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    Kinme Omakase

    4.8 (164 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndSushi Bars, Japanese
    Open 5:00 pm - 10:30 PM

    Kinme Omakase Photos

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    KINME OMAKASE ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Kinme Omakase

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    Keri W.

    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.

    Helond C.

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

    Menu
    Lizzy H.

    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.

    My favorite bite (apart from the Wagyu)
    Paola N.

    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!!

    matcha course
    Kristine C.

    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.

    Kevin W.

    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!

    Lola T.

    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! :)

    Mel C.

    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.

    Elizabeth M.

    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.

    Anne C.

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

    Keiko H.

    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.

    Momo Z.

    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!

    Prakash I.

    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.

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Kinme Omakase

    Is there parking?

    Street parking only

    How long is the experience?

    There are seatings at 5 and 8, so you can figure on it taking about 2 hours.

    Is the 20% service charged through Tok the gratuity? Or do we tip at restaurant on top of this fee?

    It is the prepaid gratuity on the food and it is well deserved based on the amount of service you will get during the experience in my opinion. You will get a separate bill for the drinks which you can add any additional tip if you want to. We gave… Read more

    Is the menu set daily? And you must order it all not singularly? What is the price so I can be prepared for my future visit?

    It's a set menu for the entire restaurant and you all arrive at the same time so you are eating each course as the same time as others in the restaurant. I don't know if it changes daily but it does change regularly. So no single orders. It's a… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Our group had Nick as our server and he made our night! He was very knowledgeable of all the items…read moreon the menu, gave great suggestions, and had even better stories. The food and drinks were also amazing, with lots of options for anyone with dietary restrictions, but we'd come back for Nick. We miss you!

    We came to Azuki Sushi Lounge for a birthday dinner. Luckily we had a reservation, because when we…read morearrived at 5pm, just about every table was full. I had debated whether to reserve upstairs or downstairs and ultimately chose upstairs and I was happy with that decision for the two of us, as it was a bit more relaxing and I liked the decor. There was however, a large table of about 8 people in the center of the room that were quite noisy. Downstairs definitely had a more 'hustle bustle' atmosphere with large booths and a long sushi bar. (There is also some outdoor 'Covid' style seating). We ordered sake, a couple of sushi rolls and negiri. They were kind enough to supply a complimentary birthday ice-cream dessert with a candle. Service was very attentive and as we passed the sushi bar on the way out, staff behind the bar waived goodbye. Parking: We were able to park near First and Laurel streets for free on a Saturday afternoon. A very classy sushi place. I definitely recommend a visit for a special occasion or perhaps if visiting nearby Balboa Park or the Old Globe Theater. Helpful?

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    EE NAMI Tonkatsu Izakaya

    EE NAMI Tonkatsu Izakaya

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    Parking: free shared retail parking Seating: indoor and…read moreoutdoor patio Restroom: outside single male and female restroom Reservation: highly recommended but walk in is welcome if available. We got there around 12:30pm without reservation, the guy told us to our name in list, wait for about 45min. Within less than 30min, we got a text that our seats almost ready. We heard they turned some ppl away for walk in because they close at 2pm. Last call at 1:30pm. Lunch menu is limited in comparison to dinner menu. We ordered: Deluxe katsu - has shrimp, scallop, kurabota pork with cabbage salad not sure the dressing, not a fan of the dressing. We found out the sesame dressing we like only available during dinner time. Side of curry for $7 Side of red pickle $4 Combo - a bowl of rice Meatball katsu - interesting. It's a minced kurabota pork with melted cheese inside. Overall food is food. Wish they let me order from dinner menu. Definitely will come back.

    EE Nami is consistently ranked in people's top 5 for best asian restaurants in SD. So I wanted to…read morecheck out what the hype was about! We came by on a Friday afternoon & didn't realize just how small their space is. Fortunately, the wait was only 20 minutes & we made it just in time to order before they closed the kitchen at 1:40 pm. For food, we got the potato croquette and katsu curry, both scrumptious!! The curry tastes very clean, not oily/greasy, similar to what I've had in Japan. I also wish there was a bit more katsu as it seemed kinda small compared to the rest of the plate. I'm still a bit partial to Coco Ichibanya as their curry has a bit more flavor/kick, but EE Nami is a close second! I definitely want to try the katsu sando next time :-) P.S. They do NOT offer chicken katsu, only pork. I saw reviews where some people ordered chicken katsu but the staff confirmed that they don't sell it!

