Heck yeah I recommend this place. I dig the vibe from the owner. I don't frequent this place but every once in the while when I'm in the mood for sushi and I'm on Adams Ave between Normal Heights and Kensington this is the spot. It's really about an experience I had one night. I walked in just randomly and it was kinda busy but I think the owner was there and invited me so I sat at the bar since I was solo. I ended having a shot of saki with him and a couple that was seated next to me at the bar. They were taking shots and offered me one in a soy sauce bowl Anyways sushi was bomb too. It's a small spot so on a fri or sat night it might be kinda busy but other random days there is no wait. I recommend and support local small business owned by POC. read more

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I was excited to try SoCal Sushi after seeing all of the great Yelp reviews. It's a very small, cozy neighborhood sushi spot with friendly service, but the food just didn't live up to the 4.5-star rating for me. We ordered the Omakase Combo, Hello Kitty Roll, Adams Family Roll, Protein Roll, and 2 pieces of hamachi belly. Out of everything, the Hello Kitty Roll was definitely my favorite. The Adams Family Roll had plenty of spice, but beyond that, the taste was just okay. Unfortunately, everything else was also pretty mid. The sushi didn't taste all that fresh. A few pieces even had a slightly mushy texture, which was disappointing. I personally don't think it lived up to the hype. I wouldn't mind giving it another try someday to see if it was just an off day, but based on this visit, there are other sushi places I'd choose first. read more

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I've eaten at Goody's numerous times before, and like usual, the food is fantastic... BUT the service tonight was BAD. And I mean really bad for 5:30 on a Thursday. My wife and I ordered drinks, edamame, and two omakase meals, yet the edamame never arrived. Even after we brought it to the server's attention, there was no apology or acknowledgement of the mistake. The only time our waters were refilled was when the check came. To top it off, I was never even asked if I wanted another drink - which I absolutely would have ordered considering it was my birthday. This is the frustrating part of dining out in 2026, when a 20 percent tip is essentially expected regardless of the level of service. Needless to say, tonight's service did nothing to remotely warrant that expectation. Despite the food being fantastic as always at Goody's, the front-of-house experience tonight was a complete letdown. Dining out, especially for sushi, should feel like an experience, and tonight at Goody's was far from one. read more

Love this local sushi spot! The prices are great and the selection of fresh fish is fantastic. Especially the service is overwhelmingly great. Be weary that it is a tight space and will be tough to seat more than a party of 4. Be mindful they have a happy hour but the happy hour is pretty weak ($1 off appetizers isn't a huge incentive). Highly recommend a visit! read more

When I went the first time I got the expensive sushi plate with different fresh fish. I thought it was good. Just went back with girlfriend and got specialty rolls. Whatever I had (the baja) just tasted like lemon juice. Hers (the rolling deep) just tasted like mayo. I wouldn't go back again based on how simple and overpowering the non-fish flavors were in this sushi. read more

SoCal Sushi - All I could taste was lemon. Sour sushi. - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

6 of us came to SoCal Sushi to celebrate our friend's birthday! The shop is small and we did have a reservation. It was accommodating for a group our size, however if you go with a larger party it might be a little more cramped inside the restaurant itself. The staff is very friendly and service was quick as we ordered multiple things at a time. We ordered a variety of nigiri, rolls, and appetizers. Everything was fresh and so good! The scallops were surprisingly delicious, it was not usually one of the items I order but it was very delicate and flavorful! The snapper was also a table favorite and every roll was delicious! I really liked the Kama, but it's also one of my favorite items to order at sushi. The table was also a big fan of anything butter fish! I would absolutely return again if I'm down in the area with how good everything was! read more

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Hands down my favorite sushi spot in San Diego! We have been here countless times, including anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays. The sushi is so fresh and delicious, the staff and owners are so welcoming, and it truly feels like you belong. As much as I don't want to share how wonderful this place is (so I can always get a seat), it's too good not to share. Can't wait for my next visit, which is probably this week. read more

