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oChef » Glass Box – San Diego
Glass Box - San Diego
Photo from Glass Box
Glass Box at a glance
San Diego Del Mar Heights
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 67 of the guests
#357 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#23 Japanese Restaurant out of 36 in San Diego
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
597
Reviews
73.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Value concerns
- Parking difficulty
The restaurant Glass Box San Diego is a Japanese Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Del Mar Heights neighborhood of San Diego. You’ll find a dining experience that blends upscale ambiance with a casual, trendy vibe.
This spot is known for its diverse menu, offering everything from healthy options to delightful small plates, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
Overview: Introducting Glass Box
Glass Box offers a dining experience where the culinary creations often shine, drawing many positive remarks for their thoughtful preparation. However, some guests have noted inconsistencies in the overall value proposition, suggesting that while certain aspects impress, others might not fully justify the cost.
The ambiance generally receives praise for its appealing setting, contributing to a pleasant visit. Yet, a few patrons have pointed out challenges with parking and occasional noise levels, which can detract from an otherwise enjoyable atmosphere.
Good
7.4
out of 10
597
Reviews
73.4%
Satisfaction
138
negative
21
neutral
438
positive
Glass Box holds a solid overall rating of 7.4, indicating a generally good dining experience, complemented by a strong 73.4% customer satisfaction rate. This suggests that most diners leave content with their visit, finding the restaurant meets their expectations.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 597 customer observations, with 438 positive remarks outweighing 138 negative ones. Looking closer, the Food (7.6) is a clear highlight, frequently praised for its quality and preparation.
Ambience (7.8) also scores well, creating a pleasant backdrop for meals. While Service (7.2) is generally good, some experiences suggest room for improvement.
The Value (5.3) aspect, however, sits in the average range, indicating that while some find it worthwhile, others feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the offering.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Attentive service staff
- Pleasant dining atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value perception
- Challenging parking
- Occasional service issues
If you’re considering Glass Box, anticipate a culinary experience that often impresses, particularly with its well-regarded dishes and appealing setting. While the Recommendation Score of 7.7 suggests a generally positive outlook, be mindful that the overall pricing might not always feel justified for every guest.
It’s a place worth trying if you prioritize quality food and a good atmosphere, especially during their popular happy hour. However, if you’re sensitive to price points or expect flawless service every time, you might find certain aspects a mixed bag.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Glass Box
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at 77.6%, diners frequently praise the freshness of sushi, the creative omakase experience, and the overall quality and flavors. Based on 291 positive remarks out of 375 total comments, many found the dishes expertly prepared and delicious.
However, not every dish is a home run. Some guests noted disappointment with the fish flavor, issues with sushi rice, and inconsistent portions. There were also comments about certain items being greasy.
These points, from 73 negative opinions, suggest there's still room for improvement in consistency across the menu.
Food
375
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
73
negative
11
neutral
291
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh ingredients
- Quality sushi
- Flavor explosion
What people don't like
- Subpar fish quality
- Poor sushi rice
- Greasy items
Often praised
- foodThe atmosphere was also excellent, rated a 5 out of 5, and the noise level was quiet, making conversation easy. The only bummer of the evening was them not acknowledging at all the Birthday we were celebrating : / Besides that downer everything else was great.
- sushiI loved the location, the vibe, and the layout. We enjoyed a variety of staples, including Orange Chicken, Noodles, Egg Rolls, and sushi. All of it was high quality, expertly prepared, and plated well.
- drinksThe drinks are also super tasty and incredible
- oystersShe was particularly attentive to my father, who doesn't usually eat Asian cuisine, and he ended up raving about his food and her service. We enjoyed a wide variety of dishes, including many sushi rolls, nigiri, short ribs, beef bulgogi, orange chicken, oysters, and tuna tartare. I 20 out of 10 recommend this place and cannot stress enough how amazing the service was!
- FoodFood:4
- cocktailsI had the best salmon belly I’ve ever had in San Diego. The happy hour was really great, featuring $6 cocktails and $1 oysters. Everything about the meal was terrific.
