Mirin Cafe

4.3 (1k reviews)

ModerateJapanese

Closed • 11:00 am - 9:30 pm

Updated over 3 months ago

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Mirin Cafe - Mirin Ramen with pork - Japanese Near Me - Escondido, California

Mirin Cafe - Inside - Japanese Near Me - Escondido, California

Mirin Cafe - Lemon salmon roll - Japanese Near Me - Escondido, California

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Mirin Cafe - Interior view. - Japanese Near Me - Escondido, California

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Reviews With Photos

D A.

Don't judge a book by its cover they say! It's not much to look at from the outside it looks kinda sketchy but inside is a different story. We ordered a beef and chicken teriyaki and compo tempura appetizer . Everything was tasty and service was good .

What is supposed to be "green tea ice cream."

Indi -.

I unfortunately have to update a previous review of this restaurant because of a recent visit. Mirin Cafe has always been my staple Japanese restaurant in Esco. It's affordable, good quality, and overall polite service. What I am not a fan of is using AI generated pictures on a menu that previously had real pictures of food on it. There was no reason to do this, but if Mirin Cafe is this unsure about how good their food looks now, I may think twice about picking a Japanese restaurant in Escondido. I would love to regain my faith in this local gem but until these AI pictures go away - I cannot trust that what I see on the menu is what comes out on my plate.

Minji W.

*I'm Asian and grew up in Asia so my standards are a little high* Now this place was crazy bc I did not expect them to deliver like they did. First of all, I wouldn't say this is 100% authentic Japanese cuisine, however the flavors and quality were all amazing. They have a drive thru??? What??? I was so confused when we pulled up to dine in and there was a drive thru LOL, but it works! We went inside and I liked the attempt to have that suburbany cozy core. Food: we ordered rolls, ramen, and tonkatsu. When each of us took a bite we all were incredibly shocked by the flavor and quality. Everyone loved the broths and especially noted the chashu. The rolls were also really well made, preserving the textures of each ingredient (meaning it was all fresh). Now for my fav... this tonkatsu. Flavor yes texture yes, now what really got me was under that first layer of cutlet THERES ANOTHER ONE. WHATTTTT !!! It was like Christmas Day opening gifts when I moved one of the pieces over and noticed a whole other cutlet underneath. Insane portion size for the bowl I had to take leftovers and that itself filled a whole Togo bowl. Service: the service was adorable and so attentive. It looked like a lot of high school kids first jobs and when i worked my hs job i slacked BUT NOT THESE KIDS. They are filling my water, they are putting that smile on, they are checking up, they were so sweet!!!

AI images of green tea ice cream and a peach iced tea

Been coming here for over a year and this place has me absolute favorite takoyaki, however the new menu has AI generated images that look uncanny and outright disgusting. Do better and take quality pictures of your actual food which is presented deliciously to begin with.

Jenny V.

Best Ramen I've had in Escondido CA. The noddles were perfect not too soft or too hard. The Ramen had the perfect amount of brought. Overall the food was well flavored and delicious. They are very busy with takeout orders but their service is great. Totally recommend this place for delicious Ramen.

Teressa W.

This place lives up to the outside feel and ambiance. Looks shut down and closed. Take a chance and walk in and suddenly you're like "yes. Let's do this." Go in and the staff is beyond money. Kind, friendly, happy- so is the kitchen. Order the food and those first five minutes are the best five minutes of your life. Then it cools down and you suddenly realize that - despite being the head cheerleader of the greatest high school on TikTok, sleeping with the star quarterback might not be all it's cracked up to be. Five minutes in and you're suddenly realizing that peaking in high school might not be all the movies pretend it to be and you might just be a total loser stuck in the same town you grew up in. Suddenly Michele and Romy's High School Reunion makes a whole lot more sense and you look around wishing you listened to your parents ... it's great in the moment when it's hot and that's all you can think about.... Give it time to cool down and you remember why you moved away.

Swan L.

We came here for lunch after a visit to the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum. It was not super busy and we had our pick of tables. They had high chairs to accommodate our toddlers. The service was superb, friendly, attentive, super willing to help because we had the toddlers, and very understanding. Food was also decent, large portions sizes that we ended up taking home more than we were able to eat there. The mixed beef and chicken teriyaki was a hit for both kids and adults.

Come for the ramen.. no fish cake though

Marcus F.

2024 review. The last time I dined here was ten years ago when it was still partially a taco shop. The experience wasn't that great back then. So, did MIrin Cafe get any better? Simply put, yes.. This is a casual raman shop that has sushi, teriyaki, and noodles. Both the ramen and yakisoba noodles were really good. The sushi, while flavorful, barely stayed together. It made it difficult to grab/eat with chopsticks. Ambiance leaves a lot to be desired from the outside. Looks like a dumpy place you'd never want to order sushi from. Inside is well decorated and clean. While Mirin won't put any convoy restaurants out of business, it makes for a great casual Raman experience in Escondido. - Soda from a can, iced green tea was fresh. - Only one entrance to their parking lot, and that can only be accessed going eastbound on Valley Parkway.

Brett L.

Definitely an enjoyable spot. I personally am not a huge fan of ramen, but this ramen had a great umami flavor and the eggs are perfectly cooked, get an extra one. Also tried the garlic noodles which were a rave with the family. It is a smaller establishment which could pose a problem during a busy time, but we were able to sit right down for lunch. Service was quick which is always appreciated. Spicy salmon roll was a little too spicy as it took away from the flavor, but this was honestly the only complaint I had.

Kira C.

The food is amazing, the service is really kind and friendly and quick, the space is very intimate and cozy, the perfect place to hang out with others or eat alone!! And the food quality is amazing!!! They never miss!!

Natalie V.

We've been here many times. The place is always clean, exceptional service and the food is always fresh and amazing. We had ramen and the teriyaki chicken plate and both were delicious. We even tried one of their Japanese sodas for the first time and loved it. One of our favorite places in town.

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Heather C.

