The first time experiencing Soichi, we just lucked in to it. We were in the area, popped in and they happened to have a table for 2, the reason I say lucked in is we tried to get a reservation the next time and they book out months at a time. It is not surprising as this Michelin 1 star since 2021 is quite the tiny, yet comfortable setting that continues to get high praise. Unlike several of the other Michelin guide or Michelin Star sushi establishments, they offer more than just Omakase. While the do offer Full Omakase for $189, Nigiri Omakase for $140, and Petite Omakase for $65, they also allow you to order nigiri, sashimi along with multiple other specials and cut rolls. On our first walk in experience, we ordered the Petite Omakase which included 4 seasonal dishes, 6 pieces of sushi, a light fish broth, and a small dessert, we also ordered some add-on sushi. On our first reservation here, we opted for the Full Omakase, which was absolutely amazing. It is hard to find any fault in the experience here as everything is done with such meticulous care, and exceptional service, making you feel welcome. I cannot recommend Soichi enough! read more

Came back for my 3rd visit here since they've opened and am thrilled that the business is doing well and has continued to hold it's Michellin star. I've ordered the Omakase each time and while I still love the atmosphere and the energy from Chef Soichi and the staff, I do have to say that this last go round was not quite as good as the last two. This is meant to be opinionated criticism to help improve but I think the dishes could use more diversity and depth. Having done a fair share of omakase from places like Kinme and Matoi, I feel like this isn't that much more memorable or special and I'd hate for it to follow the same path Tadokoro did where they were absolutely my #1 choice and fell after they got their star (which they later lost). Still love that Chef Soichi continues his tradition of birthday serenades with his guitar and the place still has that mom and pop charm so I hope they continue to thrive! read more

Soichi Sushi - Kinmedai - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Definitely 5 stars if compared to all restaurants, but 4 stars if compared to other omakase. Came at one of the first seating (4:30pm) on a Saturday for the full omakase. The service and partnership between the sushi chef and the wait staff was fantastic and every interaction was well thought out. The appetizer wasn't my cup of tea, but the sashimi, nigiri, grilled fish, chawanmushi were really good. The assortment of fish (at least for this season) wasn't my favorite (featuring sardines, mackerel, etc.) when I would have loved some yellowtail and salmon belly. We ordered a negitoro cut roll a la carte because we were still a little hungry - this was super tasty as the quality of the tuna/toro is top notch. For dessert, they had 4 flavors of homemade ice cream to pick from. The sesame was incredible and the roasted green tea really good too. I feel like most of the omakase I've been to have 2-3 seating for dinner, so all the customers for that time arrive at the same time and everyone is at the same point of the omakase. At Soichi, it seems like each party has their reservation at a different time (4:30, 4:45, 5:00, etc.) so each group is at a different part of their meal, not to mention some parties that ordered a la carte or a different omakase menu (sushi only option, etc.) As a result, the chef is bouncing around working on a bunch of different items, and we had to wait quite a bit for each of our nigiri courses. The whole meal took 2.5 hours. We also felt less of that group vibe with other parties that is common in other omakases. Overall, we still had a really lovely time and glad we got to try it!, read more

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Outstanding experience! Our first time here and we did the full omakase and sat at the bar. There were so many dishes and I can't recall them all but all of the dishes were perfectly executed, delicious, and the sushi was top grade. Not cheap but definitely worth the hype! Service is also very good and they time the courses and pace the meal perfectly. Vibes at the bar were also great. Only "con" is that there is only one bathroom and there is always a long line. read more

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Not bad, but it definitely didn't feel like a Michelin star experience. The vibe was more laid-back like a neighborhood hang out spot. Omakase for two was around $500. Parking is a bit tricky. read more

I wish i would have took more photos of the food. Came here for my 19th anniversary with my husband and had so much fun introducing him to all the sushi! He had never had this authentic of a sushi experience and this was definitely the right way to show him the ropes! Hospitality was classic Japanese excellence. Vibe was actually way more chill than i had thought it would be. I felt a little overdressed. It's pretty casual for the price point. Would love to come back again some time. read more

