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Superb omakase experience with great quality fish and vibes. Nothing truly beats having smooth, buttery fish on a dinner night. Out of the dishes I got -- hon maguro nigiri, ika with shiso nigiri, iwashi nigiri, nodoguro nigiri, zuke nigiri, himitsu roll, and himitsu sushi -- my favorite was surprisingly the ika with shiso nigiri. The ika was fresh and the shiso gave that sweet and delicate notes that did not disappoint. Although this was my favorite, all the other nigiris were also amazing as expected from a quality omakase place. Service was quick and friendly. Our server checked on us quite often. Chef mitsu also consistently made sure that we were enjoying the food and experience. The chef also gave his opinions on various fish and gave background to what fish he likes to select and suggest. Honestly, there was nothing better than hearing from a chef who loves his art and craft.
They are normally closed on Sundays, but on some Sundays they are open for a special omakase only. It's usually the last Sunday of the month but recently they've been experimenting with 2 Sundays a month. Check on Instagram or call and ask. Reservations for the omakase are almost a must as they start and end at a certain time and limited to 10 people. We started with a pumpkin soup which was very creamy. There were a few unique dishes and preparations. I liked the lobster sashimi which I haven't seen at other omakase experiences. I of course liked the nodoguro and kinmedai. But what surprised me was the ika which I normal don't like was torched and gave it a better more firm texture. I also liked the unagi. It was much smaller but I had not had it torched to that extent before. So good. I also liked the Wagyu that was slow braised with the chipotle sauce. It was quite a unique blend of Japanese and local flavors. There were a lot of servers so a lot of attention was paid to the few diners around the sushi bar. The restaurant is basically closed except for the omakase. A sign out front says closed for private event. Himitsu provides quality fresh sushi under normal business hours. Their special omakase was no different.
Went here today for lunch for my birthday. First time trying Himitsu but seeing it on social media, I really had to give it a try so wife and I stopped by this afternoon. It did not disappoint. Food: Had various dishes which included the sando, miso cod, hand rolls, kaarage...the list goes on and EVERYTHING was delicious. A++ Service: They automatically charge a 20% gratuity but even with that, the service was deserving and they did not lack on attention whatsoever. They even gave us a free bday ice cream for my bday lunch. A++ Ambiance: Loved the look and feel of Himitsu. If say this is now one of my too 5 sushi spots in San Diego after giving it a go. A+ Thanks again for making my bday lunch so delicious. We WILL be back for sure!
Starting off the new year with a bang! Found Himitsu on Youtube on the Gareth Eats channel, check him out for recos in San Diego (& southern Cali) and it did not disappoint. Himitsu catapults into the #1 sushi spot in SD for me! Although this place is a little more expensive than other sushi joints, the quality of the food is undeniable. The service was also really great and everyone was friendly. Loved that they provide a basket for your bags so they're not on the floor or hanging on your chair. The place itself is small so make sure to grab a reservation. We got seated on the outside patio, cute decor, super clean. They also had outdoor seating near the small parking lot. The lunch and dinner was a bit different & we opted for options on the lunch menu (dined around 12 and could order from both menus). Their sandwich board of specials were actually brought to us so we can see the options. Ordered the Nigiri Paradise [$39] & it did not disappoint. Came w/10 1 pc nigiris and everything on that plate was soooo fresh. The toro, tuna & yellowtail were all melt in your mouth goodness. Their motto is "no soy sauce" and definitely did not use any throughout the whole meal. Also got a bite of their Matsu Roll [$24] which was really good too. The thing about Himitsu is that they focus on the fish and nothing else. With that being said, the sushi roll was light on the rice and heavy on the fish. Loved thaaat! Typically, we're so full of rice we don't enjoy the fish enough, but it's opposite of that here. We also got the Buri (one of their specials) which is a winter yellowtail [$8.50/pc] as well as the Hokkaido Scallop [$8/pc] w/yuzu salt. Both were delish! So manyyy good things to say about this. Try it out!
We were able to book a reservation easily on Open Table for a party of 2 for lunch. Treasure Bowl: loved the uni, octopus, and salmon in the bowl. Tokusen Chirashi: well balanced and fresh, the scallops and uni was the most memorable parts of the dish Each bowl is Hokkaido Scallop (not pictured): so light and buttery, melt in your mouth goodness The staff were welcoming, pleasant, and had great recommendations on the menu. My friend and I were celebrating our friendship anniversary and our waitress brought out a scoop of matcha ice cream! We sat outside where there were a bunch of small tables on a covered patio and staff is able to pull down the windows to protect from what looks like rain/sun. There is a small parking lot that is shared with other businesses and ample street parking.
