Every time I've come here there's never been a long wait, which is always nice. You're usually seated almost right away, and the waiter comes in a timely manner to take drink orders, bring food, and check on refills. Sometimes servers can check in a little too often and interrupt conversation, but the staff here does a great job of being attentive without being intrusive. They are fast, intentional, and always friendly. Now for the food, it's delicious. Their specialty rolls never miss. The Sexy Roll will always be my favorite. The edamame and miso soup are also great appetizers to start with. The prices are a bit high, so we tend to come here more for special occasions or date nights, but the quality makes it worth it. Overall it's a great spot with consistent service and really good sushi. read more

We dine at Tabu Sushi in Santee often. Every visit I've gotten a roll, sashimi and/or a hand roll. This time I switched it up (on the recommendation of friends) and ordered the Spicy Shrimp Ramen $16. Excellent recommendation. Spicy garlic broth with thin wavy noodles and shrimp. The broth was rich and notably spicy. The shrimp were plump and very tasty. My only complaint was there were only three shrimp in the entire bowl. Outside of that it was a very generous portion and really good ramen. I added a side of steamed rice for a $3 upcharge. Didn't need it. I wasn't going to go without sushi, so I also ordered the Tuna Roll $8.00. Basic tuna and rice. Nothing special, no sauces or anything but cured the crave. We opened with the Creamy Lobster appetizer. It is pricey at $28.00 so it is a once in a while splurge. We used the excuse that it was Valentine's Day. LOL! Baby lobster lightly fried tempura style topped with special sauce. This is one of our favorite things on the menu. Perfectly fried and the sauce is divine! It requires 20 minutes cook time so plan accordingly. Becky chose her favorite and her go-to the Crunchy Roll $15.00 Shrimp tempura, krab, avocado, and cucumber, topped with tempura crumbs, spicy mayo, and eel sauce. She loves this roll and will never not get it. She added a side of Chicken Fried Rice $7.00. She likes to take a few bites then take the rest home for her lunches. She'll get a solid three or four meals out of it. Service at the bar was outstanding. Becky was given a small heart-shaped box of chocolates for Valentine's Day. We thought that was a nice touch. read more

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Tabu has been a local staple for me I'm not sure why it has below 4 stars! I've been coming here for YEARS If you haven't been before ...rolls that NEVER have disappointed I'll list below that I've tried and there by go tos! :) enjoy! Lemon cilantro roll ( pictured) very light and fresh one of my all-time favorites! Once you try it, you'll never go back Da bomb dynamite roll This is a really good roll packed with protein and it's lightly baked so it's not too heavy. It's really good but there is a lot so be mindful if you're ordering a lot of rolls. The Crunchyroll! (Pictured) A huge staple, a really good basic roll to add to more complex fish rolls Rancho roll and Rudy roll Really good if you like a little bit spicier of a roll Sexy roll Comes with a piece of fried tempura on top! YUMM If you like a heavier baked roll I would recommend the pizza roll! We got the mango a go go (pictured) and I wasn't impressed with the mango on top it didn't taste very fresh I wouldn't recommend that roll but we also got the Kai roll and although it doesn't have rice, which makes it kind of hard harder to eat, it is really good and lite ! Moral of the story if I would recommend A roll my all time favorite recently had been the lemon cilantro roll read more

Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santee, California

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Absolutely delicious and fresh rolls. My favorite are the McGuire and Habibi rolls. Top notch service. Really enjoy coming here. Highly recommend. read more

We absolutely love this place. The staff is friendly , the food is great, and the place runs like a well oiled machine. We are currently here on a Friday night and it's packed and everyone is being served. read more

Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santee, California

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TABU SUSHI BAR & GRILL I've been wanting to try this place located in Santee. They have other locations in Carlsbad and El Cajon as well. The service was awesome! I really enjoyed our server Alex, who was super helpful during our process of figuring out what rolls to order. I really enjoyed all the rolls that my table and i split, we also got the salted edamame which was delicious. The ambiance in the place was nice, it was more of a sports bars since the Padres were playing that day. However, the service was excellent, Alex our server was a wonderful waiter! Parking was super easy, and it's free! read more

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Tabu is absolutely my favorite place. The sushi is fantastic but the people there make it so much better. Shout out to Karam for always providing us with a nice night out read more

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Absolutely delicious sushi!! The inside is pretty small but they do have plenty of seats at the sushi bar too. The hot sake was great and the food is even better! The sweet thang roll is now my favorite roll ever! It was so delicious and super fresh. They can even accommodate you and change out some items on the rolls as well. The stuffed jalapeños were flavorful and crispy. Service was great the whole time, super fresh and flavorful rolls! Definitely check this place out if you are in the mood for sushi. read more

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New place for me. Started with some hot green tea and a bottle of unfiltered sake. Karen ordered the tuna roll, made with avocado instead of celery. I ordered the Red Hot Roll and the Gazuki Roll. Both of them were delicious. Karen said that her Tuna roll was good, but not great. I really enjoyed the green tea and the sake. After I finish my first round of sushi, I ordered some octopus. I should've saved my money, wasn't terrible, but it was just blah. We were well taken care of while we were here, the environment isn't exactly what I usually see when I'm in a sushi joint. I do recommend taboo, I enjoyed the sushi and the service was good. read more

