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oChef » Ginza Sushi – San Diego
Ginza Sushi - San Diego
Photo from Ginza Sushi
Ginza Sushi at a glance
San Diego Rancho Bernardo
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 35 of the guests
#483 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#31 Japanese Restaurant out of 36 in San Diego
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
304
Reviews
66.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Budget friendly
- Quality sushi
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Dirty tables
- Bland food
- Slow service
The restaurant Ginza Sushi, a Japanese Restaurant in San Diego’s Rancho Bernardo neighborhood, offers you a cozy and casual dining experience. You can look forward to a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy healthy options and small plates, perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a relaxed meal, this spot provides a comfortable setting for you to unwind.
Overview: Introducting Ginza Sushi
Ginza Sushi offers a dining experience that often hits the mark for those seeking good value and fresh ingredients. Many patrons highlight the `fresh fish` and `great value` as standout features, making it a popular choice for a casual meal.
The `friendly staff` also contributes positively to the overall visit. However, the restaurant isn’t without its areas for improvement.
Some guests have expressed concerns regarding the `atmosphere`, specifically mentioning `sticky tables` and a less inviting interior. Occasional reports of `bland food` also suggest an inconsistent culinary experience.
Good
6.9
out of 10
304
Reviews
66.4%
Satisfaction
83
negative
19
neutral
202
positive
Ginza Sushi holds an overall score of 6.9, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 66.4%. This assessment is drawn from 304 customer observations, comprising 202 positive and 83 negative remarks, indicating a generally favorable but not overwhelmingly enthusiastic reception.
Looking closer at the specifics, `Value` stands out with a solid (7.2), suggesting diners feel they get a good return for their money. `Food` (6.9) and `Service` (6.9) are both considered average, providing a consistent, if not exceptional, experience.
The `Ambience` (6.2) is where some improvements could be made, as it received the lowest score among the topics.
What people like
- Great value for money
- Fresh and varied sushi
- Friendly, efficient service
What people don't like
- Unclean tables
- Inconsistent food quality
- Long waiting times
With a recommendation score of 7, Ginza Sushi presents a decent option, particularly if you prioritize good value and fresh sushi. It’s a place that can satisfy your cravings without necessarily breaking the bank, especially if you catch their deals.
However, be prepared for an atmosphere that might not always impress and occasional service inconsistencies. If you’re seeking a casual meal with solid offerings and don’t mind a few rough edges, it’s certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ginza Sushi
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners are raving about the diverse offerings, with 121 positive remarks highlighting everything from fresh sushi and specialty rolls to authentic Korean flavors and hearty bibimbap. While the overall score sits at an average 6.9, customer satisfaction is a mixed 67.2%, suggesting a varied experience. However, not every dish hits the mark.
Some 46 negative comments point to concerns like small portions, inconsistent quality, and issues with MSG or blandness in certain items, particularly ramen that some felt tasted like store-bought packs.
Food
180
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
46
negative
13
neutral
121
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh sushi
- Authentic Korean food
- Diverse menu options
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Inconsistent quality
- MSG concerns
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around outstanding food. The prices were also a highlight, making the overall experience worth the wait.
- sushiI ordered a large meal for one and they had it all ready in 10 minutes. Plus, they were having a special on their sushi! Always a plus.
- Korean foodKorean food and Japanese food are great
- fishThe fish seems fresh and of good quality
- menuThe restaurant boasts a modern and sleek interior, complemented by friendly and attentive staff. The menu offers a wide variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes. I particularly recommend the lemon salmon roll, made with fresh salmon, avocado, cucumber, and a hint of lemon, and the dragon roll, featuring tempura shrimp, avocado, cucumber, eel, and eel sauce.
- Korean disheswhy they have Korean dishes at a Japanese restaurant because what matters is that it’s really good
- dragon rollThe service was incredible! We ordered 4 specialty rolls (crunchy roll, sunny roll, dragon roll, and a salmon roll), 2 miso soups, and 1 unfiltered sake. The bill was $55!
- pork soupI ordered the pork soup. I noticed a lot of MSG and saltiness, but it suited my taste and was delicious. However, I felt the portion size was a bit small, which was a shame.
- rollsBoth rolls are delicious and fresh
- specialty rollsThis place was delicious! We ordered 4 specialty rolls
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food tasted bland and seemed to be made from store-bought ramen packs. Furthermore, the server wasn't very attentive, and our order was wrong.
- miso soupThe portions are now very small. The miso soup has NO seaweed in it at all. They were out of nigori sake and draft beer.
- ramenRamen is bad. It is definitely instant noodles cooked in some kind of broth.
- MSGVERY sensitive to MSG
- RollaRolla were cold.