Well, this was perhaps the best sushi of my life. Fell in love with a sweet early March local uni, sweet and flavorful scallops, and so many other things (everything with some fattiness was downright buttery ). It was an honor sitting at the counter watching the chef expertly cut the fish while chatting with us at the same time. The wait staff was also so welcoming and lovely. So special we had to come back a few days later, and we will certainly be back the next time we're in SD.
Came here to celebrate a friends birthday and it was my first time here. It's in a cute location in a small complex next to some other small shops. The decor is a vibe. Very aesthetically pleasing. You can even hear the birdies chirp. Our server was Michelle. SUPERRRR NICE and informative. We opted for the secret Nigiri which was a great portion for me. Came with I believe 10 pieces. Miso and salad. Only $55! Great quality fish and presentation. Also real wasabi!
Himitsu : "C," with a final score of 60%, meaning "Mediocre. Not coming back, but not yet angry." Executive summary: good vibes, but mediocre food and poor value makes me question how Himitsu made it to the "Michelin recommended" status, and in my books, "not recommended." ------------------------------- Before the restaurant review, I created a new rating system. Of course there is always subjectivity in reviews, but taking inspiration from Car & Driver head-to-head car reviews, I'm hoping a more systematic way of analyzing different restaurants can help lessen subjectivity. The final grade will be determined by a weighted score of 3 factors - food (70%), vibe & decor (20%), service (10%). The scores will be added, then multiplied by a "value" factor that can improve or reduce the score by up to 20%. See photo for elaboration. Himitsu, I first tried about two years ago, and had a fairly good experience. So on my wife's birthday, who's actually out of town, I decided to celebrate it anyway, but without her. I got a 5:45pm reservation, and excitedly told my daughter "let's go to good Japanese!" Note to self: never set high expectations! The restaurant has very limited inside seating. About is inside, in a "covered tent" and another on the "patio" (err...sidewalk?) beside the parking lot. Despite sitting on the patio, the weather Gods cooperated and it felt quite comfortable. A cheerful waitress greeted us, and shared the "tonight's specials." Nothing popped out, and I was quite happy about the standard menu, most dishes served in small plates, allowing us to go for variety. We ended up starting with 6, and I figured we'd continue to order as we ate, depending on how we felt. Ribeye katsu sando (B ) : This was the meal highlight. Beef was tender, juicy, and nicely seasoned. The breading wasn't as crispy as desired, but understandable since it was in between two slices of soft white bread. The ginger dressing was a little too tangy, overpowering the beef, but the weakest link was the cold au jus. Dipping the sandwich meant it became cold and soggy. So I only dipped once because I'm a fast learner. "Today's special" soft shell crab roll (C ) : The weakest dish of the night. I originally ordered the "regular" soft shell crab roll from the menu, but the waitress mentioned they had "fresh crab" off the special menu, and I simply said "sure." In hindsight, I should have asked about the price but I never would have expected it to be double! The worst part, it didn't taste anything special. The lettuce conflicted with the crab that didn't taste particularly fresh, and it really didn't taste much better than something from a Japanese supermarket. Salmon hand roll (B ) : I didn't try this, but my daughter says it deserved a "B". Anago (eel) nigiri (B ) : This was quite nice, very light seasoning, reminiscent of how they're served in Japan. The good, I could taste the sweetness of the eel. The bad, the eel wasn't fatty enough, so given the quality of the eel, the North American style with a little more char and more sauce would have improved the dish. Salmon belly nigiri (C+ ) : It was a generous slice of salmon belly, but not enough marbling and rather tasteless. Ebi (shrimp) nigiri (C ) : The shrimp was overcooked and rather tasteless. My original intent was to keep ordering, but even my daughter, especially after eating the soft shell crab roll, said "nah, the quality is not there." I asked about desserts but they sounded all French based, like creme brulee, and ultimately, nothing appealing. So we stopped, and asked for the bill. At $122 for the quality and amount of food served, especially $39 for the soft shell crab roll, plus the auto 20% gratuity, the value certainly wasn't there. Finally score: "C" at 60% or "Mediocre. Not coming back, but not yet angry." Food: C+ (65%) Vibe: B (70%) Service: B (70%) Weighted total: 45.5 (Food) + 14 (Vibe) + 7 (Service) = 66.5 Value factor: "Not worth it" so reduced score by 10% for a final score of 60% (rounded).