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We should have read the reviews before eating here. Sushi was mushy! Awful! No wasabi or ginger. Our salad was just a bowl of lettuce. And the price is on the higher end. The server gave my husband my roll and told him the wrong name. He ate half of it, then brought us the roll he actually ordered. She said we could "order another roll at full price" no ma'am, we're not buying this mushy glob twice because of your mistake. Told the manager when we came over to run our card and he got snarky with us. I told him not to ask us how everything was if he didn't want to hear the truth! He did apologize, but we'll never step foot in that place again. read more

I only wish I took photos! This was a great experience at a nice small sushi house. The fish was so fresh and the service was on point. Very chill and enjoyable time here. read more

This was my first time here. Right away, I'll tell you that I will come back. The service was great. Our server came to set us up, and take our order. Very polite and cheerful. The Ambiance is a modern Japanese style. There are multiple tv's mounted around the sushi's bar. So no matter where you sit, you can watch your sports team. The sushi was delicious. The sashimi was cut evenly and fresh. The regular nigiri salmon roll was nice and made well. The rainbow roll was great taste of various fish. Once again, it was made well and cut great. I didn't have any, but there is a good selection of beers. If you're in Santee, I recommend this place over Domo Sushi. The prices are a little high, but that is the sushi world right now. I will come back and made an update review. read more

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It was terrible - we eat on rancho and love it, the food was so bad tonight we left it and just paid our bill Soup - salty Edamame- dry and mushy Chicken fried rice - very undercooked no brown to it and crisp Caterpillar roll - cold, zero flavor Unagi tasted like it had been cooked earlier and put on top of the roll We will not be back read more

My first time here, this was by far the best sushi experience. I let the chef serve us his best rolls. We really enjoyed the food and the taste was amaaaazing. The restaurant is quiet and cozy. Service was great and friendly. Nawar was our chef and he did an amazing job. Thank you read more

Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santee, California

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First of all the ambiance is severely lacking in comfort, there is blaring white lights over head with ridiculously high ceilings and a gigantic bar in the center. (Yes I know they can't change that but I digress), The TVs were so loud, and I ordered a pot of green tea to share with my family and it came half full with a poor quality little tea bag inside. My tea cup had another persons LIPSTICK STAIN on it. Food was mediocre at best and wildly overpriced. I wanted to try toro nigiri and ordered it and for $14 for 2 pieces it was terrible the toro pieces were around an inch long and connected together with stringy connective tissue. I would expect better cuts of the Tuna for such a high price but the cuts were so stringy and sour and each piece of nigiri had almost a lard coating on top, yes I know toro is fatty tuna belly but to this extent it looked like they put crisco on top of it and sent it out. The rice was mushy,overcooked, and sour. The gobo root ruined the abby roll -I love gobo root but if you're going to use it please match the flavor profile to the other ingredients-. Each aspect of this restaurant seemed a little wrong, the name tabu is fitting I think because the food is so horrendously mediocre it should be taboo. Service how ever was amazing such kind workers who always asked how everything was, all these things are not their fault. it was just a lot of minor things that add up, and for these prices please do better. read more

Great experience. We've always enjoyed Tabu, but they have gotten even better. Spicy tuna roll and then pretty much every other piece of raw sushi there too. read more

Walked in here on a whim and did not expect to have the best sushi roll I've ever tasted, but my god is their ceviche roll AMAZING. Service was excellent! It was not noisy and it was easy to enjoy such a good meal. Will be returning. read more

Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill - Ceviche Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santee, California

I'm sorry but what???? Where the hell is my tuna roll? It was literally the size of a quarter and I could hide the entire roll with a soy sauce packet....is it just me or did these rolls get significantly smaller?....so not worth the money read more

Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill - Tuna roll, crunchy roll. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santee, California

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First timer! I'm so glad I came here for lunch. The manager Karam came over immediately and gave us warm and welcoming energy! I didn't have to read the menu, he took our suggestions and ran with it, ordering such amazing rolls to experience! Their house edamame was amazing and the seaweed salad was so fresh!!! Everyone who walks in seems to know him and it's a very friendly and comfortable experience! I had the best time talking to him and the fish was so fresh, I will be back for all its greatness! I'm grateful places like this still exist where you can relax and enjoy the freshest seafood! read more

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Tabu sushi in Santee- where to start? From the personable servers to the fresh quality of the food, I could go on and on. I mostly started going to Tabu out of its convenient location however, the food and staff hooked me. Karam, Jess, Brittany and Norris are extremely knowledgeable in their eclectic food menu and always willing to lend a suggestion, even if it's not on the menu. Noir and Pancho are exceptional in their sushi crafting skills and the hosts staff is always at the front to greet you with a smile. The ambiance is light and airy with great music or airing the local Padres game. If you're looking for great sushi, this is the only spot to consider in Santee! read more

Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill - Hula Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santee, California

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The food is amazing here with fast service and fresh sea food. The staff is super friendly and they work with you if you are new to sushi.

