While walking down Garnet, I noticed that Zen 5 Sushi reopened after being closed for nearly two years due to a fire. The vegetarian and avocado rolls were so fresh and very affordable. Staff were very friendly and went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed our experience. The restaurant itself was very clean with plenty of seating options. So happy this business was able to open again and I will definitely be returning! read more

Zen 5 Sushi - Interior - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Zen 5 Sushi has now reopened after being closed because of a kitchen fire from the spring of 2024 that caused substantial damage. This kind of mishap seems to happen more often than expected in the SD area. There were four dedicated parking spaces in front of the suite, one of which was marked for handicapped. The inside was bright and clean after the remodel with sufficient seating for about 60 customers. I was the only diner at the time of a recent weeknight visit. The menu booklet had several pages of typical offerings for a sushi restaurant. Some of the maki rolls were listed at 50% off. These rolls of course had an appropriate price mark up to make it feel like you were getting a good deal. For my meal, I chose the following... * Buena Roll - tuna, spicy yellowtail, spicy scallop, and avocado wrapped with soy paper and soy mustard brushed on top * Hawaiian Roll - salmon, tuna, avocado, and mango * Lemondrop Roll - spicy albacore and cucumber on the inside with salmon, avocado, lemon, and ponzu sauce on top The Hawaiian was a seasonal item and the smallest of the trio in diameter. It was also a roll that was discounted at 50% which made sense for the size and simplicity of the ingredients. The Buena was a rice-less roll using soy paper as a wrap. The pieces of scallop had a good size for a spicy version. The Lemondrop was the biggest of the bunch. I liked how the chef incorporated the lemon with the salmon on the exterior of the roll. The waitress did a decent job with her service given I was the sole party in the room. For the quality and price of the rolls, my dinner at the revamped Zen 5 Sushi was between a three and a four star rating. read more

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I am so glad Zen 5 is back open as it is my favorite Sushi Spot in pb. It's still seems like it's the same great menu as before which I love so many of the sushi rolls. However the service was absolutely awful. We had to ask multiple times for things. We were never asked our drink order. Had to wait forever for the check when we were sitting there clearly finished. I'm also sad to see that the booths are now gone and it's all tables. But I will be back as it still is delicious sushi. And great prices. read more

Zen 5 Sushi - Our 6 rolls - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

First time back since they reopened after fire. I definitely missed it while it was closed. And if possible, to sushi got even better since reopening! We shared multiple rolls and everything tasted very fresh. The server wad friendly and attentive and we didn't have to wait for a table. Can't wait to go back. read more

Zen 5 Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Came in for a quick and beer and sushi this place just open due to fire on October 17 place was coming to live the geisha roll was excellent Jamaican roll was lively service was excellent very attentive. ambience was very good clean appreciate the cleanliness and the help. read more

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I came here during happy hour and there was almost no one around. The decor wasn't terrible, it was minimal to try to cover the 20 tables that were around. The service was average. The chicken karrage was overcooked and very tough to eat. The veggie tempura is more deep fried than it should be, as i tempura is usually a lightly batter item. It's also a little bitter which makes me question how long it's been around. The caterpillar roll had a very small amount of eel in it. The pizza roll is an interesting concept of a roll with fish as an appitizer, but without the sauce, the fish being baked dries up and eating it is tough. The Philadelphia roll looks like the salmon has been sitting in water. Don't get me started on how difficult it is to park with a tree behind one of the slots. I'm sure this is a great place to go if you are drunk and wanna get more alcohol with chicken yakitori, but my experience was made me not want to come back. read more

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WOW.... pleasantly surprised this restaurant has been closed for a while I've never gone to it but i past tried it... Great happy hour 50% off all week long 4:00 to 6:00 p.m...... everything was a high quality and fresh as can be not to mention the affordable price... whole menu is available to order even the lunch boxes at any time of the day I chose the San Box... teriyaki cinnamon egg rolls sashimi then I got the 50% off mixed tempura plus 50% it'll mommy bowl.. The lunch box came with a nice salad and miso soup... okay when I said fresh I mean there was nothing frozen The edamame was fresh The sashimi was not frozen fresh high quality almost double cut thick and two pieces of teriyaki salmon... it was more than I could ask for even their hot to you tasted legit and oh yeah miso soup was spot on... He sure didn't cut any corners with their quality of food both in freshness and taste read more

Zen 5 Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

The lunch bento box was awesome. So glad this place is back in action. I got the chicken katsu which was super crispy and the California rolls which were good as well. I was surprised by how much food came with the bento. Definitely will be back! read more

Zen 5 Sushi - Chicken Katsu, tempura, salad, California rolls. - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

absolutely the best sushi in california!!! i promise you will not find better tasting food or better service south of los angeles!!! read more

Great service! One of my favorites sushi spots in PB. Nigiri is top tier! Love coming here!

