sushi does not have a drive thru.

Does Kawaii Sushi have a happy hour?

Yes, Kawaii Sushi has a happy hour.

Does Kawaii Sushi serve alcohol?

Yes, Kawaii Sushi serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Kawaii Sushi allow dogs?

No, Kawaii Sushi does not allow dogs.

Does Kawaii Sushi have TVs?

Yes, Kawaii Sushi has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Kawaii Sushi have bike parking?

No, Kawaii Sushi does not have bike parking.

Does Kawaii Sushi have outdoor seating?

No, Kawaii Sushi does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Kawaii Sushi have parking?

Yes, Kawaii Sushi has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is Kawaii Sushi wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Kawaii Sushi is wheelchair accessible.

Does Kawaii Sushi have free WiFi?

Yes, Kawaii Sushi has free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Kawaii Sushi Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
2 Reviews

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Narumi Sushi

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We always come back here. We have tried several rolls from the menu and they never disappoint. Mmmm…read moreone downside is that the basic rolls are very tiny but they've kept the prices at a reasonable level, so I really don't expect more about those. If you like the deep fried ones, the last we tried was the Bazooka roll and it was delicious!! I definitely recommend it. The service is always 10/10! They are very friendly, responsive, kind, and when you pick up they always receive you with a smile, that is really important and appreciated I definitely recommend this sushi place! 5s

the sushi is solid, i've reordered multiple times -- however, if you are using a food delivery app,…read morethey will increase prices randomly if you're a returning customer. previously, i ordered uber eats here for seared salmon nigiri for $8. now, it's almost $12. crunch roll was $14 now it's $21!!! the submarine roll was also previously $18, now it's $27!!!!! the way they are changing the prices dramatically is wild. i totally understand the up-charge from restaurants on these apps, so it's expected to see $1-3 increase on regular in-store menu items. but it seems like they will just increase by almost $10 randomly? idk. that's too much and doesn't make much sense at all. so probably avoid using food delivery apps to order from here because the prices are always changing and by a LOT. (btw the prices changed within a week of ordering in march 2026)

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Oishii Thai Japanese Cuisine

4.8

(223 reviews)

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bffr ... this thai/sushi place HIT THE SPOT ... we came to try this place for lunch and although we…read morehad some hesitations bc we haven't really visited this neighborhood, it was actually a cute and cozy spot. We walked in and you can tell its mainly japanese with a little but of thai. I'm a sucker for restaurants that play walking videos and food videos .. bc lol why not?? We ordered the eggplant dish and I think drunken noodles. Great portions and great taste. Would definitely come back here!

I came by here for dinner after struggling to figure out where to eat and I am super happy I did…read more Besides the food these were some of the friendliest people I've met; basically only smiles, happy waves and checking up on me constantly through the whole dinner. I am unsure if they are all family but one of the workers daughters was also running around and helping out/interacting with the guests. I'd come back here just based on the positive vibes alone. Besides the service though I ended up ordering a spicy basil with chicken and I did not realize they'd give out the rice in a heart shaped but I thought it was nice touch. The dish overall was solid; good amount of spice, plenty of meat//veggies and a flavorful sauce that complimented it all. One of the workers also came by and just randomly gave me a Thai tea and said it was on the house. The Thai tea itself was good as well, just the right balance of milk, sugar and tea. If I still lived near SDSU I would definitely return here!

The chef making our sushi

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Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill

Trinity was an amazing server, she was knowledgeable about the menu and guided us through our…read moredinner for the night (which was amazing) - coming back just to enjoy her wonderful energy and presence!

