Best Upscale Sushi in San Diego | Top 1 Upscale Spots

22 restaurants in Best Upscale Sushi in San Diego | Top 1 Upscale Spots

• California Sushi — Japanese · rated 4/5: Sun-drenched West Coast vibes meet the precision of Japanese tradition in this lively neighborhood spot, where the air is thick with the savory scent of sizzling hamachi kama and golden-fried calamari. Guests gather around shared plates of crisp, airy tempura and zesty garlic edamame, finding a perfect balance between the crunch of a spicy jalapeño popper and the melt-in-your-mouth richness of a baked dynamite dish. It is a spirited destination where every bite feels like a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold, creative flair.
• Katana Sushi — Japanese · rated 4/5: Katana Sushi invites diners into a sleek, high-energy space where the sizzle of marinated bulgogi and the enticing aroma of golden-fried gyoza create an immediate sense of culinary excitement. The experience balances the delicate crunch of spicy tuna crispy rice with the rich, smoky depth of flame-grilled short ribs, offering a vibrant fusion of Japanese precision and savory Korean soul.
• Tuna Sushi — Japanese · rated 3/5: The air hums with energy at this modern sushi destination, where the golden crunch of tempura and the savory aroma of pan-seared pork gyoza set the stage for a playful culinary adventure. Diners dive into a menu of inventive fusion delights, from spicy stuffed jalapenos and decadent cream cheese wontons to vibrant sushi burritos that offer a fresh, handheld twist on tradition. Whether sharing a plate of baked green mussels or savoring a steaming bowl of chicken fried rice, every dish captures a sense of casual sophistication and bold, satisfying flavor.
• Go Go Sushi & Ramen — Japanese · rated 3/5: This lively neighborhood haunt hums with energy, drawing guests in with the savory aroma of ginger and the irresistible sizzle of the deep fryer. Golden-brown treasures like airy shrimp tempura and crackling Korean fried chicken take center stage, offering a satisfying symphony of crunches alongside delicate, hand-pleated gyoza. It is a vibrant space where the comfort of steaming noodles meets a playful array of crispy appetizers, creating a spirited atmosphere perfect for a quick, flavorful escape.
• Katsu Cafe — Japanese: Katsu Cafe serves as a vibrant neighborhood retreat where the comforting steam of rich tonkotsu ramen mingles with the sweet, charred aroma of sizzling chicken teriyaki. The kitchen crafts satisfying plates that celebrate a harmony of textures, from the delicate snap of fresh California rolls to the golden, airy crunch of vegetable tempura. It is a welcoming destination for those seeking the soul-warming flavors of Japanese comfort food, served with a focus on heartiness and authentic flair.
• Musashiya — Japanese: Musashiya invites diners into a serene sanctuary where the comforting steam of simmering dashi fills the air, signaling a mastery of traditional Japanese noodle craft. Silky udon and earthy buckwheat soba serve as the heart of every bowl, topped with everything from sweet, simmered kitsune tofu to the satisfying crunch of golden shrimp tempura and lacy vegetable kakiage. Each slurp offers a moment of pure, uncomplicated warmth, providing a soulful retreat defined by the timeless harmony of perfectly balanced broths and hand-crafted textures.
• Harmony Cuisine 2b1 — Chinese: This serene sanctuary of modern Japanese dining invites guests to experience a choreographed symphony of flavors, where sprawling, artfully arranged platters like the "Harmony" and "Aqua" celebrate the ocean’s freshest bounty with meticulous precision. The kitchen masterfully bridges tradition and innovation, pairing the melt-in-your-mouth luxury of Toro tartar and Wagyu risotto with the delicate, golden crunch of blossom tempura for a truly multisensory feast.
• Matoi — Japanese: Matoi invites guests into a refined sanctuary where the focused artistry of the sushi counter takes center stage, illuminated by soft lighting and the quiet hum of culinary precision. Whether indulging in a leisurely omakase journey or a swifter, curated tasting, each hand-pressed piece is elevated by thoughtful sake pairings that dance across the palate to celebrate the purest flavors of the season.
• Riki Sushi — Japanese: Riki Sushi invites guests into a vibrant, high-energy space where the sizzle of the kitchen and the savory aroma of garlic-tossed edamame set the stage for a social dining experience. The table comes alive with an array of golden-hued small plates, from the delicate crunch of soft-shell crab and shrimp tempura to the comforting warmth of pan-seared gyoza and silken agedashi tofu. Each dish is a celebration of texture and bold seasoning, creating a playful atmosphere where sharing a variety of crispy, spicy, and savory bites is the heart of the meal.
• Loving Hut — Vietnamese: This vibrant sanctuary invites diners into a world of compassionate global fusion, where the air is fragrant with the steam of aromatic broths and the sizzle of savory stir-fries. From the crunch of golden rolls and artfully crafted sushi to the deep, herbaceous warmth of spicy pho and "Save the Planet" curries, each dish offers a mindful celebration of flavor that nourishes both the spirit and the palate. Every plate, including the smoky Mongolian-inspired wonders and playful "Oink in a Blanket," reflects a joyful approach to plant-forward dining that is as satisfying as it is soul-stirring.
• Sushi Deli — Japanese: Step into a vibrant, high-energy space where traditional Japanese flavors collide with playful, modern creativity in a flurry of shared plates and bold aromas. The kitchen turns out an eclectic array of textures, from the satisfying crunch of golden California egg rolls and "Monkey Brains" to the smoky, delicate sear of blackened sesame albacore. It is a social hub where the clinking of glasses meets the sizzle of garlic shishito peppers, offering a spirited dining experience that feels both familiar and daringly inventive.
