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Ichifuji

4.9 (201 reviews)
Ultra High-EndSushi Bars, Japanese
Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
Updated 1 week ago

Ichifuji Photos

Business Info

ICHIFUJI ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Intimate
Romantic
Classy
Upscale

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Recommended Reviews - Ichifuji

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Fish
Sharon L.

Had a fantastic experience for our anniversary dinner. The ambiance is top-notch with the way they designed the space with distinct sections for the sushi bar, patio, entry way, bathrooms - it feels very private and intimate. We had the winter omakase menu and from beginning to end, the flavor, quality, and presentation were wonderful. I loved the delicate and flavor of the baked fish. The chawanmushi was so fresh and umami. The red snapper nigiri - amazing. Had 2 types of uni - San Diego uni and Hokkaido uni. The San Diego was mild and sweet, and the Hokkaido was stronger and super creamy. I think it's the best uni I've had ever. Even my husband who normally hates uni said it was good. The service was truly fantastic and our chef was so fun and conversational. We had a great time chatting with the other 2 couples as well. You could tell they enjoyed talking to their guests unlike some sushi chefs feel like they only initiate conversation because it is expected. I wish there was a little more food as I was still a little hungry at the end. Maybe an extra hand roll or something filling at the very end. I know there was the option to add in something a-la-carte but they didn't explicitly asked if we wanted anything extra and by the time I was thinking about asking, the dessert was served. I felt like flavor-wise it would be weird to eat dessert and then go back to sushi, so I just abandoned that thought. If you complete each of their 4 seasonal menus within a year, they give you a special gift from Japan. Based on our experience, we would like to come back for sure.

Kristian T.

We made a Saturday night reservation here for their fall seasonal omakase. Definitely one of the best omakase places in SD. We love Ichifuji and come here regularly. The chefs are so nice and friendly and really make the experience enjoyable. The staff is also fantastic and helpful. They do a good job of making the meal and event feel special. We always look forward to our seasonal visit and are always so impressed by the unique selection of fish. Definitely add this on your list for a great omakase and be sure to reserve the bar for the full experience! I've been to most of the classic omakase spots (Soichi, Tadokoro) and the new spots (Kinme, Maru) in San Diego but after coming here, stopped going elsewhere! Without a doubt one of my favorite restaurants in San Diego!

Sherman T.

This Omakase. Beautiful. Elegant. Yum. It's Ichifuji. A haiku for you to prepare your stomach, senses, and camera for this delicious and filling, multi-course, fine dining meal reflecting the fresh seafood catches and ripe ingredients of the season. At Ichifuji, you'll be taken on a culinary adventure while sipping on some of the most crisp and refreshing sake you've had. First and foremost, you will need a reservation! For larger parties, you may have the option to reserve the private patio and for smaller parties, you may be able to be seated in the main room with the chefs. Head to their website to make the reservation which may require an upfront down payment to secure your spot. Once you've arrived to this small private lot which seems to be located in a middle of nowhere, you can make your way into the restaurant where the staff will welcome and seat you. As we were seated, we were given menus simply highlighting their omakase (chef's choice) options and their extensive array of sakes. The multi-course meal options only differed in the number of courses which also reflected the types of items you'll be served. As a first timer, we preferred to go with the biggest offering to enjoy the full extent of the menu. The sake menu detailed out the different sakes including their origins and taste profiles. As a relatively uninformed consumer, it was great to read through the menu and listen to the staff describe the options. Before making our selection, we were able to get a sampling of the ones we were considering. Once the order was in, they placed the sake bottles on ice to keep them chilled and started dinner service. Each round of food that came out was carefully crafted into beautifully plated masterpieces full of color and texture and was accompanied by a quick introduction by the staff of its ingredients and suggested method of consumption. We had a good mix of bite sized seafood delicacies, plates of fresh, raw sashimi and nigiri as well as cooked items like soup, grilled salmon, and fried bites. The most impressionable dish to me was for certain the nearly live shrimp head that was still wriggling and to be soon fried and consumed in a separate dish. Everything was stimulating to the eyes and the tastebuds. The staff were great at immersing us in the dining experience and kept the dinner service flowing. At the end of the meal, they brought out the chefs so we were able to personally thank them for the meal and also capture a photo with the entire party. The whole meal took about two hours in total and it was a pleasant, memorable evening. Overall, Ichifuji is a special place reserved for those unique occasions and given that their menus rotate every season (every quarter), you'll want to consider celebrating those special events throughout the year and experience the full year of seasons (they have a stamp card that is redeemable for a gift if you've visited every season). The omakase is extravagant with its extent of ingredients and amazing presentation. For sake drinkers, you'll be dining lavishly while sipping their variety of imported rice wine. The meal is, of course, on the higher price point but it is totally worth it if you've never had an omakase before or looking to expand past your dining norms. Make a reservation, come see and taste for yourself and perhaps you may also be inspired to write your own haiku (maybe after a nap from the food coma)!