I really enjoyed this affordable sushi spot! Came by on my birthday, wanting to celebrate by eating sushi and really enjoyed my bday meal. I got the spider roll, caterpillar roll, and protein roll to split between two people. It was the perfect amount of sushi for us. The spider and caterpillar rolls are classics that you can't go wrong with. The protein roll was interesting. It was a lot to chew, but I still enjoyed it. My friend ate that protein roll up though.. They offer a bunch of different specialty rolls and deals/specials. Service was great. The place is a bit small but there is bar seating, tables, and outdoor seating as well. I'll be back to try more of their menu in the near future! read more

SoCal Sushi - Spider roll, caterpillar roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Love this spot. It's a cozy space so there might be a wait. My favorites are the unagi roll and the spicy hamachi roll. I also like to try their specials whenever I come. Get some nigiri, you won't regret it! The staff is always friendly and there's a plus that there's an ice cream spot next door but their tempura pb&j is amazing! read more

SoCal Sushi - Salad - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Hands down, this is THE BEST sushi spot in town. The staff is so friendly and welcoming, the sushi options are divine! They always play the best music. They always have a superb happy hour menu. It's the hospitality and fresh delicious sushi and kama's that always keep me coming back here. On my recent visit I tried butter fish for the first time and holy smokes, that alone deserves an award. The bluefin kama was out of this world and I can go on and on about the rolls. Hats off to SoCal Sushi. Looking forward to returning soon! read more

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Food 5/5: all the nigiri's were very fresh, it felt like as I was eating they were melting in my mouth. You could literally taste the freshness. Service 5/5 Ambiance 4/5: a little small and bathroom wasn't the cleanest but food 100%. read more

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Me and my boyfriend got the avatar roll as recommended by the server and it was amazing. So fresh and tasted amazing. read more

SoCal Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

So fresh & delicious!!! The service was great & the ambiance was chill. I will definitely come back. read more

SoCal Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Service was okay, the outdoor seating is so cramped with so many fruit flies, and the food was nothing special esp for the price. We got three rolls and two fried appetizers, and none of them really stood out. Parking is inconvenient (tiny lot, watched someone hit a pole trying to get out, street parking is sparse), so I don't think I'd come back. read more

SoCal Sushi - Red velvet roll, cucumber roll, hello kitty roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The SoCal Roll was incredible, great balance of flavors and textures. We also got a spicy salmon and cali roll, both were quality rolls. Salmon melted in your mouth. We also got the mixed tempura. The batter was light and crispy and served great from the fryer. Each veggie and shrimp were delicious. It was the best tempura I've had. The place is super small so not the best for bigger parties but great for a date night. Service was great, servers were attentive and nice. read more

SoCal Sushi - SoCal Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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The service was impeccable. A friend and I came here to meet with her brother. We had a stroller and they were able to accomodate us. The place is a little small but the sushi is super good. I really loved their crunchy roll and salmon nigiri. We also had the Lychee Sake and that was super good, for the 3 of us, we probably had 3 or 4 rounds of shots. Overall this was a great olace to eat at and I cant wait to come back !!! read more

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Food: 8/10 Service: 7.5/10 Ambiance: 7.5/10 Cost: 7/10 We ordered the protein roll & I thought the sushi was decently fresh, but you didn't get a lot for the cost. The service was actually quite slow, especially given the fact that we were one of only two tables that were being used. We thought perhaps its because the server was busy doing other tasks in the back? But she was nice, and the sushi chefs were friendly. We did like that the server allowed us to put some candles on a birthday cake, so that was nice! :) read more

SoCal Sushi - Protein Roll! - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

