There’s no need to think about going elsewhere. Sushi Diner is San Diego’s best-kept secret—well, until now. The extremely underrated, Sushi Diner is a broke college student or sushi connoisseur’s best friend.
The Sushi Diner is located on Mesa College Drive in Clairemont. Although the restaurant is inland, patrons are transported seaside once they step inside. The atmosphere evokes the coast with walls covered in surfboards, Bob Marley memorabilia and breathtaking photographs of local beaches. Reggae music plays in the restaurant along with striking surfing and wildlife videos on the TV, which bring the tiny diner to life. Sushi Diner owner Daisuke Kobayashi described the reasoning behind the decor.
“My favorite country is Jamaica, my favorite music is reggae and what I like to do is make sushi, ” Kobayashi said.
Sushi Diner has a welcoming environment with friendly staff where patrons can feel at home. Inside the restaurant, there is a wall behind the counter decorated with more than 200 pairs of personalized chopsticks regular customers have saved for their next visit.
From the restaurant’s ambience to the menu items, Sushi Diner gives off a tribal vibe with a Rasta touch.
From nigiri and sashimi to specialty rolls and bento boxes, Sushi Diner has sushi enthusiasts’ Japanese favorites. Lunch combo specials range from $6.50 to $9.50 and come with miso soup, rice, salad and edamame.
Want to try something new? The chefs can create your dream sushi roll. My favorite part of the menu is the roll and nigiri combo menu because I’m incapable of minimizing my sushi selections. This menu is every indecisive person’s dream because it combines various rolls into one order, so customers get their favorite rolls without breaking the bank. I usually order the 18-piece Ziggy combo that comes with four rolls: seared ahi, Bruce Lee, tempura California and a crunch roll. Oh yeah, and it’s served with miso soup.
The only downside to this restaurant is its small size with long wait times.
“People think it is very small, possibly the smallest restaurant in San Diego,” Kobayashi said.
Don’t plan on having a large party here. There are four tables inside, a handful on the patio and a sushi bar that’s every claustrophobic’s nightmare.
When the restaurant gets busy, there’s a wait-list outside for patrons. Although there has always been a wait when I have ate at Sushi Diner, it’s surprisingly short. The restaurant has a quick turnover without rushing patrons. Once customers take the first bite, it all becomes worth the wait. One look at the menu and I’m fine with however long the wait is.
The fish is fresh, the rolls are flavorful and the dishes are simply delicious.
“One of the most popular rolls is the Smile Jamaican roll,” Kobayashi said.
It has eel, crab and shrimp tempura inside, with seared smoked salmon, cream cheese, crunch flakes, eel sauce and spicy mayo on the outside.
“It was definitely the best sushi I’ve had for its price. I pass by all the time, but never got a chance to try it out,” patron Liliana Thomas said. “It’s my new favorite place.”
If the affordable prices aren’t enough, the happy hour is amazing. From 5-7 p.m., diners can get certain rolls for 99 cents with a purchase of beer or sake.
Sushi Diner offers a monthly special menu featuring 30 percent off certain menu items.
How could sushi be this delicious at such a low cost?
“The reason why it is inexpensive is so people can come more than once a week,” Kobayashi said. “I want people to enjoy my sushi and if it expensive then people won’t come very often.”
When people think of inexpensive, they automatically think bad quality and small proportions, but not at Sushi Diner. The restaurant uses fresh ingredients in its phenomenal rolls.
Despite its tiny size, Sushi Diner speaks volumes. The restaurant’s eclectic personality and yummy food make the overall dining experience exciting. Without a doubt, Sushi Diner is a win-win for those with sushi-loving taste buds on a tight budget.
