Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Sushi MARU

    4.8 (83 reviews)
    Open 5:30 pm - 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    Updated a few days ago

    Sushi MARU Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Sushi MARU

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Dessert
    Meg K.

    Amazing restaurant with top notch staff curating an unforgettable experience!! Highly recommend!

    Some of the deliciousness I had
    Cony L.

    I had wonderful wonderful experience with sushi Maru and highly highly recommend their omakase! Sushi Maru was so beautiful everything looked clean and new. Chef Maru was so professional and so polite. All the food I had today was super exquisite and delicious. I always wanted to try hairy crab and got to taste in many different ways. I also got to try different fish and they were all so good. I would love to come back.

    Warm dish
    Kay C.

    We went to Sushi Maru for 20-course omakase menu on Valentine's Day, and it did not disappoint. There are 2 seating times, and we chose the 5:30pm seating. Reservation was easy to make and recommended. The restaurant has a classy and relaxed ambiance. Sushi Maru has 14 seats around an L-shaped counter where you watch Chef Maru and his sous chef prepare the courses. The staff is very friendly and made sure our drinks were replenished. The fish and other seafood and vegetables from Chino Farms were extremely fresh and flavorful. I appreciated that there was only a small rice ball with each sushi piece so you taste the fish more than the rice. We've had a few omakase dinners in San Diego, and this rated one of the best we have experienced.

    Ryan M.

    I made a reservation for a sunday when the meters were free. There was lots of parking just outside the restaurant on a sunday. The place was very minimalistic in design but the service was outstanding as they explained each dish, and brought out a piece of the item when they could. The brought out the hairy crab shell and abalone shell and even the trumpet fish. We started off with ankimo (monk fish liver) which was delicate and smooth, like foie gras of the sea. There was an appitizer with hairy crab which i have not had at other places. Next was the sashimi plater it came with hotatte, katuso, chu toro, and braised oyster. The braised oyster was interesting as ive only had it presented raw at other sushi places, it was braised in sake, shoyu, and mirin, which gave it a firmer texture it was much more tasty. I preferred this prepration to the raw. Sushi courses were presented on a black lacquer box which they wiped down between each course. It made the sushi stand out and makes for a beautiful picture. Kasugo (young tai or sea bream) was soft and tender Kama Toro (Oh toro- fatty tuna) from the collar of the tuna Aji (horse mackerel) i liked how it was sliced to make it more tender Nodoguro (black throat sea perch) always delicious Aoyagi (orange clam) very tender and soft, again it was sliced to make it more tender Maguro zuke (marinated tuna) the outside was torched and the block was marinated. Next was the broiled Yagara (trumpet fish) another unique fish that i have not come across in the sushi scene. I used to catch this as a kid. It was very meaty and firm. The chef also brough out another one to show. Very cool. Sushi Saba with a thin layer of kelp on top. Hairy crab with kanimiso (crab liver) on top very light and delicate, the kanimiso gave it a nice flavor. Next was uni we were able to choose between Hokkido or San Diego. They are competely different species so they taste toally different. If you like sweeter choose san diego, if you prefer fisher, stronger tasting then choose Hokkaido. I like them both but just depends on my mood or the season. Torotaku (toro takuan) similar to negi toro where the skin is scrapped to get the fatty mixture of tuna but instead of mixed with green onions, its served with taukan (pickled dikon) so its tasty and also has a nice crunch to it. Very unique and different. Awabi (abalone) it was braised for a long time so it had a nice tender texture and was served with some of the liver on top. bowl of ikura (salmon eggs) and rice. came topped with a little touch of wasabi on top, i would have prefered this as a sushi but there was actually more ikura than if it were sushi so i guess i'll take this one. Kinmedai (golden eye snapper) this is ususally served with the skin torched and served with salt on top. The chef had boiled the skin very quickly and just sliced it, so it was much sweeter than ive had anywhere else. i acutally prefer it this way. Usually i get a smokey flavor this time it tasted sweet. Anago (sea eel) most people in japan prefer Anago while in the US we usually prefer unagi (fresh water eel) its usually fattier and more moist. This anago was very moist and very tender, from tasting this one i can see why this is so popular in Japan. Soup was made with red miso and crab, it was very subtle, ususally red miso is very pungent but i didnt get that, i could barely taste any miso but that was fine, the soup was delicious. The final dessert was fresh fruit, mellon, strawberries, black berries and fig. They were all ripe, tender and sweet. Overall a beautiful meal and great service. What i liked most about this place was some of the unique dishes (hairy crab, kamatoro, yagara, torotaku. awabi) and even if it was the same fish that ive had at other places it was prepared differently (oysters and kinmedai) and gave it a whole differnt flavor profile and experience. You'll have to make reservations for one of their 2 weekday seating or one sunday seating.

    Kelly W.