I don't understand why this place has received so many good reviews. I was dragged into here by a friend, and decided to compromise. This place is a typical American style sushi place. The menu is entirely dominated by overpriced low-quality maki rolls, filled with "krab", which is just cheap processed formed white fish made to look like crab. Often with fried and battered items. Further filled with the typical Japan-forbidden American-style sushi ingredients like cream cheese, avocado, a massive amount of sweet sauce embellishments, and spicy mayo. Fake wasabi made of horseradish and food coloring. We live in a state with far better ingredients and a cultural connection with Japan and should be better than this. We should be beyond this style of "sushi". This was what we had in the late 80s and 90s when maki rolls dominated California when Americans couldn't yet deal with sashimi and nigiri. When you go to Japan, this is not the sushi you will find. We now know better than this. My main reason for a 2 star review is for the low quality and high price of the omakase and nigiri, and for it not even being on the printed menu. All the cheap and undesirable junk was only on the menu. Also the fact that the hamachi was gray and not the more pink color it should be when fresh. It tasted old, too fishy, and the most important part - in the end, it did not agree with me. Why are we still doing silly things like Dynamite Rolls, Philadelphia Rolls, "Baja" rolls", when we should've already advanced beyond that point as a worldly culture? Also, are you guys using Escolar in your "Tuna"? One extra star for the staff being very nice. read more

SoCal Sushi always hits! This is our favorite sushi spot! The food is always fresh and so tasty! Our favorite rolls are the Baja, Hello Kitty and Bob Marley. The Tipsy Tuna is an honorable mention. The service is always excellent! The service staff is always so sweet and so knowledgeable about the menu. The bar in my opinion is the best place to sit! The sushi chefs are always so nice, attentive and knowledgeable about the fish, the cut and where it is from. I have been here numerous times and have always had the best experience! Not to mention that it is a family owned establishment and the owner, Goodie is seriously the nicest person you will meet! If you are looking to support local, looking for amazing sushi and excellent customer service, SoCal Sushi is the place to go! I cannot recommend this place enough! read more

$164 party of 4. Pre tip. Plenty of food. Salmon wangs, spicy tuna hr, avatar, red velvet, that roll, Alaskan, salmon belly, sea trout belly, ​Hamachi belly, Tempura, edamame, 1/2&1/2 salad. The fish was definitely a good quality and the flavors of the rolls are unique and that's what makes this place stand out. This is not just another sushi spot with the same flavors. Would I have liked larger protein cuts, yes. Were the portions fair, yes. The tempura veg was​ crispy and you could taste the green. Plus there was a fresh crunch in the cucumbers in the salad. Oh not sure on the brand but the sodium in the soy sauce is solidly upfront and yummy. As for the space itself- its small and tight inside and out. The air doesn't really move inside so outside is the call, but only after the sun goes down. The table away from the door has the most privacy. The fan above the tables helps with the heat, but doesn't deter the pesky flys. They were a constant nuisance. If you sit outside before sunset, don't forget a wide brim hat. If they are busy I'd expect to wait and I didn't see a table larger than a 4 top. The neighborhood is called Normal Heights but nothing much normal about it. It seems pretty colorful. The restaurant is located between a smoke shop and a Thai Joint. Parking is tough. As it was - the suggested gratuity percentages were based on the total (not Subtotal), but when is the last time you saw a suggestion start at 10%? Btw- our service was very good. read more

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This place is the definition of 'hole in the wall'. I unfortunately do not have any pictures of the rolls we got as they were gone in a flash. I do have to add that they no longer do happy hour which I was so bummed to hear. I definitely recommend as I was craving this place again instantly after I left the establishment. Can't wait to come back! Will be salivating till then! read more

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Long Overdue Review for Our Favorite Spot in Town! This review has been a long time coming because SoCal Sushi is hands down our go-to spot--no question about it. We've been coming here for a while, and every single time, the experience is nothing short of amazing. First off, the staff is always so warm and welcoming. You walk in and immediately feel like a regular, even if it's your first time. There's a really great vibe--busy, bustling, and full of energy, but never rushed or impersonal. As for the food: our go-to rolls are the Shrimp Tempura Roll and the SoCal Roll (obviously!). Both are fresh, flavorful, and consistently delicious. We also usually go for the mix sashimi, which is always beautifully presented and tastes just as good as it looks. The fish is melt-in-your-mouth fresh, every single time. The place is usually cranking, so we felt lucky to snag a table on our last visit. But honestly, that busy vibe just speaks to how loved this place is--it's popular for a reason. Next time, we're hoping to sit at the bar and let our baby girl watch the chefs work their magic. There's something really special about seeing your food made right in front of you, and we know she'll love it just as much as we do. Bottom line: if you haven't been to SoCal Sushi yet, you're seriously missing out. Great people, phenomenal food, and a place that feels like a second home. Can't wait to go back! read more