I love to visit La Jolla and the sushi place was a great find! It is on the expensive side, but it is in a prime location so I understand. One of my favorite items on the menu for the value is the lunch bento, it consists of delicious baked fish, sashimi, fried foods, and veggies. Another highlight, which was one of my favorite bites of my dining experience was the Akami Tuna with yuzu koshu. The outside patio is quite nice when dining for lunch. At night this restaurant can get very busy and it can get quite loud. The waitresses are nice and is a place. I will continue to pass through when I'm in La Jolla.
This was fire. Honeymoon oyster was an insane experience, honestly even better than Daigo's hamachi shots which I deemed spiritual. The nigiri was great though I don't think I came into this with the stomach for the whole set. Service was so spectacular that the customer next to me asked if I was famous/a food critic/knew the owner because the chefs and servers were incredibly attentive LOL read more
7 months ago
Came here before over 1-2 years ago and really liked everything. They had a lot of daily specials that were standouts to me. This time however, feels like the quality has declined. Many of the nigiri's we got was more chewy than normal and most of them had uneven cuts and the sashimi platter didn't stand out much either. A lot of their advertised "specials" were already on their regular menu and the special pieces that I ordered because it was recommended to me, were not unique and tasted like normal bland cooked white fish. For the price, I'm a little disappointed with the quality. We also got salmon skin roll but there was a lot of salmon attached to the skin. Some people may like that but it was not what we were expecting to get. It felt like eating a normal cooked salmon roll. While we thought the food was mid, the service was excellent. Overall I would say this is a solid restaurant but the quality definitely didn't meet our expectations this time and will not be back anytime soon read more
I had high expectations and boy was right! The sushi was melt in your mouth delicious!! We had the Big Belly sashimi plate with melt in your mouth delicious toro, hamachi belly and salmon belly. Then we asked for a 2 piece set of the chef's choice and was served snapper and scallop nigiri. The hamachi kama is a favorite and went well with the sake. Lastly, we had Isaki that was prepared fisherman's style, wrapped with a shiso leaf that added brightness. For dessert the black sesame ice cream was rich and refreshing!! Can't wait to return to this gem! read more
4 months ago
Such a cool vibe! Outdoor seating is nice and where we sat but they also have a sushi bar for omakase. We did table service and it was great! Everything was fresh and even my vegan sister had options and they made her a custom vegan roll which she loved. Amazing service made this experience the best! read more
10 months ago
Our family decided to try a different sushi spot than our usual and booked a dinner reservation for my little sister's birthday. Came on a Friday night at 5:15 pm and there was barely anyone. They have a tiny parking lot with around 15 spots & surprisingly, there were some available when we got there. Good customer service, nice ambiance, & fresh food but nothing amazing. The portions are pretty small and not cheap. For instance, their live soft shell crab as an appetizer is $30 yet it technically feeds 1 person!! Sushi is good but not worth $20+. The best dish was their sashimi plate but it only comes with 10 pcs of fish and a live shrimp head for a total of $50...However, their staff was so friendly! They discounted an appetizer for free since we waited awhile for our food & gave us dessert for my sister's birthday. It was nice to try but we most likely won't come back due to their small portions & high prices :') We've definitely had better for less. read more
7 months ago
Oh man- soooo yummy. Love the vibe and staff all very friendly. Sushi was amazing Everything so fresh, melts, perfectly prepared. Sushi chef wonderful! Will be back! Gluten friendly also!! read more
a great ambiance surrounds this place as you walk in, seating inside in front of the chefs and outside is lit up nicely with heaters to keep you warm. they offer an array of delicious apps to sushi to rolls. their sake is also crisp and fresh, loved it! our server was so so very nice, actually everyone here was so welcoming and thoughtful. i love how they bring out warm towels to wipe your hands before eating their apps all have a uniqueness to them and out of them, i loved the cod and yellowtail, you can really taste the quality of the fish. the mini crabs were also such a cool experience! super crunchy and delicious! their rolls are packed with fish and topped generously. they do not skimp out on the size as well! everything was nicely plated and served quickly! if you're in the area, definitely check this place out! can't wait to come again! read more
this place has cute interior but everything was just so small, like the rib eye sando i expected it to be bigger. also our second order of hand rolls took so long i wanted to just get the check and leave. spicy tuna and salmon hand roll i recommend, the himitsu sushi roll i could pass on read more
