Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Tanuki – San Diego
Tanuki - San Diego
Photo from Tanuki
Tanuki at a glance
San Diego Kensington
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 41 – 50 €
mentioned by 41 of the guests
#481 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#30 Japanese Restaurant out of 36 in San Diego
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
386
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality Food
- Great Service
- Good Ambience
Frequently criticized
- Value Concerns
- Service Issues
- Food Inconsistencies
The Japanese restaurant Tanuki in San Diego’s vibrant Kensington neighborhood invites you to discover a truly authentic dining experience. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
A standout feature you’ll appreciate is their great tea selection, complementing a menu rich with small plates and healthy options. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a quick lunch, Tanuki offers a welcoming space.
Overview: Introducting Tanuki
Tanuki offers a culinary experience where the quality of its fare often shines, with many appreciating the thoughtful preparation and fresh ingredients. Guests frequently commend the attentive and friendly staff, contributing to a generally positive dining atmosphere.
However, the perception of value can be inconsistent, with some finding the pricing a bit steep for the portions received. While service is largely good, there are occasional reports of longer waits or minor oversights, suggesting room for refinement in operational flow.
Good
6.9
out of 10
386
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
110
negative
25
neutral
251
positive
Tanuki achieves an overall 6.9 score, indicating a generally good dining experience, supported by a 65% customer satisfaction rate. This assessment is drawn from 386 customer opinions, with 251 positive remarks balancing 110 negative ones.
Delving into specifics, Ambience (7.6) and Food (7.3) are clear strengths, consistently earning high marks. Service (6.8) also performs well, reflecting a mostly positive interaction with staff.
However, Value (3.8) stands out as an area where opinions are more divided, suggesting that while the food is appreciated, its pricing can be a point of contention for some.
What people like
- Fresh, quality food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Pleasant, dog-friendly setting
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value perception
- Occasional service lapses
- Food quality variations
If you prioritize well-prepared dishes and a pleasant setting, Tanuki is certainly worth considering. The Food and Ambience are often highlights, making it a suitable choice for a relaxed meal where quality is key.
With a recommendation score of 7, Tanuki generally delivers a satisfying experience. Just be mindful that while the quality is there, some guests find the overall value proposition to be a mixed bag, so manage expectations regarding pricing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tanuki
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot earns a solid 7.3 score, with many guests raving about the fantastic fresh sushi, creative dishes, and even the generous portions. Out of 231 total remarks, a whopping 159 were positive, highlighting deliciousness and quality, from melt-in-your-mouth sashimi to tasty crispy rice. However, the 68.8% customer satisfaction rating shows it's a bit of a mixed bag.
Some of the 57 negative comments mention concerns about small portions, bland flavors, and occasionally poor presentation. A few even noted issues with overall food quality in certain dishes, like tough Wagyu or soggy fries.
Food
231
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
57
negative
15
neutral
159
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh sushi
- Creative dishes
- High quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Bland flavors
- Poor presentation
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was on the pricier side, but the food was delicious and ultimately worth it. The portions are big too, which helps to justify the higher price.
- sushiMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the high quality sushi and an innovative menu. The $10 lunch special was a great deal, including a healthy sized roll and either edamame or miso soup.
- menuMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. The food was outstanding, with an expansive and delicious menu offering options for everyone. The ingredients were quality and the food was expertly prepared.
- selection of sakeThe service was also great and accommodating. It's a great restaurant with an impressive selection of sake. I will be returning for more and recommend it to all.
- fishThe sushi was fantastic, and it's remarkable that miso or edamame comes free with each roll, meaning we even had soup and edamame to go. The prices are reasonable, the fish is fresh and great, and the rice is tasty with an amazing ratio. Overall, it was such a great experience that we went back the next day.
- cream cheese appetizercream cheese appetizer was surprisingly good
- drink menuThe drink menu is respectable too
- eclairsIt was both filling and delicious! If you have room for dessert, I highly recommend trying one of the eclairs made in house.
- freshnessFantastic freshness
- riceThe best rice I’ve ever had on a sushi role
Frequently criticized
- foodI used Grubhub for delivery and live very close to the restaurant. Unfortunately, the food was cold upon arrival. The fries were cold and very soggy, and the chicken was super salty.
- fishThe fish was not terrible but certainly the worst I’ve had
- food qualityThe fish was just ok. Tasted/texture was mealy not good.
- portionssuch small portions
- sushisushi honestly was so bland and not even properly made
- Sake WasaSake Wasa: EXTREMELY small bowl, could fit into my palm
- Udon with Shrimp TempuraUdon with Shrimp Tempura: The broth had no flavor.
- WagyuGetting a $22 Wagyu bento with eight thin slices of Wagyu was not satisfying
- Wagyu Tataki PonzuWagyu Tataki Ponzu: The meat was very tough.
