Robataya Oton - Reviews

My experience at this restaurant was a mix of anticipation and disappointment. We were excited to try it, especially since getting a reservation is difficult. The food tasted good, but the service was terrible. It took us about 5 minutes to get our server's attention each time, and another 5 minutes for them to complete a task, whether it was taking our order, bringing forgotten wasabi for the sushi, refilling tea, serving ordered rice, adding water to the sukiyaki (which became too salty to eat), or getting the check. The imposed 90-minute limit also added to our anxiety. Additionally, about half of the fish menu was unavailable, possibly due to a storm. The tip was calculated from the after-tax amount, which was a minor point of contention. Despite tipping 18% after tax, the overall experience makes me hesitant to return.

My experience at this restaurant was that of a hidden gem, a cozy Izakaya-style Japanese restaurant. The food truly reminded me of Japan. I will definitely go back to try out different menu items.

My experience at Robataya Oton was truly unforgettable! We had an amazing dinner, easily one of the best Japanese meals we’ve ever had in San Diego. Every dish was outstanding. The fish was unbelievably fresh, and the uni was the best we’ve ever tasted. Monkfish liver season made that dish an absolute standout – it was rich, silky, and perfectly prepared. The shabu shabu was insanely good, full of flavor and beautifully presented. OMG, the meat was incredible! We dined in one of their traditional horigotatsu rooms, which was super cozy, private, and beautifully lit, making the whole evening feel like we’d been transported to Japan. We were laughing, eating, and drinking nonstop, completely in the moment. We shut the place down, and the owner, Kenji, couldn’t have been more gracious and kind. Truly a gem of a restaurant with warm hospitality and incredible food, it’s an experience we’ll be talking about for a long time. Looking forward to going back soon. Thank you to Kenji and his wonderful staff!

My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I opted for the omakase, and it was the best decision I could have made. The chef was funny and prepared some really delicious food. The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating.

My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional, offering something difficult to find elsewhere in San Diego. The team, led by Kenji, is outstanding in their craft, making me feel genuinely welcome, which is a refreshing change from some other high-end sushi establishments. I came for the food, but I stayed for the incredible hospitality.

We had a beautiful and intimate experience trying the curated nigiri omakase with the sushi chef, even though we arrived right at closing. The Blue fin and Halibut fin were our favorites.

It was our first time at Robataya Oton and we all had a great time! I had the sukiyaki hot pot and it was delicious! Excellent quality veggies and meat. We had a private room that we loved and the staff was super friendly and attentive. It's a very small restaurant. Calling for reservation is a must.

I had an early dinner on a Saturday and found that reservations are a must. It was easy to call ahead to arrange them. I'd heard parking could be challenging, so I opted for an early arrival. Upon arrival, there was ample parking, but it was full by the time we left, so planning accordingly is advised. Despite arriving early, we were seated promptly. We tried several small dishes, including Toro, tamago, and kaarage, and shared the sukiyaki. The raw egg included with the sukiyaki is worth trying for dipping. Overall, the food was very good, and the service was attentive. The sukiyaki, which requires ordering for two, came with a generous amount of meat. The menu is extensive, making me eager to return and explore other options.

This place was so cute! We need to make reservations next time so we can get the booth seats. My favorite was the garlic calamari! 😋

I was reminded to leave a review for a very unpleasant experience from last year after seeing their Instagram ad. Honestly, the food was not bad, but the sushi chef/owner was incredibly rude. We were only 5 minutes late for our 6 pm reservation and had called ahead to let them know we were looking for parking. Upon arrival at 6: 05 pm, the restaurant was completely empty, yet the owner yelled at us for being late and insisted we return the table on time. It was my husband's birthday, and we had brought his parents, so we were mortified by this greeting. Consequently, we left before they could even turn the table. Again, I have no complaints about the food, and the waitress was nice. However, be sure to arrive exactly on time, or you risk being yelled at, even if you've called ahead and apologized.