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

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Ken Sushi Workshop continues to be one of the better sushi spots in San Diego, quietly tucked into an unassuming corporate plaza in Carmel Valley. During Covid, they created these charming little clear patio bubbles that somehow made outdoor dining feel intimate and fun. Over time, though, those have turned into a much darker tent setup that feels more makeshift than atmospheric. The ambience now leaves a lot to be desired -- dim lighting, no music, and service that can feel difficult to access unless someone happens to walk by your tent. The reason people still come -- and why we continue to return -- is the food. The sushi is consistently excellent, and Ken himself brings a warm, energetic presence that clearly resonates with guests. You can tell he genuinely cares about the experience and enjoys interacting with people. That said, the operational side of the restaurant feels increasingly out of sync with the caliber of the food and the pricing. On our latest visit, which was a birthday dinner for eight, we waited over 40 minutes past our reservation time with little communication and nowhere comfortable to wait. Once seated, service throughout the evening felt scattered and slow. One small but frustrating example - because the tent was so dark, I accidentally marked abalone instead of albacore on the paper order sheet. When we discovered this and asked if it could simply be swapped, the server explained the kitchen had already begun preparing the abalone and could not change it. While I understand the technical reasoning, it felt unnecessarily rigid given the circumstances -- especially over an inexpensive item during an already delayed dinner. There's no question Ken has built something special from a culinary standpoint, and his personality remains one of the restaurant's biggest strengths. But with some attention to ambience, pacing, and hospitality, the overall experience could much better reflect the quality of the food coming out of the kitchen. read more

A+ atmosphere, Ken is amazing, staff is great, incredible plating, bold flavor profiles with an interactive omakase experience. 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

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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

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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

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

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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

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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. We've only dined outside in their bubbles and tents, which gives you more privacy. They kept the outdoor dining warm with heat lamps and blankets. Sake selection was impressive. read more

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I have been to Ken's several times and my family frequently dines here. They have individualized dining experiences outside where you can sit in your own "bubble" or "tent" which feels like an exclusive dining experience. 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

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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! They have seating inside & out, but the best seat is at the bar. read more

This place is amazing! Ken is a warm and personable guy who is proud of his craft. We sat at the bar and had a wonderful time socializing and watching him prepare dishes. 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!) I love the vibe of this place, it's very casual inside although quite pricey. 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

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

The food was spectacular and Ken was there to greet all of his guests. He truly cares about the product he serves to all customers.

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

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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

Luv omakase, and u can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The staff is very friendly. Ken makes this the best sushi spot in SD!

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

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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

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The best sushi in my opinion! The service is always on point! Definitely recommend making a reservation, as the place is always busy.

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. We sat outside in an adorable igloo! Just loved the entire experience so much. Cannot wait to go back! read more

Best Japaneese Restaurant in San Diego. You should try the package call Love ($160 per person) just amazing

Ken Sushi is seriously so good! The bento box is super yummy and has such a great variety it's definitely one of my favorite things to order. Everything tastes fresh and flavorful, and you can tell they really put care into their food. It does get pretty busy, but honestly it's 100% worth the wait. Definitely a spot I'll keep coming back to! Still a warm and welcoming vibe even if it gets crowded. read more

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

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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

Loved this spot! great sushi, relaxed hole-in-the-wall vibe, and a quirky golf-inspired touch that makes it stand out. Service was super warm and welcoming overall just a really good experience Feels like a hidden gem. read more

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

This place is so unassuming but the food is absolutely spectacular! The service was excellent and even the owner stopped by the table to check on how everything was. Highly recommend! read more

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

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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

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The sushi here is awesome! Some of the best in San Diego. Ken, the sushi chef, is super friendly and a pleasure to talk to at the bar. My favorite roll is the one with crispy potatoes. Make sure to call and make a reaction as they are always busy! read more

At 5:30 on a Thursday this place had a crowd in the front waiting for the doors to open. Entertaining guests from out of town and for a group of 6 we were allocated to an outdoor tent which made it feel like glamping as we had sushi next to a fire huddled around a table . Their specialty rolls were excellent and I'll be coming back to checkout more of their special rolls and possibly the omakase read more

Went to Ken Sushi shop with friends for dinner. We sat outside on one of the tents. It was a bit cold and the acoustics was far from perfect. It was hard to hear a regular conversation with other guests taking while waiting for a table. The food was good and came out at a good pace. I recommend you get a table inside to stay warm and hopefully the acoustic is better there. read more

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

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My partner and I made reservations here for date night and requested bar seating--it did not disappoint! We're both pretty picky when it comes to sushi, but this place was seriously so good. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. Ken was our sushi chef and he was the best--so friendly, welcoming, and clearly the life of the party. We left absolutely stuffed--I wish I could've eaten more, but I physically couldn't fit another bite! Definitely a new favorite in North San Diego. Can't wait to come back! read more

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So good! Service was amazing, our waiter was Izzy! My boyfriend got the chefs choice nigiri and he loved it. I got the workshop roll and it was DELICIOUS! My boyfriend definitely got a kick out of everything golf related! read more

I love Ken Sushi whenever I need a bit of an elevated sushi experience. Whether you sit inside or outside it's an excellent atmosphere, and the outdoor privacy pods are amazing. Service is always fast and helpful. The tofu steak and edamame are my regular appetizers and they are delicious, and the Sake menu is incredible and extensive. I am allergic to fish so I always do a custom roll with crab, grilled shrimp, avocado and cucumber. The roll is big enough for two people or leftovers- it's basically two rolls. I love how they don't deep fry their crab like many places do and offer non tempura shrimp for rolls. The Tamago sushi is also delicious. All their seafood offerings are great. read more

Amazing food - ate it so fast there wasn't much to take pics of. Have been here a few times and the service and food is simply the best. Fresh sushi, delicious desserts, great drinks and the best service and attention to detail. Love this place! read more

Ken Sushi Workshop - Crunchy rice - what was left lol - soooo good! - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

This was the 2nd time here, my friend and I came here last April and the food and service were just as good as the first time here. Reservations are a must if you want a prime eating hours. Ours was on a Tuesday at 7:00. When we arrived the inside seating was filled with our table awaiting us. Jared introduced himself as our server, very nice and attentive. We had ordered a bottle of Sake, Crispy Rice, Hamachi Jalapeno, Hamachi Kama, Spicy Tuna Roll and Eel, Salmon Belly, Sea Urchin, Smelt Egg Nigiri. All the dishes tasted great, the fish all fresh. This restaurant is pricey but excellent. Atmosphere: small typical Japanese decor with fun bubble seating outdoors. Service: excellent. Food: excellent. read more

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This is one of my go to sushi spots in San Diego. This place has Good Sushi, a lively environment, and their service is on point. Ken is fun and always has a smile on his face. I like how they play music at night. I usually order the Chefs Choice or the Nigiri Combination for variety. The place is very busy so it is wise to book a reservation in advance. read more