EE NAMI - Reviews

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

My experience at Ee Nami has been consistently exceptional over the past five years. This neighborhood gem is truly the best Japanese restaurant in San Diego. Chef Jumon, the Osaka-raised restaurateur, has masterfully created an authentic izakaya that feels natural and unforced. His understanding of comfort food transcends language, evident in dishes like the pork tonkatsu. It features thick cuts of pork coated in artisan panko, fried to a perfect crisp while remaining incredibly tender. The katsu curry is a visual and culinary delight, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia. While the pork is a standout, neglecting other offerings would be a mistake. The sashimi is always fresh, and the small plates, from crispy cucumbers to salads with character and Hokkaido scallops, are impressive. The rice bowls are a comforting treat, perfect for a cold day. What keeps me returning is Chef Jumon's dynamic approach to the menu, with new specials and rotating sake selections. The space is constantly being refined, and they host great community events. The staff and service are outstanding; they genuinely seem happy to be there, and many have been with the restaurant for years. Ee Nami has become a go-to spot for me, and I always bring visiting friends here. It delivers authentic transportive experiences without feeling overly theatrical. Jumon has successfully built a proper izakaya in San Diego that feels like it belongs. Kanpai!

My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The freshness and taste of the food were exceptional. It was totemo oishii desu yo (very delicious)! I especially enjoyed the Katsu curry, which was 🔥. The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a 5-star rating. I will definitely come back here again!

My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true hidden gem with menu highlights including the tofu, Wagyu sushi, and katsu. I also enjoyed a wonderful sake with floral notes, expertly suggested by the owner, Jumon. I can't wait to go back and highly recommend coming hungry!

My experience at this restaurant was horrible due to unfriendly staff and a generally awful restaurant environment. Upon arrival, we were told we couldn't bring our drinks in and were offered to have them kept at the bar. Before being seated, I noticed the cook staring and mouthing words, which I later understood to be a threat that our food wouldn't be made if I continued drinking my beverage. This was insulting and shocking. When I inquired, the other owner showed no empathy, offering insincere apologies. Consequently, we left minutes after ordering due to this misconduct from the owners. The place also smells horrible. They edited their initial response, but we never received any food. The owner laughed at me, and his wife feigned an apology. The vibes are just so off. If you're seeking authentic and friendly Japanese food, look elsewhere. I've had food here before and can honestly say both times, whether eating or not, I left unsatisfied.

Wow, wow, wow. I was very impressed with this place. Everything was good, and the service was spot on. We waited about twenty minutes, which was justified given we did not have an appointment. The 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.