The best omakase I've had in SD, this scores a 10/10 for me. Every dish was amazing, flavorful, well balanced, and of great quality. Cost was around $280 per person including taxes/service charges and was 100% worth it. Didn't take any pictures because the food/experience was so good. Parking is plentiful as there are many metered spots in the nearby area. read more

Finally got to dine here in 2024 for a special occasion. He got a Japanese beer called Kagua to start with. Later he also go some sake during our course dinner. The starters, sashimi course, were all so yummy. We got A5 wagyu for our grilled course and it was so delicious. After dessert, we were also given some hot matcha. It was an amazing omakase experience. I also got a card to keep that was signed by the staff. I need to visit again as their menu changes seasonally. read more

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WOW doesn't begin to describe this experience. I wasn't sure what to expect outside knowing it was an intimate setting being served omakase. Every single dish left me speechless and jaw-dropped. The first dish was a watermelon gazpacho and set the tone for the whole night. Flavors I wasn't expecting to be paired with each other, each bite left me yearning for another, and the attention to detail did not go unnoticed. The chefs were extremely attentive, friendly, and professional. I highly recommend Kinme and will definitely be coming back. read more

Came here for a last minute dinner. I was able to call in even though they were full on tock to secure a table. They were very responsive and fast. If you set your expectations for a less traditional omakase, kinme delivers. If you are expecting a traditional experience, go elsewhere. That being said I enjoyed my visit. There are 2 subcounters for the meal that serves the left and right side of the bar. Appetizers and fish selection were standard. Some of the sashimi for example the sawara was good and didn't really need the addition items like the cucumber which kinda took away from it. The tuna on tuna was a bit strange in that it was a bit more for showmanship rather than a standard tuna making but ultimately was welcomed. I enjoyed the wagyu tartar with the wagyu flavor in the bread. Overall a fun and enjoyable experience if you are looking for a nontraditional experience. read more

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What a wonderful omakase experience. We reserved the 8 pm seating. We arrived a few minutes before 8 pm and there were a few people waiting outside. The door was locked as I'm sure they were cleaning and getting ready from the 5 pm seating. If they had chairs outside for folks to sit at while waiting, that could be a nice added touch. The food journey was great. We also did the sake and wine pairing. Very worth it. The servers and chefs were great. They were very on top of everything and explained each dish and sake/wine drink. When we were done, the chefs met us outside and they gave us an envelope with all the info from the evening. Nice touch. read more

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My husband and I are foodies and absolutely love discovering new restaurants. We've had the privilege of dining at several incredible restaurants, including restaurants like three-Michelin-starred Addison, but so far, nothing has quite exceeded the food and atmosphere we experienced at Kinme. There is a seriousness and structure to the dinner that you would expect from a true fine-dining experience, but it's balanced by such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. You can genuinely feel the passion that every chef and front line team member puts into what they do. It never felt pretentious; it felt intentional, thoughtful, and deeply personal. And the food... every single bite was an experience. Each dish was beautifully composed, incredibly thoughtful, and clearly created with care. The flavors, presentation, and attention to detail left me completely in awe. What made the experience even more special was the level of personalization. For my birthday, we received personalized cards, along with a thoughtful thank-you card expressing appreciation for our continued support. They even included the menus from our visits & a list of the wines I had purchased with the pairing add on. That level of attention to detail is something you don't often encounter, even at the highest levels of dining. Kinme has truly set a new standard for us. We left already excited to see what each new season brings and to experience how the menu continues to evolve. We were fortunate to experience the last week of their summer menu and it was sensational. Absolutely exceptional. We cannot wait to return. & next time bring our friends and family. read more

We came to Kinme on our anniversary and it has been our favorite omakase experience so far. I don't want to spoil all the fun surprises on this one. I didn't take photos in order to be fully present and it just wasn't the vibe for the setting. Fresh, artistic, delicious, unique, and fun await you. JUST GO!! You will be so happy you tried it!! read more