89

32

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7 years ago

This is one of my favorite treasures in Escondido. The exterior isn't much to look at but the food inside is delicious. Staff is very friendly and ready to make recommendations. The Mirin fries are a family favorite-it's a Japanese twist on carne asada fries. My kids love the chicken teriyaki and the tempura shrimp. read more

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Josie S.

Elite 19

736

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296

8 years ago

What a hidden gem!! From the looks of the place from the outside you wouldn't expect everything inside and the food alone was exceptional! Mirin Cafe should be a destination spot for delicious ramen and sushi. I ordered their ramen with their grilled chicken and it is literally the best ramen place in San Diego. Their sushi is exceptionally tasty as well! Their crunch roll left me craving for more. The overall restaurant is clean and well kept. Their staff is super nice and really welcoming. read more

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christopher c.

164

12

3

4 years ago

Great food! Always our go-to in Escondido. There really is not place like it for miles . You would have to go to Convoy to find food like this . The teriyaki is excellent. read more

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Amy C.

0

8

0

7 years ago

I love the Volcano Ramen with pork and pork belly and chili paste on the side. I had a nice cold sake and they also have a few types of beer. Check-in on Yelp and receive 3 free potstickers! Thank you! My biggest complaint with this simple, small, restaurant is the air quality. It seems the kitchen exhaust can't completely remove the cooking smoke and the two tiny window air conditioners are essentially useless in cooling the air during hot summer months. The ceiling fans help move the hot air. Next time when not meeting friends, I will use the drive-thru and get it to go. read more

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Seth T.

0

4

9

12 years ago

This review is for their new special item...takoyaki! I have had both the shrimp and the octopus takoyaki and it is amazing. I have to smile the whole time I'm eating it. Everyone who comes in MUST try this, it's worth it. read more

Mirin Cafe - This is a wonderful presentation of two snowball rolls. - Japanese Near Me - Escondido, California

Mirin Cafe - Im the first order of their new takoyaki special and it tastes amazing! - Japanese Near Me - Escondido, California

Mirin Cafe - Their amazing chicken katsu curry. - Japanese Near Me - Escondido, California

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Rachel S.

82

141

16

4 years ago

this place is okay..it's always seems smokey inside like they need a better vent and windows. The food is just okay it seems most dishes are always lacking flavor just kinda bland like it just needed a something extra to add some depth that would want me coming back for more. Its okay not horrible but not something that stands out read more

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Dj T.

0

7

10

5 years ago

Good food but They're consistently behind on their orders.. I wait an average of 45 minutes every time I order ahead on the phone. They need to fix this issue... Really lame. It seems to be a ongoing issue with them if you look at all the other reviews they have. Shaking my head read more

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Vince L.

Elite 26

294

831

359

11 years ago

Great mom and pop place! Good ramen at reasonable prices. read more

Mirin Cafe - Special Seafood Mirin Ramen. - Japanese Near Me - Escondido, California

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Gloriani W.

310

28

15

8 years ago

Honestly there's a reason this place has such good reviews; I love the ambience in this cafe with the good music and kind staff. The food is absolutely delicious and the prices are as reasonable as can be without sacrificing quality. My favorite roll is the lemon salmon. Thank you Mirin Cafe for being such a delicious little gem for us here in Escondido :) read more

Mirin Cafe - It looks delicious, it tastes even better trust me!! ^__^ - Japanese Near Me - Escondido, California

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Monica M.

17

43

6

6 years ago

Thank you so much for providing great sushi during a dark time! My kids and grand babies have loved and enjoyed the wonderful service and food you have constantly delivered without disappointment every time we order over and over! Your staff is always super friendly and accommodating and your rolls are delicious! Thank you read more

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Chanel T.

0

122

446

7 years ago

We love eating Japanese food and since this was the nearest to our home we tried it out. I would always get Japanese food down south in Convoy. Tried this place out hoping it matched up to the other great Japanese food ive had and it didnt. The food was just o.k. Went here once and never came back. I saw all the good reviews on this place. But atleast I gave it a shot. read more

Mirin Cafe - Japanese Near Me - Escondido, California

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Jeanette H.

0

28

8

4 years ago

Came to Safari park and decided to come in for dinner on a whim. We had ramen, teriyaki chicken, and noodles. Everything was delicious.

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Amber Jasmine H.

65

12

8

6 years ago

Love this place. Every sushi roll I have had has been on point and full of flavor. They are on time with pick up orders as well. One time they forget one of my rolls and gave me two free ones for the inconvenience. read more

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Phil S.

4

67

18

8 years ago

Mirin is a quaint Japanese fast food type diner... this little spot is a great break from the corporate drone of premade burgers and high priced holes in the wall. Black garlic ramen, shoyu ramen and four rolls were ordered. I was not disappointed at all. I didn't have high hopes from the looks of the place, but I was pleasantly surprised by the experience. Both ramen had a decent taste and wasn't overly salty. If preferred there is soy sauce at the table, so one could easily add some as desired. Pork could use a little flavor, but it had a nice unique finish. Chicken was good... nice grilled flavor. The rolls were well formed and stayed together very well. The contents were also quite alright. Not the best, but definitely satisfying. Small place... friendly staff... pretty decent food... well priced... I'll be returning if I'm in need of a ramen or roll fix. I can't compare the ramen to the likes of Jidaiya or ShinSenGumi in Gardena, but it'll most definitely do while I'm the Escondido area. read more

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Daniel T.

537

321

216

8 years ago

Fresh, delicious sushi. Rolls are about $8 which isn't bad but I'd like to see a few lunch special sushi combos. The double salmon was amazing. The potstickers weren't that great (didn't taste fresh although they were hot). Maybe just not my style. I am excited to go again sometime. read more

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Jon B.

41

40

11

8 years ago

The food here was pretty good. They had a decent size menu with plenty to offer. I got the chicken and beef entree while my wife got the steak salad. We also got a chicken yakiudon togo for my son. Food was delicious but the serving size was rather small if you compare it with other restoraunts. Overall not a bad experience but not enough to make me want to come back. read more

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Quxun E.

1

4

0

5 years ago

Food was dank asf :) ummm the noodles were pretty balling whoever made the pork fried rice wants their ass ate overall pretty spectacular ummm coming again :) read more

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Analise D.