SoCal Sushi - Shrimp Tempura Roll and SoCal Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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good sushi spot with fresh quality fish in kensington- always great service and lots of options with traditional sushi to fun sushi rolls! Love the miso soup here read more

SoCal Sushi - nigiri - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

SUPER DISAPPOINTING! I was really excited to try this place out since it was recommended by a friend and but it was a disappointment. We ordered three different rolls for pick up and it wasn't until we got home that we saw that they had replaced one of the rolls with another one we had ordered. The one they replaced was the roll i was most excited for so it was a huge let down. They did not tell us beforehand that they did so for any reason which would have been reasonable had they run out of ingredients or any explanation and allow us to chose a different one. I live 20 min away so due to it being late by the time we had gone back they would have been closing down. read more

SoCal Sushi - adams family roll & 2 baja rolls - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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We originally loved the option for happy hour which they have all the time. Although, we missed happy hour we still wanted to try a new sushi spot. Parking is all street with a few in front of the restaurant. In a small shopping center with a few restaurant choices. The doesn't take reservations so as soon as you arrive walk in and place your name on the waitlist on a clipboard on the wall hanging on the left of the hostess booth. ***TIP: they won't sit you unless your entire party has arrived. The restaurant is very small and cozy with only 5-6 tables inside and 2 tables on the makeshift patio. The wait was about 35 minutes on a Friday at 700pm. The staff was pleasant but found it slightly annoying with how many times the staff came to swap out or remove the soy sauce or items on the table as we assume they were preparing to close once the restaurant was empty. Being in the customer service industry we understand it but our meal was interrupted 4 times with staff just reaching over our food to pull items without warning. Wanting to try the omakase it will have to wait for another time. We decided on the Baja roll and the avatar roll with the special kanpachi on top. I absolutely love the play of the lemon slice to give a little citrus on the fresh fish. The citrus hamachi was also phenomenal and all the flavors balanced and brought out the best in every bite. Last, we both ordered the mix sashimi platter. The salmon was so fresh and buttery. The yellowtail was just as delicate. We had a wonderful dinner that hit all the spots. Can't wait to come back! read more

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Friendly staff, clean and well decorated interior. Fish was some of the freshest and tastiest I've had in town, although I haven't been to very many sushi spots. Relatively affordable considering the quality of the food. The salmon was my favorite fish there. read more

I wanted to try a new sushi place while I was in town and saw the great reviews for this place! Dining area is VERY tiny! 5 seats at the bar and maybe about 7 tables total between inside and outside seating. Staff is attentive and quick. I initially wanted to octopus karaage but they didn't have that and were doing ikageso karaage instead. I love squid too so I wasn't disappointed. It was really good and I wish this was a regular on the menu! Very crispy and a good portion. I tried two different types of sushi - caterpillar and spider rolls. Both were good...wish there was more unagi in the caterpillar roll - had to kind of search for it. They do have happy hour specials including $1 off draft beers and apps. Kinda wish there was a special on sushi rolls also. They have a tiny lot that they share with a couple other businesses. I was not lucky enough to get one of these spots so ended up parking on the street. I did come on a Friday night so that definitely contributed to the difficulty. read more

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Finally had a chance to check out this sushi spot! It's been on my list for some time now . My friend and I shared the Omakase special (4 pc sashimi, 6 pc nigiri) , Philly roll & 2 pc uni nigiri. Everything was delicious!! Fish was fresh. My favorite is the uni!! Pretty small restaurant with a few tables indoor and outdoor. Great customer service! read more