    My boyfriend took me here for our anniversary and we were not disappointed. Thank you Chef Maru and Karin for an incredible dinner. There were 10-12 seats at the bar so this omakase was a very intimate setting. Every bite was carefully curated and presented by chef Maru. Such an elevated experience! Our favorites from the menu were the rosy sea bass, blue fin tuna, uni hand roll, ikura, and red sea bream. The entire dinner lasted around 2.5 hours (wish it was longer)!

    Kelly H.

    This is one of the most authentic omakase in San Diego. Maru San and his team are passionate to deliver a great dining experience. The decor is simple, yet elegant. He gets all the ingredients fresh from the fish market in Japan. All the utensils are handpicked from Japan. The cooking techniques are well thought out. If you are a sushi lover, this is the place to be!

    Alex J.

    I haven't had much sushi in San Diego but this has to be one of the best sushi and omakase experiences and meals you will ever eat in SD. Chef Maru is an absolute gem of a human being, chef, and curator of all things sushi and fine dining. Yet he is not cocky, he is not stuck up or snobby, and he is not fake. He is the real deal, genuine, humble, joyful, and amazing chef you should and would expect at any restaurant. And not only is theChef absolutely outstanding, but so are his staff. Each and every person makes this experience so much better and incredible that the meal isn't complete without them. All the sushi was incredible. The fish was so tasty, fresh, unique, and delicious, while the rice was perfect in every piece and with every bite. The side dishes were unique, intriguing, and sometimes even mind blowing. Even the most simplest of dishes like the miso soup was beyond anything I found in California and rivals that of the most unique options in Japan. If you are not one to engage with the chefs and staff, if you are not one to appreciate all that goes into this type of meal, from the selection of ingredients to the combination of flavors and the final execution before it is served in front of you and carried into your mouth - then don't bother dining here or anywhere similar. This meal is not complicated or confusing. It is simply true to who and what Maru is meant to be and what Maru is bringing to the San Diego food scene.

    Alicia W.

    My boyfriend took me here for our anniversary dinner and we had a great experience! It is a very intimate sit down around 12 people at the sushi bar. We got their omakase course and Hon Kid Sake which was very light and sweet a great pairing for the meal. The food was well very crafted and prepared like watching an artist at work. All of the fish just melted in my mouth, even some of the ones I thought I wouldn't like I loved. What supprised me the most was how delicious the rosy seabass was, it was soft and tender with alittle bit of a sear. At the end of our meal everyone wished us a happy anniversary and we got some complimentary sake which is shown in the picture. The only downside to dinner was during a part of the meal, was during a section where they brought out crab heads and there was a bug inside. I did not want to make a big deal from it due to their being other diners, and because I wasn't sure what type of bug it was. It wasn't that big of a deal for me but could be for others.

    Brett M.

    What a great experience Maru is such a great chef and host that makes you feel welcome and appreciated. I had a fun time.

    Steven C.

    Amazing food! Everything was top notch and served at the perfect temperatures. Each piece of fish and each dish was expertly made with elegance and craft and resulted in such a blend of flavors. The service was very attentive and even noticed that my gf and I were left handed and made the table setting as such. Overall, 10/10 would recommend!

    T C.

    Delicious Delicious Delicious ! I like the atmosphere and it's like I'm in Japan. Also presentation is awesome! Stuffs are so nice. Polite and kind. I'm really enjoyed the dinner.

    Jenny Z.

    Having eaten at nearly every omakase spot in San Diego, my husband and I were pleasantly impressed by our experience at Sushi Maru and now place it amongst our favorites in town! Chef and his team were exceptionally hospitable and attentive, taking the time to converse with us and tell us about each course. We felt that the fish at Maru were of exceptional quality and prepared very well, with the perfect amount of seasoning when needed, making each bite a delight. Hairy crab was heavily featured on the menu at the time we went. Looking forward to returning in the near future!

    Curtains in a doorway
    Emmett T.