317

39

13

6 years ago

Great food for a great price! Love their sushi, tonkatsu ramen, and tacos. Owners really care about the customers. Try them out, you'll be charmed too! read more

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Eros V.

348

27

14

9 years ago

It's the only ramen shop around the area but it doesn't make it bad and if you have a craving you have to satisfy it! Came in for their Tonkotsu ramen and it was pretty good ! Ordered it with green onions for the extra color lol I also got 3 free fried gyoza for checking in on Yelp the gyoza were delicious and perfectly fried. The prices aren't that bad either, $9.70 for my ramen bowl which wasn't huge or small but just right. The pork was soft and flavorful, melts in your mouth just like how chashu pork should and the broth was delicious with a hint of spice. If you live in the area and you want to try ramen for the first time without having to go down to Convoy Street in Kearny Mesa, you won't be dissapointed. Also!!! Bonus points for having a DRIVE THRU!!! No other ramen and sushi spot have that. Definitely have to come back sometime for a fast ramen or sushi fix read more

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Alexa M.

53

39

22

5 years ago

The food was great. We ordered the crunchy roll, spicy tuna roll, spicy salmon roll, beef teriyaki bowl, and the tonkatsu (chicken) ramen. It was all delicious and well prepared. We had the mochi green tea ice cream for dessert. Prices were reasonable and service was good. read more

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Charlie F.

0

54

0

4 years ago

I found this restaurant on Yelp. I didn't really know what I wanted for dinner. This place looked interesting. When I got there, I walked in the front door and things began going downhill from there. The waitress simply asked if I was dining in or doing take out. No hello, kiss my ass or anything. She told me to sit where I wanted. It took here more that a couple of minutes to bring me a menu and a glass of water. I looked at the menu and decided what I wanted. I took her several minutes to look in my direction. Understand this is about a 14' x 14' room. She came over, took my order and returned to her spot at the counter holding up the wall. I think she was either new or very poorly trained. I ordered the Beef Teriyaki Entree and a Double Tuna Roll. The food came in a reasonable time. I was surprised that they did not provide a small bowl for mixing my wasabi. The teriyaki was just okay. I've had better and I've had worse. The roll was nothing special with the exception of the weird bowl to dip my roll in. The miso soup that comes with the meal seemed more salty than I am used too but that could be me. The waitress never checked on whether I needed anything or not. When I could catch her eye she would come over to see what I wanted. When I had finished my meal, she asked of I wanted my check. I told her no, I want some ice cream. As I said earlier, she is either new or very poorly trained. Will I go here again? Probably not. read more

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Ixo. 2.

0

4

0

4 years ago

Have been ordering sushi from them for a good while now. Their sushi is good and pricing is fair! I will say they do take a while to prepare everything. I usually order online for pick up for that same reason. Even through online orders, they will finish preparing everything after the pickup time. read more

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Ben L.

3

34

3

6 years ago

This place is the definition of a hidden gem. I stumbled upon this spot after a meeting with my banker across the street, and wow I found myself in for a delicious treat! Sushi was on point (love the salmon lemon roll), Mirin fries were amazing, my kids loved the teriyaki chicken, and the next time I stopped by I discovered the amazing Brussels sprout special that I get with every order now. Extra bonus points for their drive-they style pickup. Love this place, if you haven't tried it yet do yourself a favor and stop in - I am sure glad that I did! read more

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Bret P.

151

34

25

12 years ago

Great food, great service. A real home run! Our free egg rolls were quaint! The water refill service was ready before I even had my cup set down. Did I mention a great serving size? Come here for a for a great time for a great price! read more

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Julie O.

7

36

18

10 years ago

LOVE this place! The food is really good, great prices and the service is amazing! I love the beef udon and chicken egg rolls! My husband likes the sushi. You are always greeted right when you come in. I will be coming back! Tip: the free check in egg rolls are only for the veggie egg rolls. But I still recommend the chicken ones lol and for $2.50 for 2 how can you resist?? read more

Mirin Cafe - Beef udon - Japanese Near Me - Escondido, California

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Alecia J.

30

3

0

5 years ago

I would have given them 5 stars except they forgot one of our meals. Food and service were excellent!

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Kristina D.

Elite 21

130

28

13

6 years ago

The Veggie Ramen was nothing short of amazing. Had the right level of spice. I made it vegan and had no egg and added extra noodles and veggies and wow it was so good! Also, the veggie yakisoba with tofu was incredible! read more

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Rose D.

3

40

1

6 years ago

We love coming here . We always get the karraage chicken, tonkatsu and got to get the brussels sprouts

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Scott C.

0

10

1

5 years ago

this place is amazing and one of my favorite spots in Escondido. The ramen is great and the fried rice might even better.

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Gladis M.

0

3

4

5 years ago

Delicious food small Local restaurant. I love the sushi here especially Snowball and Shrimp Lover,Spider. Service is great read more

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Itza G.

53

6

5

8 years ago

Seriously love this place!! Always honest about time and food is amazing and affordable read more

Mirin Cafe - Walking in!!! - Japanese Near Me - Escondido, California

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Rafael M.

66

25

3

6 years ago

A lot better experience this time, everybody's having a good time and they're quick this time around. We all have off nights and he seems like last time they had theirs but this time around they pulled through, we'll see next time l.... You know what they say third time's the charm. read more

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Isamar E.

0

11

3

5 years ago

1st time stopping by here and loved their hospitality and their food was great! Good variation. Was able to take leftovers home with us. Will definitely come by again for dinner soon. read more

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Briana A.

Elite 21

2

61

22

8 years ago

I'm a bit disappointed I hadn't visited this place sooner. I live nearby and their crunchy rolls are very yummy. We also ordered the Yakisoba with Chicken Teriyaki and two other sushi rolls. I didn't enjoy the seared tuna roll but I think I just don't enjoy seared tuna, it was very clearly fresh and well prepared. The Chicken Teriyaki wasn't over-cooked and had a nice texture, very enjoyable. I will be coming back to try more foods. The staff were friendly and hospitable. The place is a bit small, but that didn't affect the taste of the food. Nicely run business with great staff and chef(s). Also, not too pricey at all. read more

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Hellen W.

