Wrench And The Rodent

Davin Waite, a well-known local chef who also owns a number of other eateries in Oceanside, started out making sushi and has since gained a devoted following for his humorous yet honest approach to the dish, which combines regional fish with inventive sauces in unusual taste combinations. If you’re going to stray from the norm, do it right here.

1815 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

Himitsu

This La Jolla restaurant, run by chef Mitsu Aihara, who spent 16 years at the renowned Sushi Ota, offers an intimate dining experience with just eight seats at the sushi bar and a few outdoor tables. The rib-eye katsu sando, a sandwich filled with a breaded steak and ginger-dressed cabbage, is just one of the contemporary dishes served at Aihara in addition to its sophisticated omakase menu and conventional sushi offerings.

1030 Torrey Pines Rd G, La Jolla, CA 92037

Sushi Ota

Owner Yukito Ota demonstrated his exceptional sushi talents at his humble strip mall restaurant for more than 25 years. The restaurant is presently being handled by one of Ota’s chief chefs, who educated many of the best sushi chefs in the city before he recently retired.

4529 Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

Shino Sushi + Kappo

This tiny sushi restaurant on the outskirts of Little Italy is owned by another Sushi Ota pupil. The word “kappo” in the restaurant’s name refers to expertise in a variety of cooking methods, including grilling, steaming, frying, and simmering. These methods are all included in the restaurant’s well-rounded omakase menu.

838 W Ash St, San Diego, CA 92101

Taka Sushi

One of the best sushi restaurants in the downtown area, this long-standing Gaslamp fixture has served as a launching pad for several of the region’s top sushi chefs. The restaurant is consistently good and has excellent service. It serves sushi, sashimi, and basic rolls in addition to a small selection of meals such baked black cod and salmon teriyaki.

555 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101