Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Carmel Sushi – San Diego
Carmel Sushi - San Diego
Photo from Carmel Sushi
Carmel Sushi at a glance
San Diego Torrey Hills
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 103 of the guests
#149 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#9 Japanese Restaurant out of 36 in San Diego
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
515
Reviews
84.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh sushi
- Great ambiance
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Slow service
- Pricing issues
The restaurant Carmel Sushi is a delightful Japanese Restaurant nestled in San Diego’s vibrant Torrey Hills neighborhood. You’ll find a cozy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner.
This spot offers a welcoming space where you can enjoy authentic flavors and fresh ingredients, making it an ideal choice for your next dining experience in San Diego.
Overview: Introducting Carmel Sushi
Carmel Sushi offers a dining experience where the quality of the cuisine often stands out, with many praising its fresh sushi and delightful flavors. Guests frequently appreciate the inviting atmosphere, noting its cleanliness and tranquil energy, which sets a pleasant tone for meals.
However, some visits have been marred by significant service issues, with reports of slow service and occasional rudeness from staff. While many find the overall value appealing, a few guests have expressed concerns about certain menu items being overpriced or misleading.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
515
Reviews
84.5%
Satisfaction
64
negative
16
neutral
435
positive
Carmel Sushi generally earns high marks, reflected in its strong Restaurant Score of 8.3 and a solid Customer Satisfaction of 84.5%. This positive sentiment is built on 435 favorable comments, significantly outweighing the 64 critical remarks.
The overall dining experience appears quite satisfying for most patrons. Digging deeper, the Ambience (9.1) truly shines, creating a delightful setting.
The Food (8.2) also receives high praise for its quality, closely followed by the Service (8.1), which is often described as exceptional. While still good, Value (7.4) is where opinions are slightly more varied, with some finding it reasonable and others noting specific pricing concerns.
What people like
- Fresh, delicious food
- Exceptional ambiance
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Slow, inconsistent service
- Specific pricing concerns
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.5, Carmel Sushi is generally a solid choice for those seeking quality Japanese cuisine. Its inviting atmosphere and often excellent food make it a place worth considering for a pleasant dining experience.
However, be mindful of potential service inconsistencies and occasional pricing quirks. If you prioritize fresh flavors and a great setting, it’s likely to satisfy, but prepare for the possibility of a slower pace during busy times.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Carmel Sushi
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at a high 84.7%, diners consistently praise the fresh, flavorful food, inventive sushi, and generous portions. Many appreciate the wide array of vegetarian options, making it a hit for diverse palates, as seen in 221 positive remarks.
However, a few experiences werent as stellar. Out of 261 total comments, 30 mentioned issues like tasteless dishes, cold tempura, or even concerns about undercooked chicken leading to food poisoning. While not widespread, these are definitely points to consider for a consistent dining experience.
Food
261
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
30
negative
10
neutral
221
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful food
- Inventive sushi options
- Generous portions served
What people don't like
- Risk of food poisoning
- Cold, stale dishes
- Tasteless food reported
Often praised
- foodfresh sushi that truly defines what fresh and delicious should be. I've dined at many good places, but this sushi shop earned every one of its five stars not by buying them, but by serving greatness. I wish it were closer to home, but I'll definitely make it an on-the-way meal from the airport.
- sushiI ate here with my family and it was the most delicious sushi I have ever eaten! There was a lot of food for the money and it was incredibly tasty!
- fishThe fish was fresh and good portion!
- FoodFood:5
- Korean dishesAll the other Korean dishes are very tasty!
- sashimiThe sashimi was equally impressive, clean, perfectly cut and soo fresh
- sushi rollsespecially the sashimi and sushi rolls
- Japanese dishesKorean restaurant offering many Japanese dishes
- awesome rollThe food was excellent, the service was great, and the atmosphere was fun. I highly recommend trying the halibut sashimi and the awesome roll.
- bento boxShe also approached us at the end of our meal to apologize profusely for the extended wait times. Despite the service issues, everything was fresh and delicious. We would definitely return, but plan to avoid Friday nights.
Frequently criticized
- foodfood that eventually turns up is overcooked and dry
- food poisoningIf you enjoy food poisoning, this is the place for you. Even after our first Carmel Sushi experience was…not the best, we decided to try eating at this place again, hoping that it would be better this time.
- qualityprovide much better quality
- sushimy sushi came 20 minutes after my entree and when it got there it was cold and stale
- Asian and MexicanNo good eats here in La Jolla for Asian and Mexican
- Chicken TeriyakiChicken Teriyaki. Not only was it flavorless, but I did note something was off with the texture
- DrinksDrinks showed up midday through our meal
- Ponzu sauceMy small glass of water was frequently empty. The food was okay, though the Ponzu sauce was missing on one of my items. An older woman working there blamed a new waitress, but reviews suggest this has been an ongoing issue.
- bento boxMany people were waiting for takeout, and I overheard complaints about hour-long waits. When I got home, my bento box was cold, which was disappointing as cold tempura and rice are not appetizing. My husband's spicy scallop roll contained no scallops.