Eileen F.

This place was hard to find, tucked in a tiny lot between two large plazas, it resembled more of a hole in the wall establishment from the outside. Going in, you're transported to an intimate omakase sushi bar in Japan. The chef's are good friends from Osaka that decided to open this restaurant together after some time working together, and I'm so glad they did! The entire meal was expertly prepared with some of the freshest fish I've tasted - which makes sense given how close the place is to the ocean! We had live San Diego sweet shrimp prepared right in front of us (my fave dish of the night), and one of the liveliest omakase experience I've had. Every dish and nigiri was delicious, and I was able to taste some unique San Diego seafood. I can't wait to come back to try next season's menu, as they rotate every season to highlight that season's best ingredients.

Carmina C.

My boyfriend and I were in town for his birthday, so I brought him to Ichifuji, which Yelp and elsewhere on the internet highly recommended. The reservation was very easy to make -- just keep in mind that they require you to make a deposit of $50 per person. Location/parking: The restaurant can be a little hard to find -- it's located in a small lot in between two bigger lots. It's located right next to a Vietnamese restaurant, Mien Trung Restaurant, which is easier to see from the street. Food: There were two menu options available -- the Spring menu (available only from March to May), and the nigiri course. The Spring menu was priced at $160 (only $20 more than the nigiri course, with several more courses), so we opted for that one. The array of food was astounding -- we had everything from tempura to chawanmushi to sushi and sashimi. The quality and delicacy of each bite was apparent, and some of our favorites included the uni and ikura rice bowl (served with uni from San Diego and Hokkaido) and the amaebi sashimi served alongside its still-moving head (...to be honest, not sure how I felt about that -- I wasn't expecting it to move so it scared me at first. Then I just started feeling bad for the shrimp. I guess no one can question its freshness, though.) Service: The overall service was accommodating and friendly. The server kindly gave us the option to sample three different kinds of sake before making our selection, and the sushi chefs came by our table at the end of the meal to take a commemorative photograph. However, we did note that the pacing of the meal was a little off. In between some courses, we waited five minutes, and others, ten or more. I think if we had made a reservation for the sushi bar, it would have been a better experience, as the waitstaff and chefs seem to prioritize those seated at the bar. We ended up staying at Ichifuji for around two and a half hours, but if the pacing had been better, it's possible that we could have finished in around one and a half or two. Food was great, so we're open to coming back -- but we'll probably opt for the sushi bar seating next time.

Delicious sushi
Karen C.