- miso soupWe ordered one meal from the Restaurant Week menu, along with other items. The food was very good, featuring delicious miso soup, fresh salmon sushi, and a crude appetizer. My husband's entree, the beef cheek with mole sauce, was very tender with a hint of anise in the mole.
- omakaseThe omakase was maybe the best sushi experience we’ve ever had.
- sushi rollsThe service was excellent, and the food was delicious. We tried several sushi rolls and main dishes, and everything was perfect. We’re visiting San Diego and can’t wait to come back!
- happy hourenjoyed the happy hour
Frequently criticized
- poke nachosordered the poke nachos, and woke up today with stomach pain
- fishThe only significant difference was the price; for $20-30 per roll, I expected much better quality fish. Unfortunately, the fish was not fresh at all, likely the cheapest sushi-grade fish available. The sushi rice was awful, and the seaweed papers were also of very low quality.
- foodthe food was not so great at all
- portionsSmall portions for Happy Hour
- salmon14day old salmon from 99Ranch. Just pitiful.
- sushi rollstheir sushi rolls come apart and super sticky
- Aji SashimiOrdered Aji Sashimi, they got bones & scales!
- California rollThe California roll isn’t real crab and it was really gross
- Japanese pumpkin saladJapanese pumpkin salad was without pumpkin
- Omakase Experience sushiMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I had a chicken salad and an Omakase Experience sushi. The chicken was dry and overcooked.
If you're seeking fresh, high-quality sushi and an exciting omakase experience, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some non-sushi items or specific rolls might not always live up to the same high standard.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.2 score, which is quite good! Many customers, 71 out of 103, raved about the attentive and friendly staff, often highlighting the amazing chefs and the great, engaging experience they provide. They really know how to take care of you.
However, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 68.9%, there are some areas for improvement. About 29 opinions mentioned issues like terrible or slow service, with some staff members being inattentive or even rude. It seems consistency can be a challenge.
Service
103
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
29
negative
3
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Engaging, amazing chefs
- Great overall experience
What people don't like
- Terrible, slow service
- Inattentive staff
- Service inconsistencies
Often praised
- serviceIt wasn't too much, but if you're sensitive to spice, you might want to be cautious, lol. The place itself is great, and the service was perfect – very attentive and spot on. I highly recommend making this a regular dinner spot; you won't go wrong.
- staffI was pleasantly surprised to discover it located in the middle of Skydeck, and I'm SO HAPPY I found it. We were seated immediately without a reservation (it was a Tuesday), and the staff were very attentive. I enjoyed the sashimi, while my boyfriend had the fried rice.
- ServiceService was amazing
- serverOur server was SOOOO kind and sweet
- Chef EthanChef Ethan is amazing, he took our party on a culinary trip
- chefsThe chefs here really know what they are doing
- sushi chefKevin was our sushi chef and he did a phenomenal job
- Chef Ethan YangChef Ethan Yang is amazing and very friendly
- Chef IvanEC Ethan and Chef Ivan were phenomenal and very involved
- Chef KevinChef Kevin was the best! He asked what types of flavors I usually like
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marred by the worst service I have ever experienced, particularly during what seemed to be an anomaly related to the Mother's Day all-you-can-eat brunch. Despite a 2-hour AYCE period, most of our orders never arrived, requiring multiple reminders (3+ times).
- experienceIf you do not want to work until the time your hours say you close, you should close earlier or find a different job. This was a terrible first, and definitely last, experience here.
- serverMiddle aged expressionless male server came asked us to order, no greetings, no thank you after getting bill
- waiting timeThe service was not superb or ideal, and the food was very mediocre. I had to wait for the waiter to bring us to a table, even though there were only two other customers present on a Saturday. The ingredients were not as fresh as they could have been, and the taste was pretty mediocre.
- BirthdayThe atmosphere was also excellent, rated a 5 out of 5, and the noise level was quiet, making conversation easy. The only bummer of the evening was them not acknowledging at all the Birthday we were celebrating : / Besides that downer everything else was great.
- ServerNotified the server, they did nothing!
- ServiceService:1
- business practicesOnce we ordered, our order was immediately refunded because they said the kitchen wasn’t taking orders any longer. These are terrible business practices. To make matters worse, I fully understand Spanish.
