Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » EE NAMI – San Diego
EE NAMI - San Diego
Photo from EE NAMI
EE NAMI at a glance
San Diego North Clairemont
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 85 of the guests
#421 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#28 Japanese Restaurant out of 36 in San Diego
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
482
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Katsu
- Pleasant Atmosphere
- Fast Service
Frequently criticized
- High Price
- Long Waits
- Difficult Parking
The restaurant EE NAMI is a delightful Japanese Restaurant nestled in San Diego’s North Clairemont neighborhood. You’ll discover a truly cozy atmosphere here, perfect for enjoying authentic flavors.
This spot offers a welcoming and casual setting, making it an ideal choice whether you’re looking for a quiet meal or a trendy dining experience. With its focus on quality and comfort, it quickly becomes a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Overview: Introducting EE NAMI
EE NAMI offers a Japanese dining experience where the food often stands out, particularly for its katsu and pork tonkatsu. Guests frequently praise the service for being fast and friendly, contributing to a generally pleasant atmosphere.
It seems to be a place where the culinary execution is a strong draw for many. However, some diners find the value to be a point of contention, citing concerns about price and small portions.
The ambience can also be a mixed bag, with mentions of parking challenges and occasional cramped conditions. These aspects are worth considering when planning a visit.
Good
7.2
out of 10
482
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
112
negative
47
neutral
323
positive
EE NAMI achieves a solid Restaurant Score of 7.2, indicating a generally positive dining experience. This is largely driven by strong performance in Food (7.7) and Ambience (7.0), both of which are rated as good.
The Service (6.9) also contributes positively, landing just shy of a good rating. These assessments are based on a substantial 482 customer opinions, with 323 positive remarks.
However, Customer Satisfaction stands at 67%, placing it in the mixed category despite the good overall score. This suggests that while many enjoy their visit, there’s room for improvement for some patrons.
The primary area for concern appears to be Value (4.4), which falls into the average range, reflecting some customer reservations about pricing and portions, as seen in the 112 negative comments.
What people like
- Delicious Katsu Dishes
- Pleasant Atmosphere
- Friendly, Fast Service
What people don't like
- High Price Point
- Long Wait Times
- Challenging Parking
EE NAMI generally delivers a good experience, especially if you prioritize well-prepared Japanese food and a welcoming environment. With a Recommendation Score of 7.7, it’s certainly a place many patrons would suggest.
However, be mindful of potential waits and the overall cost, which can add up. If you’re seeking quality katsu and don’t mind paying a bit more, EE NAMI is worth considering.
For those sensitive to pricing or looking for a quick, budget-friendly meal, you might find it less appealing. Plan ahead for parking and potential busy periods to make the most of your visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on EE NAMI
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a good score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at a good 73.9%, its clear that many diners are happy. Out of 276 comments, 204 rave about the authentic Tonkatsu, crispy katsu, and the use of quality ingredients, praising the freshness and taste.
However, not every dish hits the mark. Some diners noted issues like pink pork cutlets and katsu that could be a bit dry. There were also 46 negative remarks about limited vegetarian options and occasionally small portions, which might leave some feeling unsatisfied.
Food
276
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
46
negative
26
neutral
204
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Tonkatsu
- High-quality ingredients
- Crispy, juicy katsu
What people don't like
- Pink pork served
- Katsu can be dry
- Limited vegetarian options
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this authentic Japanese tonkatsu restaurant was fantastic. The service was very good and the food was delicious. I'll definitely come back.
- katsuMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their katsu. I found it to be the best and juiciest katsu in San Diego. I especially recommend the katsu sando during lunch.
- Foodthe food tastes so good
- curryThe curry had pieces of pork, which added extra flavor and depth.
- loin katsuGet the agedashi tofu, squid karaage and loin katsu.
- tonkatsuthe tonkatsu was crispy and light while still being juicy
- Katsu🌎 I highly recommend trying all sorts of dishes; you won’t be disappointed. Some of my favorite dishes include the Spicy cucumber salad, Potato salad with fish eggs, Mexican gulf shrimp, Katsu, and the Chicken nanban. My husband particularly enjoys the menchi cheese / meatball katsu.
- menuTheir menu is pretty extensive whether you're looking for sushi or sashimi offerings
- porkServed with traditional sides like finely shredded cabbage and savory sauce, it’s a focused, high-quality meal. The simple, clean setting lets the exceptional pork shine.