Tucked away spot. We got a reservation for patio and were the only 2 people out there so it was a private experience. However, next time I would definitely sit inside by the bar as it seemed quite lively with the chefs interacting with diners, drinking sake, etc. the two chefs were very gracious and came to say hi to my sister and I right before the dessert course. They took a photo with us that was printed out and placed in a plastic frame for me to take home. It was a really nice touch! I think it was because we mentioned we were there for a very belated bday celebration. The chefs were very friendly and I could tell it would be fun to interact with them at the bar. As for the food, it was a nice variety of different dishes. I particularly enjoyed the first course of appetizers, sashimi and steamed fish. I was not a huge fan of the sweet potato ice cream as it was bit too starchy for me but props for the creativity. Also I didn't love the seaweed salad but again found it to be a nice creative dish as I'd never had seaweed salad prepared the way it was here. I think it would be fun to go back since the menu changes seasonally. The patio was a bit noisier since it had street traffic noise and since it was rainy, it was a bit cooler though they did adjust the heat for us. The standout experience was the hospitality - I don't think I've had chefs take a picture with me before and it was quite thoughtful to send us home with the picture as well as some of the more creative twists on the omakase courses.

Kay L.

My FAVORITEEEEE sushi restaurant in San Diego, in CA, and maybe even the entire country! We went to celebrate my friend's birthday but honestly, I could find any excuse to splurge here if I had the chance. This is the third time I've gone to Ichifuji and it never fails to amaze! Chef Ichi and Chef Fuji literally are the best at making you feel like you've been friends for decades when you come into Ichifuji. As always, the sushi quality is to die for. The hospitality from the Chefs and the servers remain unmatched. The vibe and energy inside the sushi bar is so fun - I love how everyone eating at the sushi bar talks to each other like we're all old friends even though we've never met each other. We got the nigiri omakase and it leaves me so full each time. We kept saying that each plate/serving/sushi was our favorite after eating it and I could not prevent myself from audibly going "mmmm mm mmmmmm" because of how good it was. It even made Chef Ichi laugh. Their sake selections are always so good. They go out of their way to source from small local sake distilleries in Japan. If you want theee most authentic omakase experience, you HAVE to dine in at the sushi bar [max 4 people per party]. I've yet to go to Japan myself but the first time I posted a picture of my husband and I when we first dined at Ichifuji back in May 2024, my friends immediately DM'd me and assumed that I was Japan haha. My friends and I are trying to fill up our Ichifuji passport by going during all four seasons for the special secret gift. We have stamps on the Summer and Winter omakases so far and just need to go during Spring and Fall next year to complete it.

Marilyn N.

Perk of going to an early dinner on a Thursday evening is you get the whole restaurant to yourself! Chef presented a wonderful seasonal omakase filled with traditional and personal recipes from his hometown. I love the stamp card, can't wait to return for the summer menu. Here are a few pics.

Spring 2025
Cony L.

Came here to catch up our belated anniversary celebration and we had wonderful time!! The restaurant is very cozy and the chef was very friendly and everything was very very delicious!! They gave us a picture of us at the end of the dinner. The food was very unique compared to other omakase we have been to and the price was so so reasonable. I would love to come back for other season omakase! I highly highly recommend for sushi lovers!!

Chi N.

What a wonderful experience we had at Ichifuji! From the moment we walked in, the staff were so warm and welcoming, striking that perfect balance of friendly and refined. Every dish was incredibly fresh and beautifully prepared. We loved how the head chef asked when we'd last been to Japan, sparking a fun conversation with his guests about our travels and favorite spots. We also loved getting to choose our own sake cups, and the presentation of one of the sakes -- in a stunning glass decanter -- absolutely delighted me! It's the little details like that that make Ichifuji memorable. Overall, a fantastic experience from start to finish! Ambiance: 9/10 Food: 9/10 Service: 10/10 Cost: 9/10

Brent C.

