My first time at this restaurant was lovely! There was live music (great sound n vibes), the food was so yummy and flavorful, and the service was great. Ivana served us and was so kind. She gave us a sample of their kombucha, communicated some details on a few of the dishes, and was very attentive. We started with the calamari for the appetizer. I assumed it was typical calamari rings but Ivana let us know that they were fried steak strips and emphasized that it was fresher than usual rings; I really appreciated that. We had four rolls: two Tokio souls, the 805, and Ivana's recommendation-Chef Laura's roll. The Tokio soul roll was so refreshing and the lil peppers were bringing some heat!! I enjoyed the other two rolls as well, Ivana also gave us a specific sauce they serve with the Chef Laura roll that really complimented the flavors. Lastly we had the carnitas ramen and tan tan chorizo ramen. It was my first time trying a fusion ramen and I was impressed! The broth for the chorizo ramen was spicy and so flavorful! The carnitas ramen broth was also delicious. Ivana brought out their hot sauce for their ramen which was good and pretty spicy according to my brother. I only got to take one pic because my group and I dove right into the food as we were so hungryyy. Wish I took pics of all the dishes to pair with this review because my experience here was 10/10! I will definitely recommend to others and come again. read more

El Pez - Tokio Soul Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The setting is a Small cozy spot with a modern Jap style & a dash of Mexico Baja vibes, they have a few tv's for sport watching and the Spanish Indie Rock music set the good vibes for us! This is a Fusion eatery with a creative little menu serving Mex & Jap beers! We had a few things to try out, a tostada campechana from the "Espezcials" board- which was good because seafood was fresh, but it was missing a kick , a few sushi rolls which were basic Japanese style rolls and an octopus taco which was the winner for the night! It was surprisingly good the octopus was tender but crispy & the hand made tortilla paired with pickled purple onion and a fresh green salsa made it excellent. They also have a really good version of salsa macha with great sesame oil- that's a great twist in taste! Place was clean inside and bathroom was a little on the dark side - with dimmed lighting, a little to eerie for me. Service was good, lady server made good recommendations and food was out fast We will be back to try their Ramen for sure! read more

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For me, I'm always on a time crunch and when i communicated this with the staff they were super nice about it and accommodating. I wasn't sure if ordering to go would be better, but the food came so fast! I used Apple Pay. It's easier and faster I feel since people always have their phones out (naturally). My small group bought movie tickets and came here to eat a few rolls before heading to the theater. We were so lucky that it wasn't busy when we dropped by tonight around 6pm. The server was so sweet and the staff were friendly. The food was incredible, I ordered the crispy spicy tuna, the Tokyo soul roll and el pez. My favorite was the Tokyo soul. I'll be back to try more! read more

El Pez - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Food was horrible. We walk in when it's empty. Only one table other than ours and they were ready to leave by the time we ordered. Waiter was nice, she did what she could. We order off their share portion of the menu, the appetizers, and got crispy tuna and Octopus taco Mind you it says share so we expect two people to be able to enjoy each of the apps. The taco was huge. No way to be shared. In one tortilla. No salsa ( it's a mex / Asian infusion isn't it?) so siracha had to do. The crispy tuna , the rice portion wasn't crunchy. It was chewy. And it tasted as if it's been refried. The main course I ordered sushi and my boy who was with me got the short rib plate. His plate arrived and mine was no where to be seen. His plate , had poor marinade, where probably the weirdest short rib marinade I've seen. The cook the entire time is heard laughing and having althe time of his life. Bro should taste the food once in a while instead of yapping always . I got an eta on my food once all the food on the table was eaten. A cool 10-15 min of nothing , to be told they have started in my order and it won't take long . I was given the late eta. And when I asked why it's taking so long the reply was " chef is busy with a lot of orders" The restaurant was empty at that point. It has been for 5-10 min before they gave me any sort of confirmation of my order. Worse place I've eaten at. I canceled the sushi since it took so long for the chef to make it. Ate a bunch of shit food only because we haven't eaten all day. Disappointing experience read more

Super fresh fish and the menu items are amazing. The sauces are unique and very good. The Hamachi Crudo is incredible as is the poke bowl. My favorite roll is the El Pez read more

El Pez - Yakisoba - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Tuna Aguachile is fire. I recommend asking for the chile toreado ponzu sauce to add to it

This place is a hidden gem. Southbay restaurant serving good Japanese cuisine. Poke bowls taste great and the sushi rolls are creative. The atmosphere is very comfortable and the customer service is always good. read more