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My first dining experience at Himitsu was wonderfully pleasant. The inviting atmosphere and generous service brought me back to the caliber of dining in Japan. We had the katsu sando, 5 Star sashimi plate, hamachi kama, and the Matsu specialty roll. All of which were delicious, fresh, and presented with elegant simplicity. Our server was knowledgeable, incredibly friendly, and the manager took great care of us. We were well accommodated and will definitely be back! read more
We had a great lunch here. Reservation was easy, once we arrived we were directed to our chef's table and was able to watch chef working. Our appertizer was shishito peppers, which was a little salty for me so I wouldn't order again. Our sashimi were good though, all were so fresh, uni and himitsu bowl didn't disappoint either. read more
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We had dinner on 2/22 at 5:00 pm with a large group of girls. Jessica was so helpful with arranging a dinner reservation for so many of us 14 in total. Jessica's communication with us for such a special evening was very professional and helpful. Himitsu is a beautiful but small restaurant. We were greeted by the staff and quickly sat down. Aiden was our server and he was fantastic. Aiden Went over all of our questions about the menu. Told us about all the specials for the evening. Aiden Had a great great recommendation for cold sake.... Sai was delicious! The Food was impeccable. The preparation of all of our dishes were masterful. Wasabi Cesar salad was so yummy! Miso cod was like butter. All our food was fantastic. This is not a fast food high turnover all you can eat sushi place. This is thoughtful ingredients with skillful preparation. It would be a charming date night restaurant or a special dinner place for out-of-town guest. I will be back. read more
2 years ago
The waiter charged us a beer even though we did not order any! Food was very slow to serve and portion sizes are extremely small Didn't even taste that great read more
8 months ago
I decided to give this place a try for lunch today after seeing it featured on @garetheats' "Authentic Japanese Food in San Diego" YouTube channel. I brought my son with me, and I was really looking forward to doing the Omakase-style dining. Unfortunately, the bar was closed when we arrived. Still, we went ahead and were seated at a table, where we were warmly greeted by our server, Michelle. I asked for her recommendations, and she suggested The Secret Omakase, the Hokkaido Scallop, and the San Diego Spiny Lobster sashimi. Here's what we ordered: The Secret Omakase - Toro, Kimedai, Zuke, Gindara, Izaki, Aji, Hamachi Belly, Salmon Belly, Albacore, and Ika Sushi Lover - Tuna, Yellowtail, Salmon, Albacore, Shrimp, White Fish, Sea Eel, Spicy Salmon Roll Hokkaido Scallop San Diego Spiny Lobster Alaskan Flounder (with sea salt and yuzu) Every single item was unbelievably delicious--melt-in-your-mouth good. The flavors were clean, incredibly fresh, and without even a hint of fishiness. It truly tasted like fish caught moments before serving. The squid was impressively tender; I expected a bit of chew, but it was silky soft. Even the salmon and tuna--fish that often carry stronger flavors--were delicate and clean. The scallops were wonderfully tender and naturally sweet. The Spiny Lobster was a first for me, and since it's in season, I had to try it. It was mild with a gentle chew, and I really enjoyed it. One of my absolute favorites (though I genuinely loved everything) was the Alaskan Flounder. It was mild, delicate, and refreshing. The chef recommended skipping the soy sauce because of the yuzu, and he was right--the yuzu and sea salt made it perfect. Also, the wasabi was surprisingly smooth and not harsh like your usual wasabi. It was herbal and did not have that burn! I actually didn't use much soy sauce at all because I wanted to appreciate each item as it was. In the video, the chef wore a shirt that said "No Soy Sauce," and honestly, nothing needed it! To top it all off, our sweet server Michelle treated us to Yuzu ice cream on the house. Wow--so good! Light, citrusy, and the perfect ending to our meal. I'll definitely be back to try more items--and hopefully next time, I can sit at the bar. read more
I tried Himitsu for the first time and had a great experience! My server who was a sweet Asian lady was kind and attentive. I got the chicken karaage which was delicious! I liked the crunchiness and sweetness due to the teriyaki sauce. I also liked the ambience. Parking is hard due to the location but if you get lucky, this spot is a definite must in La Jolla! read more
Ok so I am in love with this place. I wish I took more photos, but I was living in the moment. For starters we ordered the carb tempura, and soft shell carb hand rolls. BOMB.com. Then my husband ordered a roll, and I ordered Omakase from the chef, and he did not disappoint. He asked questions to get a feel for what I like, the station was very clean and he was efficient. Enjoyed every item. Our server was Koko ( don't hate me for forgetting for full name) but he was totally ok with a nickname. He was awesome, attentive and helpful when deciding what to order. Overall great experience and I will be back. This was my first time my husband taking a drive at raw anything and he loved it! read more