Soichi Sushi - Sushi roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Sushi is my love language, and Soichi knows exactly how to speak to my heart every single time. We love it so much that after eloping, this is where we came for our celebration dinner -- just us two, some sake, and Soichi doing what he does best behind the counter. We've been here a handful of times, and it's perfect every time. If you're lucky, you'll catch Soichi serenading guests with a song on his guitar. If you're even luckier, you might find him there on his day off, sitting next to you, enjoying the fruits of his own labor and having the best time. The space is small and intimate, which I love, but it does mean reservations can be tricky. I recommend booking weeks in advance -- or, if you're like me and go with the flow, keep an eye on the reservation list and snag a cancellation. That's how I've gotten in every time. I love that they offer three sizes of omakase, but they also have an à la carte menu if you prefer to choose your own adventure. The quality of the fish is unreal. The staff does a beautiful job explaining each dish, and the plating is always stunning. The attention to detail is unmatched. My favorite thing to order is the golden eye -- it has become my favorite nigiri ever. This is the perfect spot for any special occasion, or honestly, anytime you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. read more

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Finally was able to secure a reservation here. I've tried many omakases, and Soichi was always mentioned. Made the reservatiin online at the beginning of March for an omakase seating in April to celebrate husband's bday. They had a 5:15pm seating on a weekday at the sushi counter. Other options are the table and outside patio, however, for omakase, I always prefer the counter/bar. Unlike other omakase restaurants, Soichi offers their full vs petite vs nigiri only omakases at variable times (not limited to 2 seating times like others). You can also enjoy any of these omakases or order a la carte or both at the tables and outside patio also. The ambiance is bright and full of energy. Can get a bit loud with people talking, but didn't bother me. Parking is street parking. No designated lot. We found one a little down the street and walked over, which worked out. There is a park down the street and street parking around it. I recommend arriving earlier to find parking though, just in case. Restaurant is small inside, but clean and cozy. We arrived 15min early, and they seated us. The staff were all friendly. They all spoke Japanese to each other, which also felt more authentic. Our omakase chef was Daniel today. He was very nice, friendly, professional, and skilled. When we had questions, he answered them promptly and kindly. He also checked in with us to ensure the ratio of rice and sashimi was OK for us (of course it was). They served on unique plates too. Everything tasted so fresh and smooth. Some items were also unique compared to other omakase restaurants. The chawanmushj was also piping hot when served, so it also tasted fresh. They have barley tea here too and not just green tea. They offer a la carte at the end of the omakase course if we like, but I was too full. My husband ordered a tuna maki roll, which he thought tasted great. The dessert was also yum! Hojicha ice cream was very tasty! I recommend! They sang the happy bday song for the bday folks, where the senior chef (perhaps the owner?) played the ukelele/guitar and sang happy bday with the rest of us guests. Thought that was really neat. I recommend Soichi! Shout out to Chef Daniel! read more

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Man. Where do I begin? My girlfriend's birthday was coming up so I thought I'd take her out for a nice sushi date, and better yet, a restaurant with a Michelin Star. Got my reservation in September 1st for a date in October. If you're looking to get reservations, have your computer ready on their reservation site on the 1st of every month for access to the following month, and they go quick! We arrived and were welcomed by a lovely host who wished my girlfriend a happy birthday. We were seated immediately as we were early and one of the earlier chef's bar reservations. The restaurant is quite small, but due to its reservation style seating that isn't an issue. There are plenty traditional Japanese decorations accompanying the Omakase bar. We opted for the best advertised experience. The full Omakase. We have had Omakase before and we're ready to be blown away. Our host explained their alcohol selection to us and allowed us to sample multiple Sake before making our final selection. This sampling is included with your experience. The appetizer came out and man, I need to emphasize that the quality of care that the chef's cater to these dishes is top notch. The precision and care to the seafood presented reflects on how delicious the appetizer and sashimi portions of the experience were. The grilled fish was also quite delicious. The nigiri course began and of course every piece presented exceeded our expectations. Our chef was able to customize my girlfriend's nigiri slightly, as she is not a fan of wasabi. The quality of each nigiri from the fish, to the fresh wasabi, down to the rice was phenomenal. It was so good I began to forget to snap a picture before devouring a few pieces. The nigiri was so delicious we proceeded to order additional pieces à la carte. Our chef delightfully explained where each fish is from. We finished the nigiri portion and were presented with a delicious fish broth. On to the dessert round where you choose from a selection of house made ice cream. It was my girlfriend's birthday so the owner pulled his guitar out and sang to her and the restaurant. Our night was amazing thanks to Soichi's attentive staff and amazing attention to detail to their craft. We will be back for more! read more