Food is very excellent. They do a good job on presentation and the ambiance of the restaurant is…read morelike something out of a Sean Connery Bond film but if Sean Connery visited strip malls. You know what I mean? The staff is very helpful and they all wear matching outfits. Each of them has on no slip shoes so you know that the restaurant leadership values safety of their employees. McKenzie in particular is very nice and helpful. She recommended some rolls to us but I forgot the names. You'll have to ask her yourself. They were some of the best rolls I've had in San Diego. I also recommend the big fat bastard oysters. I'm not trying to be disparaging toward the oyster. That's what they're really called. But they do the sauce and the dislodging from the shell for you so it's like very little effort to eat them and they taste nice as hell. Would go again, but I didn't like the parking lot very much. There's only two rows. I guess I could take the trolley if I wanted but driving works if you're patient.

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Kuro Sushi

4.4

(93 reviews)

2.6 mi

Great service, clean bathrooms, great food! The tempura udon and soft shell crab definitely hit…read morethe spot for me! There is limited parking. Sushi prices are 50% off when dining in, but we didn't try the sushi... maybe next time...

I love this place! Jenny the owner is so amazing. I have…read morebeen to all three sushi places that have existed in this building and this ownership is by far the best! The sushi is very fresh and the presentation is spectacular. The happy hour from 3-6 everyday is lovely! It's so clean inside too and looks cute.

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Konnichiwa Sushi & Bar

I was surprised to find some Pretty solid sushi in downtown La Mesa Village. Now don't get me…read morewrong, it's definitely not on the same level as some of the top-tier sushi in San diego like Azuki or Hane or hidden fish, etc.. but it's got all your basic rolls, Hamachi, poke bowls, and Ramen dishes. I personally am not a fan of cream cheese or mayo in my rolls but if you are, they have about 25 different combos and you can personalize them if you're not a fan like me. We ordered the fried oysters, rainbow roll, the rhino and the Tiger roll. I had them put the chipotle mayo on the side with the tiger roll. Everything was fresh and delicious, and my husband loved the fried oysters. We washed it all down with a glass of what I really wouldn't call champagne, but it went down OK with the sushi, along with some delicious beautifully chilled Nigori sake. Yes, since I'm a local, I'll be back.

Absolute rockstar of a meal today! Manager assisted to make sure take out order was ready on time!…read moreand it was ready when I arrived! Loved the inside of the restaurant - smalls me charming! The shining star was the quality and freshness was of the sushi - I ordered Ikura, hamachi, tako, protein roll, and lemon drop and will say that everything was soooo sooo delicious! This is my new go to in the area and already planning my next visit next week! Well done and Bravo! TY

More unique artwork. If you're a fan of classic kaiju films, you'll notice lots of references to the films throughout the restaurant

Spicy Tonkatsu

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I've lived walking distance from this place for years, but just barely trying it today. Amazing!…read moreThe lemon jalapeño roll is sooo good. I ordered online for pickup, and my food was ready right when they said it would be. I'll definitely be back!

Came for lunch a week ago and just now getting to the review. It's located in a little bit of a…read moresketchy spot IYKYK. But we were greeted immediately when we walked in and the server took our drink order and appetizer right away. We had some edamame and calamari, now I will say the French fry look of the calamari threw me off, but it was delicious. We ordered a lobster roll, crunchy roll and rainbow? The quality of the food was excellent. The service was excellent I would definitely recommend if you're getting tired of your usual sushi spot.

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Ayumi

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This place is always GREAT. Friendly, genuine hosts, top quality ingredients presented with…read morecreative flair and skill. The ceviche roll is off the charts. Salmon skin salad, delish! Spicy dumplings are sumptuous and have perfect balance. Love the tempura green beans! Service is always pleasing.

So I was waiting until I actually dined in and had the full experience to write a full review but…read morenow that I've moved out of the area, I'm afraid I won't get that chance now even though this place was bookmarked for me to try for the longest even while I was in the neighborhood. So I ordered through GrubHub and I still think everything was delicious! They have a combination of Chinese foods and Japanese sushis. I ordered an Adam and Eve Roll which was good. The 2 main stars of the show were the scallop roll and the salt and pepper chicken wings! Okay where do I even start?! The scallop roll came from the basic rolls so I was expecting it to be pretty basic. No one told me they were going to put raw scallops omg it was sooo good and soft! Melted like butter in my mouth. Then the salt and pepper chicken wings might be up there on top wings in SD because not only do they load that thing with garlic but they also dice up tiny red bell peppers and omg what a game changer!

