Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Ikiru Sushi – San Diego
Ikiru Sushi - San Diego
Photo from Ikiru Sushi
Ikiru Sushi at a glance
San Diego Point Loma
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 98 of the guests
#319 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#19 Japanese Restaurant out of 36 in San Diego
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
545
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality sushi
- Good service
- Nice atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Limited space
- Long waits
The restaurant, a Japanese eatery in San Diego’s vibrant Point Loma neighborhood, offers a truly authentic experience. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere at Ikiru Sushi, where the commitment to quality extends to a great tea selection.
This cozy and casual spot is perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing meal, inviting you to discover its trendy charm.
Overview: Introducting Ikiru Sushi
Ikiru Sushi generally impresses with its focus on fresh ingredients, particularly the fish quality in its sushi and sashimi. Guests often find the attentive service and relaxed atmosphere contribute to a pleasant dining experience, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, be prepared for potential challenges. While the food is often praised, some find the overall experience can be pricey for what you get.
The restaurant’s limited seating can also lead to waits, and some service experiences have been less consistent.
Good
7.6
out of 10
545
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
97
negative
39
neutral
409
positive
Ikiru Sushi holds a solid overall score of 7.6, indicating a good dining experience, which aligns well with a 75% customer satisfaction rate. This positive sentiment is reflected in the many customer remarks, with 409 positive comments outweighing 97 negative ones across 545 total observations.
The standout here is undoubtedly the Food (8.1), which consistently receives excellent feedback for its quality and preparation. While Food shines, other aspects also contribute positively.
Ambience (7.5) is generally well-regarded, offering a pleasant setting, and Service (6.9) is often described as good, with staff being attentive. However, Value (6.1) sits in the average range, suggesting that while the quality is appreciated, some patrons find the pricing to be a bit high for the overall offering.
What people like
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Attentive, friendly service
- Relaxed, authentic atmosphere
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Limited seating
- Occasional long waits
If you prioritize excellent sushi and a pleasant setting, Ikiru Sushi is certainly worth considering. With a strong recommendation score of 8, it generally delivers on its promise of quality ingredients and a comfortable dining experience.
Just be mindful of potential waits due to its popularity. However, if budget is a primary concern or you’re planning for a large group, you might want to explore other options.
While the food quality is high, the value can be a mixed bag for some. For a focused sushi experience, it’s a solid choice, but manage expectations regarding space and cost.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ikiru Sushi
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally earns high praise, boasting a strong score of 8.1 and an impressive 82.2% customer satisfaction. Many guests consistently rave about the exceptional quality of the fresh fish, particularly the nigiri and sashimi, and appreciate the authentic flavors across a wide variety of dishes. With 254 positive observations, the culinary experience is clearly a highlight.
However, not every bite is perfect, as indicated by 37 critical remarks. Some diners have noted that certain rolls can be mushy or even fishy, while others found the ramen to be overly salty or lacking an authentic taste. There were also a few comments regarding inconsistent portion size and the quality of specific fish items.
Food
309
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
37
negative
18
neutral
254
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality fish
- Authentic sushi
- Great menu variety
What people don't like
- Inconsistent roll quality
- Salty ramen
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodThe area itself offers plenty of good stores for window shopping. The food was really good and came out super fast. I particularly enjoyed the Philadelphia roll, which I use as a benchmark for sushi places.
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. As a local, I can confidently say it offers the best sushi in San Diego. The fish quality was outstanding, and the atmosphere was wonderfully quiet.
- rollsWe tried three different rolls and all were delicious
- sashimiMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed delicious sushi, sashimi, baby octopus, salad, and a crab California roll. The fish was fresh and the rice was incredibly soft and delicious.
- food qualityThe food is really good
- miso soupmiso soup standing out for its perfect balance of umami and warmth
- fish qualityWe tried various sushi rolls, including some with crab, whitefish, and tuna. Each roll was fresh and flavorful, and the fish quality was excellent. The sushi rolls were complemented by some delicious appetizers that we also enjoyed.
- ramenincredibly good ramen
- FoodFood:5
- NigiriI love Nigiri - Toro, Hamachi, Saki, Unagi, etc..... YUM
Frequently criticized
- Chirashi bowlsBoth Chirashi bowls contained 'bad' fish.
- Hawaiian rollnot the Hawaiian roll, which had mashed up tuna with chopped jalapenos
- MSGtoo much MSG was added
- authentic tasteDoesn't taste authentic
- bottle of sakeforgot the bottle of sake
- chickenThe ramen noodles were too thick, and the soup tasted too salty with excessive MSG. The donburi had little chicken and too much onion. Despite the Japanese ambience, the food did not taste authentic.
- chicken katsu donburiMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I ordered the spicy miso ramen and chicken katsu donburi. The ramen noodles were too thick, and the soup tasted too salty with excessive MSG.
- citrusy sauceI’m not a fan of the citrusy sauce
- fishBoth Chirashi bowls contained 'bad' fish.
