Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Yoshino’s – San Diego
Yoshino's - San Diego
Photo from Yoshino’s
Yoshino's at a glance
San Diego Five Points
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 57 of the guests
#236 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#15 Japanese Restaurant out of 36 in San Diego
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
319
Reviews
79.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Good value
- Warm service
Frequently criticized
- Dated interior
- Uneven service
- Hygiene issues
The restaurant Yoshino’s is a welcoming Japanese Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Five Points neighborhood of San Diego. When you step inside, you’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quiet meal.
This spot is known for its excellent Japanese cuisine and a great tea selection, making it a delightful choice for anyone seeking an authentic experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner, Yoshino’s Japanese Restaurant offers a relaxed setting.
Overview: Introducting Yoshino's
Yoshino’s offers a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine, with many appreciating its fantastic food and the quality of its sushi and sashimi. Diners often highlight the attentive & friendly service from the family-run team, contributing to a welcoming and cozy atmosphere.
It’s often seen as a place where you can enjoy good Japanese fare without spending too much. However, some experiences at Yoshino’s have been less stellar, with concerns raised about occasional rude wait staff or long waiting time.
While the food generally receives praise, there are notes about certain dishes being flavorless or using ingredients like fake crab meat. The restaurant’s outdated environment and lack of modern amenities are also sometimes mentioned.
Good
7.9
out of 10
319
Reviews
79.3%
Satisfaction
50
negative
16
neutral
253
positive
Yoshino’s generally leaves a positive impression, reflected in its overall score of 7.9. This is supported by a solid 79.3% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most diners leave content with their experience.
With 253 positive remarks against 50 negative ones out of 319 total comments, the feedback leans strongly towards appreciation, particularly for the culinary offerings. Delving into specifics, the Food (8.2) stands out as a clear strength, consistently earning high marks from patrons.
Value (7.8) also performs well, suggesting that many find the pricing fair for what they receive. While still good, Service (7.4) and Ambience (7.4) trail slightly, indicating areas where experiences can be a bit more varied, though still largely positive.
What people like
- Authentic Japanese food
- Reasonable pricing
- Friendly family service
What people don't like
- Outdated decor
- Inconsistent service
- Hygiene concerns
Yoshino’s presents itself as a reliable spot for those seeking genuine Japanese flavors, particularly if you appreciate a family-run establishment. With a strong recommendation score of 8.1, it’s clear that many find it a worthwhile visit, especially for its well-regarded food and fair pricing.
If you prioritize authentic cuisine and a friendly, unpretentious setting over modern aesthetics or consistently flawless service, Yoshino’s is certainly worth considering. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service or the dated interior, which might not appeal to everyone.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Yoshino's
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.2, indicating a good to excellent experience, and customer satisfaction hitting a strong 80.9%, its clear that most diners are leaving happy. Many of the 161 positive remarks praise the fresh, quality Japanese cuisine, often highlighting delicious sushi and authentic flavors.
Still, out of 199 total opinions, 26 did mention some specific concerns. A few found issues with fake crab meat, thin sashimi, or the sushi rice needing more vinegar. Some also noted soft-shell crab that wasn't fresh, suggesting a few dishes might miss the mark.
Food
199
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
26
negative
12
neutral
161
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality food
- Authentic Japanese
- Delicious sushi
What people don't like
- Fake crab meat
- Thin sashimi
- Dry sushi rice
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Yoshino's has been consistently excellent over the decades I've been visiting. They have managed to survive Covid-19 and continue to serve fantastic food and provide great service. The prices remain reasonable, making it a place I highly recommend.
- sushiMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had delicious sushi and can't wait to come back and try more. The takoyaki was also amazing 🤌.
- Japanese foodThis restaurant was exactly what we were looking for on a local weeknight – a place to duck into for comforting Japanese food. While the sashimi combo dinner set meals were good, we especially enjoyed the nigiris.
- authentic Japanese foodauthentic Japanese food, Yoshino's is the place to go
- food qualityMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I found it to be a solid place with very good food quality and taste. The nigiri-sushi was also pretty good.
- miso soupmiso soup all really well done
- qualityIt is not about size but quality
- tempuraFrom bento to tempura to sushi, this place has it all.
- FoodFood:5
- Japanese cuisineClassic, quality sushi, sashimi & Japanese cuisine
Frequently criticized
- Chirashiuse of fake crab meat and cooked shrimp in the Chirashi was disliked
- cooked shrimphate the fake crab meat and cooked shrimp
- fake crab meatuse of fake crab meat and cooked shrimp
- foodfood to be dry, flavorless
- sushiThe sushi didn’t taste very flavorful
- Appetizer Squid LegsAppetizer Squid Legs tasted rubbery, Not Fresh
- Katsu Don meatKatsu Don meat had a lot of chewy Fat
- Rice portionlook how little Rice they provide you
- Rice servingJapanese restaurant should be generous with 🍚 Rice
- edamameThe edamame wasn’t seasoned
If you're looking for fresh, authentic Japanese cuisine, especially sushi, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few specific items might not hit the mark for everyone, but overall, the food is a strong draw.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
The service here generally shines, with a good score of 7.4 and good customer satisfaction at 75.9%. Many guests rave about the `attentive & friendly service` from the `staff`, often highlighting the `Family-run` feel and the personal touch from the `owner`. With 41 positive remarks out of 54, it's clear that many experience exceptional care and quick service, often feeling truly looked after.
