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    Robataya Oton

    4.1 (465 reviews)
    ModerateJapanese
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

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    Business Info

    ROBATAYA OTON ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Intimate
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Robataya Oton

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    Hokkaido scallop
    Nate C.

    Came here on a Saturday night for dinner with a reservation for 2 at 7pm. It's a small intimate place with a cozy/warm atmosphere. A hidden gem that makes you feel like you're dining in Japan. All the servers and chefs were very welcoming and joined us in conversation every now and then. They gave us sake samples on the bottles they recommended. We settled on a bottle of one of their sweeter sake brands. Whatever your preference is I'm sure they can find something you'll enjoy. Our dinner started with the takowasa (octopus marinated in wasabi). The meat was tender and with just the right amount of wasabi. For our next dish we shared the uni pasta. To be honest I was never really a fan of this dish before, but oton is my exception. Pasta had a good chew, the sauce was creamy and rich, and the uni brings it over the top. This dish is a must order item for your next visit. Lastly we ordered nigiri sushi until we couldn't eat anymore. Fuji salmon, blue fin tuna, black tiger shrimp, ect. The quality and care they put into their sushi is worth every penny. We ended the night with a few beers and got to know the staff a little more because we're gonna be coming here more often. To everyone at oton I would like to give a big thank you for making our late Valentine's dinner very special.

    Specials
    Vivian T.

    I've passed by Robataya Oton countless times, not knowing how familiar I was with the area until I arrived! It shares the parking lot in the same plaza as Kogi BBQ. We were walk-ins and sat in a booth on the left hand side. More private dining was reserved for those in booths on the right. We ordered different items to share for a group of four, which were the sashimi salad, calamari, Horumen (cast iron beef intestines), and the Mentai Udon. Our food arrived at a steady pace, however, there was a long gap between our order of Horumen. It was served in a cast iron pan and needed more time to cook maybe. It took so long we thought the staff forgot about it. It was, surprisingly, my favorite thing out of our order. Highly recommend, that is, if you are up for a lot of chewing. The sashimi salad was quite different from what I have had. There was mackerel sashimi included which I have never had on a sashimi salad. It is chef's choice, so you may get something different. The sauce was sweet, so if you are looking for something savory, this would not be the best choice. The calamari is also safe choice, but I'd skip on this and try something more traditional. I would say the same for the Mentai Udon, as my preference for the sauce is a thicker sauce. This one was more soup like, and it was a bit difficult to share this. There are some hits in our meal, the service was kind and timely, even though we were short of an entree for a bit we were made aware. I love the intimacy of the dining space and I'd like to be back to dine in one of their private booths!

    Han L.

    Honestly pretty good. It was a lot better than so many other places. the grilled fish had nice flavor and decent cook, not perfect though. the fish they put in the sashimi salad was fresh. a bit heavy handed with the sauce though. if i have to take sometime to midtier japanese, i think i would try to take them here.

    Pedro Y.

    Ambiance service food were amazing. Try everything the chef should suggests. Very unique sake selection

    Uni shooter
    Yokyok N.

    We found this place by instagram but it becomes what we've been looking for since we move to SD. We saw they have room for sitting, Japanese style. That was what we want when we first went there. But it was full. So we have to sit at the sushi bar.... BEST THING EVER! The chef and the owner kept us company and make sure we feel welcome and taken care of. That's including my 2 years old toddler! He was so entertaining and enjoyed everything!! Since then, We always sit at the sushi bar! Yesterday we went there for our wedding anniversary, my husband went for Omakase: 6 course meal: chef choice! Everything was phenomenal! Everything is so fresh and tasty! We also order some stuff off the menu which the chefs here is super accommodating! This's definitely the best Japanese restaurant in SD! The hole in the wall tha fill your heart and, of course, your tummy! Can't wait to go back there again!

    Hamachi carpaccio
    Demi N.