- pork tonkatsuMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the delicious food. I particularly enjoyed the very juicy pork tonkatsu. The staff were also friendly.
Frequently criticized
- appetizersHowever, the menu had limited options, mostly various Katsu dishes. I wanted to try appetizers as mentioned in some reviews, but it seems they're not available for lunch.
- katsu curryordering the katsu curry. My friend noticed when taking the first bite that the pork cutlets were still pink.
- porkdisappointed with the quality of the pork
- pork cutletsthe pork cutlets were still pink.
- pork loinpork loin which is crispy but rather taste less
- portion sizeswish there was more consideration for the portion sizes
- portionsconsidering the small portions
- Japanese sandosJapanese sandos are lunch only
- Japanese yam and crab ikuraJapanese yam and crab ikura is a bit salty
- Shiokosho (salt and pepper)why their katsu is heavy on Shiokosho (salt and pepper)
If youre craving authentic, high-quality Japanese katsu, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of potential portion sizes and check if their vegetarian options suit your taste. Overall, its a strong contender for a delicious meal.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot lands a 6.9, which is pretty good, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 62.2%. Many guests rave about the friendly waitresses, attentive staff, and excellent customer service, often highlighting the speed and accommodating nature of the team. With 74 positive remarks out of 119 total comments, theres a lot to appreciate!
However, not everyone has had a smooth experience. Some folks faced frustratingly long waits, issues with reservations, or felt the customer service was lacking, with a few even mentioning unfriendly staff or unprofessional owner comments. These 35 negative experiences suggest theres room for improvement in consistency, especially regarding wait times and handling guest requests.
Service
119
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
35
negative
10
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent customer service
- Fast serving
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Unfriendly staff
- Reservation issues
Often praised
- servicePortions were generous, and presentation was clean and inviting. Service was fast and friendly, and the atmosphere felt cozy and perfect setting for enjoying a comforting meal. Whether you’re a katsu enthusiast or trying it for the first time, EE NAMI Tonkatsu lzakaya delivers a truly satisfying experience.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of excellent food and service, but with some notable drawbacks in pricing and appetizer quality. The service was great, with fast serving and really nice staff. The food was amazing, offering an authentic Japanese taste and quality.
- ServiceService was very good
- reservationWe called midday on a Saturday and got an 8pm reservation
- reservationsThe dashi-maki, dashi fried rice, and fried garlic were 'MEH'. It’s highly recommended that you make reservations as this restaurant is liked by many and can only sit so many patrons at once. NOTE: they will only split a group tab a maximum of three ways and will only split equally (not itemize who ordered what).
- accommodating serversI particularly enjoyed the agedashi tofu and dashi fried rice. The servers were also extremely nice and accommodating.
- cooks speak Japanesethe cooks speak Japanese which is good
- courteous staffThe staff was courteous
- customer serviceOutstanding customer service
- early dinnerhighly recommend getting in for an early dinner
Frequently criticized
- waitI found the salad dressing could be improved; offering options like Japanese sesame or yuzu vinaigrette would have enhanced the overall flavors. I highly recommend making a reservation, as the wait can be quite long without one. The service was rated 5/5, atmosphere 4/5, and food 5/5.
- wait time" After waiting for 30 minutes, I was informed the wait would be 45 minutes. This extended to an hour, and then I was told to wait another hour. It felt like a total waste of time.
- serviceThis contrasts with other restaurants that have offered indoor waiting and even ice water. The service was also perceived as unkind. Overall, the food tasted bad, and the overall experience was disappointing.
- Immigrant workershire immigrant workers who aren't legally allowed to work
- Owner commentsowner made unprofessional / disrespectful comments
- Servicethe service was bad
- cookcook staring me down and mouthing to himself
- customer serviceHorrible customer service, unfriendly staff
- free tablesMy experience at the restaurant was frustrating due to the incompetent hostess. She asked me to wait for 20 minutes, claiming all free tables were reserved, even though some tables were clearly not marked as reserved. It seemed like she was too lazy to look into the back room.