However, not every experience is perfect, as 13 remarks point out some areas for improvement. Some guests have noted significant `waiting time` and issues with `greeting` upon arrival, feeling ignored. There are also mentions of some `staff` being perceived as `rude` or slow, and occasional lapses like not receiving `water` promptly.
Service
54
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
13
negative
0
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Exceptional service
- Family-run care
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Poor greeting
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this family-owned eatery was a mix of commendable service and some disappointing food choices. The service was commendable, and the food was fresh and offered reasonable price for the quantity and quality.
- staffthe staff is very friendly and professional
- ServiceService:5
- Family-runFamily-run, very friendly, good atmosphere and music!
- Kat and her husbandI miss Kat and her husband who are the owners
- amazing stuffGreat food and amazing stuff!
- attentive & friendly serviceAttentive & friendly service from the Mom & Pop
- great care and delightserved by the daughters of the family with great care and delight
- ownerAll of the food they offer, the udon, the don, the sashimi, and the sushi, none of them disappoint. The owner has been operating the same shop since 1974. I will surely come back for it next time I am in town.
- peoplePpl were Kool tho
Frequently criticized
- greetingMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. We were never greeted at the door, and the wait staff were rude. To make matters worse, the glasses were dirty.
- servicebad service. Slow
- staffNobody greeted you or even acknowledged you
- waiting timeWaited for 45 mins by the door
- older lady preparing sushiThe older lady preparing the sushi blew her nose, picked her nose
- preparing sushiwent back to preparing the sushi without washing her hands
- waitHad to wait
- wait staffwait staff are rude
- waterno water
Overall, the service here is a strong point, often described as friendly and attentive. While most visits are smooth, you might encounter longer waits or less-than-stellar greetings during busy times. If you prioritize a warm, family-run atmosphere, it's definitely worth a try, but be prepared for potential minor hiccups.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 75.5%. Many guests, accounting for 37 positive remarks out of 49 total, rave about the cozy and welcoming atmosphere, often describing it as a quiet and intimate place. You'll also appreciate the ample parking and casual Japan vibes that contribute to a relaxing experience.
However, there are a few areas where the ambience could use a refresh, noted in 9 negative comments. Some found the environment a little outdated, wishing for a renovation or pictures on the paper menus. A few even mentioned noise from an upstairs martial arts place, which could be a minor distraction.
Ambience
49
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, welcoming vibe
- Quiet, intimate spot
- Ample, easy parking
What people don't like
- Outdated decor
- Upstairs noise
- Dated paper menus
Often praised
- atmosphereThe nigiri-sushi was also pretty good. Beyond the food, the atmosphere was very cozy, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- 80s hitsif you like low-decible level 80s hits
- EZ and plentiful parkingThe service was exceptional, provided by the family's daughters with great care and delight. We were seated immediately and appreciated the EZ and plentiful parking with immediate freeway access. Don't be fooled by the subtle beige double doors; this was a truly lovely, authentic experience.
- QR code menua QR code menu would be more helpful
- ambienceThe fish was incredibly tasty and fresh. The restaurant has a great friendly neighborhood ambience, and the service was lovely. I highly recommend coming to check it out sometime!
- ample parking spaceshas ample parking spaces
- casual Japan vibescasual Japan vibes
- cleancomfortable and clean inside
- comfortablecomfortable and clean inside
Frequently criticized
- decorationsThis place is not known for fancy decorations. It is the quality of the food that makes it stand out.
- environmentThe environment of the restaurant is alittle out dated
- glassesGlasses were dirty
- location and appearanceThe location and appearance of the building kinda had me concerned
- menusThe service is 5 stars. The environment of the restaurant is a little out dated; the menus could have pictures.
- noise from upstairswe could hear the martial arts place upstairs as people hit the mats!
- paper menutheir paper menu could use some photos of the food
- renovationAll they need is a renovation!
- sound blockersmaybe more sound blockers in the ceiling, because we could hear the martial arts place upstairs
If youre looking for a cozy, intimate spot with a welcoming vibe and dont mind a slightly dated look, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some external noise might occasionally filter in, but it generally offers a relaxing atmosphere.
Value (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! Many diners rave about the VERY reasonable prices and how you dont have to spend too much for quality, with 14 positive remarks out of 17 total. Its clear most feel theyre getting a good price for whats offered, reflected in a solid 7.8 score and 82.4% customer satisfaction.
However, its not a unanimous win, as a couple of voices (2 out of 17) found the experience expensive for what they received. While the overall sentiment leans heavily positive, a few guests felt the price didnt quite align with the quality, suggesting there might be room for improvement in certain areas.