- chicken Yakisobathe chicken Yakisoba was tasteless
If you're looking for fresh, inventive sushi and Korean dishes with plenty of vegetarian choices, this place is generally a fantastic bet. Just be mindful of the occasional reports of inconsistent quality, especially regarding cooked items, to ensure your meal is as delightful as most.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
The service here generally shines, with a solid score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at a commendable 80.1%. Many of the 125 positive opinions highlight the friendly staff and quick service, often praising the attentive nature of the team, especially under new management and owners. Guests frequently mention feeling well-cared for, with staff going the extra mile to ensure a great dining experience.
However, it's not always perfect, with 28 negative opinions pointing to some areas for improvement. Some experiences mention slow service and wait time issues, occasionally due to perceived staffing shortages. A few customers also reported missed items or delays, suggesting that while the intent is good, consistency can sometimes be a challenge.
Service
156
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
28
negative
3
neutral
125
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Understaffed
Often praised
- serviceThe owners have put great care and skill into creating a top-notch dining experience. The atmosphere is great and tasteful, complemented by exceptional service. What's more, it's all reasonably priced.
- staffI enjoyed the delicious sushi, noting that the fish is fresh. The staff is extremely accommodating, and the restaurant's design and atmosphere is wonderfully relaxing.
- ownerMy daughter wanted to go there for her birthday dinner. The owner made sure she feels special on her birthday. So happy that we have an amazing sushi place with kind staff in our neighborhood:)
- ServiceService:5
- chefsThe chefs are passionate and care about the quality of food
- customer serviceAmazing customer service
- friendly staffCute restaurant with friendly staff
- wait timeBe careful…if you go here once you’ll never stop :) The food is excellent, with a perfect atmosphere and top-notch service. We had no wait time and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. The price per person is around $20–30.
- waitresswaitress patiently checked on us
- KayMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Kay was incredibly kind and attentive, demonstrating she is swift, hardworking, and friendly. The food was amazing, and the atmosphere was peaceful.
Frequently criticized
- serviceWe visited on a Friday night and the restaurant was packed, leading to a 20-minute wait to be seated. While our server was nice, the service was horrendously slow, and receiving our food took an even longer time. We ordered three appetizers, a bento box, ramen, and about eight rolls.
- RSVPapparently every table was being held (RSVP)
- better staffingthey need better staffing
- customerwhen he found out I was the customer, he lost his face but didn't apologize
- experienceThis was an incredibly negative experience
- foodgetting our food was even worse
- front staffFoot staff was very rude when I stopped by to pickup
- items from our orderThey missed a few items from our order
- one serverThere was only one server trying to take care of the whole restaurant
- permissionbartering for permission felt kind of gross
Overall, you can expect a good service experience, especially with the friendly and attentive staff. While there might be occasional hiccups with wait times or slower service during busy periods, the positive interactions generally outweigh these. If you value a welcoming atmosphere and dedicated team, it's definitely worth a visit.
Ambience (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.1 and a fantastic 94.7% customer satisfaction, its clear guests love the vibe. Out of 75 comments, a whopping 71 rave about the cleanliness, classy atmosphere, and comfortable, well-spaced seating, creating a truly welcoming and nice vibe for everyone.
While overwhelmingly positive, a couple of comments, just 2 out of 75, did touch on minor issues. One mentioned the AC being off, and another simply gave a low atmosphere' rating without much detail. It seems these were isolated incidents, not reflecting the general consensus.
Ambience
75
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Impeccable cleanliness
- Classy, quiet atmosphere
- Comfortable seating
What people don't like
- AC not working
Often praised
- atmospherethe service and atmosphere were both rated a 5 out of 5
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessOn our first visit for lunch, we were immediately struck by the impeccable cleanliness and eye-catching decor. The ambiance exuded a serene and tranquil energy, setting a delightful tone for our meal.
- ambianceThis restaurant excels in every aspect, and even has an extra box for never being too crowded. Carmel Sushi offers a truly fresh and stunning, fully elevated ambiance and vibe. Their menu features the same wildly fresh and expansive offerings and lunch specials that we've always loved.
- noise levelBe careful…if you go here once you’ll never stop :) The food is excellent, with a perfect atmosphere and top-notch service. We had no wait time and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. The price per person is around $20–30.
- placeGreat place to come with family
- Experience overallExperience overall was fantastic
- Noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- Parking optionsFree parking lot
- Parking spacePlenty of parking
Frequently criticized
- ACthe AC was off
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
If youre looking for a place with a fantastic atmosphere, this is definitely it! With its clean, comfortable, and welcoming vibe, you can expect a great experience. Dont let the rare minor AC hiccup deter you; it's clearly a standout for ambience.
Value (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.4, indicating good performance, and customer satisfaction sitting at a healthy 78.3%, you can expect a positive experience. Many folks rave about the price, affordability, and getting much food for the money, with 18 positive remarks out of 23 total comments highlighting the great price point and reasonable prices.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few customers, 4 to be exact, expressed concerns about "prices" and "pricing issues. " Some felt the "menu" was "slightly overpriced" or noted specific instances like "raising prices.
