This is one of the best sushi places in SD! It's definitely a best kept secret. The food and service is on point! It's in a business office complex. The crispy tuna was ridiculously gold! The rice is crispy, the tuna and avocado is so delicious. Has the perfect rice and tuna ratio. This is a must get. All the sushi here is buttery and just melts in your mouth. I loved the salmon belly, toro, and tuna cheek. You can taste the quality and freshness of the fish. The A5 wagyu is insanely good! It's smokey, buttery soft, and rich. This was our favorite dish of the night. The bring the tuna cheek in this cool smokey container. I used my chopsticks to split it in half and it's so soft it just cuts through so easily. For rolls, I really liked the workplace roll. It had a little hint of coconut, crispy, and creamy texture. The ice cream was interesting! I'm not an uni person, but the uni ice cream was creamy and really good! The black truffle is pieces of black truffle with vanilla ice cream. It has a strong truffle flavor, but somehow works lol The matcha creme brûlée has a strong matcha flavor. I thought it could've had a more balanced, creamy flavor. read more

See all

Not that Ken needs my review or notes AT ALL, but I do have to say it's one of the best kept secrets of this area for sushi. I consider myself a sushi lover and find myself eating it on a semi-regular basis. After a while, you begin to tire of the go-to spots and that's what happened to my husband and I. So, I took to Yelp to help us find a new place to enjoy and that's when Ken Sushi Workshop popped up! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The first time we came, we had our two kids with us (10 and 5 years old) and were seated right away in one of their igloo style dining tables outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We ordered a variety of nigiri and I have to say how wonderful everything was. The fish is fresh and the presentation of it all was delightful (my husband loves their eye droppers for soy sauce!). We returned again, this time just the two of us, and once again we really enjoyed our experience. Service was welcoming and attentive and we couldn't have asked for a better time. Definitely going to keep returning and appreciate all that Ken does! read more

Ken's Sushi is our go-to spot and always exceeds our expectations. We recently had a surprise birthday dinner there with a party of 10 on a Tuesday, and Ken made the whole night feel extra special. We ordered a mix of nigiri, rolls, and a few people did "Ken's Way," where you just tell him when to stop bringing sushi (omakase style). Everything was so fresh and delicious. Ken even gifted us a bottle of sake and came out to sing Happy Birthday. We've been coming here for years and it's one of those places that never disappoints. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Good music, good vibes, happy staff, and amazing sushi.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] If you're planning a visit, I'd recommend trying to get a reservation during the week since weekends can get pretty busy. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I also recommend eating outside in your own individual bubble.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

See all

I have been fantasizing about this sushi bar since I came here in 2021 and it's not nearly as good as I imagined it to be! Good sushi and I love Ken. He's so adorable and brought us some side treats! The fish is extremely fresh and very high quality BUT the prices are ridiculous for the location and lack of ambience. I've spent decades eating sushi and this was lacking in so many ways so I just want to be transparent here. I love Ken and think he's a SHOWSTOPPER however he should dim the lights and put on some Japanese music and make it reasonably priced not exorbitantly expensive for a neighborhood sushi place. It has a 19th hole vibe like lots of golfers partying which is fun but not at the crazy price point here read more

See all

I've reviewed before. No update and no change. Still amazingly fresh and delicious. The pickled wasabi is unreal. I need to bottle that condiment. read more

See all

Ken sushi is amazing. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We went for my husbands birthday on Saturday. They were great for 8 people.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat outside and it was lovely.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We got 3 orders of the tuna crispy rice. I'm obsessed with them. recommendations: Crispy tuna rice - order multiple Workshop roll- Everytime we get this roll it's a knockout Hula- very yummy Mango- a go go Chocolate cake for dessert. The service is so lovely and the front of house staff are always so friendly. read more

Ken Sushi Workshop - Crispy Rice - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