1

10

11

8 years ago

My family and I have been coming here for the past 3 years and this little place has been consistently amazing. The food is delicious and the staff is super friendly. I definitely recommend their ramen! read more

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Emmyj R.

34

7

3

8 years ago

10 year anniversary pop in, had about an hour... before having to pick up the littles, but it took longer than that that. Excellent food! read more

Mirin Cafe - Smells yummy! - Japanese Near Me - Escondido, California

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Ignacio R.

183

2

4

5 years ago

This place always hits the spot! It's a small place but the food is incredibly delicious and the service is outstanding as well ! If you haven't tried it you're missing out read more

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Tyler P.

0

9

0

6 years ago

I wish I could give Mirin Cafe a higher rating than 5 stars. Recently came for the first time a month or two ago with some friends on a Friday night. My friend called ahead, and when we got to Mirin they had a table ready for us. I got the Volcano ramen, and it was absolutely perfect. Came here recently for takeout, and got Volcano Ramen to go. Food is amazing. Solid 10/10 read more

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Lynnette W.

6

44

27

8 years ago

Wow is all I have to say. I never even knew this place was around. A friend told us about it and we finally made it. Everything was amazing. We had the Brussel sprouts, snow roll, dragon roll and beef teriyaki. It was packed and hot when we went. The staff was friendly and did a great job. Pricing was good. We're going back tonight. read more

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Helen E.

110

9

4

8 years ago

This is now one of my favorite Ramen places in Escondido. The Volcano Ramen was amazing (As was the Mirin Ramen), customer service is on point, and 80s music is the icing on the cake. Great experience!! read more

Mirin Cafe - Delicious!! - Japanese Near Me - Escondido, California

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Page 10 of 26

1555 E Valley Pkwy
Escondido, CA 92027
Directions
(760) 735-8888
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.mirincafe.net

Hours

What time does Mirin Cafe open?

Mirin Cafe opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Mirin Cafe close?

Mirin Cafe closes at 9:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Payment methods

Does Mirin Cafe take Bitcoin?

No, Mirin Cafe does not take Bitcoin.

Does Mirin Cafe take credit cards?

Yes, Mirin Cafe takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Mirin Cafe have catering options?

Yes, Mirin Cafe does have catering options.

Does Mirin Cafe have a drive thru?

Yes, Mirin Cafe has a drive thru.

Does Mirin Cafe have a happy hour?

No, Mirin Cafe does not have a happy hour.

Does Mirin Cafe serve alcohol?

Yes, Mirin Cafe serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Mirin Cafe allow dogs?

No, Mirin Cafe does not allow dogs.

Does Mirin Cafe have TVs?

Yes, Mirin Cafe has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Mirin Cafe have bike parking?

Yes, Mirin Cafe has bike parking.

Does Mirin Cafe have outdoor seating?

Yes, Mirin Cafe has outdoor seating options.

Does Mirin Cafe have parking?

Yes, Mirin Cafe has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Mirin Cafe wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Mirin Cafe is wheelchair accessible.

Does Mirin Cafe have free WiFi?

No, Mirin Cafe does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Teriyaki & Noodle House serving Escondido and surrounding areas since 2013

More Info

Health Score

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Photos

Spicy tuna cut roll and salmon avacado cut roll

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•$$

The sushi here is seriously good! Everything came out looking fresh and beautifully put together,…read moreand the rolls were packed with flavor. I especially loved the specialty rolls with the fresh fish on top, spicy mayo, and all the little toppings. They definitely don't skimp on the fish, and the portions felt worth it. We ordered a few different rolls for the table, which is definitely the way to go because there were so many good options. Everything tasted fresh, the presentation was beautiful, and nothing was drowning in sauce. The restaurant itself has a pretty casual atmosphere, so it's an easy spot for a sushi night when you want really good food without anything too fancy. I'd absolutely come back and try more of the menu.

If waiting were an Olympic sport, this restaurant would be taking home the gold medal every year…read more I've given this place chance after chance over the last year, hoping each visit would be the one where everything finally clicked. Instead, it's become a masterclass in patience. The employees seem to have discovered the secret to unlimited break time because every visit they're either in the front or the back enjoying conversations while customers stand around wondering if they've accidentally become invisible. When I judge a sushi restaurant, I keep it simple: miso soup and a basic roll. If you can't make the opening act exciting, I'm probably not sticking around for the encore. Unfortunately, the miso tasted like someone waved a seaweed packet over hot water and called it a day, and the basic rolls had all the excitement of eating cardboard with a gym membership. Then there's the outside food policy. Apparently, if your toddler dares to nibble on a chicken nugget from next door while the rest of the family orders sushi, the Food Police are ready for action. You could walk in wearing a tuxedo made of hundred-dollar bills and order the entire menu, but one tiny bite of outside food? That's apparently the culinary equivalent of a federal crime. The strange part is that the restaurant actually has potential. The problem isn't the building... it's the complete lack of urgency. Watching customers wait while staff casually chat feels less like dining out and more like watching a sitcom where everyone forgot they're supposed to be working. After a year of giving this place more second chances than a reality TV contestant, I'm officially done. If you're in Escondido, do yourself a favor: spin around, point in a random direction, Google "sushi near me," and you'll probably find a place where the staff remembers customers exist. I genuinely wanted to like this restaurant. Unfortunately, the service disappeared faster than the flavor in the miso soup.

Photos

Interior

Chicken Yakisoba

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Sushi

Tengu Ramen

4.2(98 reviews)

2.2 mi

•$$

*Food was amazing, the KFC was great. The pork katsu and rice was the MVP!…read more*service was superb, smiles all around. Our cups were never empty. *the dinning room, restrooms and table tops SPOTLESS! I'll be back.