- Wagyu portioncharge $50 for a satisfying portion of Wagyu or don’t offer it
If youre after fresh, high-quality sushi and creative Japanese dishes, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some menu items might come with smaller portions or occasionally lack that wow' factor, so pick your dishes carefully.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a lot to appreciate! Many guests rave about the friendly staff and attentive servers, often noting how quick service made their experience enjoyable. With 51 positive remarks out of 85 total customer comments, its clear that many appreciate the helpfulness and knowledgeable recommendations from the team, contributing to a generally good score of 6.8.
However, it's not always smooth sailing, as the 60% customer satisfaction suggests a mixed bag. Some experiences were marred by feeling understaffed, leading to frustratingly long waiting times and even instances where orders were forgotten about. With 27 negative comments, these issues, including occasional rude hostess interactions, indicate areas where consistency could definitely improve.
Service
85
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
27
negative
7
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive servers
- Knowledgeable insight
What people don't like
- Long waits
- Understaffed feeling
- Forgotten orders
Often praised
- serviceThe patio is dog friendly and even has heaters, which is a nice touch. The service is great, and the sake selection is expansive. I'm only knocking off a star because of the food.
- staffThe staff who attended me was great and excellent customer service
- serverThe restaurant offers an outdoor area that is dog friendly. The service was quick and the server was excellent. They also have a great drink menu with many Japanese options.
- serversServers are friendly and welcoming.
- waitressthe waitress was attentive, friendly
- Friendly staffFriendly staff. Always very sweet and helpful!
- JPJP is an amazing person who assisted us
- Japanese familygreat Japanese family that runs it
- ServerExtremely Sweet Server
- attentivethe waitress was attentive, friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceI can’t speak for the rest of the staff, but she (Lauren) was rude and passive. I experienced a passive and rude service from the hostess, Lauren, who prioritized other customers over me despite my patient waiting.
- waiting timelenght of time it took for food to come out. We received two out of about five or six orders and there was a really long wait in between
- 90-minute waitfaced a 90-minute wait for our food
- Sake bottle sizethey did give us the wrong Sake bottle size
- better experiencei expect a better experience
- beverageshad to remind our server that we had ordered beverages that were not delivered in 15 minutes
- charged us incorrectlyalso charged us incorrectly for another
- experienceVery poor experience
- forgot about uspromptly forgot about us for 10 minutes
- ginger and wasabiGave us one set up of ginger and wasabi when there were two people
If you catch them on a good day, youll likely enjoy friendly, attentive service. However, be prepared for potential delays or understaffing issues, especially during busy times. Its a bit of a gamble, but the positives often shine through.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
Overall, the ambience here is quite good, scoring a solid 7.6 with a strong 82.1% customer satisfaction. Based on 32 positive remarks out of 39 total, guests frequently praise the dog-friendly patio with heaters, the cozy dining area, and the great atmosphere. Many also appreciate the easy parking and clean, well-maintained spaces, making for a truly enjoyable visit.
However, a few of the 4 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Some found the atmosphere a bit off, with one mention of an odd smell inside, almost like sewage. A couple of folks also felt the vibe was more strip mall than charming, and parking could occasionally be tricky.
Ambience
39
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Dog-friendly patio
- Cozy dining area
- Clean and maintained
What people don't like
- Odd indoor smell
- Strip mall vibe
Often praised
- atmosphererestaurant was intimate but not in a dark moody way
- parkingparking is easy since they have a lot
- ParkingParking was available!
- areaCute area
- bathroomBathroom was good 👍🏽!
- casualCasual, simple
- clean and well maintainedeverything was clean and well maintained
- dining areaSmall, cozy dining area
- dog friendlywhich is dog friendly
- enjoyed ourselvesWe’ve always enjoyed ourselves
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere feels like it could be in a strip mall
- odd smellThe inside of the restaurant had an odd smell, almost similar to sewage.
- parkingParking can be a little tricky
If youre looking for a casual spot with a pleasant, often cozy vibe and a great outdoor space, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that the indoor atmosphere might not always hit the mark, but overall, its a good bet for a relaxed experience.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners have found reasons to cheer! Many appreciate the affordability of certain items and praise the reasonable prices, especially for the lunch special. With 9 positive comments out of 31 total, there's a definite sense that some experiences offer good bang for your buck.
However, the overall picture for value is quite challenging, with customer satisfaction at a low 29% and a score of just 3.8. A significant 22 negative comments highlight concerns about prices for some items being too high, often feeling overpriced or on the pricey side. Many felt it offered poor value due to small portions or extra charges for things like rice.
Value
31
Reviews
29%
Satisfaction
22
negative
0
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable lunch specials
- Affordable specific items
- Good value options
What people don't like
- Often overpriced
- Small portions
- Extra charges
Often praised
- pricesfair prices
- valueMy experience at the restaurant was on the pricier side, but the food was delicious and ultimately worth it. The portions are big too, which helps to justify the higher price.