    I've been here a couple times, and the menu is hit or miss, but the hits are big hits. Fried soft shell crab: 9/10 this was by far the star and biggest hit!! I'll definitely be back to eat more of this. I don't often eat crab because of the price point but this was so worth it. Very memorable Saba shio: 8/10 A little on the saltier side that day, but I really enjoyed this dish Salmon skin salad: 8/10 good stuff Hamachi carpaccio: 7/10 Aburi set: 7/10 this is the chef's choice so it depends on the fish of the day. I really love seared salmon so I give a 9/10 for the seared salmon and 7/10 for the rest of the fish because it was good fish but not my preference Special: wagyu and fatty tuna handroll. I tried this out of curiosity but the wagyu and fatty tuna don't play well together and would be better enjoyed separately. Poke don: 5/10 I got it out of curiosity, but did not enjoy it. It's not the same as a chirashi don. If you want to enjoy fresh fish, you're better off getting chirashi / sashimi / sushi.

    Udon
    Janine K.

    Went here for my birthday dinner and loved it! It was a Tuesday evening and we got seated right away. Service and ambiance were good. We had sushi, udon, hamachi carpaccio, and kyuri- everything was delicious. Also got to try a new sake which was fun. We will definitely be back!

    Francesca C.

    What a lovely hidden gem in SD that makes you feel like you just stumbled into a small izakaya inJapan. Recommend calling in advanced for a reservation. We were seated at the bar, but there's also a few small tatami rooms for intimate groups. Very cozy vibes + superb service. We ended up ordering a bunch of things and staying for a while because there were so many great options for food and drinks. Would love to visit again!

    Purple sweet potato roll, green tea ice cream
    Julia W.

    We had an amazing time at Robataya Oton! We went out on a whim to try a new restaurant and were immediately greeted by the owner, Kenji. We told him our budget, and he crafted a multi course meal for us which was absolutely delicious and introduced us to new flavors. Things that stood out in particular were the uni udon, eel roll, house smoked salmon, and chicken meatballs. We felt so welcomed and loved experiencing a new cuisine and culture. The ambiance was inviting and calming. We will definitely be back to see what Kenji picks for us next!

    Dango
    Anne L.

    My husband and I had reservations for 5:30PM and we arrived a little over 5mins early. The restaurant opens right at 5:30, so they couldn't let us in early. We waited in the car until we saw other customers start walking in. The service was very nice. We sat in one of the traditional rooms (which I thought was "on the floor" but there is room for your feet under the table). The atmosphere was really cool. A sheet separated us from another larger party - no issues with loudness or anything. The food was delicious. Husband got the Sapporo beer flight special and I tried the Yuzu wine with Calpico. I've never had yuzu wine and I don't normally like wine but this was delicious. We tried the poke bowl and chirashi. Poke bowl is more saucy and flavorful. Chirashi is more fresh. We also got the horume as an appetizer but it came out last. Everything was delicious. My favorite was the horume as it's hard to find anywhere else. For dessert, we got the mitarashi dango - it was unfortunately not as good as I hoped. I'm a big fan of this chewy/stretchy texture, but it was a bit too dense, almost grainy, and not very stretchy. Overall, it was definitely a cool experience and I'm glad we tried this restaurant.

    Wow! My husband and I were visiting San Diego from Chicago, and an Uber driver recommend the Kearny Mesa area for good Asian food. Little of research of some Japanese restaurants, we decided to give this restaurant a try. We were so impressed with the food and ambiance. The chefs were friendly and the service was great! If you are looking for low key but, kick ass sushi/sashimi/Japanese hot pot, don't look further. Next visit, we would love to come back and try their hot pot.

    Handroll special: wagyu, uni, toro $20
    Melissa L.

    Super hidden lowkey sushi spot with the most authentic home-y ambiance! I recommend making a reservation a day or two in advance. The tables are very private and you climb inside after taking your shoes off. Perfect for a date night or fancy girl dinner :) . The quality x pricing is crazy! We got the special handroll for the day and the nigiri omakase. They have a white board of specials each day so every visit is unique. The host was so sweet and attentive to us. We mentioned being curious about one of the matcha wine(?) and she gave us a small sample to try as well as a small portion of an appetizer from the chef. ~still dreaming about this meal ~

    Dashi-maki tamago with green onion
    Annie C.