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I have been looking left and right for a place that has yellowtail crudo and salmon carpaccio in the South Bay. I was so impressed this place. I opened up right when they opened and the waitress was very nice and welcome me in. It was during my lunch time, so I needed to get in and get out, and my waitress understand the assignment. The food was delicious and so fresh!!! They didn't have yellowtail but subbed in tuna for the yellowtail. The place is clean and cute. I will be back, and next time I would love to try the other sushi's. read more

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Fantastic fusion Mexican and Japanese I will come here every time I go to their order to fly out of Tijuana read more

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Came here on a Friday 2:04 pm and it's closed... no sign... nothing anywhere saying you are closed! This has happened twice on different dates/occasions. read more

Fresh salmon carpaccio, Chef's Tuna Tataki and Laura's roll are some of my favorite plates!! Exceptional service, Cozy ambiance & awesome tunes! Amazing!! read more

El Pez - Chef Lauras Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Service was great. She was very attentive and fast with what was requested for lunch. Great roll. Great flavors. I'm from Chula Vista and I'm so late for trying this place! I will be retuning to order more and bring others with. Good music too. read more

El Pez - Chef Laura Roll. Spicy garlic edamame - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

I have been going to El Pez for the last 3 years. The food has always been great, and I like the fusion of both Japanese and Mexican flavors. The rolls are unique and delicious. The ambience in the restaurant is very chill - they have happy hours and broadcast sports games. The restaurant is a bit understaffed for waiters but the ones that are there are good about making sure you're taken care of. read more

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We ordered the Montgomery Roll, Section Six Roll, and Carnitas Ramen. All were delicious. The service and ambiance were great. Will definitely be back! read more

El Pez - Montgomery Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

It's been a while since I'd eaten here. But I remembered just how fantastic the coco-lime tuna mini-tostadas were, so I stopped by for lunch after coming back from Tijuana. My memory hadn't failed me. Those coco-lime tosadas are the single best small bite appetizer I've ever had, anywhere in the world. On a scale of 1 to 5, they are an 8!! I ordered 3 of them, and after devouring them, I considered just ordering 3 or 4 more, but decided I should try something else on the menu. I ordered the tuna aguachiles, which came with three mini-tostadas to stack the ingredients on. Also very good - 4.5 stars. read more

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This is about service. The posted hour for closing is 9pm. I arrived at 820 and waited to be seated. At 825 the waitress Leslie informed me that they closed at 830 and that I could not be seated. I left and when I got to my car I noticed it was 826? There were several tables with customers some I noticed just placed their order. She was in a hurry to leave. I get it, close to closing I want to leave work too, but I don't... Just FYI don't arrive close to 830 (again 9pm is official closing), go east on Palm to sushi restaurant next to McDonald's. read more

We ordered Ramen to go, portion was small, the egg was raw, they charged us for tip without asking if we wanted​ to. Definitely not coming back to this place. read more

I called to place my order a head of time and they asked me to wait on hold. So I did then 25 minutes later they just hang up on me. Meanwhile, while I was on the 25 minute hold, I was driving to them when I get there. I told them that I was the person that was on the 25 minute hold and he apologized and I ordered my meal and waited another 25 to 30 minutes for my food and he gives me the wrong order he doesn't apologize he just says that he heard me order this and I told him I specifically did not order that And that was it. He just corrected. It didn't apologize didn't offer any type of drink for my time which was a 47 minute wait in total. This was just straight up. Poor customer service, and really awkward for me because I couldn't leave as much as I wanted to because my order was wrong and now I had to wait for them to remake it. read more

El Pez - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Definitely my fav sushi spot in San Diego! This place has odd stuff on the menu that just rocks! Like I'm obsessed with these mini tostadas they sell I don't even know what's in them just so unreal! I love spicy food and they have a delicious hot Cheeto roll which I've never seen at other sushi spots and seating is cute it's like a bar vibe not sushi spot vibes. Parking is easy not in the best of neighborhoods but definitely worth the drive. read more

El Pez - Love these tostadas - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

So good! Fresh and delicious and the service was great! Sarai is a sweetheart. Todo fantástico!