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Amazing !!!! Our second time here everything is so fresh and delicious girls that attended us were…read morevery proper and great customer service Thumbs up for the chef Delish!!!!!!!

Very busy- but accommodated a very large group of Sushi enthusiasts…read more Great variety and creative content. The Tokyo Dynamite was amazing. Again- extremely busy and there was a wait, but well worth it!

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This place is just great. I normally don't get food from ghost kitchens since the quality and value…read moretend to be much lower than traditional restaurants, but this place is an exception. Everything I've tried here has been amazing. In fact, I have been a sushi lover my entire life, and many of the rolls here have been far better than actual sushi spots I've dined in. The rolls are fresh, tasty, and perfectly packages, so arrive in great condition and ready to eat even after being delivered. I've tried a variety of rolls and recommend everything. I also tried the Inari with almond butter, which was delicious and not a combination I would ever expect. I will continue to order from here as long as they are in business. I like Sipz as well on their sushi days, but this is better. It is a bit pricy and they rarely have deals, but we'll worth it in my opinion, and very filling. I am a big eater and a couple rolls here is enough to have me satisfied. Whoever came up with that restaurant concept, thank you!

I got the Kona Roll and the Deluxe California Roll. SO INCREDIBLY TASTY! My order was on time, and…read moreit was easy to pick up. Note: plan on eating in your car, or taking the food home, because the only designated eating area is a narrow shelf where you can stand and eat. Not a big deal, but good to know.

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Sei Sushi

Sports, great food, and conversation = great time!…read more The yellow tail and salmon sashimi is fresh and delicious here! I cannot say enough good things about this place. On the weekends for lunch and dinner it gets crowded. We'll be back. Enjoy!

One of our favorite local spots! The owners and staff clearly take pride in what they do, and it…read moreshows in both the food and the service. The sushi is always fresh, beautifully prepared, and consistently delicious. A heads up--it gets busy, especially during peak hours, so you may have to wait a bit for a table or takeout order. But that's usually a sign you're in the right place, and it's absolutely worth the wait. We're always happy to support a local business that works so hard to deliver a great experience every time.

Inside

Shishito Peppers

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Yellowtail Belly Nigiri

Farmer's Table

The food is spot on every time we come no matter the menu offered. The service is wonderful as well…read moreenvironment

Food was amazing. The ambiance and decoration was spectacular. The service was also very homely and…read moremade us feel at home. Thank you to our very pretty server, Liliana!

Oreo waffles $18 (6/1/25)

Acai Bowl

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Smokey and the Brisket

This place is freaking awesome! Great briskets. Great drinks. Kate and Emily are such awesome…read morepeople's! Knowledgeable on recommendations. Kills on cocktails. Y'all are f'ing awesome!!!

Our dinner was great and prompt. Jordan is a good waitress is tentative to our needs.read more

Brisket Burnt Ends & Jalapeño Mac 'n Cheese

Bar seating from outside

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Our burgers and fries are a match made in heaven!

Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill

Trinity was an amazing server, she was knowledgeable about the menu and guided us through our…read moredinner for the night (which was amazing) - coming back just to enjoy her wonderful energy and presence!