If I could, I'd fly to San Diego every weekend just to come here lol Visited from the Bay Area and we were recommended Ken's by a friend of ours who frequents here. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Sat in an outside tent which was so nice to keep wind and bugs away[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], service was great, and food was to die for. We got the nigiri combination, unagi roll, and creamy soda. Everything tasted so fresh and perfect, we wanted to order more if we could have eaten more. 10/10 recommend! Great experience and some of the best sushi I've had. read more

See all

A very nice sushi spot! Don't mistake its no-frills approachability for a lack of craftsmanship. Everything here is run tightly, from the quality of the fish to the pacing of the meal. The seafood was sweet and fresh, the service was speedy, and Chef Ken greeted every table, giving the place a family-like atmosphere. I also appreciated that our nigiri was coursed by flavor progression - they took our dining experience seriously. read more

See all

The sushi tasted great, no complaints about the food itself. [[HIGHLIGHT]]But for the price point, the vibes of the whole place were not it. If i'm paying that much for sushi, i want the ambiance to feel just as elevated.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Instead, the tents, the business center parking lot vibes, the tiny overfilled space inside too away from the experience.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The tents outside just look ridiculous and the tables inside are super close to each other, and there was no air conditioning on a super hot day.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service was good, but again, because the place is so cramped the waiters have to squeeze through to your table and it's awkward for everybody. It's also reservation only, so it's not the kind of place you can spontaneously go to if you are craving sushi. [[HIGHLIGHT]]So overall, while the sushi is good, the ambiance and overall atmosphere made the experience feel underwhelming for the price.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There are other places in San Diego that will satisfy a sushi craving without being such an expensive and underwhelming experience. read more

See all

[[HIGHLIGHT]]A+ atmosphere, Ken is amazing, staff is great, incredible plating, bold flavor profiles with an interactive omakase experience.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Fresh fish, beautiful plating and serving plates, very complex takes on omakase. Ken is super welcoming and attentive - pouring shots on the house. Their omakase starts simple, then ramps up in complexity. Their bone marrow uni dish is legendary and a fun experience. Definitely give this place a try! read more

See all

I had heard about this place but this meal was beyond amazing! Bill, our waiter, was outstanding as he was the driver of what to order! Warm, efficient, and wise in what he told us to eat. Our kind of server. Impeccable service. If you can mold a waiter, it would be Bill. But onto INCOMPARABLE sushi. Top 3 items. The Scallop Nigiri, the A5 Wagyu nigiri, and the sea bass. Mouth watering. We loved the hamachi belly, the yellow tail nigiri, the hamachi jalapeño special. The side of rice was impeccable. Moist and so hot. This is a MUST eat place. Love love love. read more

See all

I had a really wonderful experience here! I was fortunate enough to be seated at the sushi bar and served by Owner/Chef Ken. For our visit, my friend and I ordered the following: salmon belly sashimi, hamachi jalapeño, smoked toro, sweet shrimp, Kumamoto oysters, shumai, and garlic edamame. Everything was incredibly fresh! Chef Ken took excellent care of us. He's a very kind man and is very sweet. His personality alone makes me want to come back again and again to support his business. I think I have a new favorite sushi restaurant! The restaurant itself is not very large, but there are igloos outside. I guess these were set up during COVID, and they remained. They look very cozy and intimate, perfect for a date! Note, if you're a golf fan, you'll appreciate that Chef Ken has a golf-themed decoration throughout the restaurant. There's even a golf cart in front of the restaurant! Definitely come check out Ken Sushi Workshop! I promise you will not be disappointed! P.S. There's fresh wasabi here! read more

See all

I have lost count of how many times I've been here--it's easily one of my favorite sushi spots in San Diego. From the warm greeting at the door to the great outdoor seating they created during COVID to give each group more space, everything adds to the experience. For me, a great outdoor dining experience comes down to three things: the ambiance and service, the company you share it with, and the quality of the food. Last night, all three came together perfectly. We went with our friends from Orange County and spent a wonderful 90 minutes enjoying sushi, sashimi, and lively conversation. The highlights were the crispy rice with tuna and albacore, and the seared scallops. The scallops were a new discovery for me--recommended by our waiter (whose name I wish I had remembered)--and they turned out to be a standout Overall, it was another five-star experience read more