Service has gone downhill. I used to come here all the time but not anymore after last week

This is the second time that I have had lunch here. My wife and I were greeted by the owner, Alex,, who seated us and gave us detailed recommendations. We ordered the Tostada Flight, the Salmon Carpaccio, and the Wednesday Special, which was a Bento box with Ahi poke.. The Tostada Flight came with a tasty bowl of Miso soup. Alex provided an in-house Katsu sauce along with regular Katsu. The food is stellar- fresh, tasty and creative. Everything was beyond my expectations for this little hole in the wall restaurant. El Pez is a hidden gem. read more

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I really enjoy coming here- sometimes the music is a little too loud, but I'm not going to be that person. The sushi is fantastic. Really fresh and the presentation is on point. My favorite is the Palm Roll, hold the cilantro, please. Their other rolls are also very good, but I like that the Palm Roll is so fresh. Their tuna tostadas are also really good- they are on the small side, so it's more of an appetizer or light meal. I've tried to get the Pastor Buns twice, and they've been out (sad face), but hopefully next time. The service is always pretty good. They are attentive and fairly quick. They have outside/inside seating. Anyways, if you're in the area try them out. Pretty darn good. read more

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Was craving sushi so this was my second option that offered dine-in. Their menu was fusioned with Mexican cuisine and I ordered two of their tostadas. One was with tuna and the other was albacore. They were pretty small and each tostada was $3, however, they offer a flight of three that you can try for $8. I also ordered a protein roll and tried their short ribs. The protein roll has crab and three types of fish wrapped in soy paper and cucumber. It wasn't that fresh tasting for me because it did taste a bit fishy and some pieces were quite mushy. On the other hand, I liked their short ribs, it tasted similar to the marinated korean bbq meats that I would get. From my experience I think I could go for another sushi spot in the area but overall it satisfied my hunger. read more

El Pez - Tostadas - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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El Pez is the yummiest place for sushi & poke in the Southbay. I've been here twice & was extremely impressed both times with the service, as well as the quality of food. My favorite rolls are the Tokio Soul & the Lauras Roll. My kids like the Lil Pez kids meal too, which comes with fruit & edamame. This place is good for the whole family. I highly recommend. read more

El Pez - One of the beat local spots for fresh sushi & poke - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Stopped by early Sunday morning and tried a couple of options off the menu. The menu has a variety to choose from and the price point was surprisingly low compared to most restaurants in San Diego. My dad recommended the tostada flight which was absolutely delicious! Spicy, flavorful and refreshing. I love the wonton tostada which makes it easier to eat. They're mini size, so don't expect the typical size from a mariscos spot. Order these, you won't regret it. The sushi rolls that I tried were Tokyo Soul & Laura's roll. Definitely would order all of these again as they were refreshing, flavorful and had a nice spice to them. The oysters are so good! Definitely worth trying. They have a few toppings on them and the oysters are quite big compared to other local spots. I would not order calamari here again, it was over cooked and nothing special. The gyoza was good for what it was, but it taste the same as any other sushi spot. The beer selection is decent, but Sapporo out of a can isn't as good as it is on draft. I'll definitely be returning to give a try to a couple of other options on the menu that caught my attention. Staff is friendly and attentive and the restaurant is clean, so that's always a plus. read more

El Pez - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Delicious sushi spot in South Bay! Their rolls are really delicious. I'm glad we have sushi down south in San Diego!! read more

El Pez - Montgomery and station six rolls. - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

One word: perfection. Two more: I'm stuffed. El Pez is a hidden gem, and I can seriously dig it (I know, forgive me). I live in one of those neighborhoods where you have everything you could want or need within walking distance, which quickly makes one...lazy. I live a good 15 minute highway drive from El Pez, which I'll be doing more often to escape now that they're so endeared to my taste buds. The food is thoughtfully and artfully crafted, carefully prepared and plated, and the quality-to-price value will shock you. It's truly the fusion native Southern Californian fantasies are made of: traditional Japanese (fresh seafood) meets Latin and Mexican flavors (fresh herbs, spice, acidity that sings), and (nearly) all house made--minus the staple sauces you'd expect. I had, and recommend: 1. House cucumber sunomono. I usually skip this dish as it's often nothing to write home about, but this one is, and then some. 2. Miso. Standard with seaweed and tofu, not too salty, fresh and perfect temp. 3. Coconut Albacore Tostada: GET THESE. Crispy tiny street taco tortillas loaded with creamy albacore and topped with young cilantro. 4. Crunchy Roll. Plump, delicious shrimp. Always need something fried. Yum. 5. Then came the semi-secret menu items: El Pez signature roll, a cucumber outside roll with salmon, red and yellowtail tuna and real crab inside with yuzu...dreamy tuna temaki with real wasabi and light dipping sauce...special house marinated albacore nigiri with crispy garlic on top...tamago, eel, cucumber maki with eel so good it almost tasted like maple butcher bacon. These are all my descriptions, hopefully doing them justice! Go early around opening and try their rotating specials and ask for chef's choice everything if they're not slammed, not that their menu isn't already fantastic. They just have a lot of hidden fancy up their sleeves. Basically, don't go here if you like bland and boring, and hate flavor and food that's also nice to look at. I'm also all thumbs up for the lovely, bright-eyed servers. read more