Went here last night for my birthday and the food was amazing. Not only was it an omakase experience, but it was kind of like kaiseki too. The presentation for each course was beautiful and the food was amazing. Usually during omakase there's a few pieces that are just okay to me, but every bite I had here was delicious. I was so full from my meal earlier in the day, but I still enjoyed my dinner. Highly recommend! I'm already thinking about when I can come back and who I need to take with me. The dessert-TO DIE FOR!!! I do not typically like gelato but it was delicious here. The perfect about of crumble and the perfect amount of crunch. The balance in flavors was amazing. I'm still so full from dinner last night but I want to come back already! The service was slightly a little slower than most omakase restaurants, but everyone was still quite attentative and welcoming. The ambiance of the whole restaurant was really chill and relaxing. The lighting was nice, but it made my pictures come out too warm/yellow. At the end of the whole experience the music was a little weird. I kind of felt like I was in a spa/massage parlor. read more

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Anyone know a Michelin restaurant inspector? Kinme Omakase delivers on outstanding cuisine judged by the Michelin Guide criteria: quality ingredients, mastery of flavor/technique, the chef's personality in the dish, harmony of flavors, and consistent excellence across the menu and visits. If a single star signifies exceptional cooking with distinct flavors, and two stars means refined, inspired food showing the chef's talent... Kinme deserves two stars, to start. I have dined at MANY Michelin star restaurants ranging from 1 to 3 stars and I was surprised to find out that Kinme has none. It is a hidden gem that needs to be discovered. Everything was SUPERB; clean, fresh, decadent, and artistic. The chefs were friendly and inviting. You can see their skills displayed by their swift and refined hand movements as they prepare your courses. I loved the intimate 10-top counter seating and the attention to detail. Dining at Kinme made me realize that amberjack is one of my favorites, along with Tuna and salmon. I told my husband, "It's a seasonal menu, so we're coming 4 times a year." Come to find out that Japan has 6 seasons, so I guess we will be dining here 6 times a year *large grin* Thank you Chef Kevin, Chef Brandon, and the other Chef I didn't catch his name. You were phenomenal. And thank you to the ladies that kept dinner service flowing with their great customer service. We will be back!! read more

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Excellent service and omakase. I loved the flavors. Each piece was perfectly seasoned. The ambiance was unique for a San Diego omakase experience-- a darker room with a dramatic marble wall was the backdrop to the beautifully plated dishes. I loved the Japanese jazz music in the background. They are the one of the rare SD omakase restaurants willing to accommodate for my gluten intolerance. Will be back for more. Heads up, I don't think they have any special treatments for birthdays. We got a HBD note on our way out. Street parking only. My only note... for a pricey omakase, I wish their uni was from Hokkaido or Santa Barbara. That being said, they did a great job with the San Diego uni. read more

Kinme Omakase - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

From the moment we stepped in, we were transported to a curated sensory journey. From the well balanced wine and sake pairing to the bold and creative dishes, we were inspired. The establishment is very organized and comfortable with a direct view into each chef's creativity. The service was timed and supportive without being overbearing. Well done Kinme! read more

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I've been to Kinme twice, once in summer and once in autumn, and each visit felt like stepping into a new gallery. Every season they reinvent a whole new menu, using ingredients at their peak. It's like viewing arts, except I get to enjoy it not only with my eyes, but also with my stomach and all my senses. read more

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Second time here (two different seasons experience) with my sisters, just as amazing as the first time. Every dish was absolute perfection & the service was impeccable, from the chefs to wait staff. Top favorites: Uni and the Smoked Fatty Toro = Buttery & Left Speechless. Could have eaten 10 of each... Main tips: -Opens at 5:00 PM (wait outside, and they will come out and receive you) -Street Parking (meters) -You will be charged for the full amount when you make the reservation (Tax, 20% Service Charge & an Order Fee of $5.00 included) -Cancellations within 24-48 hours, incur 50% of the dinner fee -Cancellations within 24 hours, incur 100% of the dinner fee -Reservations are transferrable -The chefs will be waiting outside after the seating. They give you a sealed note of thanks, and a beautiful dated listing of the menu as a keepsake Thank you for another memorable dinner, Kinme! :) read more