- chef/staffChef/staff did seem a little inattentive or distracted
- employeesTo make matters worse, I fully understand Spanish. When you have 3 employees standing around laughing and talking sh1+ because they think you don’t understand, on top of the terrible service, you don’t deserve to be in business. Not only will I not be giving my business here, but I will make every effort to ensure that no one else has the opportunity to be treated so poorly by Glass Box.
If youre looking for a place where the chefs can truly shine and the staff are often attentive, its definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that while many have a great experience, there's a chance you might encounter some inconsistencies in service, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at a solid 78.4%. Based on 74 opinions, with 58 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the overall atmosphere, cool vibe, beautiful setting, and the engaging sushi bar experience. Many found the place visually gorgeous, offering a great and memorable experience.
However, it's not without its quirks, as 13 negative opinions point out. Some found parking to be a hassle, and a few mentioned noisy surroundings, uncomfortable seating, or an awkward table layout. The atmosphere can sometimes be perceived as loud, detracting from an otherwise pleasant visit.
Ambience
74
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Gorgeous visual appeal
- Great atmosphere, vibe
- Inviting sushi bar
What people don't like
- Parking can be tough
- Loud, noisy surroundings
- Uncomfortable seating, layout
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was incredible, and the cocktails were amazing. I also loved the super cool atmosphere. This is definitely my new favorite sushi restaurant in San Diego.
- experienceHad a great experience going on our date night.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placethe place was very awesome
- vibeI love the vibe so may go back and try something else next time.
- ambianceThe ambiance, sushi bar experience, creativity into their dishes/sushi is absolutely phenomenal.
- locationthe location is actually very nice and fun
- restauranthe really cares about his restaurant
- vibesthe vibes are impeccable
- Del Mar areaDel mar is an amazing area
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking can be a hassle in this parking lot.
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- ambiancepaying for the ambiance
- atmospherethe atmosphere is very loud
- awkward tableawkward table that was in the middle of a crowded walkway
- cheap furniturewith cheap furniture
- noiseOnly negative is the noise around the restaurant
- noisy surroundingsand noisy surroundings
- seatsthe seats hard and not very comfortable
- settingsThe settings are strange
If you're looking for a visually appealing spot with a great vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out, especially for the sushi bar experience. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and a possibly lively, noisy atmosphere, which might not suit everyone looking for a quiet meal.
Value (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a silver lining, especially if you know when to go! Many guests rave about the "happy hours" and "Happy Hour specials, " calling them "unreal" and "highly recommended. " They often find the experience "worth it, " with some praising specific deals like the "3 courses for $50" as "so worthy" for the "price.
"However, the overall picture is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction at 40% and an average score of 5.3. Out of 45 customer opinions, 23 point to concerns, frequently mentioning that its Overpriced and pricey. Many feel the Quality does not match the price, and the mandatory 20% gratuity also impacts the perceived value.
Value
45
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
23
negative
4
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent happy hour
- Specific course deals
- Worth it (for some)
What people don't like
- Overpriced for quality
- Mandatory gratuity
- Regular menu pricey
Often praised
- happy hourlooking forward to checking out their happy hour
- priceThe vibes are impeccable, the drinks were well done, and the sushi was thoughtfully crafted, leaving me salivating for more. I give it a 10/10 and would definitely recommend it; it's worth the price.
- pricesprices are honestly fair
- 3 courses for $50I had a 3 courses for $50 and my husband ordered a 4 courses option for $65. Both of them are so worthy
- 4 courses option for $65I had a 3 courses for $50 and my husband ordered a 4 courses option for $65. Both of them are so worthy
- ExpensiveExpensive but worth it!
- Happy HourThe Happy Hour is unreal
- Happy Hour specialsthe Happy Hour specials are unreal!!!
- foodbut worth it
- happy hourshighly recommended (for happy hours)
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing, especially considering the price. I found the food to be overrated and overpriced. The poke nachos, priced at $24, were mostly imitation crab with a very small amount of salmon and tuna.
- priceyIt's a great sushi spot in the area with good quality. However, it was a bit pricey for what it is. I was able to walk in and get seating without any issues.