Ken Sushi Workshop - Seared scallops - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Came here with my dog and friend, we were seated outside in a tent, it felt both cozy and a little tucked away. This place is busy and full of energy. You can tell the owner, Ken likes golf and outdoor by the decor outside of the restaurant. The servers were all very nice, and even bought out some water for my dog. We got soft shell crabs. mixed tempuras and assorted sushi, they all were very fresh and tasty. It is a warm, welcoming spot, we'll be back. read more

See all

Wow wow wow best sushi in all of San Diego absolutely loved every single bite. We had just Ken was absolutely phenomenal. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The service was incredible and the ambience was great but honestly, Ken is truly amazing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] He treated us like family !!!.we got the turo cheek and ahhh incredible. Every single piece was custom and unique to us and again best sushi I've ever had loved it !!! read more

See all

Wow - what an unforgettable dining experience. Ken is an incredible artist, and every plate that came out was both stunning and delicious. Even my friend, who isn't usually a sushi fan, couldn't stop raving about every course. This is so much more than great sushi; it's an immersive culinary experience. Without questions, one of the best meals I've ever had. Highly recommend! read more

See all

Expensive, rare treat - creative, inventive, and unique sushi, beautifully presented. We had the crispy rice appetizer, the hula roll, the workshop roll, surf's up roll, and chef's choice nigiri. Our favorite was the oh no but yes roll. The tempura ice cream was fun. Customer service was top notch. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We've only dined outside in their bubbles and tents, which gives you more privacy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They kept the outdoor dining warm with heat lamps and blankets.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Sake selection was impressive. read more

See all

Enjoyed lunch watching World Cup soccer here. Food quality is always top notch! The chef is a friendly and the staff was vey attentive. We sat at the bar and enjoyed talking with the Chef and the Omakase Love is highly recommended! Very enjoyable atmosphere for a lunch outing and gathering with friends, family or colleagues! read more

Wow! This sushi spot is top notch! I have been here a couple of times now & it does not disappoint! Make sure to make a reservation because it is always busy or ensure you give yourself enough time if you are a walk in. Friendly service. Amazing rolls & nigiri, you honestly cannot go wrong with anything on the menu! Dishes are on the pricier end but you pay for top tier quality. The fish is so darn fresh & delicious! Come during lunchtime for some steals, like their Lunch Omakase. Last time I came, Ken served me & he was the sweetest, happiest sushi chef I have ever seen! You can tell he truly loves what he does! Thank you for the amazing food & service Ken! [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have seating inside & out, but the best seat is at the bar.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

This place is amazing! Ken is a warm and personable guy who is proud of his craft. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat at the bar and had a wonderful time socializing and watching him prepare dishes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] He has some unique sauces that are flavorful! Loved the Hula roll (it has macadamia nuts and matcha), toro, and tuna cheek (omg to die for I've never had anything like it - even in Japan!) [[HIGHLIGHT]]I love the vibe of this place, it's very casual inside although quite pricey.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's 100% worth it. I never was a fan of sake until coming here. I am definitely recommending this to all light-hearted sushi lovers. read more

Ken Sushi Workshop - Toro sampler - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

Always 5/5 experience at Ken's. San Diego's best sushi IMO. Recommend the outside yurt seating. Service is generally good although I have had one slow experience. read more

I have been to Ken's several times and my family frequently dines here. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have individualized dining experiences outside where you can sit in your own "bubble" or "tent" which feels like an exclusive dining experience.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The staff is very professional yet fun. The sushi and food itself are AMAZING. Every time I go, I leave so satisfied. Ken is friendly and welcoming too! I will continue to keep visiting this restaurant when I want high-quality sushi and a fabulous dining experience. read more