- albacorealbacore same as yellowtail
- beef miso ramenIt tasted like water that had greasy beef thrown into it
- dinner specialsThey used to have dinner specials with very large high quality sashimi portions
- draft beerThey were out of draft beer
- fishhis fish was not good
If youre looking for a diverse menu with some standout fresh sushi and authentic Korean options, its worth a try. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in quality and portion sizes, especially with certain dishes.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had truly wonderful experiences! Out of 73 total comments, 46 were glowing, highlighting super friendly staff, quick service, and excellent hospitality. Many praised the attentive servers and owners, noting how quickly food came out and how accommodating everyone was, contributing to a solid 6.9 score.
However, not everyone had such a smooth experience, with 24 negative opinions pointing to some areas for improvement, leading to a 63% customer satisfaction. Some found the service slow, servers inattentive, and experienced long waiting times to be seated or get their check. There were also mentions of order errors and concerns about staff not taking proper precautions.
Service
73
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
24
negative
3
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Inattentive staff
- Long waits
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was SUPER nice, even with COVID-19 restrictions putting stress on everyone. I also experienced quick service. I ordered a large meal for one and they had it all ready in 10 minutes.
- staffstaff is happy to help navigate the selections
- customer serviceThe foods were the best and fresh, and the price was excellent. The staff were very friendly and provided great customer service. This was our fourth visit this month, and we were very satisfied.
- ownerThe owner, was very nice and accommodating.
- ServiceService was fast and friendly.
- friendlyfriendly and amazing food
- serverOur server was super nice and attentive.
- SatisfiedSatisfied
- came quicklyMy experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. The food was delicious and came quickly after ordering. I was impressed with the great price for everything.
- experienceEvery time we eat here, it's amazing. Tony is the ultimate host and always elevates our experience to the next level. We bring all our guests here and they love it!
Frequently criticized
- serviceoverall the service was not great at all
- serverserver was very attentive to every other person but us
- waiting timeMy experience at the restaurant involved being told it would take 20 minutes to be seated, but we ended up waiting for an hour. This was a significant delay from the initial estimate.
- ManagerManager/Owner Rude
- checkIt took a long time to get my check
- chefneither chef was wearing a hairnet, nor gloves
- customer servicenearby restaurants that have better customer service
- disrespectedFelt very disrespected.
- hand washingWith no hand washing in between
- masksNo masks, or on the chin masks
Overall, service here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. While many rave about the friendly and quick staff, be prepared for the possibility of slower service or longer waits during busy times. If you value a warm welcome and don't mind a potential wait, it might be worth a try.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
Stepping inside, many guests rave about the cozy atmosphere and the palpable positive energy that makes it feel like a welcoming, family-owned place. With 15 positive comments out of 25 total, the nice interior, convenient location, and even the music often contribute to a wonderful experience. Yet, the overall vibe is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.2 putting it squarely in the average range and customer satisfaction at a mixed 60%.
Some diners found the restaurant's appearance a bit drab or even depressing, and there were concerns about sticky tables and shabby seating. Parking can also be a challenge, as noted in 9 negative comments.
Ambience
25
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Positive energy
- Nice location
What people don't like
- Sticky tables
- Shabby seating
- Drab appearance
Often praised
- atmosphereDespite only one server managing multiple tables shortly after opening on a Sunday, she was incredibly friendly, efficient, and attentive. For those craving authentic Korean flavors in a cozy and inviting atmosphere, this spot is a must-visit. Whether you're reminiscing about home-cooked meals or seeking a delicious and satisfying dining experience, you won't be disappointed.
- busy placethis place is seriously busy too!
- experiencevery nice to go
- family owned placeIt feels like a family owned place.
- interiorLocated conveniently in the Plaza at Rancho Bernardo, it's a great spot for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant boasts a modern and sleek interior, complemented by friendly and attentive staff. The menu offers a wide variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes.
- locationnice location
- musiclove the music in the restaurant too
- positive energyI feel so much positive energy
- space50, the quality was very good. The interior looked like a decent place with lots of space and a cosy atmosphere. I'm happy I gave this place a try and will definitely keep it on my list of go-to spots when I'm craving decent sushi, especially since RB Sushi's prices have increased significantly.
- wonderful experienceAll in all a wonderful experience
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe whole place is kind of depressing looking overall
- bench seatThe bench seat had a huge old hole
- experienceJust overall a disgusting experience
- hygienic practicesraised significant concerns about hygienic practices
- parkingParking can be limiting
- restaurant's appearancerestaurant's appearance inside and out was a bit drab
- seatingThere is no excuse for such shabby & dirty seating.
- tablethe table grossed me out.
- tablesThe side dishes, cucumber salad, cubed radish kimchi, and regular kimchi, all paired well with the pork soup. It would be better if the tables were cleaner; they felt sticky.
If youre seeking a generally cozy vibe with positive energy, youll likely find something to enjoy here. Just be aware that some aspects of the decor and cleanliness, particularly with tables and seating, might not meet everyone's expectations.
