Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Kyoto Sushi – San Diego
Kyoto Sushi - San Diego
Photo from Kyoto Sushi
Kyoto Sushi at a glance
San Diego Loma Portal
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 95 of the guests
#85 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#16 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Excellent
8.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
520
Reviews
87.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh sushi
- Friendly service
- Good atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Cleanliness issues
- Value concerns
- Slow service
The restaurant Kyoto Sushi in San Diego’s Loma Portal neighborhood is a casual and trendy spot where you can enjoy a quick bite or a full meal. You’ll appreciate the cozy atmosphere and, notably, the great tea selection that sets it apart.
Whether you’re looking for healthy options or small plates, this restaurant offers a delightful dining experience for you.
Overview: Introducting Kyoto Sushi
Kyoto Sushi offers a dining experience where the service truly shines, with many guests feeling like family thanks to the accommodating staff and owners. The food is consistently praised for its freshness and quality, making it a reliable choice for sushi enthusiasts.
However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding cleanliness in certain areas and occasional issues with the A/C, which can impact comfort. While the overall atmosphere is often described as enjoyable, these minor points are worth considering for a fully comfortable visit.
Excellent
8.6
out of 10
520
Reviews
87.3%
Satisfaction
53
negative
13
neutral
454
positive
Kyoto Sushi earns a solid 8.6 overall, reflecting a generally positive dining experience, and boasts a strong 87.3% customer satisfaction rate. This indicates that most diners leave pleased, a sentiment supported by 454 positive remarks against only 53 negative ones out of 520 total customer observations.
The restaurant particularly excels in Service (9.0), which customers consistently rate as excellent, and Food (8.6), highlighting its quality and freshness. While Ambience (8.3) is also rated well, Value (6.3) sits in the average range, suggesting that while the food is good, some guests find the pricing or certain charges less appealing.
What people like
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Exceptional, friendly service
- Comfortable atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent cleanliness
- Questionable value practices
- Occasional slow service
Kyoto Sushi presents a compelling option for those prioritizing excellent sushi and genuinely friendly service. With a strong recommendation score of 8.7, it’s clear that many find the overall experience highly satisfying, particularly appreciating the fresh ingredients and welcoming staff.
If you’re seeking a place with a strong focus on quality food and a personal touch, Kyoto Sushi is certainly worth a visit. Just be mindful that while the atmosphere is generally pleasant, and the value is average, the core offerings are consistently well-received.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kyoto Sushi
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.6 and a strong customer satisfaction of 89.4%. Based on 227 positive opinions out of 254 total, diners frequently rave about the freshness and quality of the fish, especially the delicious sushi and menu variety that keeps them coming back for more. However, not every dish is a home run, with 23 negative opinions highlighting some areas for improvement.
A few guests found the beef bento box disappointing, while others noted issues with calamari not tasting fresh, mushy rice, or even warm sushi temperature, suggesting some inconsistency.
Food
254
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
23
negative
4
neutral
227
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh fish quality
- Delicious sushi rolls
- Great menu variety
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Mushy rice
- Warm sushi temperature
Often praised
- foodAs owners, they genuinely care about their customers, which is a wonderful feeling. Although we were visiting San Diego, finding this kind of place with excellent food and prices for locals made us super happy. I would recommend it and plan to come again on our next visit.
- sushiInitially, I found the sushi to be pretty good and fresh, with good service and nice owners in a clean environment. However, after numerous visits, I can confidently say they consistently serve fresh, amazing, great quality sushi. The service is super friendly too.
- crunchy rollI always order the exact same thing… crunchy roll
- ingredientsAfter another visit two years later, it remains a great place. It's not a fancy establishment, but the food is 5 stars and the ingredients are extremely fresh.
- qualityQuality, freshness, and best of customer service is what you will receive.
- rollsthe rolls are well worth the price
- sushi rollsthe best sushi rolls in San Diego
- California rollThe owners were incredibly warm and friendly. The food was excellent; everything we ordered was so delicious and fresh, from the California roll to the baked salmon roll to their sashimi. We noticed many loyal customers who have been coming for years, which speaks to the restaurant's quality.
- Crunchy Rollthe Crunchy Roll were amazing
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- sushiShrimp poop is not supposed to be included with sushi
- calamariThe calamari didn’t taste fresh
- #1The restaurant was nearly empty with only two people present, which I believe reflects their customer service approach. Furthermore, I still believe I did not order the #1 dish, as I dislike gyoza and would never order it. This experience ensures you will never see me again.
- Philadelphia rollPhiladelphia roll came with salmon spikes
- beeflitterally comes with 5,6 beefs so disappointed
- beef bento boxbeef bento box comes with so much extra sauce which taste like water
- fishThe main ingredient in sushi, the rice, was mushy. The fish looked discolored, and the tempura dish was undercooked. To be honest, the sushi was not cold; it was more on the warm side.