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This a review from last year. Came here on a Saturday night. Place was busy. Most of the dishes were good. Servers were overall great. Main issue is that food comes out a bit slowly if you're in the patio. Diners inside who sat down after us, finished before us. Took 2.5 hours for the Soichi omakase. There was a heater on the patio if needed which was nice. Overall 3.75. read more

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THE most memorable birthday celebration I ever had was here, Soichi Sushi. Not only superior expertise in identifying only the perfect bites, but the flair, showmanship, geniality, and most of all: technical perfection to create heavenly deliciousness for relaxing hours of entertainment. Adore. read more

Soichi is the quintessential traditional Japanese sushi restaurant The service is incredible and attentive Ambiance is cozy and comfortable The sushi is incredible -- as a sushi lover I was truly blown away A true culinary delight and the omakase experience is a must do The price to quality ratio is unbeatable Must try: Speciality Handroll with toro, salmon roe, and uni read more

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20/10!!!! This place was amazing! There wasn't one thing that the chef made that night that wasn't delicious. He was so welcoming and so was the rest of the staff. Price point for me was inexpensive for what I received. I can't wait to go back. read more

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From the moment we walked in, the experience was everything we expected and more. We had reservations for the sushi bar and I definitely recommend those seats as it was a gem watching the sushi chefs make their creations. The food-- Wow! Buttery, melt in your mouth goodness. Every bite was scrumptious. We ordered the petite omakase as we absolutely couldn't eat that many pieces of sushi. We added uni and egg custard from the à la carte menu. The uni was undeniably the best I have ever had in my entire life. The entire meal was 5/5. I won't be surprised if they earn another Michelin star next year. This is a must visit in San Diego! read more

Came into soichi for a solo experience. It was nothing short of amazing. Got to try things I've never imagined trying before. I was sat at an inside table; next time I'd try to sit at the sushi bar just to enhance the experience and be able to watch them work behind the sushi bar. I'm not a sake drinker by any means but my waitress was able to send over a couple glasses of sake that were delicious with the meal. I wouldn't say I'm the most adventurous eater but everything that was served was tasty in its own way. The full omakase was not cheap especially with having it paired with sake and some Sapporo but if you would like to treat yourself to an amazing dinner experience, this is the place. I wasn't able to take many picture as I was too busy eating. read more

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Everything from here was exceptionally amazing. The only catch is you have to reserve a spot 1 month in advance to secure seats. The food was of the highest quality and if you sit inside you can watch them prepare it all. The workers all speak Japanese and English and are the most inviting and attentive servers. We got soichi's full omakase, which was a 2 hour long experience. I sometimes think about how not full I am after an experience like this, but that was mot the case. Of course, parking's a bit difficult in this area but I found street parking easily in the late afternoon. read more

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Best sushi in San Diego, imo,, Very nice intimate restaurant, and some nice vsriations, highly recommend read more

TL;DR: Make a reservation for the bar. Show up on time. Enjoy a well-curated omakase. Go home super satisfied :) One of the best omakase experiences we've had in San Diego! Came to celebrate an special occasion and loved the entire experience Ordered the Soichi's Full Omakase ($169pp) Favorites: - Chawan Mushi (sneaky MVP): wow I was not expecting this to be so good. Silky smooth with so many hidden goodies inside! - Ootoro: pretty cliche pick but man is it good! - Uni: so fresh, so clean, so briny Will definitely be back to celebrate another special occasion Cheers, Soichi Sushi! read more