See all

Ken's is the best sushi in San Diego. They go above and beyond to make the best sushi in town. My favorite is the boxer roll, it's not on the menu but you can order it. Thanks for everything Ken! read more

Wow! My new favorite sushi place in San Diego! I was so impressed with everything we got from the in house homemade gyoza to the crispy rice and aloha roll!! We got others as well that were great but can't remember the names. I went with 5 women and we loved every single thing! read more

This place is incredible! It's tucked away in a business center so glad a friend recommended it to us. Every night here is packed and I highly suggest you get a reservation. The sushi is so fresh and sitting at the sushi bar with Ken is such an experience! The waygu nigiri and seared salmon belly are two of my favorites! I recently tried the shrimp tempura hand roll and it's so good! It comes out warm and is served nicely in a shot glass. I've also tried the teriyaki salmon plate and it's also incredible. I've enjoyed every meal at Ken's and look forward to each time I go. read more

Celebrated my daughter's graduation with omakase at Ken Sushi Workshop. Hands down the best sushi I've had. Ken went out of his way to help celebrate alongside with us and make the night more memorable for everyone. read more

Ken Sushi Workshop - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Great service by our server Jacob and another young man who came to check on us often. No wait at Tuesday lunch time and we sat outdoors in their tents which is fun. Weirdly located in a medical plaza but I'm not complaining about free parking. The food came out quickly and everything was delicious. I enjoyed the sashimi plate more than the nigiri even though they had similar fish. It was just tastier to enjoy the fish by itself. I really liked the variety and it did "melt" in your mouth. Very tender and well cut. Amberjack, blue fin tuna and otoro were my top favorites. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a peaceful sushi venue. Some people had business meetings too so it was very relaxing. read more

See all

Haven't been to Ken's in several years since I no longer travel to SD for work. Been there a bunch of times in the past and they didn't disappoint. Said hello to Ken and he seemed to remember, although I'm sure he was just being nice . Started with a combo sashimi, had multiple types of nigiri sushi, a couple of different rolls, and hamachi kama. All were really good and impeccably prepared. Although we were part of the first seating, it was busy and we had to sit outside and there were mosquitos in the tent. Also the order of food served wasn't right where they brought sushi before sashimi. And the servers kept forgetting things that we ordered - edamame and a dessert. So the overall experience wasn't the best. I'm giving 4 stars for the reasons above, but the food taste and quality is still top notch and would still recommend. read more

First time here, been a fan of Ota, so KSW right up our alley. We wanted to celebrate our 5 year anniversary with an omakase and didn't want to drive down to convoy area. We made a reservation a month in advance, we decided to do bar seating. We got there 10 minutes early on a Friday and parking started filling up fast and a lot of people started coming. We sat at the bar and brought our own sake bottle. Ken takes a shot of sake at the bar for any one that orders sake. He was probably wasted at the end of the night. lol. We did the Pride Omakase ($180). It came with about 9 items: salad with grilled salmon pieces, sashimi, oysters, tuna tartare with uni, fried soft shell crab, nigiris, smoked otoro nigiri, miso soup and ice cream (mango, uni, vanilla). And we got an off item, the salmon nigiri, 2 premium beers, and brought our own sake (corkage $20) from Otaru Japan during our travels. Everything was delicious. The sushi was definitely fresh. We loved the smoked otoro and fish from the sashimi plate. Oysters could go without the sauce they drench it in. Tasted good by itself. The uni ice cream was definitely something to try but really dank. High turn over with the fish, it was packed once the restaurant opened. We definitely enjoyed their omakase menu! But want to come back for regular nigiri or some rolls. Cost was about $500 for the meal. Quite pricey but well worth the experience and amount of food you get. It's a family oriented place, and there's no trendy vibe. It's fun and loud and we now know we can bring our toddler for some good sushi!! read more