- fishy rollthe other roll tasted fishy
If you're after genuinely good Japanese food, especially fresh sushi and authentic flavors, this place is a strong contender. Just be aware that while most dishes shine, a few specific items might not hit the mark, so choose wisely.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, youll often find a warm welcome here! With 82 positive sentiments out of 126 total, many guests rave about the friendly staff, attentive servers, and quick service. The sushi chefs also get a nod for their professionalism, contributing to a generally good experience, reflected in a score of 6.9.
However, the service isnt without its hiccups, as seen in the 65.1% customer satisfaction, indicating a mixed bag. Some diners encountered long waits, issues with customer service, or unhelpful waitresses, especially concerning limited hours. These 37 negative comments suggest there's room for improvement in consistency.
Service
126
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
37
negative
7
neutral
82
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Long waits
- Limited hours
- Poor communication
Often praised
- serviceservice was incredibly friendly and attentive
- staffThe atmosphere at Ikiru Sushi was relaxed and inviting, making our lunch a very pleasant experience. The staff was friendly and attentive, and we felt well taken care of throughout our visit. Overall, our lunch at Ikiru Sushi was an enjoyable experience with fresh and tasty sushi, as well as authentic Japanese appetizers.
- waitThis is a small place and it's always full, but the food is worth the wait. Even the wait isn't much for Liberty Station, especially if you sit at the bar. The service is good, and you can see they are all working very hard to get all orders out as fast as they can.
- ServiceService felt warm and attentive
- sushi chefsSushi chefs behind the counter looked like they really knew what they were doing
- customer servicecustomer service was great
- Sushi chefMy waitress and Sushi chef were amazing, both extremely polite and attentive
- chefsthe chefs were clearly hardworking and kind
- experiencealways have the best experience
- food prepsuper quick food prep
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceworst customer service I've experienced
- servicedid not have a great experience with the service at the end of our meal
- waitMy experience at this restaurant was consistently delicious! Although the hours are limited and there's always a short wait due to limited seating, it was worth every minute. The food received a perfect score of 5, as did the atmosphere and service.
- wait timelong wait time to be seated
- waiting timeWaited almost an hour to be seated
- staffThey stood looking at my daughter and I, without speaking.
- waitressThe food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is wonderful. However, the service was incredibly bad; the waitress was so rude. It's a shame because the food and atmosphere are a 5/5, but the service experience was a 1/5.
- business hoursTwice now Ikiru has been closed well inside their normal business hours. I wouldn’t count on them for any kind of occasion, and I won’t be wasting my time again.
- busyMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their excellent sushi. While they are very crowded and very busy, it's likely a testament to how good their sushi is. They are definitely doing their best with the space they have.
- closed Monday and Tuesdaythey are closed Monday and Tuesday
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and efficient service, especially from the sushi chefs, this spot is often a good bet. Just be prepared for potential waits during busy times or if you have specific requests, as consistency can be a challenge. Its worth a try if you value good food and don't mind a bit of a gamble on the service experience.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
The ambience here really shines, earning a good score of 7.5 and a solid 71.3% customer satisfaction. Many guests, with 57 positive comments out of 80, rave about the wonderful atmosphere and authentic vibe. They often describe it as a cozy place with a beautiful location, making for a pleasant visit.
However, it's not without its quirks. A few guests, 13 to be exact, pointed out some challenges. Concerns often revolve around limited seating space, especially for larger groups, and occasional issues with parking.
Some found it a bit of a small place and crowded at times.
Ambience
80
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
13
negative
10
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, cozy vibe
- Beautiful location
- Warm, clean atmosphere
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Difficult parking
- Can get crowded
Often praised
- atmosphereThe dumplings were pan-fried crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, served with a delicious dipping sauce that completed the flavor experience. The atmosphere at Ikiru Sushi was relaxed and inviting, making our lunch a very pleasant experience. The staff was friendly and attentive, and we felt well taken care of throughout our visit.
- placeIt's a small place but good atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- environmentreally comfortable and cozy environment
- parkingthere were parking crossing the street
- Liberty Stationworth going if you spend time in Liberty Station
- ambiancegreat ambiance.
- ambiencethe ambience felt very authentic
- areaReally nice area to take a walk
- authenticSo authentic
Frequently criticized
- crowdedtoo many people at the restaurant to really enjoy
- seatingvery limited seating and tables
- dining spaceit is a very small dining space
- familydon't come here with family
- huge partiesthis location is not able to accompany huge parties
- parkingThe parking was not so good at Liberty Station
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- phone servicemy phone never gets service in there.
- seating spaceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. Although a friend recommended it and I was excited to try it based on reviews, the seating space is limited, leading to a 25-minute wait for two people. The sushi itself was just 'meh'.
- small placeIt's a really small place
If youre looking for a spot with a great, authentic vibe and dont mind a potentially cozy (read: small) setting, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for possible limited seating and plan your parking ahead, especially during busy times.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction hovering around 53.3%. Many guests found it genuinely worth it, praising the great prices and fair pricing for the quality received. Special mentions go to the beer sake deal and the overall feeling that youre getting a good "deal" here, based on 16 positive remarks.