Wow I got lucky stoping by here. The food is delicious and…read morethe service is amazing. Me, my mom and sister ate here yesterday and then we came back today. We love the Grilled shrimp bowls and Grilled Salmon bowl. The appetizers were great too. Mahalo to the Chef and all the servers. Come check them out Don't forget to say Aloha to Tattoo

Photos

Inside the restaurant

Takoyaki

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Pork Cutlet

Umami Japanese

4.4(887 reviews)

5.7 mi

•$$

On previous visit(s) experience(s): Food always fresh,…read morevisually pleasing, great tasting, served by attending and great staff. Pleasant atmosphere and vibe. Outdoor seating. My favorites, Kama, Sashimi, Steamed Veggies. Friday nights can be busy because there's a weekly farmers market venue that includes outdoor vendors, and music. (4pm - 8pm). Wish the restaurant operators would put grilled Tako on the menu.

Wow! I'm so so sad! We came on a Saturday afternoon.... Probably 4 or 5 tables.... 3 of those were…read more2 tops! The service was incredibly slow and very disorganized! One waitress was giving people the wrong food and not paying attention at all, she was just sort of walking around giving people the wrong orders. Problem was I had time to just sit and watch the mess. I wanted to order the poke bowl but I couldn't decide if I wanted the salmon or tuna. I asked the waiter what was freshest. He went to ask the kitchen and came back with "both arrived fresh today". Liars!!!!! I ordered the tuna.... It was previously frozen (should have just told me that) and very fishy smelling and tasting! The rice at the bottom was in a POOL of dressing... It was terrible!! I have never had an issue with this meal! My husband ordered a Philly roll. The rice was way too sweet and it just didn't taste fresh, we left 4 pieces on the plate! To add insult to injury, it took FOREVER to get our food! The other customers were also having issues with the service and getting their food. We left hungry!! $60.... Flush! I have noticed a decline in quality of the food the last few times I've eaten here. I might try one more time. This used to be our favorite sushi place! It was a place we would come for a special sushi night. Not any more!

Photos

Hawaiian roll

Umami Japanese at San Marcos

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Platinum plate

Ramen Mik

4.1(133 reviews)

2.4 mi

•$$

So, there were five of us: three meat eaters, a vegetarian, and a vegan. One meat eaters had the…read moreanimal lover (on purpose), one had ginger pork, and some other pork broth ramen. They loved every bit of their meals. They had chicken karage as well but felt it was a little plain, but still good. I (vegan) thoroughly enjoyed my animal lover ramen. I thought I wanted to add corn and more veggies, but it was all just so good, and super filling. (I over ate!) The vegetarian went for fries and potatoes croquettes and said everything was good. I will eat here again for sure. (Apparently the ginger pork is worth coming back for, too.) Dear Chef, Thank you for having vegan friendly options!

We came here as it was nearby my families house! It was a convenient location with ample parking…read more Upon walking in we got hit with a sewer like smell, but it didn't last thankfully. Ramens we got were good but nothing too stand out.

Photos

The painting is good

Geso Karaage

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Onigiri

Tokyo Express

4.5(64 reviews)

1.7 mi

•$

This place is amazing. The staff are some of the nicest people I've ever met. Sushi is extremely…read morefresh and affordable The lunch specials are a great value and you get a ton of food. This place is a must visit.

Combination casual sushi and Chinese fast food joint…read more Their lunch special is a good deal. Their entrees are great, but sides are lacking. The orange chicken was super crisp and sweet and delicious, better than Panda Express for sure. Their garlic tofu was also very delicious. The fried rice isn't very flavorful outside of the toasty wok oil flavor. Nothing but rice, oil, and shreds of egg. The chow mein is extra but similarly lacks and veggies or strong flavor. They really give you a ton of the side, way more than you need to pair with the entree, and the lack of veggies or any add-ins makes it feel very heavy. An improvement on the sides and maybe an option to pick two or three entrees for variety for an additional charge would bring this place up a notch. They provide a cup of plain egg drop soup and a crispy dumpling with the lunch which sweetens the deal. I think the lunch special is worth coming back for.

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Shu mai

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Har gow

Sapporo Sushi

4.6(132 reviews)

8.5 mi

The food and service is always AMAZING!!! The prices are fair and they have live sports games.read more

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

Photos

45+ piece assorted sashimi platter

Spicy pork hot plate. A ton of really good food.

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Tuna Tower

Sushi On

4.5(195 reviews)

3.5 mi

Food is so fresh and delicious and lots of Parking! Nice and…read moreclean restaurant really what more can I say!

Sushi On is a good bang for your buck sushi joint. The food was tasty, fresh, and relatively…read moreaffordable, and I would definitely come back. The only major issue was the wait for our first round of food. It appears the order was never entered, so our second round actually arrived before the first. We waited around 45 minutes to an hour for the original items to reach the table. The staff did give us a discount because of the mistake, which we all appreciated. Other than that delay, the experience was good. It wasn't too loud, the food was enjoyable, the prices were reasonable, and the staff was very nice. We will be back!

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Sushi bar

Unagi Bowl

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Albacore Special Roll

Umai Sushi & Yakitori

3.6(606 reviews)

3.4 mi

•$$

In a world where there is 20 sushi bars in every city these days, this place holds a very special…read moreplace in both my stomach and my heart... I have been coming to this spot for 16 years, brought my wife here on our first date and have not faltered since. The ownership leads with heart. The crew feeds off of that energy and you can tell, as the food speaks through it all. DON'T sleep on this spot. Fish is clean, fresh and even their hot dishes absolutely CRUSH! Best Mom and Pop Sushi spot in North County SD... FIGHT ME!

My family and I had been here a few time before and it was pretty decent, but this time the service…read morewas not great, we order two golden mountain rolls and only got one and the other was a baked salmo, when we told our server she simply said "that's what you order" didn't offer to fix it or anything we ended up not even eating the roll because we didn't like it. Def won't be coming back. Also the quality has gone down.

Photos

Sushi counter

Spicy Tuna Roll

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Umai boat

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69 reviews that are not currently recommended

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

Jessi E.