    I have enjoyed the proliferation of omakase exclusive Japanese restaurants that have popped up over the past year in the SD area. Surfing Chef Maruyama has branched out from his roots at Taka Sushi to open Sushi MARU on the ground level of the Stanza Little Italy building in the Cortez Hill neighborhood. The sushi bar could seat 10 diners and had two dinner seatings each night from Wednesday to Sunday. Reservations can be made using Tock. Twenty courses plus dessert were served over two plus hours at a cost of $180 per person which was on par with the local competition. My visit occurred within the first week of the grand opening. The bar setup was simple yet elegant like each of the SD omakase experiences I have tried so far. One diner on the opposite end had a few food allergies which made me wonder why he chose omakase for a meal. Nonetheless, Chef Maru-san and his staff made modifications to the offerings that met the customer's dietary restrictions. For the rest of us, the May seasonal menu was presented in this order... * Starter - Japanese cucumber, seaweed, hairy crab, nasturtium * Appetizer - Hokkaido scallop with myoga ginger, firefly squid, Pacific oysters, otoro from behind the gill and chutoro -- Nigiri, part one * Halibut (Hirame) * Bluefin Tuna Belly (Chutoro) * Striped Jack (Shima-aji) * Giant Clam (Mirugai) * Rosy Seabass (Nodoguro) * Bluefin Tuna Back, marinated (Zuke) * Warm Dish - Steamed halibut with hairy crab stock (dashi) -- Nigiri, part two * Flounder Fin (Engawa) * Scallop, konbu-wrapped (Hotate) * Hairy Crab, chopped including the head and brain (Kegani) * Sea Urchin, Hokkaido (Uni) * Spanish Mackerel (Aji) * Seasonal Simmered Dish - Saki and salt stock, carrot, yellow zucchini, turnip, brussels sprouts -- Nigiri, part three * Abalone (Awabi) with liver and saki sauce * Salmon Egg (Ikura) * Red Bream (Kinmedai) * Sea Eel (Anago) * Soup - Hairy crab with red and white miso * Dessert - Panna cotta with blackberry and strawberry The chef noted that hairy crab was in season so he made it a point to present the item in three different preparations. This was my first encounter with Kegani which I appreciated. Nothing on the menu was fried and even the use of a blowtorch to sear some fish was judicious. The other highlights for me were the giant sea clam and konbu-wrapped scallop which each had a clean, simple taste. There was plenty of interaction with the chef as he explained each course as it was presented. I peppered him with some questions like where a particular fish was sourced. All of the vegetables came from Chino Farms as the supplier. At the end of the session, you could re-order any item a la carte if it was still in stock. WIth the quality of the seafood used and the excellent presentation of each course, dinner at Sushi MARU was no doubt a five star experience.

    See all

    Photo of Jon B.
    387
    43
    9

    22 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Meg K.
    43
    14
    28

    13 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kurt S.
    0
    24
    10

    8 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cony L.
    264
    337
    1740

    8 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ryan M.
    503
    1682
    7110

    9 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    22 days ago

    What an amazing experience! The presentation and service were outstanding, the food was spectacular - loved our visit!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Brett M.
    74
    42
    75

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Steven C.
    76
    26
    30

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rob U.
    1
    122
    4

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of T C.
    2
    26
    168

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kim L.
    6
    160
    70

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 45
    Thanks 13
    Love this 48
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Lani X.
    119
    10
    4

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Pat G.
    367
    69
    148

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ros A.
    642
    391
    1273

    2 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 3
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Sushi MARU Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sushi MARU

    What is the cork fee if you want to bring your own Sake or Champagne?

    Thank you for contacting us. The cork free is $40 per bottle.

    What's the actual cost per person?

    Hi. It will be $180 per person, not including beverages and tax.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Azuki Sushi

    Azuki Sushi

    4.4
    (3.6k reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$$
    Takes reservations
    Vegan friendly

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

    It was our first time at Azuki Sushi and we were thoroughly impressed. We were able to get a…read morereservation upstairs, which is quaint, feels more private, and just a cool vibe - think of almost a sushi speakeasy. The food was delicious and fresh, you could tell they used high quality fish for all their dishes. We started with spicy garlic edamame, which was the best I have ever had, and hamachi Kama which is also a must. For mains I enjoyed the By the Border roll and spicy hamachi, and my husband had the nigiri plate. We were not disappointed. The sushi was so fresh, the flavors were stand out, and you could taste the quality. All in all we would definitely go back and can't wait for another date night!

    Photos
    Azuki Sushi
    Azuki Sushi
    Azuki Sushi

    See all

    Sushi Ota

    Sushi Ota

    4.4
    (4.8k reviews)
    6.6 mi
    $$$

    If you are able, I would suggest getting a seat at the sushi bar (where they make the sushi). The…read morechefs are very considerate and attentive and will take care of you. Service was fast as our orders were made fresh in front of us. We were taken care of by Kei-san and Take-san. The salmon (5pc) was as buttery and tasty as I remember. We ended up getting 2 orders during our dining here. Liang was a fan of the Chu Toro sashimi. We got an order of chef's choice of nigiri (came with 1 miso soup), tokusen nigiri (came with 1 miso soup), 3 orders of the unagi nigri, 1 order of the soft shelled crab roll, and a hand roll. Cheesecake and black sesame topped it off. Presentation and taste were all on point. I recommend getting an eel and spicy tuna hand roll - combination is very tasty! And honestly never thought of combining it for a hand roll. It was easy to book a reservation through opentable. Looking forward to our next visit here (when we have some free time)

    I came here on a Sunday. Parking was easy, and we ordered the chirashi bowl, two rolls, and four…read morepieces of nigiri. Honestly, I didn't find any of the fish in my chirashi particularly fresh, and the rolls were just okay/mediocre -- nothing special. I will say, though, the uni was amazing. I came here because my coworker raved about this spot, so maybe my expectations were too high, but overall the fish just didn't taste that fresh to me. The rolls were decent, but not memorable. I probably wouldn't come back unless I was specifically ordering the uni again.