A really great spot. Quality fish, large variety and creativity of rolls, super affordably priced, and incredibly friendly service. 10/10 come here every time I'm back home. read more

Zen 5 Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

For non locals: this place had a fire and had to shut down for a year. Reopened now and is a great spot with clean rolls and great prices for the area. Highly recommend! read more

Pretty decent late night sushi in PB. We ordered few appetizers and sushi rolls and we enjoyed all of them, but the edamame and mushroom miso were my absolute favorite. Tables were a little greasy and I did get the wrong mochi that I ordered, but we did walk in after 8PM (they close at 10). Will definitely come back earlier in the day and I'm sure it'll be an even better experience. read more

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I came here for the first time today, and I heard they reopened last week. I ordered sashimi and sushi, and I was amazed at how fresh they were. I'd love to come back again if I get the chance. read more

Zen 5 Sushi - Sushi and Sashimi platter - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

We visited right after sunset on a Friday evening and were at one of the first tables. Several others trickled in as we enjoyed our meal, but it never got super crowded, which we appreciated. Keep in mind our visit was in January, I'd expect June energy is probably different, I didn't have high expectations. I've passed this spot dozens of times and always suggest trying something else. I'm sorry Zen 5, I'm not sure why I was so opposed to coming here. It's now one of my fave affordable sushi spots, however prices are way higher if you're getting it delivered or ordering online. Dining in is definitely the way to go. We really enjoyed our rolls. The spicy yellowtail wasn't as spicy/flavorful as we had wanted, but that was the only mild disappointment. The specialty rolls were great. Everything tasted fresh! The staff was friendly and everything was quick. I'm sure we'll be back! read more

Delicious and very clean restaurant with friendly staff. I highly recommended this sushi restaurant.

So glad they're back. Our go to Sushi place in PB. The fish is fresh, staff is great and very reasonably priced.

Stick to the appetizers if you go on mon/tues discount day. Fish is not that fresh. The server gave us the wrong tea, vegetable instead of mixed tempura and made a stink when I told her we wouldn't eat/pay for the albacore nigiri. Might go back for some gyoza and edamame because it's a good deal. read more

Zen 5 Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Quick Service. Order was messed up but did not have to pay for the mess up roll and the correct roll was brought out fast. Food was decent and prices were average. read more

Zen 5 Sushi - Red Dragon Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

I love this place it's small and quaint and not too busy! The service is good, the waitresses are very attentive and sweet! The sushi is good, fresh and is presented well! I love their salad it's aways crisp and full of veggies with a delicious ginger dressing. They have specials everyday of the week on food and drinks, my favorite days are Wednesday and Thursday - 30% off all rolls and half off selected appetizers! read more

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I took some time to decide if I wanted to give this place 4 or 5 starts. Ultimately went with the 5 - not because this place is fine dining, but because they definitely over deliver on what you'd expect. In my opinion this place is the best deal in PB. Monday and Tuesday you get 50% off most rolls (see menu pictures, everything with a *) - and then 30% off all roles Wednesday & Thursday, and even deals on the weekend. These deals even apply to to-go! Plus you can't beat $1 sake bombs. The place is cute inside, maybe not a first date location - but nice enough. I used to work in a sushi restaurant and can be somewhat picky about quality, but I was very impressed. Everything from fried rolls to fresh sashimi was absolutely delicious. For sure my new local go to when I'm craving. read more

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Zen 5 sushi is an affordable sushi place when you need that quick sushi fix. Of course you aren't going to the get best quality food, but you get what you pay for. I've dined here a few times usually and slower weekdays and service has always been good. They have some sort of special everyday. Today was Tuesday, half off select rolls. It did the trick and fulfilled my sushi craving. The presentation of the sushi is also nice and cute. The interior is also nice as well. read more

Zen 5 Sushi - Ginza and salmon roll! - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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This is the first restaurant I had sushi at over 25 years ago and it's still here that tells you a lot. This sushi spot is in the heart of Pacific beach on Garnet Avenue. We found parking right away but parking could be difficult on busy days. Customer service was excellent! Got greeted when we walked in and sat by the window and ordered so many different items. We went on a Wednesday and they have 30% off sushi rolls. Mondays and Tuesdays sushi rolls are 50% off. You would think they would not be that great but honestly, this is some of the best sushi I've ever had. The lemondrop and tsunami rolls were my favorite! The fish was so fresh. The rice was so delicious. The sauce had so much flavor. I really love the eel on the tsunami rolls.It just melted in my mouth. We got some other items also and everything was delicious! I'm already planning to go back next week. Can't wait to try more rolls! read more

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LOVE LOVE LOOOVE Zen 5! It's by far one of the best sushi restaurants in the PB area. The prices alone are ridiculous with daily specials and happy hour seven days a week. Don't let the outside fool you, this place is a must try and trust me when you do, you'll thank me! The Hang 10 and Rainbow rolls are my favorites, but can't say i've tried anything that wasn't yummy. My go to appetizers are the miso soup and spicy garlic edamame - they take the word garlic to a whole new level, so if you're not a fan of garlic steer clear. While most come for their sake and beer deals isn't boyfriend and I love the wine. A bottle of the Cab is only $22, making it an easy decision. Whether it's for hh or a night out, this place shouldn't be missed. read more