248

14

4

10 years ago

Definitely if you didn't know it was a ramen place going there, chances are you wouldn't notice it very much. Which is unfortunate, because I love this place! I actually found this place from Yelp, and I'm glad I did. Really really good broth, which is how I judge ramen. They don't have too much of an umami taste, and i can tell it's been simmered for at least 10 hours. Although there's not much meat or veggies in it, it's taste makes up for all of it. The food is not very expensive at all, so I go fairly often. Because, if you're like me, and live in North county-where there aren't many Asian food places up here-if you find a good place, you stick to it. They have really cheap sushi rolls too, so it satisfies a few of my cravings. The people that work there are really sweet, and have big smiles their faces. I have brought a few people there from Esco and they all loved it. read more

Maurice C.

0

23

2

7 years ago

Restaurants are graded based upon their cleanliness correct? The moment my food reach the table flies swarmed. I informed the waiter that flies were all over my food before I had a chance to enjoy it. The waiter's response was there's flies everywhere what to you want me to do? I told the gentleman we were leaving and that I was disgusted. He says okay, but allow me to ring you up for the rest of your food being prepared. My question is why would I want anything from this establishment after his initial response? Whether it's insects, pest control or poor customer service you as an establishment have a responsibility to maintain a certain level of integrity and professionalism. I will never eat at this place again!! read more

Matt W.

183

3

2

3 years ago

Awesome food, weirdly bad service. The waitress who served us was being trained by some boneheads in the back. I say "trained" but they were mostly just barking orders at her and she really seemed to be struggling. At one point, a guy told her "pick up their plates quickly, it's in your interest to get tables cleared out ASAP to make room for more customers and more tips." I was within earshot of all this, and couldn't help but laugh--there were only two tables occupied at the time. So she came and picked up our plates with sushi still on them and took them away before I even noticed. Don't think we'll go back, but I will say the food is solid. A bit overpriced, but the ramen broth was GREAT. read more

Don P.

0

9

0

7 years ago

I love Japanese noodle shops having been in Japan a few times. Found out about this place and had high hopes since I live in Escondido. Just as a test I ordered the California rolls and the Shoyu ramen. The rolls for the price were decent. The soup .. not so good. It actually had a "fishy" taste. Not what I have experienced in other Japanese places. The pork was fine, but the Ramen noodles were definitely not fresh ... packaged dry Ramen. I only ate half the bowl and left. Go to a noodle shop at the Mitsuwa Marketplace and try their ramen for comparison. read more

Don P.

0

9

0

7 years ago

I love Japanese noodle shops having been in Japan a few times. Found out about this place and had high hopes since I live in Escondido. Just as a test I ordered the California rolls and the Shoyu ramen. The rolls for the price were decent. The soup .. not so good. It actually had a "fishy" taste. Not what I have experienced in other Japanese places. The pork was fine, but the Ramen noodles were definitely not fresh ... packaged dry Ramen. I only ate half the bowl and left. Go to a noodle shop at the Mitsuwa Marketplace and try their ramen for comparison. read more

Don P.

0

9

0

7 years ago

I love Japanese noodle shops having been in Japan a few times. Found out about this place and had high hopes since I live in Escondido. Just as a test I ordered the California rolls and the Shoyu ramen. The rolls for the price were decent. The soup .. not so good. It actually had a "fishy" taste. Not what I have experienced in other Japanese places. The pork was fine, but the Ramen noodles were definitely not fresh ... packaged dry Ramen. I only ate half the bowl and left. Go to a noodle shop at the Mitsuwa Marketplace and try their ramen for comparison. read more

Niko D.

0

3

1

5 years ago

What an absolutely wonderful experience. Drove to Mirin and there was plenty of parking. Navigated my way into the restaurant. While I was standing in line three gentlemen told me how delicious the food was going to be. This was music to my belly!!! Whatever I told her to put on...it came out so tasty! I ate the entire bowl. Couldn't finish my corn...not for lack of trying. Go to this place...its really yummy. The staff there is amazing and so friendly. Next time I'm coming for the potato! See you there read more

Sarah J.

22

28

11

12 years ago

I recently moved to Escondido and I think I've found my new favorite place. Everything on their menu is delicious. There isn't one thing I wouldn't recommend. The food is affordable. I didn't see one thing on the menu over ten dollars. Also the service is incredible and quick. The entire staff is friendly and knowledgable. Plus. They have a drive up window for call ahead orders. Score! Mirin is a gem. read more

Samantha B.

Elite 18

45

57

3

9 years ago

I come here more often than I should, I even go alone most of the time because of how often I go and how much I enjoy it! Service is attentive, food is always good, prices are fair, and the atmosphere is relaxing. If only they had wifi, I'd probably live here. I usually get sushi, tempura, miso soup.. everything has been delicious! I hope this place never closes :) read more

Iker A.

5

4

0

9 years ago

Drive thru Japanese noodle shop! Excellent food, inexpensive sushi. One of our regular spots. Seems like there is a little raw fish on the menu now. They have a larger menu now with noodles and rice dishes as well as loads of tasty sushi. Amazingly they have drive-thru service and we use it a lot. I really am glad to have Mirin Cafe nearby. read more

Noah T.

198

30

8

7 years ago

First two times were great. Last three have been "meh". I can't really put my finger on it. I could just be ordering the wrong things. Everyone there is nice and super helpful but I was just really disappointed with the food via takeout the last few times to where they have been officially removed from our takeout rotation. read more

Michael O.

0

5

0

11 years ago

As others have said, definitely one of those hole in the wall locations: Low key, quiet, friendly and fast service, and great food. Never had a bad experience. A little tricky trying to get in to the parking lot due to the side street and drive through layout, but aside from that, never had a complaint. read more

Ronny Y.

0

9

1

3 years ago

SUPER GREAT PLACE YUMMY FOR THE TUMMY Love this place. The gyoza is delicious, whether you choose them steamed or fried. I almost always get the beef bowl with shrimp tempura. The katsu chicken burger and fries is also a solid selection. They also do brisk business in sushi, noodles, ramen and udon. read more

Collin W.