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    Tanuki

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    4.4
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    Such a cute hole‑in‑the‑wall spot on the tail end of Kensington! I had no idea this place existed…read morefor years, but I'm so glad I finally found it. Located in a small shopping center with a few parking spaces, Tanuki is a great tapas and standard sushi spot. It leans more toward Asian‑fusion tapas with some sushi rolls and a limited selection of nigiri and sashimi. If you're looking for specialty fish, a huge roll list, or omakase, this isn't that kind of sushi place. But if you want a wide selection of sake, fun fusion tapas, and some classic sushi options, this is your spot. I love that they have a small bar and that cozy, true hole‑in‑the‑wall feel. The staff is friendly, the vibe is relaxed, and it's the perfect place to come alone, with a friend, or for a casual date night. The quality is solid, and the service is fast and welcoming. They also have some great sake and green‑tea‑based drinks. I love it here -- definitely a go‑to spot for us.

    I came here with a group of friends in town for the weekend and we had a pretty bad experience…read more We ordered miso soups, edamame and a ton of rolls. I am a vegetarian so I usually opt for the avo / cucumber rolls. First thing that came out was the edamame. The edamame tasted old and the beans were soft, definitely did not taste fresh at all. We left most of it on the table. My avocado rolls then came out with black/brown spots on the avocado which looked rancid. I asked for a replacement, which was then sent to me with salmon eggs on the avocado. I am a vegetarian so I could not eat this, but at this point, I did not want to be fussy again. My friend's rolls came out with fish that looked pretty grey and unappetizing. She did not really eat this either and got a pretty bad stomach ache afterward. At this point, our miso soup had to be the hero, but we were told the soups were accidentally given to another table. We didn't want to wait around for the soup, so we paid and left. All of us were hungry after. I definitely would not return to this spot. 2 stars for the servers that were trying their best.

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    Yakitori Tsuta

    Yakitori Tsuta

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    I can see now why it was so hard to get a reservation. This restaurant has 6 bar seats and a table…read morefor 4 for accessibility. On top of an amazing experience, this was by far the best yakitori restaurants I've been to. The yakitori omakase was such a unique concept and I'm so glad my husband picked this place for my birthday. The chef, while a bit soft spoken, described all our dishes to us and each one was a definite hit and a surprise to the palette. I don't want to give away too much, I think going in with just the expectation of chicken focused yakitori and being surprised and awed by everything else is part of the experience. Hope to come back here again if we can snag a reservation.

    Had a really interesting date night at Yakitori Tsuta. It's a super small, intimate spot with only…read more6 seats, which makes for a much quieter experience than your typical yakitori joint. We had an 8:15 PM reservation and went with the $120 omakase. ​The Highlights: ​The Food: Started with a cool sesame pudding (with soy sauce and wasabi) and some fruit. I really liked the duck and the chawanmushi was super tasty. ​The Skewers: You get 8 total. 7 chef's choice and 1 of your own (I picked cartilage). The chicken wing was easily my favorite - oily, crispy, and great flavor. The thigh, neck, and meatball were also solid. ​The Ramen: Love that they give you a choice between a "small" (quarter) or "regular" (half) size so you don't waste food. I was still hungry so I got the regular. The broth was delicious and felt extra rewarding since we watched the chef making it all night. ​Dessert: Panna cotta and a yuzu/apple sorbet. Really light and a great way to end the meal. ​The Vibe & Pace: The chef is pretty shy and quiet - he basically only talks to explain the dish or if you ask him something directly. It was honestly fascinating to watch him work; he's so precise with his flipping and even used skewer wood to create smoke for the quail eggs. ​The only heads-up is the pacing. Because he's so meticulous and doesn't cook a ton of different courses at once, there's a bit of a wait between skewers. The couple next to us did a la carte, which I think might have slowed things down for everyone else, too. ​Overall, a very unique, "slow-food" kind of experience. If you're not in a rush and want to see some serious craft, it's worth a visit!

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    Some time on the grill, cooked to perfection
    Some time on the grill, cooked to perfection
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    Chicken meatball

    Kinme Omakase - sushi - Updated July 2026

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