- food qualityvery low quality in Every aspect
- fried gyozaIt was fried gyoza for crying out loud!
- green teagreen tea came in a dirty tea pot
If you're seeking fresh, delicious sushi with plenty of variety, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that a few specific dishes might not always live up to the overall high standard.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 90.9%, it's clear guests feel well-cared for. Out of 164 comments, a whopping 149 praise the friendly owners and their attentive staff, often highlighting the personalized touch from this family-owned business.
However, a small number of 14 comments did mention some hiccups. A few experiences noted service being a bit slow, and one instance even cited unacceptable customer service regarding a basic request like a glass of water, hinting at a lack of basic hospitality.
Service
164
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
149
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly owners
- Attentive staff
- Personalized service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Poor customer service
- Lack of hospitality
Often praised
- serviceThe atmosphere was warm and inviting, with everyone in the room engaged in a happy conversation, making for a truly nice experience. The food was fantastic, and the service was very accommodating. I felt like I was eating with relatives, and even though it was my first visit, I felt like a regular.
- ownersMy experience at this wonderful sushi place was exceptional, largely due to the amazing owners. I stopped by for dinner before a concert and enjoyed some of the best sushi in San Diego.
- staffThe nicest staff and people I have encountered in a long time!
- ownerthe owner made 4 rolls of his choice per my request
- familyThe entire family are great people and always make you feel welcome.
- sushi chefMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a lovely, intimate restaurant with a friendly sushi chef and a sassy waitress. The sushi was outstanding and the best we've had since being in Hawaii.
- owner and his wifeThe owner and his wife were so nice and welcoming.
- MikeMike is great and will make you basically anything you want.
- Mike and MariaMike and Maria are very personable
- ServiceService:5
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to poor customer service. I am an accountant and understand that most restaurants have a food cost of about 30-32 percent.
- serviceThe service was a bit slow
- 10 minutescan’t forgo 10 minutes for a customer?
- ServiceService:2
- customerLosing a customer for 30%
- glass of waterserver only brought us one glass of water to share
- good customerEspecially for a good customer
- hospitalityBasic hospitality dictates I get the benefit of the doubt
- restaurantAny restaurant in this town would have taken it back
- sarcasmLove the sarcasm about remembering by the way
If you value a warm, personal touch, this place is definitely worth a visit. The overwhelmingly positive feedback on the friendly, family-run service suggests you'll likely have a great experience, despite a few isolated reports of slow or less-than-ideal customer interactions.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
It sounds like the atmosphere here is a real winner! With a good score of 8.3 and 86.1% customer satisfaction, many guests rave about the family vibe, clean place, and comfortable environment. It's often described as a hidden gem, making it a beloved spot for many, based on 62 positive remarks out of 72 total.
However, a few experiences mention minor hiccups. There were 6 negative comments, noting things like a dirty tea pot, the place being not very clean, or issues with the A/C broken and light not on. These seem to be isolated incidents rather than a widespread problem.
Ambience
72
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
6
negative
4
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Family-friendly vibe
- Clean environment
- Ample parking
What people don't like
- Cleanliness concerns
- Comfort issues
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service was also excellent, earning a 5-star rating. The atmosphere was enjoyable, rated at a 4. Overall, it was a highly satisfying dining experience.
- hidden gemabsolutely hidden gem for great sushi
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- parkingWe visited with a party of five, arriving in two separate cars. There was plenty of parking available. Upon arrival, we found seating with no wait, though the restaurant was still full of customers.
- parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- ParkingSuper easy
- best placeBest place to be.
- clean placeClean place
- cleanlinessClean
- comfortable environmenta comfortable environment
Frequently criticized
- A/CA/C was broken so it was hot and sweaty
- cleanlinessnot very clean
- dirty tea potgreen tea came in a dirty tea pot
- environmentEnvironment is not good
- lightLight is not on and little broken
- restaurantonly two people in the restaurant
If you're looking for a welcoming spot with a great family vibe and a clean, comfortable setting, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that a few past guests noted minor cleanliness or comfort issues, though these seem rare.
Value (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, scoring an average 6.3 with 53.3% customer satisfaction, based on 30 opinions. Many guests rave about the great value and value for money, especially during happy hour, finding the prices to be fair and inexpensive for the quality. However, some experiences reveal concerns about prices being higher than expected, particularly regarding 50% off promotions that felt misleading.
Charging for condiments and a mandatory tip also left a few diners feeling the bill wasn't as straightforward as it could be.