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Just like everyone else, I wanted to try this place ever since I saw it got a Michelin Star. I brought my wife here for our 4 year anniversary and I was so excited! I never ate at a restaurant with one Michelin Staf before. Made the reservation 5 weeks in advance and paid $25 per person to hold the reservation. I used to live in Japan and am always looking for those flavors in the states! My wife and I picked the Soichi''s Full Omakase option on the menu. $169 per person. Sounds reasonable gor omakase.. but it really wasn't.. First we tried some sake while we waited and the waiter gave us three he recommended after my wife told him what she likes.. we ended up going with the Hoyo Kura No Hana Daiginjo. It was one of the best sakes I've had thus far. The a let us pick out sake shot glasses and brought it out to is in a gorgeous small glass pitcher. The first course comes out with was the Seasonal Tasting dish on Soichi's Full Omakase. It started so good with the oysters that were so flavorful with flavors that took me back to when I used to live in Japan. Next was a fried and soaked type of fish.. I really don't remember.. and I don't remember the way the other dish was but they were just okay. The last one was their tofu and that was the most velvety tofu I ever had with great flavors again! The next course was the Chef's choice of Seasonal sashimi. While all the first was fresh, three brought us out soy sauce for dip because they didn't dress them with any marinate. This was okay but I felt underwhelmed by this course.. The next course was the Jidiri steamed egg custard. Present so cut on a small place. When we opened it so good! There was a piece of shrimp and a scallop in there with some mushrooms. It was pretty good but some how I got tired of eating it after a few bites.. The next course was Chef's choice of marinated grilled fish, with a sweet potato chip, a pickled leak and a shishito pepper. While the fish was very well seasoned, the pickled leak was the star of the show.. and the sweet potato.. everything else was underwhelming.. Next was the 12 pieces of sushi from the Soichi's Full Omakase option. The first plate came with 4 sushi and a fried sardine and it got us excited all over again after being a bit underwhelmed. The fried sardine was perfect and was a nice pair with the sake. The four nigiri pieces we were give were again fresh and with nice subtle flavor but they didn't blow us away.. honestly some of the pieces tasted... and I hate to say it.. like metal.. The next three nigiri were again, pretty fresh and had good flavor but not great flavors and it wasn't glowing us away.. The next two sushi were gunkan of roe and uni. There had well balanced flavor and were both of great quality. The last three nigiri was marinated tuna, tuna toro and the tamago. The marinated tuns again had that metal taste.. the toro was definitely star of the show and the tamago was also very well made. The next course was the light fish broth, it was nice and hot but beyond the temperature.. it was underwhelming.. The hand made ice cream was also very good and nicely plated with another sweet potato chip. I do wish we had more sweet potato chips because they were pretty good. Over all the food was good with some bites that were impressive and others that left us looking for more.. we paid $425.60 not including tip.. and outrageous amount for what we received and I am so sad.. I feel so fooled by this place.. I have had much better sushi at Azuki for a quarter of the price. I'm sad to say it don't recommend this place.. read more

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We had a wonderful time at Soichi! The food was spectacular, the service was outstanding, and the place was nice and cozy. We had the full omakase course and loved it - everything was fresh and tasty, served at the right time. Will definitely be returning soon! read more

The best in SD. I've tried full omakase twice and they are the best. Very traditional and delicate flavors. You get to eat uncommon fish nigiri where you can't find in other restaurants in SD. If you could get a reservation for counter, you are lucky. The price is cheaper than other similar places for what you get. Soichi is always very nice and very humble person. The only con is it is really hard to make a reservation. Put yourself on the waitlist. I can't wait to go back! read more

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The service was truly excellent. The staff was attentive kind and professional and we genuinely appreciated the hospitality. We chose the omakase and paid about $550 for two people including tip and a sake bottle. Unfortunately the food was not for us. Many of the dishes had very strong ocean forward flavors that we personally did not enjoy and we found ourselves struggling to finish several courses. We understand this is a traditional style of sushi and that many diners clearly appreciate it. It simply did not match our taste. We do want to emphasize again that the service was outstanding. read more