Value
17
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Quality vs. price
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this family-owned eatery was a mix of commendable service and some disappointing food choices. The service was commendable, and the food was fresh and offered reasonable price for the quantity and quality. However, the sashimi on the Rainbow Roll was thin, and the use of fake crab meat and cooked shrimp in the Chirashi was not to my liking.
- pricesThe food was great, and the service was excellent. We were pleasantly surprised by the reasonable prices, which is quite rare in San Diego. The atmosphere is also cute and cozy.
- VERY reasonable pricesVERY reasonable prices
- good pricewith good price!
- prices for the foodprices for the food was the best I have seen in awhile.
- rateMy experience at this restaurant was delightful! The staff were incredibly polite, and the fish was super fresh, all at a reasonable rate. I had the best miso soup I’ve ever tasted, with a complex and salty richness.
- spend too muchThis has been one of my favorite sushi places in San Diego. It's a great place where you don't have to spend too much to get delicious sushi.
Frequently criticized
- expensivequite expensive considering the quality
- priceExpensive for what we got
If youre looking for a place where your wallet wont feel too light, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Most guests find the prices fair for the quality, making it a solid choice for a good meal without breaking the bank.
How are the prices at Yoshino's?
On average, you’ll spend around $28 per person – based on what 57 guests reported. That puts this Japanese restaurant comfortably in the $21–$30 category, which wed call mid-range, perhaps a touch above. While the average is $28, its interesting to see that most guests actually spend in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges, indicating a good mix of options, with some diners opting for a more budget-friendly meal and others splurging a bit.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 57 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering it’s a Japanese restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mid-range experience, with options for different budgets, making it accessible while still allowing for a nice treat.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Yoshino's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
8
Busy but Friendly Staff and Great Food
It was a Saturday night during winter break, so the restaurant was very busy and short-staffed. Even so, the staff were friendly and patient and did their best to accommodate customers. Everything else was great and exactly to my taste!
- staff8
- everything else10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Katsu and Tuna Roll!
My experience at this family-owned restaurant was wonderful. I enjoyed the delicious chicken Katsu and a perfectly done tuna roll. The fresh fish and perfectly seasoned sushi rice with just the right texture were highlights.
The atmosphere felt like a casual Japan vibe. This is a restaurant I’ll definitely keep coming back to.
- chicken Katsu9
- tuna roll9
- fresh fish10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Dry Food, Good Service, Ample Parking
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The service was quick, and there were ample parking spaces. However, I found the food to be dry and flavorless.
Considering the quality, it was also quite expensive. I do not recommend the food.
- service7
- ample parking spaces8
- food2
- expensive3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Authentic Family Gem with Fresh Sushi
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful! I highly recommend it. We savored the Rainbow Sushi Roll, the Green Muscles plate, and the Alaskan Sushi Roll.
Everything was absolutely fresh and beautifully prepared. The service was exceptional, provided by the family's daughters with great care and delight. We were seated immediately and appreciated the EZ and plentiful parking with immediate freeway access.
Don't be fooled by the subtle beige double doors; this was a truly lovely, authentic experience. I'm so pleased this delightful family persevered through the pandemic years. The prices are VERY reasonable, so be sure to tip well!
We love supporting local, quality, family businesses like this, as they are the backbone of our local economy and national pride.
- Rainbow Sushi Roll9
- Green Muscles plate9
- Alaskan Sushi Roll9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Food and Great Experience!
I had been meaning to eat here for a while and finally got the chance tonight with my daughter. I ordered the Cali roll and beef teriyaki combo, while my daughter enjoyed the chicken katsu and tempura combo. The food was absolutely amazing!
I will definitely be dining here again and highly recommend it to others. The restaurant itself was also very nice, comfortable, and clean inside. The wait staff was also very friendly.
- Cali roll9
- beef teriyaki combo9
- chicken katsu9
What Yoshino's offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What parking options are available at Yoshino's Japanese Restaurant?
When you visit Yoshino’s Japanese Restaurant in San Diego’s Five Points neighborhood, you’ll find convenient parking. The restaurant offers both free street parking and a free parking lot, ensuring there’s usually plenty of space for your vehicle.
Does Yoshino's Japanese Restaurant offer accessible dining and various meal options?
Yes, Yoshino’s Japanese Restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. You can enjoy lunch or dinner with table service, and they also offer desserts, small plates, and quick bites.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Yoshino's?
Yoshino’s holds a good overall score of **7.9** with a customer satisfaction rate of **79.3%**. Customers particularly praise the **Food** (8.2) and **Value** (7.8), while **Service** (7.4) and **Ambience** (7.4) also receive good, though slightly lower, marks.
What are the common positive aspects highlighted by customers at Yoshino's?
Customers frequently commend Yoshino’s for its authentic Japanese food, reasonable prices, and the friendly, attentive service provided by the family-run staff. Many also appreciate the cozy, neighborhood atmosphere.
Are there any common complaints or areas for improvement at Yoshino's?
Some customers have noted an outdated interior and occasional inconsistencies in service, including long waits or rude staff. There have also been specific concerns regarding hygiene and certain food items like fake crab meat or dry dishes.