" While these are minor points compared to the overall positive feedback, theyre worth keeping in mind.
Value
23
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great price
- Excellent value
- Affordable food
What people don't like
- Raising prices
- Slightly overpriced
Often praised
- pricesThe food was amazing, so yummy that my husband ate some before I could even get a picture. I was impressed by the high quality fresh fish and the reasonable prices. The atmosphere and service were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
- priceIt is a great place to enjoy time with friends and family, as the food is worth the price.
- price pointMy experience at Zip Fusion was mixed. While I did not like the restaurant overall, the sushi has improved and is now good for the price point.
- affordabilityaffordable restaurant
- cheapIt’s relatively cheap
- food for moneymuch food for the money
- pricedso reasonably priced
- pricingFair pricing
- valueThe Chirashi bowl is an excellent value
- ~$14 weekday lunch~$14 weekday lunch
Frequently criticized
- green teapaying $4 for each green tea
- menufelt their menu is slightly overpriced
- pricesraising prices
- pricing issue50% off all nigiri was misleading
If you're looking for a place where your money goes a long way, especially for lunch, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. While a few minor pricing concerns popped up, the overwhelming sentiment points to great value for what you get.
How are the prices at Carmel Sushi?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 103 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners stick to the $21–$30 range, showing prices cluster nicely around that average. While there are a few options for a quick bite or a splurge, the sweet spot is definitely mid-range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 103 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Diego. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Carmel Sushi
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fresh Rolls and Quick Service
My experience at the restaurant was great! I got takeout and the salmon roll and veggie roll were both fresh and well packed. The service was quick and friendly, and my order was ready on time.
I also rated the food and atmosphere a 5 out of 5.
- service9
- salmon roll9
- veggie roll9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Delicious Food, Slow Service on Busy Night
We visited on a Friday night and the restaurant was packed, leading to a 20-minute wait to be seated. While our server was nice, the service was horrendously slow, and receiving our food took an even longer time. We ordered three appetizers, a bento box, ramen, and about eight rolls.
The appetizers took so long that the owner kindly offered a free beer and apologized. Subsequently, my husband's bento box and daughter's ramen arrived first, and they had finished their meals by the time our rolls were served. The owner again apologized for the delay and provided a free roll.
She also approached us at the end of our meal to apologize profusely for the extended wait times. Despite the service issues, everything was fresh and delicious. We would definitely return, but plan to avoid Friday nights.
- appetizers4
- bento box4
- ramen4
- wait3
- service2
- food2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Cold Sushi and Bad Food
My experience at this restaurant was not great. My sushi arrived 20 minutes after my entree, and I had to remind the staff. When it finally arrived, the sushi was cold and stale.
I also found their food to be really bad. Overall, there are no good eats here in La Jolla for Asian and Mexican cuisine.
- sushi2
- food1
- service2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Vibe, Fresh Sushi!
My experience at the restaurant was great! They have great options with a nice vibe. The sushi was fresh and the people were sweet 😊.
- great options9
- nice vibe9
- sushi10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Sushi, Ambiance, and Service
If you're searching for a delicious, clean, beautiful, and fresh sushi, Japanese, and Korean style lunch or dinner spot, look no further! This restaurant excels in every aspect, and even has an extra box for never being too crowded. Carmel Sushi offers a truly fresh and stunning, fully elevated ambiance and vibe.
Their menu features the same wildly fresh and expansive offerings and lunch specials that we've always loved. Even my super picky family members were able to find and thoroughly enjoy their chosen dishes. You'll never regret a meal here.
- food10
- ambiance10
- crowded10
What Carmel Sushi offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Carmel Sushi?
At Carmel Sushi, you can look forward to a casual and cozy atmosphere, perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer table service, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for you and your companions. You’ll find healthy options, small plates, and a selection of wine and beer to complement your meal.
What convenient services and parking options does Carmel Sushi provide?
Carmel Sushi offers a range of convenient service options, including dine-in, takeout, delivery, no-contact delivery, and curbside pickup. You’ll also appreciate the free parking lot with usually plenty of parking available, along with wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and seating.
How does Carmel Sushi generally perform according to customer feedback?
Carmel Sushi holds a strong Restaurant Score of 8.3 and a Customer Satisfaction of 84.5%. Customers particularly praise its Ambience (9.1), Food (8.2), and Service (8.1), with Value (7.4) also rated well.
What are the main highlights of dining at Carmel Sushi?
Customers frequently commend Carmel Sushi for its fresh sushi and delicious dishes, alongside an exceptional ambiance that is often described as clean, serene, and tranquil.
Are there any common concerns or areas for improvement at Carmel Sushi?
Some patrons have reported instances of slow service, especially during peak hours, and occasional inconsistencies in food quality. There are also a few mentions of specific pricing issues, such as for green tea or certain menu items.