Worth it to book a month in advance! I would recommend trying to get a reservation at the counter for the full experience. There are no heaters for outdoor seating. We made a reservation for the counter at 7:45pm. Unfortunately we had to wait an extra 25 minutes past our reservation time for our seats. Luckily Hatsuzakura is next door and we were able to order drinks at their counter and wait. I recommend trying the natural wines or samurai options of sake. We got the full omakase set! It was fun to watch chef Daniel make every item and prepare a la carte items for other guests. Each dish from the chawan mushi to the chef's selection of sushi was amazing. Some choices of fish had been salt cured and others were marinated in their house blend of soy sauce. We were able to request more or less wasabi and rice with each piece to our preference. read more

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Soichi was a special restaurant. I came for the full omakase, my first ever, and it exceeded my expectations. The restaurant itself is small and unassuming, but sitting at the counter gives you an intimate view of Chef Soichi, Chef Daniel, and the rest of the team at work. Watching them prepare each course with their delicate precision and care was mesmerizing. The service was warm and attentive, and the whole place has a homey feel. You can tell there's a real sense of community and I got to see Chef Soichi bring out his guitar multiple times to sing happy birthday with the guests. The omakase itself was excellent and lasted over three hours. Highlights included the oyster and ankimo as appetizers... the contrast of acidity and creaminess was perfect... as well as the chawanmushi with crab and mushroom, the buttery miso cod, and several standout nigiri like the triggerfish and golden eye snapper. Every piece was delicate and flavorful. The lobster miso soup was also a nice touch. The only noticeably weak point was dessert. The ice cream had a icy texture, and while the hojicha flavor was good, the strawberry didn't come through. Overall, Soichi offers incredible food and a sense of warmth and connection that makes you want to come back. read more

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FOOD: My boyfriend and I decided to do Omakase ($169PP) in honor of our one year anniversary at the sushi bar. I can't remember the names of all the dishes and sushi they served us, but everything was fresh and delicious! When they served us nigiri, the put just the right amount of rice, it's not like other places where they put too much rice that it over powers the raw fish. They also do a wonderful job plating each dish. SERVICE: Our sushi chef was very attentive and made sure to refill my ginger tray, LOL! Yes, I am addicted to eating ginger. The food runners took good care of us, refilled our waters without evening asking. AMBIANCE: The restaurant is intimate and small with minimalist decor. PARKING: There isn't a parking lot, but there is street parking. We went around 5:20PM, and there was plenty of space. We really enjoyed the food here and would definitely come back here again! read more

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If I could give Soichi Sushi10 stars, I would--and frankly, Yelp, you're really cramping my ability to fully express how legendary this experience was. I surprised my wife with an omakase dinner here, thanks to my friend who knows people.Yep, I got the homie hookup, and let me tell you, it felt like VIP treatment from start to finish. Let's start with the ambiance. This isn't your standard sushi joint with generic décor. The space is intimate yet inviting, with a minimalist design that immediately transports you to Japan. It's the kind of place where you half-expect someone to start reciting haikus about the ocean. The vibe was elevated yet relaxed--perfect for celebrating a special occasion like my wife's reaction to my stellar anniversary planning skills. Now, the service: impeccable.The staff anticipated our every need, refilled glasses like clockwork, and explained each dish with the kind of poetic reverence that made me want to applaud. But the real MVP? Soichi himself. Not only did he serve us the most mind-blowing sushi of our lives, but later, he casually grabbed a guitar and serenaded my wife. Yes, you read that right--our sushi chef turned into a rock star mid-meal. It was like a culinary fever dream in the best way possible. And then there was the omakase. Each piece of sushi was a revelation--a symphony of texture, temperature, and flavor that left us questioning every other sushi place we've ever been to. The toro practically melted in my mouth, the uni was oceanic perfection, and the wagyu sushi? Let's just say I've never been this close to crying over food. The balance of simplicity and complexity in each bite made it clear that this was a master at work. Oh, and did I mention we drank with Soichi? Sake flowed like the good vibes, and by the end of the night, we felt less like customers and more like part of the Soichi family. If you haven't been to Soichi Sushi, fix that immediately. It's not just dinner--it's a life event. Perfect food, unparalleled service, and the most unforgettable vibe. 10/10 stars, 10/10 experience, 10/10 chef with guitar skills. Go now, thank me later. read more