    Parking can be a challenge and plan on a reservation. There's tatami rooms where you remove your shoe to dine but we had a regular table. The ambiance is an authentic Japanese restaurant with authentic flavors. We started out with the sumo which is the chef's choice for 65.00 a few selected sashimi pieces and a hosomaki. The garlic calamari was good but small portions so I would skip this appetizer for 10.00. The katsuo tataki was beautifully prepared on a bed of onions, slightly smoked seared and topped with garlic . The dashi tamago was nice and reminded me of traditional Japanese breakfast. Try the other specials they offer, the yellowtail nigiri was tasty - ate it before I could photograph it for y'all. Overall the dining experience was unique and authentic. The price tag is a tad high for a casual night out.

    Unagi gohan

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    2 months ago

    Love this place. Service is great, food is wonderful! Sushi is very fresh, we love the shabu shabu too. Very impressed!

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    Food was criminally overpriced. The service was not the best and the semi private rooms were disappointing

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    Page 1 of 12

    Robataya Oton Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Robataya Oton

    How much is omakase these days? Any link to an updated menu with prices?

    $120

    How many people will fit seated in private room?

    Max.6

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    Wa Dining OKAN - Rib Eye and Scallop X2

    Wa Dining OKAN

    4.3(1.5k reviews)
    1.6 miKearny Mesa
    $$

    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.

    This is a low-key long-standing local spot with mostly regulars. Tucked right next to Nijiya…read moreMarket, it never relies on marketing--only authentic home-style flavors and consistent quality keep customers coming back. It's a cozy Japanese izakaya with warm yellow lighting, just like a traditional neighborhood pub in Tokyo. Perfect for casual drinks and enjoying a genuine laid-back vibe. I ordered the eel kamameshi, which took about 20 minutes to serve. Their house-marinated eel is incredibly fragrant. The Creamy Mentai Udon is a must-try: rich creamy flavor, savory pollock roe with no fishy taste, and perfectly chewy noodles that are absolutely addictive. Their grilled beef tongue is cooked to perfection--tender, juicy, and well-balanced in salt and sweetness. The teppanyaki is also very flavorful. Price range is mid to high, around $40+ per person. The staff gives off classic old-restaurant regular vibes: efficient and no overly formal small talk. It feels like a neighborhood comfort spot--warm and relaxed without forced hospitality.

    Photos
    Wa Dining OKAN - Partial view of indoor dining

    Partial view of indoor dining

    Wa Dining OKAN - Fried baby octopus

    Fried baby octopus

    Wa Dining OKAN - "Tamago" + unagi

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    "Tamago" + unagi

    Kumi Sushi Grill - Finding Nemo

    Kumi Sushi Grill

    4.3(496 reviews)
    1.1 miKearny Mesa
    $$

    Kumi Sushi Grill - Kearny Mesa…read more Kumi Sushi Grill is an absolute hidden gem in Kearny Mesa and easily one of the best sushi spots in the area. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance stands out--clean, modern, and stylish with a warm, relaxed vibe. The lighting and layout make it feel comfortable and inviting, whether you're grabbing a casual meal or settling in for a nice dinner. The service is top-notch. The staff is friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming from start to finish. You're greeted right away, orders come out promptly, and they check in just enough to make sure everything is perfect without hovering. They're knowledgeable about the menu and happy to offer recommendations, which really elevates the overall experience. The sushi is incredibly fresh, beautifully presented, and packed with flavor. Each roll is thoughtfully crafted with high-quality fish and a great balance of textures and taste. You can tell Kumi prioritizes quality and consistency--every bite delivers. Portion sizes are generous, prices are fair for the level of quality, and everything--from the food to the atmosphere to the service--comes together seamlessly. Kumi Sushi Grill is the kind of place you try once and immediately add to your regular rotation. If you're in Kearny Mesa and craving great sushi with excellent service and a comfortable vibe, this place is a must. Highly recommend!

    Unfortunately, our experience at Kumi Sushi was disappointing. While the service was fast, our…read morewaiter was not very attentive or kind throughout the meal. We weren't given chopsticks and had to ask for them, were never checked on during the meal, and ultimately had to ask another staff member for the check. I also have to say, as someone from Boston with access to some really great sushi, I didn't find the sushi here particularly impressive or memorable. Overall, not somewhere I'd personally rush back to, but looking forward to trying some other spots around San Diego.