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Dining at KINME felt like stepping into a culinary dreamscape -- the kind where every course arrives with the confidence of a masterpiece and the subtlety of a whisper. But three dishes didn't just shine; they stole the entire show. The Wagyu Slider -- A Cloud With a Pulse This wasn't a slider. This was a revelation. The "bread" -- if you can even call it that -- was a light, airy puff that practically levitated off the plate. One bite and it dissolved like a savory cloud, giving way to that impossibly rich A5 Wagyu. Then came the pickled crunch, a bright, tangy snap that cut through the fat with perfect precision. It was the kind of bite that makes you stop mid‑sentence, close your eyes, and reconsider your entire relationship with food. Hanmono -- A Tower of Sashimi That Redefined Luxury The Hanmono course arrived like a monument to decadence: a tower of sashimi so silky, so fatty, so melt‑on‑contact that it felt almost unreal. Every layer was a new texture, a new whisper of the sea, a new reason to fall in love with sushi all over again. "Oh my gosh" doesn't even begin to cover it -- this was the kind of dish that makes you want to applaud the chef. Mukozuke -- Freshness With a Citrus Spark The sashimi array in the Mukozuke course was a masterclass in balance. Each piece tasted like it had been pulled from the ocean that morning, kissed with just the right amount of yuzu salt. That citrus‑salty pop lit up every bite, weaving through the natural sweetness of the fish and creating a flavor that was both delicate and electrifying. It was freshness elevated to art. In short: KINME didn't just serve a meal -- it delivered an experience that lingered long after the last bite. A rare, unforgettable night where technique, creativity, and pure culinary joy collided. read more

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We had an amazing experience. Every dish was delicious but 3 of them in particular are easily in my top 5 Japanese dishes of all time. If I could go back every week, I would. Kinme is now my top recommendation to friends. read more

This was my third visit, and since it's such a special place--and the summer menu was different from my last two visits--it deserves another review! This time, my husband finally got to join me, and he was just as impressed. The seasonal menu featured steamed abalone, penshell, and kinmedai--items I hadn't tried before. Every dish was beautifully presented (as always), and the flavors were fresh, clean, and well-balanced. I really appreciate how they manage to highlight the ingredients without overpowering them, which is such a fine line to walk. The toro and Miyazaki wagyu striploin literally melted in my mouth--an absolute treat. The pacing between courses was perfect, allowing us to enjoy each dish without feeling rushed. My husband and I lived in Japan for three years, and he said this was one of the best Japanese dining experiences he's had--even compared to our time there. It makes me so happy to see that their food, service, and overall experience are consistently excellent. Truly a perfect spot for a special night out. read more

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Amazing evening at Kinme. The Omakase featured a mouthwatering progression of sushi, sashimi, and Japanese steak, all served in an intimate, limited-seating setting. This is a place you truly have to experience in person--no description can do justice to the food they serve. Some of the seasonal creations, like the oysters nestled inside a persimmon, are an absolute explosion of flavors. read more

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Created by the owners of Azuki Sushi so you already know it is going to be amazing! & wow, it truly was an amazing experience! The restaurant is beautiful & intimate with just 12 seats. The 3 chefs were professional, knowledgable, kind & our server was friendly & attentive. Just top notch service! We ordered sake with our dinner & we thought it was such a nice touch that you could pick out your sake glass from their selection of beautiful glasses. The omakase experience was out of this world! The chefs showcased the seafood & wagyu before preparing it for us & you could see the quality & freshness of each item. They educated us on all of the dishes & omg, every single one was incredible! So fresh, so delicious, so perfect! We, along with all the other diners, kept on ouuuing & ahhhing with every bite. Dishes rotate depending on what is in season. Make a reservation & go! You will not be disappointed, I promise you! read more

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The menu, the food, the elegance of each dish, the impeccable service, everything was top. An epic meal! read more