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Had the most incredible dining experience here, we will never forget it! Omakase is the way to go! Unmatched Japanese dining in San Diego, no where else even comes close. Service was fantastic and the outdoor table we were sat at was comfortable and private. We will be back without a doubt read more

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

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My husband and I came in to dine last night and had an amazing experience! Food and service were top notch. We sat at the sushi bar which I highly recommend; the chefs seriously put in so much work into their craft and it was a pleasure to watch them work. The chefs were also very interactive with people sitting at the bar and were happy to answer any questions we had about the food. I love how intimate and casual it felt. I think a lot of restaurants in San Diego lack a personal, genuine interaction with their guest and the Soichi staff did an amazing job of bringing that sincerity into their service. We will definitely be back. Thank you for an amazing experience! read more

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My husband and I did $169 omakase and it was such a fun experience! Online says the whole experience would be around 2 hours but we were there for about 3 hours so definitely don't be in a rush, enjoy it! Everything was great quality and you can tell all made with love. I love how passionate Soichi and his team were. 10/10 would recommend:) read more

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What an absolutely incredible evening. We did the 2 hour Soichi Full Omakase experience and it was beyond wonderful. We left absolutely stuffed, I didn't expect it to be so much food. The service was fantastic and every piece we ate was delicious. My husband made the reservations a few weeks in advance. It can be challenging to get in. The seating is very limited but if you can- I highly recommend sitting at the bar. Thank you all for a magical evening, it was the perfect way to celebrate our anniversary! read more

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Soichi was our top restaurant to try while coming to San Diego and it did not disappoint! Our party went with the Omakase course paired with 2 bottles of sake. From the starter course to dessert, everything was delicious and came out so quickly. Out of everything we had, the shrimp head tempura surprised me the most as I'm usually adverse to eating shrimp head, but it was so delicious I wanted a 2nd one! The servers and chefs were all friendly and really fun to talk to which really made the experience more memorable. If you enjoy omakase / Japanese cuisine, this is the place to go! read more

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Celebrated a double birthday tonight and it was all of our first times! The food was great! The ambiance was nice. The service was amazing and thoughtful. Everyone was very nice and cordial and all smiles! We got the full omakase for $150 and it was with every penny. Every course was delicious and served in a timely manner. Our meal took up almost 3hr long but didn't feel long. Each bite was a delight and I left content. Presentation of the food was very cute and adorable chinaware. Pros: -very good value omakase for dollar ratio -3 different levels of omakase -menu includes a la carte options -extensive drink menu of wines, sakes, beers -fish and food was good -each course came out in a timely manner, not too long or too short -the staff were very sweet and friendly -one of them played the guitar and everyone sang happy birthday to our table -birthday complimentary dessert (they even remembered one of us was lactose intolerant and gave red bean mochi from next door instead of ice cream) -one restroom coed but very clean and cutely decorated -wet napkin provided at beginning of meal -free stickers at the end of meal (birthday boys gonna pin each) -they sell restaurant t shirts on the wall Cons: -street parking only; can be difficult to find Tip: reservations on tock every first of the month for the following month (advise to get on right on the hour; they disappear fast) read more

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Finally had the chance to try this Michelin-starred gem! Having dined at several Michelin-starred restaurants, I've come to appreciate that excellence doesn't always mean extravagance--it's about letting the ingredients shine and creating a thoughtful experience. This place did just that with simplicity of ambiance. The service was impeccable, exactly what you'd expect from a restaurant of this caliber. The dishes were elegantly simple, allowing each ingredient's freshness and flavor to stand out. Nothing felt overdone--just beautifully executed, balanced, and memorable. We truly enjoyed every moment of our visit and left feeling both satisfied and inspired. See pictures for the dishes we had--but keep in mind that the menu may vary based on what's fresh and in season. A must-try if you appreciate refined simplicity done right! read more