0

5

0

2 years ago

Really liked this place! Great food and friendly service here. Was a bit hard to find but that wasn't a big deal, The Mirin in the ramen was definitely brought some heat but wasn't off putting! The pork gyoza was so good we made two orders. Cucumber salad was great as well, Will definitely be back! read more

Sab E.

0

5

0

4 years ago

Love this place. It is definitely a hole in the wall i was introduced to by my neighbor. The food is really good. I definitely recommend their noodle plate but i was not a big fan of the spicy soup noodles! customer service was fast and the food was good. 10/10 recommend for a good vibe ! read more

Gaye M.

8

6

0

11 years ago

This midtown culinary fortress exceeds expectations. The combination of tradition and creativity makes Mirin Cafe one of the certain 3 star dining experiences on Escondido . Only disappointment - the brioche / salmon toast was off the menu how could you? The monkfish made up for it. read more

Ben A.

0

5

0

3 years ago

Mirin café is a decent little Japanese restaurant! that serves most of the food you'd expect to find at a Japanese place, It's got reasonable prices, and the food is pretty good, though not exceptional. A good local japanese, option for Escondido that isn't all about sushi! read more

Mark H.

0

4

0

2 years ago

Very good food, served quickly. Nice variety of food options too! I enjoy their chicken teriyaki entrée, some family members like the sushi and others prefer the yakisoba. Drive thru pick up option is rare for a café and a nice addition when we do carry out! read more

Vanessa C.

1

3

2

8 years ago

I love this place, definitely one of the best places to eat in Escondido! Sushi is good, Mirin fries, ramen and chicken/beef teriyaki are so good too! Staff is super friendly, you can even order ahead and pick up at their drive thru window. read more

Mr T.

0

2

0

8 years ago

This my first time here at Mirin Cafe on Friday night.I ordered the Volcano ramen per my waiter recommendation,and oh man it was amazing.Even though the place was packed,the food came out fast and the service was great.Will definitely come read more

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Mirin Cafe - japanese - Updated September 2026

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People who viewed Mirin Cafe also viewed

Tokyo Express

4.5

(64 reviews)

•$

This place is amazing. The staff are some of the nicest people I've ever met. Sushi is extremely…read morefresh and affordable The lunch specials are a great value and you get a ton of food. This place is a must visit.

Combination casual sushi and Chinese fast food joint…read more Their lunch special is a good deal. Their entrees are great, but sides are lacking. The orange chicken was super crisp and sweet and delicious, better than Panda Express for sure. Their garlic tofu was also very delicious. The fried rice isn't very flavorful outside of the toasty wok oil flavor. Nothing but rice, oil, and shreds of egg. The chow mein is extra but similarly lacks and veggies or strong flavor. They really give you a ton of the side, way more than you need to pair with the entree, and the lack of veggies or any add-ins makes it feel very heavy. An improvement on the sides and maybe an option to pick two or three entrees for variety for an additional charge would bring this place up a notch. They provide a cup of plain egg drop soup and a crispy dumpling with the lunch which sweetens the deal. I think the lunch special is worth coming back for.

Sushi Yama

3.4

(767 reviews)

•$$

We really like it here. Max the manager is a gem. Once there were a couple of guys drinking…read morebeer (getting their "personalities on") and he graciously told them to cool it with the F bombs. I appreciate that when we are spending 80 bucks on food. Food is always consistent, service can be a bit weak sometimes but this is the best in Escondido. Trust me, we just re-tried Akita and it sucked!

Decided to give this place a try since sushi options are very limited in the area. We saw the mixed…read morereviews, but all the recent ones are 4 stars and up so we thought it would be nice. Maybe we just came in on a bad day (or maybe we weren't treated well because we aren't regulars), but the service my family got was terrible. When we first got there we had to wait 15 minutes to be seated even though there were 20 empty tables and no line in front of us. Then when we were seated it took 15 more minutes just get our drink order. 2 other groups were sat after us and they immediately got water, wasabi and ginger on their tables. 10 minutes later we finally got our waters and put in our appetizers and main food order. The table behind us ordered after us and they got their appetizers inmediately within 10 minutes of them putting in their order. Then the table in front of us ALSO got their appetizers AND rolls. We had to call over a server just to ask where our miso soup was even at. 20 minutes later we finally get the soup and wings. And 15 minutes later, the rolls finally came. The other 2 tables already finished their food and were paying and we were just barely getting our food. The only thing saving this review is the food. The food was delicious and I'd say worth the price, but why were we treated so much differently than the other diners? The other 2 tables were in and out within 45 minutes and we were there almost 90. We didn't even order much - just 2 miso soups, chicken wings, and 3 rolls. That shouldn't take 1.5 hours to make. The place is clean and in a nice area but I don't think we will be returning here again.

Umai Sushi & Yakitori

3.6

(606 reviews)

•$$

In a world where there is 20 sushi bars in every city these days, this place holds a very special…read moreplace in both my stomach and my heart... I have been coming to this spot for 16 years, brought my wife here on our first date and have not faltered since. The ownership leads with heart. The crew feeds off of that energy and you can tell, as the food speaks through it all. DON'T sleep on this spot. Fish is clean, fresh and even their hot dishes absolutely CRUSH! Best Mom and Pop Sushi spot in North County SD... FIGHT ME!

My family and I had been here a few time before and it was pretty decent, but this time the service…read morewas not great, we order two golden mountain rolls and only got one and the other was a baked salmo, when we told our server she simply said "that's what you order" didn't offer to fix it or anything we ended up not even eating the roll because we didn't like it. Def won't be coming back. Also the quality has gone down.

Tengu Ramen

4.2

(98 reviews)

•$$

*Food was amazing, the KFC was great. The pork katsu and rice was the MVP!…read more*service was superb, smiles all around. Our cups were never empty. *the dinning room, restrooms and table tops SPOTLESS! I'll be back.