- affordabilityaffordable, filling and delicious
- itemsReasonably priced items
- lunch special$10 lunch includes a healthy sized roll
- pricedI came in for lunch today and tried the Ahi Poke bowl. It was very delicious and reasonably priced! Their menu is hard to find online, so I included the lunch menu in this review.
- reasonable pricesThe sake menu is impressive and expansive, and the dishes are very creative and perfect for sharing. After my previous favorite Japanese restaurant closed, I was disappointed about finding another place with reasonable prices and great food. Now, I've found my new go-to spot!
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was good. The waitress was nice, but it was overpriced for what it is.
- PricesPrices are quite high for the amount of food you get.
- billIt was obvious we didn't eat it, yet the server didn't say anything or offer a replacement. We had to go up to ask for our bill after waiting forever for the waitress not to show. Overall, $50 for one roll, disappointing appetizers, an empty stomach, and overall disappointment.
- charged for riceCharged for rice, with an up charge for sushi rice
- charged for saladThe fish was not terrible, but it was the worst I’ve had in San Diego. I was charged for rice, with an up charge for sushi rice, and also charged for salad. Overall, it was a very poor value.
- high pricejustify the high price. Honestly, not worth it
- moneydon't waste your money
- overpricedagin overpriced
- poor valueOverall very poor value
- pricesFor the prices especially
If youre looking for a great lunch special or specific affordable items, you might find some good value here. However, be prepared that many find the overall experience often overpriced with small portions, so it might disappoint if youre expecting a budget-friendly meal.
How are the prices at Tanuki?
You’re looking at roughly 46 per person – reported by 41 diners. That puts it in the 41 – 50 € category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a nice mix! While the average is 46, many guests enjoy meals in the 21 – 30 € range, while others lean towards the 41 – 50 € options. This suggests a good spread, offering both more casual and slightly more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 41 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant, especially given the variety of price points available to guests.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tanuki
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Excellent Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food was great, and the service was equally impressive. The servers were friendly and welcoming.
I'm looking forward to future visits here, especially for sushi night.
- food10
- service10
- servers10
Price per Person
- 41 - 50 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Great Sake Bar, Food Needs Improvement
This is a cute little sake bar tucked away in the neighborhood. The patio is dog friendly and even has heaters, which is a nice touch. The service is great, and the sake selection is expansive.
I'm only knocking off a star because of the food. It's quite pricey; $15 for vegetable tempura felt a little ridiculous, and the spicy scallop roll was bland.
- patio8
- service10
- sake selection9
- vegetable tempura3
- spicy scallop roll4
- food3
Price per Person
- 31 - 40 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Expensive with Small Portions and Slow Service
My experience at this restaurant was very disappointing. The food was very expensive, and the portions were disappointingly small. For example, the special was $15.
00 for only 4 pieces of mackerel, which was very little. We ordered two rolls, and the first one arrived with our special plate. However, the second roll took more than 20 minutes to arrive after we had already finished eating.
Overall, it was a very poor experience.
- price2
- portions2
- special2
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Sushi Experience
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The service was fine, but I felt a little rushed. Unfortunately, the sushi was bland and not properly made.
It was some of the worst sushi I've had in San Diego, and I would recommend spending your money elsewhere.
- service6
- sushi1
Price per Person
- 51 - 60 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Pricey Meal, Lacking Wow Factor
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing, especially considering the pricey meal for the portion sizes. I had high hopes for the food, but ultimately, nothing had a wow factor. On the positive side, the service was good and parking is easy as they have a lot.
The indoor seating area is small, with most tables located outside.
- service7
- parking8
- indoor seating area6
- pricey meal3
- portion sizes3
- food4
What Tanuki 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
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Tanuki in Kensington?
At Tanuki, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy Japanese restaurant perfect for various occasions. You can enjoy a romantic dinner or a relaxed lunch with table service. They offer a diverse menu including small plates, healthy options, and vegetarian choices, complemented by a great tea selection, cocktails, wine, and beer.
Does Tanuki offer accessible options and convenient parking for its guests?
Yes, Tanuki is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring comfort for all guests. You’ll also find convenient parking options, including free street parking and a free parking lot, with usually plenty of space available for your visit.
How does Tanuki rate overall?
Tanuki holds a 6.9 score, indicating a good experience. Its Ambience (7.6) and Food (7.3) are strong, while Service (6.8) is solid. However, Value (3.8) is a notable area for improvement.
Is Tanuki considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find items like the `lunch special` and `portions` to be fair, others perceive the `price` as high or `overpriced` for what is offered, leading to a Value score of 3.8.
What can I expect from the service and atmosphere at Tanuki?
You can generally expect `friendly staff` and `attentive` service, contributing to a Service score of 6.8. The `atmosphere` is often described as pleasant and `dog friendly`, though some noted an `odd smell` or `strip mall` feel.