However, not everyone agrees, as the score of 6.1 (average) suggests theres room for improvement. Some diners felt it was pricey or expensive for what you get, noting a premium price for certain items. These 10 negative comments indicate that while some find value, others might find the price point a bit steep.
Value
30
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices offered
- Worth the cost
- Good deals
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Expensive for some
- High price point
Often praised
- pricejust right on price… especially for the HIGH QUALITY
- pricesrare find at these prices
- pricingnice Portion n pricing
- worth itThe food was good and the spot itself has a nice feel and atmosphere. It's not very big inside, so it can fill up fast, but it's definitely worth it.
- Free parking lotParking options:Free parking lot
- Plenty of parkingParking space:Plenty of parking
- beer sake dealthe beer sake deal was good too
- costThe chefs are truly top notch, and the sushi was presented beautifully, almost better than it tasted. The sashimi was particularly delicious and definitely worth the cost. My only minor complaint is that they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- dealdeal of buy large beer and get a small sake free
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by authentic flavors, but it came with a significant price tag. The special dish featured in the picture was priced at $117.
- billour bill was almost $300
- expensive for what you getI particularly enjoyed the fresh sashimi. However, I found it to be expensive for what you get.
- premium priceespecially for the premium price of $37 per order.
- price pointThis this price point ( our bill was $180) I expected good quality wasabi
- priceyIt was a bit pricey
- tipI wish I could undo the tip
If youre on the hunt for good deals and appreciate quality that doesnt always break the bank, this place could be a pleasant surprise. Just be mindful that some items might come with a premium price, so choose wisely to ensure it's worth it for you.
How are the prices at Ikiru Sushi?
On average, you’ll spend around 42 per person – based on what 98 guests reported. That places this Japanese restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For Japanese cuisine, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps a little above.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a pretty wide spread. While the average is 42, many diners spend less, in the $11–$30 range, suggesting some great value options. But there are also plenty who opt for dishes in the $41–$50 range and even higher, showing a mix of experiences from budget-friendly to more premium.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 98 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant, especially with the variety of price points available. It seems like you can find something delicious whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a more indulgent meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ikiru Sushi
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Authentic Izakaya Experience in San Diego!
My sister recommended this place, and I'm so glad she did! It's the closest thing to a traditional Japanese izakaya I've been to in San Diego. It's a small spot, but the staff is super friendly and accommodating.
The spicy miso soup was incredible, and the sushi was fresh! I especially loved the sunset roll and the crispy spicy 🔥. Highly recommend!
- small spot8
- staff10
- spicy miso soup10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Authentic Japanese Sushi Experience
My experience at this restaurant was a pleasant surprise, offering a level of authenticity that I've rarely found outside of Japan. Having visited Japan several times, I can confidently say this sushi place truly resembles the authenticity of Japanese food. It's important to note that they primarily operate on a walk-in basis and may not accommodate large groups.
The dine-in experience for dinner, with a price range of $10–20 per person and a wait time of 10-30 minutes, was well worth it for the genuine flavors.
- authenticity9
- Japanese food9
- walk-in basis6
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Great Sake, Worth the Wait
My experience at this restaurant was marked by amazing quality food and fast and friendly service. While it's a tiny joint, so expect to wait for a table, take out is always a good option. I particularly love their sake selection.
- quality9
- service8
- wait for a table6
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Sushi Experience
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The waiter/owner forgot our miso soup and the bottle of sake, yet still attempted to charge us for them. The rolls were not good and fell apart easily.
In a city known for amazing sushi, I cannot recommend this place.
- miso soup2
- bottle of sake2
- rolls2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Delicious Food, Rushed Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of excellent food and a disappointing service interaction. The food was absolutely delicious, some of the best sushi I've had in San Diego, and it was offered at a great price. The wait time between ordering and receiving our food was also very quick.
However, the service at the end of our meal was not great. We finished eating and paid in less than an hour, but were asked to leave within 5 minutes of paying, before we even finished our drinks. While I would definitely eat their food again, I will probably think twice about going depending on how quickly we need to eat and leave the restaurant.
- food10
- sushi10
- price9
- service2
What Ikiru Sushi offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Alcohol
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
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Ikiru Sushi?
You’ll find convenient parking with free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. Ikiru Sushi is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom for your comfort.
What kind of dining experience and offerings can you expect at Ikiru Sushi?
At Ikiru Sushi, you can enjoy a cozy, casual atmosphere with table service for lunch and dinner. They offer healthy options, small plates, and a great tea selection. You’ll also find happy hour drinks and food, with wine and beer available.
How does Ikiru Sushi generally perform?
Ikiru Sushi has a good overall score of 7.6 and a customer satisfaction of 75%. Its Food (8.1) is excellent, Ambience (7.5) is good, and Service (6.9) is also good, though Value (6.1) is considered average.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Ikiru Sushi?
Many customers praise the fish quality and the freshness of the sushi and sashimi. The attentive service and relaxed atmosphere also contribute to a positive dining experience.
Are there any common drawbacks or things to be aware of before visiting?
Some patrons find Ikiru Sushi to be pricey, and the limited seating can lead to long wait times. There have also been occasional remarks about inconsistent service.