I had just gotten promoted at my current job and I was really craving sushi. Our normal sushi spot, Ju-Ichi, changed their hours and they were closed on Wednesdays now so we were scrambling looking for a similar sushi spot and that's how we found Ichifuji with its 4.9 stars. Ichifuji took the place of the old Sushi Diner, for which we were regulars when my husband used to live in Linda Vista. It was a trip coming into a completely reimagined omakase restaurant, but it was so worth it! First of all, we told them we were coming with our two children, 5 years old and 3 months, and we planned to sit in the patio because of our family situation. We came in at 6pm and they normally only do indoor seating at 5pm and 730pm. However, they said they were willing to to make an exception for us and they accommodated us inside because it was an unusually slow day. We were so glad they did because we had the best experience with Chefs Masa and Hiro. It was so good our daughter Phoebe said she wanted to come back every day. She doesn't normally eat seafood but she asked to try to uni to our surprise and she loved it! We have tried many omakase spots in San Diego but this has instantly become our favorite. Incredible food, service and ambiance. We can talk about every single dish we had, but honestly everyone needs to try for themselves. 5 stars highly recommend and we will definitely be back!

Ashleyann B.

I made a 5PM reservation to celebrate my partner's birthday in April, and we both enjoyed everything about our omakase and first-time experience here. There's a little parking lot for Ichifuji, but we missed our turn-in and parked down the block and on the street instead. We were the first ones in for bar seating, and the rest of the bar folks didn't roll in until about 15-30 minutes after, so we were ahead of everyone else in eating through the omokase menu--even when taking our time to eat. We interacted a lot with the chefs and with everyone around the bar, and appreciated our group's interactions with one another and to ourselves. We especially appreciated the chefs' and staffs' friendliness, attentiveness, and the very frequent cheers for everyone around the bar for all the reasons why we all had omakase that evening. My partner even got a picture with the chefs--and from the chefs--as a birthday gift :) (If you want a less interactive meal or would rather keep to yourself or the company of your party, then opt for table seating / patio seating instead. You'll still be served the same delicious meal!) We opted for the seasonal omakase (spring menu). All of the dishes were beautifully presented, and the seafood tasted clean and fresh with the additions that the chefs bring to each dish. Staff is able to give you recommendations for sake and pairings, and even allow you to taste three different ones before you select. The kinme was my favorite of the nigiri that was served, and I also loved the freshly prepped ama ebi and its fried head. Watching the chefs do their craft in front of us was a treat in itself. Ichifuji offers a stamp card of some sort: if you eat there once during each season, which allows you to eat what is in season when their menus change to fit the season's offerings, you get... something! I'm not sure what, but this place is more of a special treat / celebratory for us so we might not visit once during each season. Ichifuji definitely deserves more patronage, so please keep them in mind for a nice dinner of high quality food and fish!

Hannah N.

This is a very intimate sushi bar environment, where the two owners of the place are your chefs! They have decades of experience, and have authentic Japanese backgrounds. I did think a lot of their nigiris were creative with good combinations of flavors. The fish was fresh. My favorite was the live sweet shrimp And the Uni. They had some unique items that aren't found usually other places, including the savory custard. They l also have a rotating seasonal menu, which was a nice experience. They even personalized our experience with a photo because of our special occasion. I loved mostly the personal touch of this place and the generous portions for Omakase! I was stuffed afterwards!

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Ichifuji Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Ichifuji

Hi. I know this is short notice but wondering if you have any opening for 2. (Date Night). Found out the kids are attending a dance competition which doesn't include parents. I would really love to try your restaurant. Any possibility?

Call them.

Can the chefs accommodate a shellfish allergy (more specifically crab/shrimp/lobster really)?

Yes. We can accommodate you. Please tell the chef when you come to the restaurant. Thank you.

Where can I find the menu it's not on their website?