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Soichi was a fun dining experience. Chef was incredibly good vibes and was so appreciative. He gave great conversation which enhanced the experience for me. The quality of the fish was pretty good, and service was quick. The biggest factor in me giving this such a high rating was the price. Was this in line with a 2+ star omakase in NYC? No. But they weren't trying to be that. It was under $200 for an exceptional omakase. Amazing deal for a great selection during the service. Would recommend to anyone in SD looking for a great value omakase. read more

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SOICHI Sushi is easily the best Japanese dining experience I've ever had. We ordered the Omakase and it was great hit after great hit. We loved the quiet and intimate seating outside which was set in a quasi meditation garden. Chef Soichi was locked in and each piece was handled with the utmost attention detail. I absolutely loved the variety of flavors and unique dishes. My favorite was the yellow fin tuna soaked in miso and seared this is an absolute MUST for San Diego food lovers read more

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Paid by card. Soichi is located on the street and has limited street parking. I went on a Saturday night (reservations open for the month on the 1st of the month at 12:00 PM) and had no issues being seated right away at the reservation time. The entire staff was so nice and very attentive: they continued to check on us during the meal. My party and I ordered the full omakase, mixed tempura, mixed hand roll and 2 bottles of sake: tenth degree and trapeza. (I liked tenth degree better). The food was amazing and the fish just melted in my mouth!! I was craving the sushi again the next day. I would definitely recommend this place and would go back. read more

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The food was amazing!!! I did the full omakase option so the chef chose everything and each dish and piece of fish were just absolutely fantastic. There were a few dishes that I had never had before which I always love. The flavor combinations were so good and perfectly paired with each bit of fish and never covering or overpowering just enhancing each bite. The service was also impeccable, I never felt rushed at all but the second I finished a plate or needed anything they were right there. The atmosphere was cozy and casual and I loved getting to choose which sake cup I wanted to drink out of. On the whole a delightful evening and I can't wait to go back! read more

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5 stars all around. Thank you Soichi for being my favorite restaurant in San Diego to dine at for the last 5 years. They are consistent in providing stellar sushi, friendly service with a smile, great hospitality, and a fun but chill ambiance. If it's your birthday, the chef will make you feel extra special with a serenade. They also consistently provide gluten free omakase at the restaurant; I feel just as welcomed as any other diner. Thank you always. Parking isn't bad. Reservations go out on the 1st of every month at noon; waitlists are available... stay vigilant and be patient. It's worth it! read more

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

I mean, what can I say besides it's the best sushi I've had in San Diego. Could be the best food I've had here? The reviews speak for themselves, it truly was a special experience. The indoor dining was very cozy and the bar offered for an intimate experience with the chefs. I also really enjoyed the simple decor. Upon sitting down we got a full breakdown of their alcohol menu, our chef then asked if we wanted to sample the entire "Geisha" section because I told him I like sweet sake. They then poured a flight of each sake in front of me to taste, which was so thoughtful! Our server then also brought out an array of sake cups to choose from. We then ordered the full omakase as well as a bunch of nigiri pieces a la carte throughout our dinner. I honestly don't have the words to express how perfect our dinner was, it's just something you have to try for yourself. read more

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I highly recommend this place if you love raw sushi and you are celebrating something special. Yes, it's definitely pricey but worth every penny as I was introduced to so much seafood that I've never experienced before! Drinks: I had to dip into the extensive sake menu. The smoothest one was definitely the Green Ridge. I also enjoyed Cherry Blossom and The Green Ridge as these were very light and fresh. I loved that you can pick your sake cup! Something I've never done before. Omakase: Since the menu can vary from day to day, you are pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of fresh seafood. Some standouts are the mackerel (it was not fishy at all despite this being a fish that can be pretty strong), live prawn (it was still moving!), and Toro (it melts in your mouth). Honestly, it's hard to pick a favorite because the food was fresh and beautifully prepared. The best part is the ambiance and chefs. The head chef, Chef Soichi, serenaded me Happy Birthday with the guitar that hung on the wall and with all the guests bursting in song with him! It was so awesome! We, of course, treated our sushi chefs to several rounds of sake as a thank you for their service. Definitely will return again as this dining experience was superb! read more

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