Probably my 3rd or 4th time there and I've tried a few dishes. This last visit will probably be my last. Got the chicken yakisoba and it was a disappointment. Every piece of chicken was overcooked and hard. Every yakisoba I've ever ordered at other establishments would have red ginger and seaweed as toppings, this didn't have either. The flavor wasn't consistent in every bite. It looked like someone else's leftover. read more

tabu sushi went there for the first time with friends we started with garlic edamame and calamari for starter I asked for the lemon cilantro roll honestly the food was great loved it but as far as the rating is mostly for the service we got from our waitress i had to get my plates and utensils at the bar and constantly ask for things needed more then two or three times definitely not a good experience I believe that good food is best accompanied by good service I may give it another try but not soon as they do have really good food. read more

Pros: * Fast & friendly service * Big lunch bento portions * California rolls were incredibly fresh and delicous Cons: *Loud country music; I like country music but definitely gave off a weird atmosphere * Dark dining; let down since they have beautiful huge windows Extra: * Busy parking lot * Teriyaki is on the sweeter side * Dressing on Bento salad is very tangy; it was inedible for me, but my husband liked it read more

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Solid food and service. Tasty, fresh sushi that's right on point. I've tried dozens of their dishes and not been disappointed. My go to lunch place to get high protein and high quality food at a decent price. Attentive staff consistently makes you feel like you're family visiting. Decor and atmosphere allow for quiet conversations with your table. All in all, I just love it! read more

Shout out to exceptional service and food. Karam recommended a delicious lemon cilantro roll. Shout out to the staff, Brittany and Makenzie for attentive and friendly service read more

Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santee, California

We always love this spot good quality and so much flavor on my rolls and the staff is very nice.

Very good. On the pricey side. But the rolls are typically large and have a good portion.

The food was absolutely delicious by far the best sushi me and my husband have ever had I've lived in Texas and New York and my husband is from Idaho and by far the best we've both had, I have no clue why they have 3.5 stars definitely a 10/10. We got the pizza roll and sexy roll. read more

Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill - Sexy roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santee, California

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I don't eat seafood, so finding a go-to sushi spot can be tricky, but this place nails it. Their Delayna's Chicken Teriyaki Roll is my absolute favorite, and I always start with the GTS edamame (also incredible). The vibe is relaxed, service is always solid, and the menu has great options even if fish isn't your thing. Highly recommend if you're looking for something a little different than the usual sushi scene. read more

We have been coming here for years. This is by far the best sushi in east county! Highly recommend it. read more

Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill - Gazuki Roll and Hula Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santee, California

All I can say is their rolls are half the size and more expensive than most ! California roll had a a stain of avocado not worth even calling Avocado! Got the wings took one bite and left them their ! Was disappointed and definitely will not be back read more

Fantastic sushi spot. Good variety of rolls and everything has been delicious. They have an excellent happy hour if you can make it in as well. Only complaint is it tends to get fairly loud - I think maybe since it's so open the noise echos. There's enough space between tables that I can still hear my table even when the volume raises. Staff is super sweet and attentive. read more

I actually like this place. The service is good and the sushi is good. But, last night I went and I know my roll was not made fresh. The sauce on top was set. It's a popular roll so I'm sure it was pre-made for when they get busy they can just send them out fast. Not a fan of that. Just make it fresh please. read more

Love this sushi place. It's our go-to lunch spot during the week. The customer service is incredible, sushi chefs are quickly and friendly. The rolls are always great and super fresh. We always get the sushi burrito. Definitely come here! read more

Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill - Gazuki on left and Hula Roll on right - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santee, California

Holy Hannah I try to add something new and the baked muscles are omg good... This is my favorite... Well hot Saki too read more

Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill - Baked muscles - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santee, California

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Fresh fish ! Good service ! The reason for 4 stars is it kinda pricey. Sadly. I do go to another local sushi place more because the prices out beats Tabu's . Portion sizes are fair but still not as big portions as my other local sushi place. Fish is fresh no disappointment but I can go to my other place with fresh fish too read more

I work right around the corner and LOVE the McGuire roll and the ceviche roll. SOOOOOO good for being no rice rolls. Highly recommend both. Definately going to keep coming back here for lunch read more

So first of all, the food here is mediocre at best. The staff is great except for one person. I don't know if he is the manager or owner but he is super unprofessional with his staff. I have seen him yell at his staff 2 times now in front of customers. I wouldn't be surprised if his staff just up and walked out on him. I think we need to find a new sushi place read more

Tabu Sushi Bar & Grill - Sushi Bars Near Me - Santee, California

I really like Tabu for dine in, but I couldn't find the menu anywhere online to order for takeout. It was really annoying. The website was very difficult to navigate. Love this place for dine in, but if you don't know what you're ordering ahead of time, good luck ordering takeout. read more