Value
30
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value offered
- Fair pricing
- Happy hour deals
What people don't like
- Hidden condiment charges
- Misleading discount claims
- Mandatory service charge
Often praised
- priceUpon returning, I searched extensively for good sushi, and only Kyoto Sushi truly measured up. The sushi rolls are fantastic and offered at a surprisingly cheap price. The parking is easy, with plenty of room in the shopping center lot.
- pricesat better prices than this place.
- great valueGreat value
- happy hourCome for happy hour and leave fat and happy
- inexpensiveMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's about as inexpensive as you can find in the area, but that doesn't mean it's cheap in quality. The quality was fantastic, nearly as good as what I've had on the East Coast.
- prices for localsAs owners, they genuinely care about their customers, which is a wonderful feeling. Although we were visiting San Diego, finding this kind of place with excellent food and prices for locals made us super happy. I would recommend it and plan to come again on our next visit.
- value for moneyoffering great value for money
- value for the pricesGreat value for the prices!
Frequently criticized
- 50% offit said 50% off but when you look it’s sushi is normal priced roles
- 50% off sushitheir 50% off is still more pricey
- billoffer to take it off the bill
- condimentsnever heard of a restaurant charging for condiments
- deceitfulI found it a little deceitful
- foodFood is expensive for that value
- mandatory tipMandatory tip 18%
- pricesPrices a little high
- side of mayonnaiseTo add to the discomfort, the server only provided one glass of water for us to share. After spending $70 on food and drinks, we were unexpectedly charged for a side of mayonnaise. I've never encountered a restaurant that charges for condiments, comparing it to being charged for ketchup or mustard with a burger.
- sushi placesmore pricey than other sushi places at regular price
If you're looking for a good deal, especially during happy hour, you might find some great value here. However, be mindful of potential hidden charges or promotions that might not be as straightforward as they seem, which could impact your overall bill.
How are the prices at Kyoto Sushi?
You’re looking at roughly $32 per person – reported by 95 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is $32, it’s interesting to see that many guests actually spend a bit less, with a good number also exploring options that are a little more premium.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 95 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Restaurant in this range. It offers a good balance, so you’re likely to find something that fits your budget without compromising on the experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kyoto Sushi
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Delicious Sushi and Fresh Ingredients
My experience at this family-owned restaurant was fantastic! They truly value quality ingredients, and it shows in every dish. The fish is fresh, and the portions are generous.
I especially loved the sushi rolls, which were both delicious and unique. The chef's passion for food is evident, as he creates specials inspired by his finds. I highly recommend trying the fresh wasabi, the cilantro roll (a special), and the fancy roll.
The nigiri was also fresh and delicious. The atmosphere was quiet and comfortable, making it easy to talk, and the service was excellent.
- quality ingredients10
- fish9
- portions9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Fresh Sushi and Friendly Owners!
We had a great time here! The happy hour was fun, and the sushi was so fresh and delicious. The owners/couple working there were super friendly.
We will be back! So glad we found this gem.
- happy hour8
- sushi10
- owners/couple working there10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Hidden Gem for Special Occasions!
This place has been our kids' go-to for any special occasion. The sushi is on par with pretty much anywhere else in San Diego. A true hidden gem for sure 💎❤️🍣.
- sushi9
- special occasion9
- hidden gem10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
A Local Gem with Amazing Food and Service
My husband and I have been going to this restaurant for years. The owners are so friendly and welcoming, and I love to support small local businesses. Their food is always on point, and the owner would always offer to make something for us if it wasn't on the menu or even give us a new roll he created.
We will continue to go here for many years to come!
- owners10
- food10
- new roll9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Kyoto: Amazing Food, Superb People!
If you are worried about getting your bang for your buck, wait no longer. Kyoto has you more than covered. The food is amazing and the people were superb!
- food10
- people10
What Kyoto Sushi offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
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
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Kyoto Sushi in San Diego accessible for all guests?
Yes, Kyoto Sushi is fully committed to accessibility. You’ll find a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom facilities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient dining experience for every visitor.
What dining options and dietary considerations does Kyoto Sushi offer?
Kyoto Sushi provides a range of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, with table service and catering available. You can also find healthy, vegetarian, and halal food options to suit your dietary preferences.
What is Kyoto Sushi's overall rating and what contributes to it?
Kyoto Sushi holds a good overall score of 8.6. This is driven by excellent Service (9.0) and good Food (8.6) and Ambience (8.3), though Value (6.3) is considered average.
What do customers appreciate most about Kyoto Sushi?
Customers frequently praise the fresh and high-quality sushi. The service is also a strong point, with many describing the staff and owners as exceptionally friendly and accommodating.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Kyoto Sushi?
Some customers have noted occasional issues with cleanliness and the air conditioning. There are also mentions of perceived value concerns, such as unexpected charges for condiments or mandatory tips.