4 months ago
Chef Yuki was amazing! I'm so happy I did the omakase experience. It was six courses , miso soup, appetizer, sashimi, hot food, nigiri, and dessert. Himitsu carried a large variety of unique fishes. The experience of eating at the bar was magical. A real pleasure having Chef Yuki prepare all the food for us. He's also a great conversation and has so much knowledge for the fish and craft. read more
3 years ago
this place has been on my list for awhile now and I finally came by. I went alone and sat at the sushi bar. the Omakase here was a lot of food so I ended up just going with a 6 piece nigiri (the chef picks each piece for you based off your liking). I did get a few more pieces after. The chef who served me all the sushi was amazing. One of my favorite things is he'd ask me how each piece was and then base the next piece off of that. Each piece was fresh. I'm more shocked about how unique some of the items were. I've never eaten a full shrimp head, it was crunchy and salty! And I've also never had Japanese sardines. But now it's one of my favorites. I love how it just melts on your tongue. It makes sense why this place is always so busy. It's unique, the servers are amazing & everything is high quality. I'll come back with a big appetite to try the Omakase soon! read more
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Quite possibly the best sushi I have ever had. And last year for my birthday we went to Morimoto sushi which has Michelin star and I can confidently say Himitsu is BETTER THAN ANY PLACE IVE EVER BEEN TO! And sushi is my life!!! My obsession! Plus the people are great here. Chef Mitsu is the best and Julia who took care of us was a gem. If you want the best sushi experience, go here. Wish I found it sooner! read more
2 years ago
The extra wait for a bar seat is worth it. You get to talk to the sushi masters and get their input on all the various selections and specials that you might be in the mood for. You're able to order directly with the sushi master, but the area is also tended to by 2 other servers that are attentive (one could argue maybe too attentive?) and they explain all the wonderful dishes that you see other people ordering. Musts: otoro, gindara, tempura hand roll, amberjack, hamachi tostadas, soft shell crab roll The space is on a cap corner and about 70% of it is outdoor. There is a large square space that is covered by a retractable roof situation and a handful of umbrella tables dotting the entrance from the parking lot. Seems like a great place to eat during warmer days. Bar area is fully enclosed. read more
I have been wanting to try Himitsu since I read that the sushi chef from Tadokoro, likes to come here for sushi. The inside is super cute and cozy, just 8 seats at the beautiful sushi bar, and we took up 4 for our birthday lunch (but outside tables as well). Their sushi chef, Mitsu Aihara, spent 16 years at the famous Sushi Ota. For lunch, can't beat the plates that include a lovely miso soup and fresh salad. Three of us got the Sushi Lover, which featured 6 pieces of nigiri (ahi, salmon, shrimp, eel, snapper, yellowtail) and one roll (tuna, salmon or yellowtail; didn't like these as much as the nigiri). Definitely try what's on the daily specials. The yellowtail with jalapeños and ponzu sauce was excellent! The green tea was very good. And service was friendly. They served us a birthday bowl of lychee coconut ice cream w/ a candle, which was really pretty, and tasty, too. Plenty of parking, at least on this rainy Saturday - either in the lot or on the street. Definitely recommend! read more
1 year ago
I come here pretty frequently with my wife. The selection of fish is strong, the price is reasonable, the preparation is excellent, and the taste is top tier. I go to a lot of sushi places in San Diego and love ordering a la carte from their nigiri list. That said, this isn't the place I would go for omakase. Definitely recommend! read more
Absolutely amazing. One of the best sushi places I have had in San Diego. Great music and ambience and amazing service- we had the best waiter. We went with the himitsu roll, 8 piece chefs choice, yellowtail collar, and wasabi Caesar. The fish is SO fresh. Best experience. read more
More info about Himitsu
1030-G Torrey Pines Rd
La Jolla, CA 92037
La Jolla
Directions
(858) 263-4463
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http://himitsusd.com
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Ask the Community - Himitsu
Are there GF sushi options?
Yes they are very good at gluten free. The staff are knowledgable and they have GF soy sauce. Some have said their fryer is GF but others haven't, so you should confirm that when you go.
What is the typical price range for omakase for 2 people?
It is $85 per person for the basic omakase (which comes with a ton of food but no sea urchin). If you want sea urchin, then the price increases to $120.
Do they offer omakase/chef's choice sets for lunch?
I believe they do. I’ve been there for dinner but I think so at the inside bar seating
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Himitsu - sushi - Updated July 2026
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