- OverpricedOverpriced for what you get
- foodThe food is pricey
- gratuitymandatory 20% gratuity regardless of party size
- restaurant price rangeThe sushi rice was awful, and the seaweed papers were also of very low quality. It was low-quality sushi at a mid to high restaurant price range. For now, it's an absolute NO for me!
- rollAt $27 a roll, you would think their fish would be better
- total billtotal came out to $80 which felt like a lot
- valuewhere it all falls apart is the value
If youre looking for a great deal, definitely check out their happy hour specials, which many find to be excellent value. Otherwise, be prepared for potentially higher prices that some feel dont always match the quality, especially for regular menu items.
How are the prices at Glass Box?
You’re looking at roughly 54 per person – reported by 67 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average hovers around 54, many guests actually spend less, with the most popular price point being in the $21–$30 range. This tells us there’s a good mix of options, from quick, affordable bites to more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 67 reviews.
Comparing the value for money at this Japanese restaurant against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Diego. With a range of options available, guests can choose between more budget-friendly meals and a more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Glass Box
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Amazing Service and Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing from start to finish. We were a larger party of 6 and were seated within 5 minutes on a Friday night. Our server was incredibly kind and sweet, making a great effort to ensure everyone was well-fed and had drinks.
She was particularly attentive to my father, who doesn't usually eat Asian cuisine, and he ended up raving about his food and her service. We enjoyed a wide variety of dishes, including many sushi rolls, nigiri, short ribs, beef bulgogi, orange chicken, oysters, and tuna tartare. I 20 out of 10 recommend this place and cannot stress enough how amazing the service was!
- service10
- server10
- food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Great Food, Drinks, and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was overall very nice. The service was rated at 4 stars, and the food was great. For vegetarians, they offer options like vegetarian tempura, egg roll, and drunken noodles.
They also have a great selection of drinks. The atmosphere was rated 3 stars.
- service8
- food8
- vegetarian tempura7
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Staff, Food, and Happy Hour
My experience at the restaurant was positive. The staff were great, and I really enjoyed the happy hour and the food. While it might have been a bit cramped, the reviewer noted this is fitting for a place called 'The Glass Box'.
The building itself seems to have a lot to offer, and I plan to return to try other establishments.
- staff9
- happy hour8
- food8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Excellent Service and Delicious Salmon Roll
My experience at this restaurant was marked by really good customer service from both the servers and the host. A young lady was particularly helpful, answering all my questions. She even recommended the salmon lemon roll, which was a 10/10!
The customer service skills were great from the moment I entered.
- customer service10
- salmon lemon roll10
- customer service skills9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Food, Friendly Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was fresh and yummy, and the service was incredibly friendly. I highly recommend this place; you will never be disappointed.
They also offer oysters and have a great happy hour. I suggest asking about their happy hour deals.
- food10
- service10
- oysters8
What Glass Box 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
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Glass Box San Diego?
When you visit Glass Box San Diego in Del Mar Heights, you’ll find a free parking lot with usually plenty of parking. The restaurant is also fully wheelchair accessible, offering an accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom for your convenience.
What kind of dining experience and menu options can you expect at Glass Box San Diego?
Glass Box San Diego offers an upscale yet casual and trendy atmosphere, perfect for lunch or dinner. You can enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes, including healthy options, organic dishes, and small plates. The bar onsite serves hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, with happy hour drinks and food available.
What are the main strengths of Glass Box?
Customers frequently praise the restaurant’s **food** quality, with many highlighting the **sushi** and **omakase** experiences. The **ambiance** also receives positive feedback for its appealing **vibe** and setting.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Glass Box?
Some patrons have expressed concerns regarding the **value**, finding certain items **pricey** or portions small. Additionally, **parking** can sometimes be a challenge, and a few experiences mention inconsistent **service**.
How does Glass Box generally score across different aspects?
Glass Box maintains a good overall **Restaurant Score** of **7.4** and a **Customer Satisfaction** of **73.4%**. The **Food** (7.6), **Ambience** (7.8), and **Service** (7.2) topics all score well, while **Value** (5.3) is considered average.