Zen 5 Sushi - Hang 10 Roll and Rainbow Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Really good! I love this place. I order take out a lot as well. Highly recommend the Hawaiian role. Everything I have had there is good. read more

Zen 5 Sushi - Hawaiian Roll and Edamame to go - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Good food and great pricing! Their dine in option inside is really cute but the outside needs to be redone or removed. The outside is a converted parking area turned seating while the inside is a perfect date night or relaxing family spot depending on the occasion. Come here Monday -Wednesday for the best specials! read more

Zen 5 Sushi - Beer - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

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We stopped by because we needed some protein in our diet. The reviews looked okay, but we were so surprised with how good the food was. They prepared it nice and the presentation was great for ordering to go. They served it as if it was served at the restaurant. We ordered a few rolls and each of the rolls were great. I believe the hand rolls were on sale that day. They have daily specials. I got a hand roll and it was so good. I definitely would give this place a zen high 5! read more

I think they gave me somebody else's sushi. FireFire sushi.. to my surprise my to-go came quick.. The waitress said "somebody didnt come to pick up their order, and so here you go". I was happy that it was ready quick, but in hindsight I should have insisted to get my own order to be made while i wait. My sushi was kinda WARM and NOT that flavorful.. Sushi should be eaten COLD. Not happy, but whatchu gonna do? Just go with the roll.. pun very much intended.. Yawn. Not Impressed! read more

This restaurant has gone way downhill. We ordered the chicken kaarage. Chicken was very low cuts of chicken. Very fatty. Egg rolls changed. Waited 25 minutes after our appetizers came out for waitress to ask our sushi order which she had taken from us already. Wtf zen 5. I've been coming here for years. Might be under new management read more

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Found this place kind of on accident since everywhere else was closed or too busy. The sushi was really well priced, fresh and very well made. Our only complaint was that they wouldn't let us (group of 4) split the bill, but other than that. It was great! read more

Zen 5 Sushi - Hang Ten Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Very pricey and the server wasn't very friendly when she took out order. The server wasn't very friendly either, seemed she was having a bad day. Our sushi rolls weren't cut all the way so they were breaking apart . The vegetable tempura was fresh and hot! Another plus - of you go between 4-7pm (I think that's what it was), you can get a beer and sake for $7! And if you go on Wed and Thursday, all rolls are 30% off. read more

Zen 5 Sushi - Crunchy Shrimp Crunch Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

I will never go here again! On top of the huge price increase on their rolls. There was a huge rat running around the restaurant last time I went in. My boyfriend told the waitress who then told the owner and he did nothing! He didn't seem to care at all. I understand some things are out of your control but not even an apology or any kind of reaction to make us feel like he cared enough to try to prevent it from happening again. This place used to be one of my go to's but I would not recommend going. read more

We came here because it was 50% off sushi day, and while the place was packed we got seated right away. I tried the tempura shrimp rolls and they were ok. Nothing memorable and also not tightly rolled so it kept falling apart. Presentation however and service was great. Great place if you're on a budget but fish def coulda been fresher. read more

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Delicious times Monday and Tuesday happy hour is epic! Get the Timmy roll, I also highly recommend their sunomono (seaweed and octopus salad), and rainbow roll. Reggae music! read more

Great sushi and sashimi when the mood strikes you and you can't do without some tasty fish goodness. Don't forget that you can not only do takeout for your fish, you can also bring home your saké! Note that parking can be a bit of a bear in the area, so plan accordingly if you're further than walking distance away. read more

As far as casual sushi goes, zen 5 has the best rolls by a landslide. Great texture, mouthfeel, and flavors. Stick to sushi when you come here though. The bento boxes are trash, borderlined "send it back" worthy. The chicken is dry and gross, the fried rice has no flavor or texture and the egg rolls are disgusting. Great sushi though. read more

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Service was fast here and we got our food pretty quick. They have some good beers to pick from as well. The sushi was pretty average and a decent price. The big con was the fried appetitizers (we got mixed tempura and gyoza), both my friend and I felt a bit ill after eating them...at least we think it was the apps... read more

Zen 5 Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Food was good. But, restaurant seemed understaffed as service was a bit slow. I asked for a refill on my hot tea but never received it. Not much parking. Lot was full when we went on a Sunday night and had to park in another lot across the street about a block away. read more

Ugly interior. The staff does not bring cutlery for all guests. The service is not very good. Overpriced. read more

Zen 5 Sushi - Kitchen - Sushi Bars Near Me - San Diego, California

Terrible customer service. Food is alright but the fact that they just don't care about people in general is a disgrace! I ordered through Door Dash, I received the complete wrong order and when I called they said oh yeah we have your order sitting here, can you come pick it up? What?!! Then an argument later with the manger who was completely yelling at me, said I'm sorry there is nothing I can do for you and hung up! What happened to customer service? Terrible place. Don't eat here! read more