Food is very excellent. They do a good job on presentation and the ambiance of the restaurant is…read morelike something out of a Sean Connery Bond film but if Sean Connery visited strip malls. You know what I mean? The staff is very helpful and they all wear matching outfits. Each of them has on no slip shoes so you know that the restaurant leadership values safety of their employees. McKenzie in particular is very nice and helpful. She recommended some rolls to us but I forgot the names. You'll have to ask her yourself. They were some of the best rolls I've had in San Diego. I also recommend the big fat bastard oysters. I'm not trying to be disparaging toward the oyster. That's what they're really called. But they do the sauce and the dislodging from the shell for you so it's like very little effort to eat them and they taste nice as hell. Would go again, but I didn't like the parking lot very much. There's only two rows. I guess I could take the trolley if I wanted but driving works if you're patient.

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Hacienda Cazadores

4.5

(510 reviews)

1.3 mi

Today Saturday, my husband and I were looking for a place to dine at with our two daughters. Some…read moreplaces are not as kid friendly although my daughters are very well behaved. Anyways.. Hacienda Cazadores, made us feel very welcoming. We were at a table within a minute of checking in at the host table. We were offered indoors or patio area. With the nice weather out we chose outside. Despite that our waiter Mike, continuously continued to make sure we were well taken care of and made us feel very welcoming comfortable. He was very fast paced, we didn't have to wait much for our food. (: The food was amazing & very decent sized even for the kids menu. It was savory, juicy and the right amount of spicy. We got the molcajete, enchiladas, Shrimp/Chicken Quesadillas. We will definitely come back no questions asked. Again, thank you Mike for the wonderful, amazing customer service and hospitality. Waiters/ Waitresses like you are the reason we come back.

Food was the 5 out 5. Absolute best authentic high end Mexican cuisine…read more Quality of ingredients 5 out 5. Can't go wrong when they use Wagyu and fresh quality ingredients for everything. You can truly taste it in every bite. Service was 10 out 5. Only reason I rate it higher than anything else is because that is what will make me come back time and again to try everything on the menu. The entire staff was exceptional. Above all our waiter made sure to explain what makes this place extraordinary and worth the dining experience. His recommendation of the short ribs was tge perfect choice. Highly highly recommend. Thank you so much Cesar!

Desayuno en molcajete and café de olla

Dining room

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6-2026 hacienda Cazadores.

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56 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Alexa P.

0

1

0

2 years ago

The waiters here are so sweet! The food here was spectacular! And i even had a chat with the owner of this business... and no surprise she was super friendly!!! overall my review is 5 stars because the sushi was so mmmm I had the lemon roll and shrimp tempura roll, while my boyfriend got the hot night roll, the lion king roll, and the shut up roll. (Too bad it didnt make him shut up though..hehe) We also recommend the cream cheese wontons and the beef yakisoba! Ou and can't forget their delicious boba drink! I got the Thai tea and my boyfriend got the coconut smoothie. The owner of the restaurant even gave me and my boyfriend a little surprise treat! It was this asian sweet tofu with boba on top. So yummy! She was very sweet to us and told us all the problems she had to deal with while trying to open up her restaurant... it was so sad But i am glad she pulled through and got this restaurant back in business baby! The restaurant is very quiet when there are few people but rush hour came in right after us and it got very loud and very busy! I am glad to see the store getting busy and i hope it goes well for them... I will be coming back with or without my boyfriend haha read more

AA S.

38

105

8

10 years ago

Came here for dinner last night about 7:15. Took a min to get anyone to come over to us. The gal was nice and read the specials to us. We ordered a 3 rolls and a bottle of coconut sake (that's the extra star that she asked which one we wanted) to rolls were good nothing special we had to ask for water refile 3 TIMEs and there was only one other couple in there. Also around 8 pm they start cleaning up. Putting all the chairs on tables Turing off the lights basically kicking us out. But they don't close for another half hour. Next they start clearing all the tables. COOL we get it leave already ( maybe that's why the no water refills??) and then everyone goes to back so we're stuck sitting here for another 10 min waiting for a bill and a box in the mean time a waitress comes out cracks a soda and leaves again doesn't bother to see if we are done. I have never gotten such a GET OUT vibe in a restaurant before. Out bill was about 60 bucks not worth it, Don't plan on coming back had such high hopes for this place too read more

Kimberly M.