Kinme Omakase - Nimono, a delightful fish ball in squash blossom and local vegetables in a delicate broth - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Wow, wow, and wow. Amazing experience from start to finish. Food, service and decor hit all the marks! To start, this experience is going to cost you some money. Omakase along with wine/sake pairings is around $380 per person with tax and service fee (20%). You can skip the pairings and just order a glass of wine or sake but for me there wasn't much of a choice. I wanted to enjoy the experience in its entirety. For us this was a special occasion, my hubbys birthday, was worth every penny. There are only 10 seats so I was a little apprehensive having to belly up to a small bar elbow to elbow with strangers. Not the case at all. The bar is really long and seating space is quite generous with plenty of room between each of us. There were 2 other parties aside from us and all pretty much kept to themselves albeit a lively bunch. During the courses of the evening our chefs would introduce ingredients and preparations leading to an epic culinary journey. Setting hay on fire for the hay smoked salmon was quite dramatic and the result, will get to that later. Every step was thought out, methodic and precise. Expert level is the name of the game at Kinme. This includes the well synchronized wait staff, you'll be in very good hands. This is a 10 course tasting menu plus matcha tea at the end. Mind you, some courses like sashimi and sushi aren't like one piece but many, many, many pieces. I won't go into detail about everything we had but it's worth noting that their menu changes with the season. So the menu we had was towards the end of its run and a new menu will start soon. Looking at other menu posts the categories don't change much but the ingredients do. There were a few things that stood out and I can't stop thinking about them. First the hay smoked salmon in the sashimi course was mind blowing. Also in that course we were served an A5 Wagyu tartar puff. It warped me as it tasted like In-n-out burger but many steps above in flavor, texture and overall satisfaction. A5 Wagyu is something else. When leaving the chefs were outside to bid all of their guests farewell. We left full and extremely happy, what a truly memorable evening. read more

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I have tried almost all the omakase in San Diego. Kinme is the best! Worth every penny. read more

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Wow. Hands down one of the best Omakase experiences! Such a nice intimate setting. I love how they will confirm your reservation a few days before and from start to finish service is A1! The food was filling every single dish was thought out and delicious! Their menu will change base on what's in season. Highly recommend if you're looking for a nice fine dining evening. Definitely would come back to try the seasonal change menu! read more

Kinme Omakase - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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I've tried just about every Omakase spot, big and small, in San Diego--and this one is by far my favorite and the most delicious yet! You need to book and pay in advance through the official website. Right now, it's $225 for the meal, plus $45 gratuity and $20 tax. Reservations are available at either 5 pm or 8 pm. When you arrive, you can find street parking nearby. The restaurant opens promptly on the dot, and once you're seated, you can order your drinks--then you'll wait about 20 minutes before the meal officially starts. Food Review: The ingredients are super fresh and top-quality, and the menu changes with the seasons. The chef explains each dish before you try it. Most ingredients are sourced from Toyosu Market in Tokyo, Japan, as well as local suppliers right here in San Diego. The presentation is exquisite--every single dish looks like a work of art. The flavors strike a perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma. Standout dishes include A5 wagyu beef served with seasonal vegetables and Japanese mackerel nigiri. My personal favorites this time were the smoked sashimi and A5 wagyu tartare puffs--they were absolutely amazing! Service: Three chefs work in perfect harmony, preparing the dishes right in front of you. There are also two servers standing by at all times, ready to hand you plates, clear away used ones, and refill your water. They're incredibly attentive and thoughtful--you basically don't have to lift a finger to handle any dishes yourself. They anticipate your needs before you even ask, making for a seamless dining experience. Case in point: if you step away to use the restroom, you'll come back to find your napkin neatly refolded for you. Atmosphere: The vibe is elegant and cozy. It's a high-end sister restaurant of Azuki Sushi, dedicated to showcasing the elegance and seasonality of kaiseki cuisine. There are only 10 seats in total, though they occasionally squeeze in one extra guest. All in all, it's a really intimate spot. As a nice final touch, the staff sees you off at the door when you leave, and even gives you a little greeting card and a copy of the menu to take home as a souvenir. It boasts a solid 4.8-star rating on Yelp and has been around for three years now. If you're a Japanese food lover, I highly recommend this place! read more

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This was for sure the best omakase experience I've had to date (it better be for the $$$ price tag haha). You need to make your reservation online and pre-pay for the meal, and on the day of you can order drink pairings to go with your meal as well. The seating is limited to a chef's counter of about 12 people, with two sushi chefs (plus their assistants) crafting each component carefully. It was really fun to see how much care they put into every detail and they definitely provided a show with their preparations. One detail I loved was that they smoke each piece of seaweed over a small binchotan grill, adding a delicious smokey crunchiness that really elevated the whole flavor profile. The pacing of the meal was great, and I got to enjoy each bite without feeling rushed and didn't sit in between each bite for too long either. Overall I felt like we got a relaxing upscale, personalized vibe and I really enjoyed each bite I tried. I was pleasantly full by the end, and very satisfied with my overall experience. I highly recommend giving this place a try for a special occasion meal. I wouldn't be surprised if they receive a Michelin star in the near future! read more