See all

10/10 sushi spot! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Only drawback is the ambiance, but don't let the location fool you![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Great fish options!!! High quality sushi that just melts in your mouth. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambience is unassuming but cozy enough.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We especially liked the outdoor seating in the little domes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service was excellent and we will be back! read more

After many people recommended this place I finally made it to Ken's. During lunch with a friend we both ordered the omakase special and it was incredible. Cuts of fish were top notch, nigiri was fantastic, different flavor profiles made it a culinary masterclass. I left full and content. Would highly recommend and will return. read more

See all

Seriously the best sushi I've ever had. Service was excellent. Janice made great recommendations to us and even mentioned some off-menu fare that was just insane. Bluefin sashimi and workshop roll were my favorites. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat outside in an adorable igloo![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Just loved the entire experience so much. Cannot wait to go back! read more

Went yesterday for a special occasion. We sat at the bar and probably had the worst experience. Our server never attended us all night. The sushi chef ended up taking our order. Believe the server name was jared or randy. Love this place but the service was non existent to the point that we had to pay for the bill and leave probably will not be returning read more

The chefs choice nigiri was a delicious choice. The sushi was high quality and I especially enjoyed the ikura/uni, squid w shisho leaf, and the otoro. The service was also great. Our server was very friendly and gave us a brief history on the restaurant after we asked about the golf decorations. However, I took off some stars because we were being eaten alive by mosquitos. When I first got to Ken it felt like I was back during prime covid time with all the outdoor tents. All of us were getting bitten the whole night and have welts on our bodies. Sincerely hope the restaurant does something about the outdoor environment. The food and service was great, but not sure if I'd come again especially for outdoor seating read more

Ken Sushi Workshop - Chefs choice nigiri - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

A Sushi Experience Like No Other at Ken's Workshop Sushi From the moment I sat outside at Ken's Workshop Sushi, I knew I was in for something special--and I was not disappointed. This was by far the best sushi experience I have ever had, and it's hard to believe it's not yet a Michelin-starred restaurant! The freshness of the fish was unparalleled. Every single piece was a revelation, from the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth tuna to the rich, velvety salmon. The texture of the fish was exquisite--each piece had a delicate, almost creamy feel that effortlessly glided across my palate. The flavor was intensely pure, each bite bursting with natural, oceanic notes that were both refined and bold. The tenderness of the red snapper was so perfect, it felt like it was crafted just for my tastebuds. Even the scent was inviting--a subtle, briny freshness that heightened the anticipation with each course. I was also blown away by some of the other creations we tried. The Chilean sea bass that my friend ordered was perfectly seared, with a caramelized crust giving way to a buttery soft interior. The fried lobster was crispy, succulent, and delicately sweet, a true standout dish. It's clear that Ken's Workshop Sushi prides itself on using the highest quality fish, and the flavors are unbelievable. The quality of the fish was beyond what I've experienced anywhere else, and it's no exaggeration to say that every bite was a journey into deep, savory, oceanic bliss. The service was extraordinary. I was especially impressed by the staff's attention to detail, especially with my allergies and health considerations. They went above and beyond to make sure I felt comfortable and safe while still enjoying every bite. Our server--whose name I regretfully forgot--was simply amazing. She made my birthday extra special with her warmth and hospitality, truly elevating the entire experience. It's rare to encounter such personalized, thoughtful service. The atmosphere of the restaurant also added to the overall charm. The outdoor seating was made cozy and private with these unique "snowglobes," which kept us sheltered from the sun while still letting us enjoy the fresh air. I loved the passionate golf-themed decor, with golf bags and clubs at the entrance, as well as a cool golf cart that added a fun touch to the ambiance. Overall, I highly recommend Ken's Workshop Sushi if you're looking for the best sushi of your life. The food was world-class, the service impeccable, and the atmosphere warm and inviting. The fact that this place isn't a Michelin-starred restaurant yet is truly a mystery, as it easily rivals some of the top sushi spots in the world. I will definitely be back for another unforgettable meal! read more