8

106

2

11 years ago

I really wanted to like this place because it's cute and really close, but I've eaten here twice and was disappointed both times. Today I walked in to a hot restaurant with no air conditioning, no fan, no customers, no music, and youtube crocheting tutorials playing loudly throughout the whole restaurant. All the rolls I've had were mediocre at best, and at prices that would suggest otherwise. Service is always spotty and a bit forgetful, sometimes I even think the waitress are a bit drunk at work? Very stingy ginger and wasabi serving sealed my irritation. Seriously, one dry sliver with two rolls? I won't be back. I don't understand all these positive reviews. Perhaps they use to try harder... read more

Dominika P.

0

48

80

2 years ago

NEW LOCATION (opened May 2024). Kawai Sushi at 5575 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa offers a delightful dining experience curated by Tammy, the dedicated owner who also manages the sushi bar. The restaurant boasts cleanliness, ample seating, and convenient parking, ensuring a stress-free visit. What truly sets Kawai apart is its phenomenal service, where every guest is treated with warmth and attentiveness. The inviting environment adds to the overall comfort, making it the perfect spot to indulge in delicious sushi while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. Kawai Sushi is undoubtedly a gem worth visiting for a memorable culinary journey. read more

Kate D.

2

6

0

9 years ago

Really nice people and you can tell that they are really trying their best. Unfortunately, trying hard doesn't always win you the best reviews. I thought your food was extremely bland and the sushi was not very good. You also could use some assistance with being more efficient, particularly your server who's running all over the place, scrambling, not completing normal server rounds. The reason I gave you three stars is because you were friendly and I liked the vibe. Please work on your food quality and restaurant efficiency. read more

Vivian T.

2

10

0

9 years ago

Came for the cheap sake, but fell in love with the quality sushi. If you're with a very small party, I definitely recommend sitting at the bar, so you can chat with Danny. He's hilarious, and he is amazing at what he does. We had albacore, salmon belly, white tuna, octopus, and shrimp, and we paired all of it with Danny's spicy sauce and hot sake. Friggin' delicious! read more

Cat D.

0

6

13

8 months ago

I got the shrimp tempura roll and cream cheese wontons. Both were okay. The cream cheese wontons could've been a bit better if they were hot instead of warm. The service was a bit slow, but there was only one waitress so it's understandable. Other than that, the restaurant is nice. The workers are nice and welcoming. read more

Gabriel U.

0

1

0

2 years ago

We've been going do kawaii for a couple months until they recently moved and have improved in every aspect! The food and service were amazing and for five people the price was very reasonable for what we got:) would definitely recommend and will go again! read more

Sara T.

0

7

23

11 months ago

Food and service are always super good! Really friendly and clean spot!!! Love this place and they have different specials everyday. If you live in the neighborhood it's a place to try! Also love their boba! read more

Ks B.

0

1

0

2 years ago

Service and food was excellent! We used to go to the old location and we have been waiting to come back when they reopened! Definitely recommend for a quick lunch! We will be returning soon!:) read more

HappyLife N.

370

49

10

10 years ago

Really good sushi with amazing service. Not all sushi places have good service, and the sushi man here exceeds them all. Fish was fresh, good selection, good pricing. Can't go wrong! read more

Jeremy D.

0

1

0

3 years ago

Super cute little shop! Fastest service I've ever gotten in a sushi restaurant EVER! Friendly service as soon as you walk in the door! I had the Hot Night Roll, it was fantastic. read more

Neto ..

0

4

8

2 years ago

1st time visiting! Great service and the rolls were really good! Family had a great time and we will be coming back! Their pineapple smoothie and Thai Ice team were excellent! read more

Maggie F.

0

1

0

9 months ago

The lion king and caterpillar roll are always my go to here and the avocado smoothie is surprisingly good! The owners as well are always very accommodating and polite! read more

Lan N.