Authentic omakase where the chef makes the best choices for the day, so you do not have to agonize over the menu! read more

Kinme Omakase - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

My all time favorite omakase/kaiseki!!! I love how they include nigiri AND wagyu, leaving me feeling completely full and satisfied!!! I also love how often their menu changes so I can come back repeatedly without getting bored!!! And somehow every time I come back, they have a new dish that's able to surprise me!! read more

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Absolutely phenomenal experience, very intimate. Exceptional staff, incredible authenticity and high end ingredients. Can't wait to go again. read more

You won't find another omakase such as this one. Every single meal is crafted to perfection with care and attention to detail. Service is impeccable and the resteraunt is beautiful. Would give this place 6 stars out of 5 if that is an option. read more

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Kinme delivers a delicious omakase experience but best saved for a special occasion because of the high price point. Reservations open a month in advance on the 1st of the month and each day only has two seatings at 5PM or 8PM. With only 10 spots available each seating, you'll have to be on top of it to secure a spot! You pay for the whole meal when you make the reservation and if you purchase any additional drinks, you'll just pay after the meal. We arrived for the 5PM seating and the doors promptly opened at 5PM. The first patrons move all the way down the counter so if you favor talking to a particular chef, you can strategically plan when to enter the restaurant. Throughout the whole experience, there were 3 chefs preparing and cooking the food in front of us. The staff was very friendly and attentive, to the point of folding guests napkins when they get up for the restroom. This is something I've only seen in Michelin Star restaurants and I wouldn't be surprised if they receive one in the future. The menu changes quarterly and we dined in at the end of May 2024. At the time, the menu showcased different types of cooking, like the simmered course, the sashimi, and the grilled course. The fish and wagyu were of superb quality and by the end of the meal, I was stuffed. At the end, the 3 chefs stood by the door and personally thanked each guest as they left. Everyone also gets the menu for the day so you can look back and remember everything that you ate. read more

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A top omakase spot with an amazing menu. We have been a few times now and each time gets better. They change their menu often and typically maintain some fan favorites. We always have a great time and the service is always top notch. Between the multiple courses of fresh fish, squid, soup, and wagyu (and some amazing toro!) they offer a wide variety of dishes. Nao has done a great job with this place, with beautiful designs and upscale atmosphere, we're always happy to see him and Andretti along with the other friendly staff. read more

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Phenomenal! Absolutely fantastic experience! The food, the presentation, the service, the ambiance was planned down to the T and was truly a magical experience. Everything about the experience at Kinme was very well thought out. Worth every penny. With every bite I wanted the melt in your mouth, decadent flavors to last forever. When I say everything served was delicious, I mean it. From the seasonal veggies to the buttery toro, everything was of the highest quality. It was amazing getting served by the owner and head chef. Everything was prepared and assembled in front of you in an intimate dining setting. read more

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Food was amazing. You won't leave out of here hungry. Also if you get the drinks pairing, make sure you're able to drink because you will get a couple of wine glasses along with sake. Service was also amazing, the entire staff were so nice and talented. I went there for my birthday and they gave me a nice little card after. Ambiance was so zen, very private feel. Truly felt like vips. read more

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Best omakase I've had, and I've been to a few! Truly felt like a fusion of Japanese and San Diego. Would definitely want to go back! read more

Kinme Omakase - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Best sushi I've had anywhere. Worthy of a Michelins star (maybe even 2). Very talented chefs and super service from staff. This is one of my favorite spots to celebrate special occasions in San Diego. read more