Hi. Tera. There are 2 courses on the menu. They are $160 and $140. The $160 course comes with… Read more

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A great little yakitori spot in an unsuspecting strip mall. Weirdly tucked in the back beside the…read moreSmart & Final, this little shop has an authentic and extensive menu. Love the wings, garlic, edamame, chicken heart, and quail eggs! It gets busy so try to call ahead an hour or two for a reservation. Definitely worth hitting up! Update: Came back tonight with my mom after a two year absence because my mom was craving beef tongue. Everything was even better than I remember. The wait staff was super friendly and accommodating. I loved the quail eggs, chicken wings, beef tongue with wasabi, and brussel sprouts. This is by far one of the best yakitori spots in San Diego. Highly recommend! Remember to call and make a reservation the day before! Update 2: Still insanely good. Call before for a reservation. Top items: Brussel sprouts, beef tongue, fried garlic, smashed fresh wasabi. This place is the gift that keeps on giving!

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We got the agedashi tofu and the deep fried baby octopus to share. Love both of these sides, the…read moretofu was extremely soft and flavorful and the octopus was crunchy, chewy, and just so flavorful. I got the Nabeyaki Udon, it was delicious, hearty, and filling. It really hit the spot on a cold cloudy day. The broth was light and clear and the udon was bouncy and chewy. I also loved all the ingredients, the chicken was tender and the shrimp tempera were light and crunchy.

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Ototo Sushi Co. - Caterpillar Roll

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3.9(1.3k reviews)
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Hatsuzakura - Ichigo Daifuku - Original and Matcha flavored

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4.4(569 reviews)
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6.7 mi

This place is one of my new favorite spots! It's pretty hidden, tucked away in an unassuming little…read moreplaza in an industrial area. I think the people there were also surprised to have us come by, because they asked how we came across the place. Apparently it's recently gotten taken over by a new owner and remodeled. The interior and exterior is super cute, with kawaii Japanese decorations all throughout. There's also a cute cat theme throughout, with a little paw print stamped into the wasabi and little ceramic cat chopstick holders. The food was reasonably priced and also delicious. My favorite was the Inari set, which were very plump and full of delicious fish and juicy tofu skin. The Ajitama eggs were also yummy, and the sauce it's marinated was good enough to drink up after. When it came to the rolls, there were so many good ones to choose from, I'll have to come back to try more of them. We went with the Sanji's roll and the Buldak roll. Both of them are really well done, but I still think the Inari set was the star of the show for this meal. I also saw they sold other rice dishes/dons, which looked good, and I'll have to try that another time. There was also a selection of sakes and beers to try. Didn't try it this time, but there was a yuzu sorbet that I would want next time. Overall, this place is a hidden gem, the staff is friendly, the interior is cozy, and the food is affordable and good quality. I almost hope this place doesn't become too popular, but I'll be happy for them if it does.

Solid sushi spot in Mira Mesa! We walked in without a resy on a weekday night and surprised the…read morerestaurant was pretty filled. There was ample of parking in the lot surrounded by breweries. We were immediately seated at one table by the speakers. The music was blaring right at us, it was a bit loud and the owner noticed and turned it down a notch. Service is an area of improvement and could use a little more support. Nonetheless I think they are family owned and really tried their best! I thought the rolls were a bit on the pricier end. This is what we ordered: - Daruma Roll (5/5): This was my favorite dish of the night! I like scallops and might be a little biased but this worked out perfectly with the ikura and yuzu aioli. - Citrus Hamachi Roll (4.5/5): This was my fiancés favorite and my runnerup. I wished it was salmon on the inside instead. - Protein Roll (4/5): Solid but nothing spectacular, it's just like any other protein roll but the price was a bit steep. - Inari Set (4/5): Flavorful, great for sharing, and perfect introduction to inari - Shrimp Tempura (3.5/5): Would pass on this next time - Annin Tofu dessert (4/5): I love almond tofu but I'm not sure about the granola and it's a little on the sweeter side. The crunch adds texture but perhaps something else besides granola might suit it better like

Photos
Cui-daore - Inside seating

Inside seating

Cui-daore - Tuna Poke bowl

Tuna Poke bowl

Cui-daore - Sea Dragon roll. Seaweed salad.

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Sea Dragon roll. Seaweed salad.