See all

Weird name, incredible food. I hadn't closed my eyes to savor a bite in a long time, but I did at Ken Sushi Workshop on my birthday last weekend. The garlic edamame was the best I've had - not too saucy. And the crispy rice and rolls were amazing. Favorites were the Surf's Up, Oh No But Oh Yesss, and especially the Workshop roll (ask about the special!). We also had super fresh sashimi, and our server made sure we didn't drown it in soy or wasabi. Honestly, it didn't need it. Dessert? Green tea mochi that was full of flavor. We sat inside, but next time I'll try one of the clear outdoor pods. Highly recommend! read more

Ken Sushi Workshop - Sashimi - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

Came here on the way back from my SD trip with family and it was pretty lively for the weekday lunch hour. We were seated pretty quickly as we opted for the outdoor bubble tents, which were quite fun in my opinion. We ordered a couple of dishes from the lunch menu and some of our favorite nigiri sushi. Lunch Chirashi | Tuna, salmon, yellowtail, shrimp, white fish, eel, octopus, tamago over rice - This was very fresh and a good option for a lighter meal. Loved the details such as the added sesame seeds on the rice. This also came with a miso soup. Lunch Sushi Combination | Tuna, salmon, albacore, eel, shrimp, spicy tuna and 4 pcs California roll - Once again, very fresh fish and the shrimp is extra plump! The eel was probably my favorite and they gave such a generous piece. The spicy tuna is on crispy rice which has a nice texture. Another very light meal option for lunch. Salmon Belly Sushi - This is such a go-to for my brother. I had a piece and no complaints, just good quality. Seared Salmon Belly Sushi - If you're not a fan of the fatty texture, the seared option is a great alternative. You get some great flavors. The plating was so beautiful too. Seared Engawa - My personal favorite. The way they served their seared engawa is quite different than most sushi restaurants that I've been to. They wrapped the whole piece of rice with the engawa with a bit of shiso leaf and topped it with yuzu kosho. Seared engawa can be a little fatty, but the way this was put together was just so balanced in flavor and pretty to look at. All in all, I was very surprised by my experience here. To preface, I didn't have super high expectations going in. I thought that the fish would be somewhat fresh and the food options would be very generic. However, I was wrong to judge so quickly. It was nice to know that they had seared engawa (normally not in most restaurants) amongst other nigiri options. The service here is impeccable, from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. At one point, there was a bee in our bubble tent and one of the servers helped us get it out. In terms of ambiance, I've noticed some people gave negative reviews for the outdoor seating arrangement, but honestly, it was very cozy. The clear portion that looks out from the "bubble tents" faces the restaurant and not the parking lot. There are also umbrellas out for a sunny day in case you are sensitive to the sun. Next time I'm in SD, I will swing by again! read more

See all

Some of the best quality sushi I've had recently. The chef's choice nigiri was a really great variety. The chef was nice enough to cut the nigiri in half to allow us to share and both try each fish. The Hula roll was well balanced & the Oh No But Oh Yes roll had the perfect amount of soft shell crab. Crispy rice appetizer was not too spicy and had good tuna flavor. Outside of the rice could have been slightly crispier. Our server was very helpful and attentive, even during the busy lunch rush. Outdoor seating was shaded by canopy, and had padded seats. Got a bit windy, so had to be careful of napkins flying around. Overall, a good experience and I would return. read more

See all

Don't go there. There are other much better sushi restaurants just a few minutes drive from there. Don't understand the hype. The chefs need to study better from Sushi Ota! No ambiance. We were seating in a plastic bubble outside next to the parking lot. lol Food: sashimi fish was fresh but it was thinly sliced. Denfinitely overpriced. Service: terrible. Food doesn't come together. 1/2 of the party had to watch the other eat and digest. A meal could be done 1.5 hours, lasted 2+ hours due to missing orders, mixed up orders, and wrong dishes! read more

See all