0

9

19

10 years ago

They got the freshest sushi rolls. Love their sashimi mix dinner. Prices are reasonable and the tempura ice cream is delicious. Definitely my go to sushi place. read more

kelly k.

2

10 years ago

I am so glad I found this hidden gem! The Cali roll was delicious, fresh and well made. I will definitely come back and try items on their happy hour menu. read more

Amaya V.

0

1

0

2 months ago

Amazing customer service! fast and reliable! good deals and great food! cute place that is chill and relaxing! My partner and I will be eating here again! read more

Jave A.

1

0

6 years ago

The Sushi here is awesome...fresh tasting and affordable. I eat almost once a week...sometimes twice a week there that good and right down the street. read more

Tina U.

0

1

0

6 years ago

I been here every weeks, my favorite roll is Paradise Roll. Their service is excellent, they gave my grandkids toys too. I am highly recommend. read more

Karen K.

83

15

1

8 years ago

Great place! Really enjoy their happy hour. Food is great and staff is friendly. And prices are reasonable! Definitely recommend it.

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Kawaii Sushi - sushi - Updated August 2026

People who viewed Kawaii Sushi also viewed

Sei Sushi

3.9

(550 reviews)

Sports, great food, and conversation = great time!…read more The yellow tail and salmon sashimi is fresh and delicious here! I cannot say enough good things about this place. On the weekends for lunch and dinner it gets crowded. We'll be back. Enjoy!

One of our favorite local spots! The owners and staff clearly take pride in what they do, and it…read moreshows in both the food and the service. The sushi is always fresh, beautifully prepared, and consistently delicious. A heads up--it gets busy, especially during peak hours, so you may have to wait a bit for a table or takeout order. But that's usually a sign you're in the right place, and it's absolutely worth the wait. We're always happy to support a local business that works so hard to deliver a great experience every time.

Tappi Sushi & Grill

3.7

(480 reviews)

Our lunch date here was great the other day! We arrived a little after opening and were pleasantly…read moresurprised to find out it was happy hour. A quick tip on the menu design, though: it's a bright pink layout with items grouped together by price going across. The way the items are framed inside a bubble makes it look like a sampler where you get everything listed for that price. It's just a design choice, but I'd definitely recommend updating it to avoid confusion! As for the food, I assumed the Brussels sprouts would be halved, crispy, and tossed in sauce. Instead, they were served whole, boiled or steamed, and then gently stir-fried in a lot of sauce. They turned out pretty mushy, which isn't how I usually prefer them. I love Brussels sprouts, but I definitely prefer the crispy version, so I wouldn't order these again. On the bright side, we absolutely enjoyed our sushi rolls! Each roll came with 10-12 pieces, which is fantastic value. I've been hunting for a new go-to sushi spot, so this was a great find. The service was also really good. Our server refilled our waters frequently and checked in often to see if we needed anything else. My only other critique is the entrance. It feels a bit uninviting and actually looks closed when you walk up. We stood outside looking a little silly before realizing you just can't see inside because the windows are completely blacked out. It's also a bit dark on the inside, and there were a few annoying gnats flying around. Overall, great sushi and service, and with a few minor adjustments, this place could be even better!

Fiod waa very fresh and flavorful. It was actually pretty delicious. A little in the pricey side…read more Not many people in the restaurant for a weekend lunch. The staggering was friendly and service was quick.

Ahi Sushi & Grill

3.7

(347 reviews)

Yummy simple maki...standard American style sushi but quality and affordable! It's very cozy and…read morepretty in there, and all the staff were super excellent to us. : )

Not as good as Sei a few blocks away. Less pricey though. Nigiri is 50% off but you get what you…read moreget what you pay for. This is east county sushi. It's like the Dennys of sushi. It's very affordable, its edible, it's pretty roomy inside, service is attentive but ya, this is a roll spot. Get the California roll or something similar.