Sushi Yorimichi - Hand rolls

Sushi Yorimichi

4.4(430 reviews)
1.2 miLinda Vista
$$
Locally owned & operated
Family-owned & operated

We ordered takeout and the pickup process was super fast and efficient…read more We got the Spicy Tuna Roll, Negitoro Bowl, Torotaku Roll, and Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna. They definitely didn't skimp on portions we felt like everything was well worth the price. The flavors were spot on, with the crispy rice being a standout. I personally loved the negitoro bowl and would come back just for that. We'll definitely be back!

Food was great- our selection of nigiri, specials, hand rolls, and specialty maki rolls tasted…read morefresh and were portioned well, with menu items reflective of many great authentic hole-in-the-walls in Tokyo. Decor was spot on too and an intimate setting. 10/10 on food, menu, authentic setting alone! The service failed this restaurant and did not match its standard. We went Sunday before any dinner rush approx 4pm, only one other table when we arrived. The server was a young, dismissive girl who seemed to be irritated and spoke as though she was passively-aggressively reading from a script. She rushed us to order, so we put apps to start. We politely informed her that we were ready to finish ordering 3 separate times in approx 10 min intervals as she walked past back and forth before she came back to take the order (with an attitude). As other parties trickled in, she would seat them with the same passive-aggressive attitude and service gaps. There was a lot of awkward eye contact amongst patrons. The food (once ordered) came out steadily and was often sitting at the pass for a while before the waiter would bring it to respective tables. There were also 2-3 food pickups who were in and out during our time there, each of which she was unnecessarily short and rude to. After waiting patiently for 15-20 min after we were done, my partner got up to ask for the check, to find her berating the kitchen staff. She dismissively asked my partner what his name was even though our table of 4 had been there for over an hour by that time; seemingly assuming that he was there for delivery. It was not overwhelmingly busy either; there are many establishments that experience much busier dinner service with a single staff member, who can handle themselves with grace and treat colleagues with respect. This waiter's attitude towards customers, delivery workers, and staff truly harms this small business and its long-standing reputation. It is a small and intimate space that makes any aggressive energy extremely apparent and uncomfortable, which is unfortunate!

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Sushi Yorimichi - Negitoro bowl

Negitoro bowl

Sushi Yorimichi - Fried squid legs

Fried squid legs

Sushi Yorimichi - Torotaku roll

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Torotaku roll

Sushi Fish Attack - Seared Tuna Specialty Roll (back)

Sushi Fish Attack

4.2(1k reviews)
3.3 miClairemont
$$

Let me tell you that I was initially thrown off by the name, but now am a long time regular…read more Great spot if you're looking for fun rolls at a reasonable price. It's small - so the wait can be long, but they do allow you to make reservations via phone.

This has become my favorite sushi restaurant! My fiancé and I stopped by on a whim because of the…read morerestaurant's name, and we were blown away by the quality and selection of the fish. The toro had beautiful marbling like wagyu beef, the kanpachi was so fresh and delicate, and the ankimo was melt in the mouth delicious! Special mention for the hotate (scallop) nigiri, the scallop was beautifully cut and had a buttery mouthfeel. They also have an extensive sake and Japanese beer list with many brands I have never seen at other restaurants. The Dassai 45 was a great pairing with the nigiri we got! The space is intimate, set for mostly tables of 2, though we did see tables combined to seat parties of 4. There is always classy jazzy music playing, and the vibes are chill and cozy with warm lighting. The servers are attentive even during busy times, and are very professional. I highly recommend stopping by if you get the chance, and make sure to call for a reservation because the small space fills up quickly. Be aware that parking is limited and some spots are reserved for other businesses.

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Sushi Fish Attack - Inside dining area on an early Saturday evening

Inside dining area on an early Saturday evening

Sushi Fish Attack - Bang Bang

Bang Bang

Sushi Fish Attack - Uni nigiri

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Uni nigiri

Ichifuji - sushi - Updated May 2026

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