    Photos
    Kumi Sushi Grill - Plenty of seating

    Plenty of seating

    Kumi Sushi Grill - Tuna Poke Bowl*

    Tuna Poke Bowl*

    Kumi Sushi Grill - Counter seating

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    Counter seating

    Ju-ichi - Yellowtail Crudo

    Ju-ichi

    4.6(290 reviews)
    1.0 miKearny Mesa

    Talk about a strong-bodied miso soup; yum! The miso soup at Ju-Ichi is only bested by Takaramono…read moreSushi. Also amazing is the uni, toro, and ikura (known to me as the holy trinity of sushi, a.k.a. U.T.I.). They must marinate the ikura with some kind of soy-based sauce because it tastes quite different from--and much better than--the ikura from other restaurants. I also appreciate that you can order just one piece of nigiri, an offering typical of sushi restaurants that focus on quality over quantity, which furthermore incentivizes chefs to make each bite count. The sushi chefs get a sense of pride from their creative and productive work while the customer gets more gastronomical bang for the buck; this is a beautiful win-win relationship, and while this win-win relationship exists in all trading relationship, it's especially pronounced and palpable between sushi chef and the customer. So you've had the most satisfying miso soup and incredible nigiri. While you're at it, also order yourself the pot du creme; the candied bacon is to die for! My only gripe with Ju-Ichi is their disappointing mixed tempura: The batter on the shrimp is more akin to panko and the snap peas did not complement the batter. Nonetheless, I've eaten at many sushi restaurants in San Diego and I hereby crown Ju-Ichi the best sushi restaurant in town! You get Michelin-quality sushi (if you do stray from sushi, avoid the mixed tempura) with casual, but typically Japanese reverent, service.

    The food and service is absolutely phenomenal. Very high quality ingredients and attentive staff,…read morewho made me feel very welcome as a solo diner. I'd ordered the yellowtail crudo and the salmon nigiri, which I got seared, and the pot de crème for dessert - each dish far exceeded my expectations. Not only was the crudo beautifully plated, but the garnishes paired wonderfully with the fresh fish. At first, I thought I'd accidentally ordered the salmon belly rather than the regular salmon because of how savory the slices were - they simply MELTED in my mouth. Plus, the rice was cooked perfectly, which I especially appreciated due to the frequency of soggy rice I've encountered lately. I was a little skeptical of the pot de crème because of the description, but I'm very glad I tried it. The flavors were subtle, not overly sweet, and not too heavy either. The custard seemed more like a mousse, and though I prefer my custard to have a firmer texture, I still enjoyed every bite. I'm not sure how I feel about the candied bacon, but points for creativity. I'm astounded at how empty the place was during peak dinner hour. I can't wait to return next time I'm craving a quality meal.

    Photos
    Ju-ichi
    Ju-ichi - Gohan (mini rice bowls) with Snow Crab Legs

    Gohan (mini rice bowls) with Snow Crab Legs

    Ju-ichi - Nigiri: Golden Eye Snapper, Blue Fin Tuna, Scallop (left to right)

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    Nigiri: Golden Eye Snapper, Blue Fin Tuna, Scallop (left to right)

    Yakitori Taisho - Pork belly

    Yakitori Taisho

    4.4(555 reviews)
    2.4 miClairemont
    $$

    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!

    Wow! This place is equal or better than the yakitori I've had in Japan. They grill the yakitori…read moreperfectly with the aroma of charcoal. Literally everything was good including the braised wasabi beef that was so tender and flavorful. We had everything on the yakitori menu except the vein and again nothing disappointed. The beef skewers were good but the chicken skewers were the stars. Although the bacon wrapped pork belly was exceptional and my wife's favorite. The customer service was fantastic. They would come by to drop off or take our order. Make sure you make reservations because this place is very busy.

    Photos
    Yakitori Taisho - Legit

    Legit

    Yakitori Taisho - Scallop and Squid Legs

    Scallop and Squid Legs

    Yakitori Taisho - Sake bombs!

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    Sake bombs!

    Robataya Oton - japanese - Updated May 2026

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