Wow I got lucky stoping by here. The food is delicious and…read morethe service is amazing. Me, my mom and sister ate here yesterday and then we came back today. We love the Grilled shrimp bowls and Grilled Salmon bowl. The appetizers were great too. Mahalo to the Chef and all the servers. Come check them out Don't forget to say Aloha to Tattoo

Sushi Nori

4.1

(574 reviews)

•$$

We got 3 rolls, a bento box, cucumber salad, and potstickers. Absolutely delicious and quick…read moreservice. Small placed only seats about 30 people maybe, but it was quiet and was easy to enjoy dinner. Highly recommend!!

Sushi Nori is one of my go to spots when I'm craving sushi or Japanese food. I usually get the…read moreshrimp tempura roll or the yakisoba, and both are always really good. The shrimp tempura roll has the perfect crunch, and the yakisoba is flavorful and filling. I love having a spot where I already know exactly what I'm ordering depending on what I'm in the mood for!

Ramen Mik

4.1

(133 reviews)

•$$

So, there were five of us: three meat eaters, a vegetarian, and a vegan. One meat eaters had the…read moreanimal lover (on purpose), one had ginger pork, and some other pork broth ramen. They loved every bit of their meals. They had chicken karage as well but felt it was a little plain, but still good. I (vegan) thoroughly enjoyed my animal lover ramen. I thought I wanted to add corn and more veggies, but it was all just so good, and super filling. (I over ate!) The vegetarian went for fries and potatoes croquettes and said everything was good. I will eat here again for sure. (Apparently the ginger pork is worth coming back for, too.) Dear Chef, Thank you for having vegan friendly options!

We came here as it was nearby my families house! It was a convenient location with ample parking…read more Upon walking in we got hit with a sewer like smell, but it didn't last thankfully. Ramens we got were good but nothing too stand out.

Ramen Mik

4.4

(216 reviews)

•$$

Such a friendly experience! We came in after a rainy morning soccer game, looking for somewhere…read morewarm and cozy near Cal State San Marcos. We had three bowls of ramen, gyoza, edamame, and a chicken teriyaki bowl for my son. He likes his food very plain--no sauce, onions, or extras--so his order was a little different from ours. His meal came out separately, a little late, and the owner was genuinely bothered that everything hadn't arrived together. She kept apologizing. We kept telling her it was totally fine, but she really cared about making sure we were taken care of. The restaurant is small and cozy; the food was good, the service was very friendly, and the restroom was clean. We'd definitely come back if we're in the area again. Recommend!

Ramen Mik in San Marcos brings tasty and fresh Japanese Sapporo style ramen to the San Marcos area…read more With this being my first visit I always love to ask the server their most popular dishes that customers love. For small bites she said the Pork Gyoza is the most popular appetizer so I had to try it. The pan fried edges made for a wonderful texture as well as the pork filling. Definitely a great way to start the meal. For the my main entree she recommend I try the BST signature ramen that features a Sio Tonkotsu Base with Black Umami Garlic Oil. For a first timer at Ramen Mik this was an excellent choice with its rich, creamy broth surrounded by fresh garlic, stir fried vegetables, green onion and ginger. The noodles were fresh and had an excellent bite to them. It was a very tasty bowl of ramen and I recommend trying the BST. Overall great first time experience at Ramen Mik as service was great, plenty of seating and parking making it very accessible. Can't wait to come back and try their other dishes such as Japanese curry, beef bowls and tonkatsu.

Kinaly Thai Express

4.3

(279 reviews)

•$$

The boba tea was good- I got the taro milk tea and the Thai tea, and it was creamy and good flavor…read more I ordered the fresh spring roll. I ate one, and it was very rubbery, and you could tell by how hard it was to separate them- that they were prepared earlier which makes a difference in the quality of these rolls. I asked if they could make it fresh, and they said it was made fresh. And so they declined making a new one. Picture for reference of the "fresh spring roll" order you will receive. The veggies were browning. The wrap was super chewy.

This is my go-to shop for lunch. quick tip for newcomers: it's called "Express" for a reason. I've…read moreseen some diners get upset because they expect traditional, family-style table service, but I find it's much more of a casual cafe vibe. If you go in with that mindset, you'll love it. Thai Tea with Boba: My absolute favorite. Pad See Ew & Curries: Consistently delicious and my standard order. Tom Yum Soup: Hot, sour, and hits the spot every time. Pad Thai: It's okay, the sauce is a bit too sweet for my personal preference. Popcorn Chicken: Save your money on this one. The pieces are tiny with very little meat, and they lack flavor. For the price, it's definitely not worth the plate. Skip.

Chins Gourmet

3.5

(320 reviews)

•$$

Wow, still can't believe this is only showing 3.5 stars still. Always good for us…read more We went there for mom's day and sat at the bar tables since we all wanted mai tais which are cheaper in the bar than the restaurant. SOOOO good! Service was great and food very good too! NOTE: Didn't know that their "holiday" menu is limited compared to their huge menu normal days. Still, we were able to pick good food. Kung Po Chicken, Beef Lo Mein, egg rolls, pot stickers & cream cheese wantons. All great tasting, good & hot. Went this week for some take out. Ready on time and packaged well. All great tasting too!

This is our go to Chinese place. My brother is obsessed with it. We always get the tangerine…read morechicken and cream cheese wontons. I like the honey walnut shrimp as well as the red red shrimp. Also tend to go here or get food from here on Christmas Day.

Hyuga Sushi

4.2

(302 reviews)

•$$

If you're craving sushi Hyuga is the place to go in San Marcos! This hidden gem is located in a…read moresmall strip mall on San Marcos Blvd. Kuro, the owner/sushi chef comes from a small village in Japan and takes his sushi very seriously! The fish is so fresh and everything that comes out of his kitchen is a piece of art! The snow crab hand roll is my fav but everything is so fresh and delicious!

Pay attention to the kind of people writing 1 star reviews. All pathetic humans…read more This is the coolest place I've been to in ages. You can feel the soul of the owner seeping through the walls. This man is a legend and I met him once. Even though I didn't get my entire order, I won't complain because everything else was incredible. Go here and get some sushi. Or a ribeye bowl that shits gas. 11/10

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69 Mirin Cafe reviews that are not currently recommended

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69 reviews that are not currently recommended

Mirin Cafe - japanese - Updated September 2026

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