- hostthe host wouldn't seat us
If you're planning a visit, definitely make a reservation to avoid potential long waits. While the service can be truly excellent and attentive, be prepared for a mixed bag if you walk in without a booking.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a good note, with a score of 7, indicating a good overall experience. While customer satisfaction sits at a 66.1%, suggesting a mixed bag for some, many guests (41 out of 62 comments!) loved the cozy atmosphere, relaxing vibe, and clean setting. Positive mentions frequently highlighted the atmosphere, vibe, patio, and even parking as contributing to a pleasant experience, with some enjoying the friendly atmosphere and heaters for outside seating.
However, not everyone was thrilled, with 14 comments pointing out some drawbacks. The main concerns revolved around the busy and small space, leading to limited seating and a feeling of being cramped. Some found the outdoor seating unpleasant due to cold or heat, and a few even mentioned off-putting vibes or difficulty with parking, suggesting that while the atmosphere can be great, it's not always perfect.
Ambience
62
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
14
negative
7
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Heated patio
- Clean setting
What people don't like
- Cramped space
- Unpleasant outdoor
- Off-putting vibes
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was great, with large portions that were very satisfying. The staff was warm and welcoming, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. I'm glad my friends, who are regulars, introduced me to this place.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- parkingThe prices are a bit "boogie, " so it's likely a place to go infrequently, but really, if you want to celebrate. Parking is abundant, and the feel of everything was top-notch.
- ambiencethe ambience was great
- vibeand the vibe was good
- casual outside diningreally casual outside dining place
- cleanand clean
- feel of everythingThe feel of everything was top notch
- friendly atmospherefriendly atmosphere
- funFood, service, and fun.
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking:Crowded strip mall parking, don't take the land tank SUV here.
- Parking spaceParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
- atmosphereI would not recommend this restaurant. The space is super small and there is no atmosphere. The food options included fried pork, chicken/cabbage salad, or curry.
- busyThey get crazy busy
- chairsI especially enjoyed the side topping that came with the fried garlic, though I’m unsure what it was exactly. The atmosphere is decent but a bit cramped, and the chairs are super loud on the floor indoors. A container of tonkatsu sauce on the table basically exploded when I finally wrenched the cap off, as it was frozen on.
- cold nightWe were sat outside during a cold night
- courtyardseated in the courtyard under the sun. It was quite hot
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- placethe place smells horrible
- restaurant environmentyour awful restaurant environment
If youre looking for a cozy spot with a good vibe and dont mind potentially limited seating, this place could be a great fit, especially if you can snag a heated patio spot. However, if you prefer spacious dining or are sensitive to noise and crowds, you might find the ambience a bit challenging, particularly during busy times.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few diners found the prices reasonable, with some even feeling their meal was worth it. For instance, one guest noted getting two full meals with drinks for a decent sum, including tip. While only 4 positive remarks out of 25 total comments touched on this, it shows that some guests did find the experience to be a fair deal.
However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, with a low customer satisfaction of just 16% and an average score of 4.4. Many felt the prices were steep, especially for lunch and items like katsu, often citing small portions and extra charges for basics like rice. With 17 negative remarks, it's clear that many found the price point to be on the higher end, questioning if the quality justified the cost.
Value
25
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
17
negative
4
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- Steep prices
- Extra charge for rice
- Small portions
Often praised
- 20% tipI did 20% exactly
- price2 full meals w 2 drinks rice and miso soul all for $90 *with tip*
- pricesPrices were reasonable
- worth itbut worth it imo
Frequently criticized
- priceIt was mind-blowing how sub par the katsudon bowl was. Charging $22 for a bowl that should be $4 is insane. This feels like another typical U.
- Deluxe menuthe Deluxe menu made me wonder if it was really worth the price
- Japanese restaurantsCan get better at other Japanese restaurants
- charge extra for riceWhile the food was okay, with the pork being decent, the portions were disappointingly small. They also annoyingly charge extra for rice. If you're hungry, expect to spend $40+/person, which feels like too much.
- group tabIt’s highly recommended that you make reservations as this restaurant is liked by many and can only sit so many patrons at once. NOTE: they will only split a group tab a maximum of three ways and will only split equally (not itemize who ordered what). It might be best if one person pays and the rest reimburse via Venmo/PayPal/Apple Pay/etc.