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It's honestly hard to give this place a score ...... Everything was just that good! The service was absolutely top-notch, from the servers to the chef and kitchen staff. Everyone was so thoughtful, and the sense of ceremony was amazing. Can't believe they have four chefs -- that really surprised me! At the end of the meal, all the chefs stood by the door to send off every guest.such a classy touch! That said, the food wasn't really to my taste. The flavors were kind of hard to figure out -- some dishes were really light and almost bland, while others were super strong. It's definitely creative Japanese cuisine, but just not quite my style. The ingredients were fresh, but nothing really stood out as high-end. There wasn't even a single piece of Uni！！！！which is honestly a dealbreaker for me. Overall, for me personally, if you're a sushi lover or looking to try traditional, authentic Japanese omakase, I wouldn't recommend this place！！ read more

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They let you in right at the time booked. Wonderful staff, polite and respectful. As you walk in a very small intimate space of only 10 chairs. Beautifully decorated with clean and simple design. Bringing in elements of stone and wood. The three chefs were wonderful, expressive, playful, and very informative. Every curiosity and question we had was answered with a smile. Now the real star, the food was spectacular. It seamed as if each piece, each dish was thoughtfully created. The transitions were elegant and soft. The two of us could not have been more delighted in the different textures and flavors. But the FLAVORS were so wonderful and intense. When asked what was my favorite I couldn't name just one. It is my first time going and I plan on making this place a regular stop. read more

Kinme Omakase - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Love omakases, so looked forward to my time here. It appears their menu changes depending on the season. We dined in for their 5pm seating. Parking wasn't too bad this time for the city. We parked about 1 block down at a meter for 2-hr parking, which worked out because after 6pm, it was free. The whole dining experience took about 2.5hrs. The doors opened about 5min before 5pm. We were seated right away. The ambiance was great too. Very fitting. 3 chefs and 2 assistants present. They were on the quiet side, but did converse with the guests intermittently. The chef assigned to our group (younger), was very friendly and personable. We enjoyed our time here, and the food was delicious and tasted fresh. They pay attention to the details based on their preparation/presentation of each item on the menu. Overall, a great experience! Yes, it is costly, but not out of the norm for an omakase at a more intimate setting vs at a sushi bar or restaurant where you can order a la carte. We didn't order any alcoholic beverages, but I don't think you really need them anyway. The course ended with hot ceremonial matcha tea, which was perfect. They prepare each item on the spot also. As we left, the 3 chefs were standing outside to greet each guest off, and provided the menu for the night in an envelope. Will return hopefully soon! read more

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So far this place has raised the bar for best Omakase in San Diego. Been to so many awesome and amazing Japanese places but this has really set them ahead of the rest. Quality ingredients, presentation, seafood and beef from Japan, and the way they explain each and every item in a professional manner. It was difficult getting reservations here as it took months to get the right time. So happy I did and can't wait to come back after the New Year to see what the new menu will bring. For sure will be back! read more

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I loved Kinme the first time I went -- it felt refined, balanced, and beautifully curated. Unfortunately, my second experience was the complete opposite. This time, it felt like the focus shifted from craftsmanship to showmanship. There was an overuse of expensive ingredients like toro and wagyu -- not because the dishes needed them, but just to impress. It's too easy to rely on big-ticket ingredients instead of subtlety, technique, and balance. The result was a heavy, uneven omakase that lost the elegance and precision that made my first visit so special. For the price and the reputation, I expected more restraint and harmony. Sometimes less really is more. read more

We were recommended Kinme by one of the other omakase chefs, and so we figured a late Valentine's Day dinner would be a nice reason to treat ourselves. The service is impeccable, and the courses themselves are numerous. The presentation is spectacular, pulled in further by the environment and decor, which comes off as a sleek and modern, yet intimate space. The flavor combinations were delicious, and not a far fetch from competitors. The fish was, predicably, perfectly prepared and served. However, among the standout aspects, other than the design of the space and the unique tableware, were the matcha service, the wagyu courses (hands down the absolute best wagyu preparation we've had to date), and the use of unique ingredients (a point we love at another frequented omakase in town). While old favorites like aji, kinmedai, sapa, and of course toro, were repeats from other omakase restaurants, it didn't diminish what Kinme has to offer. In fact, it's the cumulative nature of these amazing preparations of recognizable fish, sprinkled in with unexpected flavors and dishes throughout the service, that make Kinme one of what I'd consider San Diego's best omakase. read more

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