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Pretty good local sushi spot. Atmosphere is great and the servers are polite and helpful. Service was a little slow today but they check in often, which is nice. The special rolls are definitely something to try out since you can't find them anywhere else! I really enjoyed the Lauras Roll. read more

First of all I couldn't get the 4-1/2 starts to stick , El Pez blew away my tastebuds and my expectations , I don't want to ruin a good thing and start a avalanche of business but this place deserves a great review. We stopped in for lunch today, I had the Friday lunch special, pork Katsu. The Salad was crisp, seasoned to perfection, the Miso soup flavorful and perfect. The Pork breaded and served so moist. The Katsu Glaze sauce finished up the mini explosion of flavors. We also had perfectly prepared spicy tuna roll, sooooo goooodddd. My wife had the Poke salad , she says it was "good" , that means she was totally impressed. She's hard to please. I'm planning on trying all of the daily lunch specials in the future. Friday's and Saturday's open till 10:00, they serve a refreshing green ice tea. They also serve a large variety of cold beers 4 on tap and 4 via bottles . read more

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Didn't dine in. Picked up my orders to go a few times and their sushi is sooo delicious. The wait time can be up to 45 min... make sure you ask in how long it will be ready bc if you're in a hurry this may not be the right spot for you. read more

Place was delicious, good atmosphere, the food came out fast. Cons: I walked in with my toddler and stood infront for like 10 mins waiting to be seated- the waitress/ hostess saw me and said nothing! Finally one said seat anywhere you'd like. So I did- another 10 minutes passed by and no menus, no service. I was getting so annoyed but we aren't from the area and my kid was hungry. (Yelp recommend) I had to call a waitress over and tell her to give me a menu and some service. After that everything went good. They had a live band- my daughter and I realized enjoyed them. read more

El Pez - Carnitas Ramen - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Prices are a little high for the portion served. I had ordered a $14 poke bowl and it was filled with white rice and just a little bit of the other ingredientes. However, food is good. Staff is okay. Give it a try. read more

My boyfriend and I came to try El Pez. I walked in very hangry while I waited for my boyfriend to arrive. I ordered spicy garlic, edamame, two Sapporo's and hot sake, as soon as I walked in, because it was cold. My server Lesley was very attentive, patient, and even greeted my man and myself again as he arrived. We then proceeded to order the Tokyo Roll, Futomaki, and Chicken Yaki . For dessert, we finished off with a green tea mochi. WE FINISHED EVERYTHING ON EVERY PLATE, EVERY DRINK, I WILL BE COMING HERE AGAIN. Overall ambiance 100/100. read more

El Pez - WAXED - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

So Glad El pez is my neighborhood sushi place! The staff is the best and they have amazing food. Always fresh ingredients and flavors on point. somethings to try- Tokyo soul, tostadas and fried rice! read more

The Montgomery roll is my go to. Good amount of sushi and fresh. The coconut tostadas are fire! Small but packed full of flavor

I ordered a rainbow roll and salmon carpaccio Salmon was spicey but good.  The jalapeno flakes add a nice kick to it and the oil it is lightly bathed in. Rainbow roll was good but uninspiring.  Solid and well put together.  My go to roll whenever I try new sushi location.  My baseline. Service was good.  Limited menu right now but excited to see how this place develops.   A nice healtheir addition to the area. read more

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So this has been my go to spot since it opened as it's the only good food (outside of Mexico food) this far south. The food has been really good with good prices. I'm really hoping today was a one-off but it was disappointing. The taste was really good as usual but the portions were crazy small. They also gave us a sauce the didn't even have enough to cover the bottom of the container. read more

El Pez - Last time the yakisoba came in big container this is the tiny portion now. - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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Been looking for a place like this for a while now. Man was it good! Staff were awesome. Food was delicious, and the place had a good vibe to it. Will definitely be back. read more

I absolutely love the Mexican fusion sushi. The flavors are on point. You really can't order anything that is good