• Ichiban — Japanese: Step into a vibrant space where the sizzle of the fryer and the rhythmic chop of the sushi chef create a lively backdrop for a feast of Japanese favorites. Golden-fried kakiage tempura and savory, garlic-sauteed edamame set the stage for an evening of indulgence, leading into signature rolls that burst with fresh, coastal flavors. Whether tucking into a crispy chicken katsu or sharing a platter of soft shell crab rolls, guests find a welcoming sanctuary that honors the spirit of the izakaya with modern flair.
• Blue Ocean/Harumama — Japanese: This vibrant destination invites guests into a world of culinary whimsy, where adorable, character-shaped steamed buns arrive at the table as edible works of art. The experience deepens with steaming bowls of soul-warming ramen and expertly crafted sushi rolls, all perfectly paired with the crisp bite of a Japanese craft beer or the earthy comfort of hot green tea. It is a lively, imaginative space where playful presentation meets the bold, comforting flavors of modern Japanese fusion.
• Urbn Sushi — Japanese: Urbn Sushi pulses with a modern, high-energy vibe where the savory aroma of garlic-charred edamame and the rhythmic sizzle of the fryer create an immediate sense of culinary excitement. The kitchen masters the art of the crunch, serving up golden chicken karaage and delicate tempura alongside inventive bites like spicy tuna perched on crispy rice and the nostalgic, salty comfort of spam musubi. It is a sleek urban retreat that transforms traditional Japanese appetizers into a vibrant, shared feast perfect for lively gatherings and bold flavor seekers.
• Wonderful Sushi — Japanese: Step into a vibrant space where the sizzle of golden tempura and the savory aroma of grilled hamachi kama create an inviting sanctuary for lovers of Japanese comfort food. Pillowy bao buns and crispy chicken karaage offer a playful dance of textures, inviting guests to linger over shared plates in an atmosphere that feels both modern and deeply welcoming.
• Hy Shinu — Steakhouse: Step into a space where the air is thick with the savory aroma of simmering pork broth and the irresistible sizzle of golden, hand-battered tempura. Guests gather over vibrant plates of garlic-flecked edamame and pan-seared gyoza, finding comfort in every steaming bowl of rich, soul-warming ramen. It is a lively destination that balances the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried appetizers with the deep, umami flavors of traditional Japanese comfort food.
• Sei Sushi — Japanese: Sei Sushi invites guests into a sleek, modern sanctuary where the vibrant colors of premium tuna and salmon take center stage, sliced with precision to highlight their glistening, buttery texture. Playfully named creations like the Swim Shady and Alucard rolls offer a bold fusion of inventive ingredients and artistry, while chilled, effervescent creamy sodas in mango and melon add a whimsical, nostalgic finish to the contemporary dining experience.
• Tappi Sushi & Grill — Japanese: Tappi Sushi & Grill pulses with a vibrant energy, where the air is perfumed by the savory aroma of garlic-infused karaage and the zesty zing of lemon-peppered wings. Guests linger over colorful bowls of chili-flecked edamame and crispy jalapeño poppers, savoring a dining experience that masterfully balances the satisfying crunch of the fryer with the bold, punchy heat of modern fusion. It is a spirited destination where every bite is a celebration of texture and spice, perfect for those seeking a lively meal that dances between Japanese inspiration and contemporary comfort.
• Ayu Sushi & Noodles — Japanese: Ayu Sushi & Noodles invites diners into a whimsical culinary sanctuary where the artistry of the sushi bar meets the soul-warming comfort of steaming noodle bowls. Each plate tells a story of passion and precision, from the heart-fluttering textures of the Doki Doki roll to the dreamlike elegance of the Yume, all served in an atmosphere that feels both intimate and vibrantly alive.
• Kawaii Sushi — Japanese: This lively neighborhood gem invites diners into a world of playful Pan-Asian flavors, where the enticing aroma of sizzling garlic wings and golden-fried gyoza sets a welcoming tone. Each plate arrives as a celebration of texture, from the delicate, cool crunch of shrimp spring rolls to the rich, molten center of crispy cream cheese wontons. It is a vibrant space designed for lingering over shared bites, where every savory morsel captures the essence of traditional comfort with a spirited, modern flair.
• Rakiraki Ramen & Tsukemen — Japanese: Steam rises from bubbling cauldrons of broth in this vibrant, high-energy space where the art of the noodle meets bold, modern Japanese street food. Playful creations like honey-glazed "lollipopper" wings and oversized, crispy gyoza offer a crunchy counterpoint to rich bowls of ramen, while savory takoyaki and tender kurobuta rib buns burst with smoky, umami-rich flavors. It is a spirited destination where traditional techniques are reimagined with a contemporary flair, inviting guests into a sensory celebration of Japanese comfort food.
• Zen Modern Asian Bistro — Japanese: Bathed in a sleek, contemporary glow, Zen Modern Asian Bistro invites guests into a tranquil space where the sizzle of the kitchen meets the art of shared dining. Crispy spring rolls and honey-glazed spare ribs anchor a vibrant collection of small plates, ranging from the spicy kick of Sichuan dumplings to the tropical sweetness of coconut shrimp. Whether gathering around a flaming Pu Pu platter or enjoying delicate lettuce wraps, diners find a sophisticated retreat that balances bold, traditional flavors with a polished, modern energy.