    Photos
    Interior space
    Interior space
    Tokusen nigiri
    Tokusen nigiri
    Double double tuna roll, Softshell Crab roll, Shrimp tempura roll

    See all

    Double double tuna roll, Softshell Crab roll, Shrimp tempura roll
    EE NAMI Tonkatsu Izakaya

    EE NAMI Tonkatsu Izakaya

    4.5
    (742 reviews)
    8.2 mi
    $$

    First time here and won't be the last. The restaurant is small so I recommend making a reservation…read morein advance. They do accept walk ins but limited (and wait can be up to 1-1.5 hour wait). My favorite appetizers were the A5 Japanese Wagyu Tataki and the Eggplant with shishito peppers. For the main course I went with their traditional tonkatsu combo. The miso soup 10/10, katsu sauce 10/10 and I chose the pork with the more fat on it and was 10/10!! Definitely taking my friends here the next time! YUM!!!

    I initially found this place after watching a San Diego Food Tour video on YouTube (shoutout to…read moreGareth Eats). My boyfriend and I were walk-ins this past Thursday (5/22/2026) around their opening time for dinner and were luckily seated at the "bar area" as soon as we got there. The restaurant had a good amount of seats. The staff was attentive, particularly in regards to my food allergy which I appreciated. This restaurant was reminiscent of my trip to Japan this past November. We opted for the chef's selection of sashimi as our starter then both ordered the fillet katsu. We weren't too hungry as we ate a pretty heavy lunch at the Safari Park. Everything was absolutely delicious and we can tell how much thought was put into each dish. I personally don't have any notes. Definitely recommend making a reservation if you want to be sure about a seat or if you have a larger party.

    Photos
    EE NAMI Tonkatsu Izakaya
    Miso soup
    Miso soup
    Highball

    See all

    Highball
    Tanuki

    Tanuki

    4.4
    (524 reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $$

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

    Arrived around 6:30pm and were seated at an outside table. Table for 4 and we ordered quite a few…read moredishes to share. Based on reviews, the Sake Wasa appeared to be popular so we gave it a try. I'm not a big fan of wasabi but this one was good. The crispy rice, salmon carpaccio, roasted striped bass, spicy scallop roll, spider roll . . . All good. The fish was fresh and they were all light. Also ordered a panna cotta and matcha cheesecake - both were good as well and nice way to finish our meal. At no time did we feel rushed. Service was friendly and they checked on us often.

    Photos
    Exterior
    Exterior
    TANUKI
    TANUKI
    Interior

    See all

    Interior
    Izakaya Masa

    Izakaya Masa

    4.2
    (1.5k reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    This spot was gas once again I had to double back fasholy 2nd time around & yes this is the same…read morespot where you had to wait and put my name on the paper as everybody will too but the food is worth it!!! I ordered once again the same thing as last time which were the Spider Special Roll (Soft Shell Crab Tempura, Avocado, & Caviar). Lobster Dynamite Special Roll. (Lobster, Avocado, Caviar & Spicy Mayo W/ Green Soy Paper) Hakata Ramen (Sliced Pork 2pc, Fried Garlic, Green Onion, Dried Seaweed, And Red Ginger). Donburi (Over Rice) Salmon Teriyaki

    How have I not been here before! This not-so-hidden gem is probably one of the best sushi spots…read moreI've been to in San Diego. My friend and I met up for dinner and put our names down at 5:15pm. We were there 15 minutes before they opened. Although, we were eighth in line, we were seated first since no one else was around. Once we were seated, our server came around and took our order for drinks and appetizer. We started with seaweed salad, fried gyoza, and tuna carpaccio. The tuna carpaccio was delicious and I loved the garlic. I wanted to order everything on the menu, but was sold on the rolls. I ordered the spicy hamachi roll and the cherry blossom roll, which was recommended by the server. Both rolls were the freshest sushi I've had in a long time. The flavors were perfect and they weren't flashy rolls. They were classic rolls that showcased the fish so well. The service was incredible, everyone was so friendly and I really enjoyed the whole experience. I can't wait to come back, especially on a colder day to try their ramen!

    Photos
    Izakaya Masa
    Green tea mochi
    Green tea mochi
    Green tea mochi

    See all

    Green tea mochi
    Yakitori Tsuta

    Yakitori Tsuta

    4.9
    (44 reviews)
    6.6 mi
    $$$$

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

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

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

    See all

    Chicken meatball

    Sushi MARU - japanese - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...