Value (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.2, which is good, and customer satisfaction is also strong at 76.9%. Many diners rave about lunch specials and 50% off deals, especially for sushi and hand rolls, finding the prices to be cheap and offering great value. With 20 positive opinions out of 26 total, it seems like a lot of folks feel they get a lot for their money.
However, not everyone is convinced, with 4 negative opinions suggesting some caution. A few customers felt that certain rolls were overpriced due to markups, leading them to feel it was a waste money situation. Some even advised to Save your money, noting that the price had increased significantly for a perceived drop in quality.
Value
26
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Half-off lunch specials
- Great happy hour prices
- Excellent value for money
What people don't like
- Marked-up roll prices
- Higher price, lower quality
- Waste money, time
Often praised
- pricesThe prices are great for happy hour
- billit was taken off the bill which is nice
- priceI can't get fish this good back home for under $120, and even then, the portions are minuscule. Here, I was absolutely stuffed and dreaming of more for under $75. It was truly an amazing dining experience.
- 50% off dealstheir 50% off deals.
- best priceBest price
- cheapcheap especially the sushi rolls
- good valuehappy hour rolls are a good value
- great priceGreat food at a great price
- hand rollsHand rolls wer $4 so there was value there.
- happy hourfifty percent off which is really great value for money
Frequently criticized
- Save your moneySave your money and eat jack n the box next door
- priceprice is now much higher, too, but for a fraction of pre-covid quality/quantity
- rollsThe rolls are "half price" because they mark up the price to $28
- waste moneydo not waste money or time
If youre looking for great deals, especially on lunch specials or happy hour, this place could be a real winner for your wallet. Just be mindful of potential markups on certain items, as some feel the regular prices might not always deliver the same bang for your buck. Overall, its worth checking out for those specific promotions.
How are the prices at Ginza Sushi?
You’re looking at roughly $28 per person – reported by 35 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.
While many other Japanese spots in the area tend to cluster in the slightly lower $11–$20 range, this place offers a step up, with a few even pricier options out there for those special occasions.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 35 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value 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 between quality and cost, especially when you consider the range of options available in the city.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ginza Sushi
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food tasted bland and seemed to be made from store-bought ramen packs. Furthermore, the server wasn't very attentive, and our order was wrong.
The overall experience with food and service was a letdown.
- food2
- store-bought ramen packs2
- server2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Delivery
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
My Favorite Sushi Spot!
This is now my favorite sushi spot! I order sushi from here about once a week and have loved it every time!
- sushi10
- food10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
2
Disappointing Experience with Poor Service and Food
I was initially very excited to dine here, but my experience quickly fell short of expectations. Upon entering, I was told to sit down, but then waited 10-15 minutes before a server approached to ask if we were ready, without even providing menus. It felt as though the server was attentive to other tables but not ours.
After another 10 minutes of waiting for menus, we finally had the chance to order. The overall service was not great. I hoped it was just an off day, but then we received our food.
There was a hair in the sushi, which was incredibly unappetizing and made it impossible to continue eating. I noticed that neither chef was wearing a hairnet or gloves, and they were handling various foods with bare hands. It was a disgusting experience overall.
I managed to get the server's attention and informed them about the hair, and it was removed from the bill, which was appreciated. However, I will definitely never return to this restaurant.
- bill7
- server2
- service2
- hair in the sushi1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Go-to Sushi Spot with Great Stew
This is our go-to sushi place. My husband loves the Korean beef rib stew. All the sushi is fantastic and the warm sake is so nice when it’s chilly outside.
- Korean beef rib stew9
- sushi10
- warm sake8
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Excellent Service, Great Sushi, Daily Visit
My experience at this restaurant has been consistently excellent. The customer service is outstanding, and the sushi is truly great, especially considering the prices. I visit every day because they always have food out really quickly.
It's a must try!
- customer service10
- sushi9
- prices9
What Ginza Sushi offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- 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
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Ginza Sushi?
At Ginza Sushi, you can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. They offer a variety of small plates, healthy options, and happy hour drinks, including wine and beer. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal, you’ll find comfortable seating and table service.
Does Ginza Sushi offer convenient services and accessibility?
Yes, Ginza Sushi provides dine-in, takeout, and delivery. You’ll find free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Ginza Sushi rate overall?
Ginza Sushi has an overall score of 6.9, indicating an average experience. Its Value scores 7.2, Food 6.9, Service 6.9, and Ambience 6.2, reflecting a balanced but not exceptional performance across key areas.
What do customers appreciate most about Ginza Sushi?
Diners frequently praise Ginza Sushi for its fresh fish and great value, especially during happy hour. The friendly and efficient staff also contribute positively to the dining experience.
Are there any common concerns at Ginza Sushi?
Some customers have noted issues with the restaurant’s atmosphere, including sticky tables and a less inviting interior. There are also occasional reports of bland food or longer waiting times for service.