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Highly above average spot. The restaurant is tiny, maybe 4-6 tables? But the quality is up there and the prices, honestly, are modest - not too expensive at all. All of our items were just above very good quality. We are huge nigiri folks but went half nigiri half roll. Our salmon and ahi nigiri were excellent - 8/10. Roll, I'm not a huge roll fan, but this one was ok, 5/10. Service was excellent. The server was so friendly, not polite and uptight. A really great spot. Recommend coming right when they open. After sitting there for 15 mintues the restuarant was full on a weekday. read more

SoCal Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Top tier sushi joint that more than just sushi. We've been faithful patrons of Chef Goody since the early days. This is by Darryle our favorite spot for sushi. Can't go wrong with anything on the menu. GFW are on point. Then finish the night with a tempura PB&J read more

SO good!! This is a quaint spot on Adams that has such fresh fish. There are about 8 tables inside and a few outside with a 5 person bar. I sat at the bar and learned it's owned by a husband and wife that run this restaurant day in and day out. They were so friendly and accommodating. The fish is so buttery and fresh and there are options for everyone! I definitely will come back to try more read more

SoCal Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Small spot but great quality of food and service is always the best! We always make sure to stop by when we're in SD! Their PB&J is so good make sure to order one you will not be disappointed. The GFC Chicken Wangs are crispy to perfection with sweet spicy chili sauce. Shrimp tempura and California sushi roll were good as well, very satisfied with all the food items that we ordered. The place is small but you're limited to 90 minutes so other guests can have time to enjoy their dinner. Ambiance is great and they do have a couple of tables outside. Parking is limited so be prepared to park on the street or on the side street next to the plaza. read more

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I come here pretty often because it's close to work and home. It's a small little spot but the food is really good. I always get the shrimp tempura roll and it is always delicious. The staff and service is great. read more

SoCal Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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We ordered the ikageso karage, mix nigiri,red velvet roll, citrus hamachi, kinmedai Kama. Everything was served at the correct temperature, soft and fresh. Was sad that my red velvet roll didn't come with ginger and wasabi. It was extremely hot and stuff in the restaurant glad it didn't affect the food quality. read more

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Still one of my go to spots for some uni and Toro nigiri. Absolutely love the sushi here. read more

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Sushi spot truly is amazing! Without question, it is among the very best in San Diego. The service is impeccable--warm, attentive, and consistently making guests feel like welcomed regulars. While the space is intimate, it is well worth the wait. I once favored takeout, but now prefer to dine in, especially when Chef Goody is behind the counter. The fish is extraordinarily fresh, and every visit delivers a memorable, thoughtfully crafted dining experience. read more

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Decided to check this place out since we were all craving sushi and were in the area. Overall I thought it was pretty good but nothing over the top. I think I'd give it a 3.5 read more

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Had lunch here today and wow the fish is so fresh here! I got salmon belly, scallop and halibut nigiri and they were all 10/10 fresh. The rice is absolutely perfection here. I also got a salmon roll with a side of ponzu and it was just so simple and perfect. I'll definately be back! read more

SoCal Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Wife and I stopped in here for an early dinner. Nice quaint spot. Inside has table tops for 10. Bar seats 5, patio seats 4. Service was exceptional! Fast, friendly and efficient. Place is nice and clean. They get straight to the point with daily specials posted, an extensive curated menu and a good selection of beer, wine, soju and sake. We had the chef's omakase special (2), the black dragon roll and the Alaskan roll. The Alaskan roll is my new favorite! Wow! read more

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If you ever been to Tokyo, this sushi set up is very similar as this small joint cranks out legit sushi. Omakase Sashimi- 9 pieces of (Maguro/Hamachi/Sea Trout), all were fresh & clean but the sea trout which was slightly seared was outstanding. Hello Kitty Roll- crunchy tempura with salmon and the spicy/savory sauces made this roll a fav for the table, as the hot/cold with sweet/heat flavors was a winner. Spicy Scallop Roll- another clean and fresh roll, rice to scallop ratio was right balance. Service was quick and since they are small, no lingering for more than 90 minutes so totally understandable. read more

SoCal Sushi - Where the magic happens - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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