Tuna Sushi & Grill

4.1

(346 reviews)

I've lived walking distance from this place for years, but just barely trying it today. Amazing!…read moreThe lemon jalapeño roll is sooo good. I ordered online for pickup, and my food was ready right when they said it would be. I'll definitely be back!

Came for lunch a week ago and just now getting to the review. It's located in a little bit of a…read moresketchy spot IYKYK. But we were greeted immediately when we walked in and the server took our drink order and appetizer right away. We had some edamame and calamari, now I will say the French fry look of the calamari threw me off, but it was delicious. We ordered a lobster roll, crunchy roll and rainbow? The quality of the food was excellent. The service was excellent I would definitely recommend if you're getting tired of your usual sushi spot.

Hyshinu

4.0

(468 reviews)

Poke is fire and very fast service definitely new spot and will be back to try the rest of there…read moremenu.

Great ramen! We're just out of the movie and wanted something good for the soul. This place…read morechecks all the boxes. We tried a ramen bowl w spicy miso broth, and maybe the best edamame we've ever had. They not only season it perfectly but the sauté it. We had the short ribs which were nice and tender. Best part, they are so very nice. Shout out to Valentina, for taking such great care of us. Get ready, the bowl is large so we split, the bill, barely $20 for dinner? They have lunch specials, so definitely coming back very soon.

Hug Thai Express

4.7

(580 reviews)

Yum Yum -- My go-to Thai takeout spot…read more My favorite Thai restaurant for takeout since the day they opened. The customer service is excellent, the restaurant is always spotless, and the food is delicious. My absolute favorite is the Tom Yum Fried Rice. The lemongrass flavor is incredible and really makes it stand out. I also love the Chicken Drunken Noodle, and my husband's all-time favorite is the Crispy Basil Chicken. It's fried just right. The chicken stays moist and super flavorful every time. Whenever I'm craving Thai food (especially for a movie night at home), this is always where I go. Highly recommend!

Small place with 4 or 5 tables so it's really for takeout. They have a great lunch special to…read moreinclude an entree + 3 egg rolls + soda for only $1 more than the entree only price. Give them credit for staying competitive when you have all the fast food places offering $5-$7 meal deals. The food was just ok. It lacked flavor. Even with a spicy level of 0, the food should still stand out on its own without needing spice. Egg rolls were sub par and needed the sweet and sour sauce. Portion was pretty good.

Takka Sushi

3.7

(466 reviews)

First I want to say I reeaaallllyyy enjoy sushi, but this place was absolutely underwhelming. The…read morerolls remind me of the ones they sell pre packaged at a shopping market. I was not pleased with the rolls at all. The flavor was so underwhelming. Edamame was undercooked and the teriyaki chicken plate was flavorless. The young lady that was waiting the tables was absolutely rude, didn't seem like much of a people person. We received our waters with lemon so we requested one with it and she rudely put her hands up and gave us the dirtiest eye roll I've think I've seen as if I asked for something not on this earth. I thought maybe I was just looking into it too much but then she never came back to check on us after that. Needless to say I will not be coming back to spend another 90$ at Takka Sushi, Hinata Sushi in Lemon Grove ia much better option.

This is a great place to get good tasting sushi at a great price. The service is quick and the guys…read moreare always helpful. It isn't a large restaurant, but it is fair sized and they have bar seating as well. I have already come here multiple times and will come back. It's also cheaper if you pay cash.

Yi Sushi

3.9

(563 reviews)

Food is always great and at a great price, always like to try a new dish every time I go here and…read morethey've never failed to fulfill my taste buds. Not to mention the super friendly staff and excellent service to customers.

Cute spot, great prices, good service…read more Came in on a late Saturday morning and was seated immediately. Service was quick and the food was delish. Love that there's a sushi spot in East county with fair prices.

Konnichiwa Sushi & Bar

3.6

(491 reviews)