- lunchwe spent close to 100 dollars for lunch
- lunch menumost of the lunch menu was kind of pricy
- price pointthe price point seems a bit higher than expected
- pricesGiven the quality, the prices are steep
- pricey for katsua little pricey for katsu
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially higher bill, especially if youre hungry or ordering specific items. While a few found it reasonable, the majority felt the value wasnt quite there, often due to smaller portions or extra charges. It might be worth it for a specific experience, but dont expect a budget-friendly meal.
How are the prices at EE NAMI?
You’re looking at roughly 39 per person – reported by 85 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what other diners spend, we see a good mix. While many guests tend to spend a bit less, often in the $21–$30 range, theres also a significant group spending more, around $41–$50. So, while 39 is a solid mid-range price, its part of a broader spread of spending habits.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 85 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Diego. It offers a good balance, sitting comfortably in that mid-range sweet spot.
Customer Reviews: what people think about EE NAMI
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Fantastic Curry and Crispy Tonkatsu!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the curry, which was excellent, and the tonkatsu was perfectly prepared – crispy and light while remaining juicy. I highly recommend this place.
Be sure to reserve a seat ahead of time or arrive right when they open, as there is typically a line.
- curry9
- tonkatsu10
- reserve a seat8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Consistently Excellent Food and Service
My wife and I are regulars here, and we keep returning for a straightforward reason: the food is consistently excellent. Every dish is prepared with care, featuring clean and balanced flavors. The quality never falters, even when the restaurant is busy.
The service is equally reliable. The staff are attentive without being intrusive, efficient without rushing, and genuinely friendly. It's clear this is a place that takes pride in consistently doing things well.
- food10
- flavors9
- quality10
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Incredible Japanese Curry Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was a 100/10! It was my partner's birthday, and we were fortunate to secure a last-minute reservation. Everything, from the service to the food, was absolutely incredible.
The A5 wagyu salad, stewed pork belly, and the tonkotsu curry with pork were divine. I've tried many Japanese curry places, and none compare to the one I had tonight. I was highly impressed by the speed at which everything was served, in addition to its freshness and fantastic quality.
Our server, Andrea, was exceptionally kind, attentive, and honest with our choices. She recommended other dishes without being pushy to order the most expensive items. Andrea was truly amazing and the perfect addition to a great dinner.
I will definitely be returning!
- service10
- food10
- A5 wagyu salad10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Fantastic Izakaya Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing, encompassing food, service, and fun. As a first-timer at an Izakaya-style restaurant, I wasn't sure what to expect. We were seated on the patio, which was a warm and inviting space with ample tables and heat lamps.
The service and sake selection were top-notch. My friend, Sakeman, a sake distributor, even declared it one of the best Izakaya restaurants he had visited. He took the lead on ordering, and every dish we tried was fantastic – fresh, flavorful, interesting, and simply delicious.
The owner was also amazing, checking on us multiple times and even joining us for some fun toasts. I highly recommend this place for a Japanese dinner experience that's a step above the usual sushi spots.
- food10
- service10
- fun9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Outstanding Katsu Curry!
My experience at this katsu restaurant was outstanding! I love tonkatsu, especially katsu curry, and this place truly delivered. The katsu was incredibly crispy and tender, among the best I've had recently.
The curry flavor was classically delicious and perfectly complemented the pork. We also enjoyed excellent appetizers, and the service was on point. With reasonable prices and plenty of parking, I highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be back!
- katsu10
- curry flavor9
- appetizers9
What EE NAMI offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at EE NAMI?
At EE NAMI, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and quiet atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal. You can enjoy table service for lunch or dinner, with comfortable seating available. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating for those who prefer dining al fresco.
What services and accessibility features does EE NAMI provide?
EE NAMI offers convenient dine-in, takeout, and delivery services. For parking, you’ll benefit from free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms.
What is the overall customer sentiment for EE NAMI?
EE NAMI has a Restaurant Score of 7.2 and Customer Satisfaction of 67%. Food (7.7) and Ambience (7.0) are well-regarded, though Value (4.4) receives more mixed feedback.
What are the highlights of EE NAMI's menu?
Customers frequently commend the katsu dishes, especially the pork tonkatsu, for being delicious and authentic. Many find the food to have an excellent taste and quality.
What are some potential drawbacks when visiting EE NAMI?
Diners occasionally mention concerns about the price being high for the portions offered. Parking can be challenging, and some experiences include long wait times for service or a table.