Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Rooftop seating
oChef » Lumi – San Diego
Lumi - San Diego
Photo from Lumi
Lumi at a glance
San Diego Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 86 of the guests
#396 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#24 Japanese Restaurant out of 36 in San Diego
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
685
Reviews
70.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Rooftop ambiance
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- High price
- Small portions
- Service inconsistency
The Japanese restaurant Lumi in San Diego’s Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District invites you to an unforgettable dining experience. You’ll find yourself drawn to its trendy, upscale atmosphere, especially the highly sought-after rooftop seating.
This spot is perfect for enjoying small plates and cocktails, making it a true highlight for any evening out in the city.
Overview: Introducting Lumi
Lumi offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its engaging atmosphere and attentive staff. Guests frequently highlight the unique culinary approach, suggesting a memorable meal.
However, some experiences point to occasional inconsistencies in service and concerns about the overall cost. The restaurant’s vibrant rooftop setting contributes significantly to its appeal, creating a lively backdrop for an evening out.
While many appreciate the culinary creativity, a few diners have noted that the perceived value might not always align with expectations, prompting a closer look at what Lumi truly offers.
Good
7.3
out of 10
685
Reviews
70.8%
Satisfaction
159
negative
41
neutral
485
positive
Lumi holds a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.3, indicating a generally good dining experience, which aligns well with a Customer Satisfaction rate of 70.8%. This suggests that a solid majority of diners leave content with their visit.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 685 customer opinions, with 485 positive remarks outweighing 159 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Ambience (7.9) stands out as a particular strength, often described as lively and appealing.
The Food (7.6) also receives strong marks, with many appreciating its unique flavors. Service (7.1) is generally good, though some experiences suggest room for minor improvements.
The primary area for consideration appears to be Value (3.9), which customers frequently find less compelling.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Vibrant rooftop ambiance
- Attentive, knowledgeable staff
What people don't like
- High price point
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent service
For those seeking a distinctive culinary adventure with a lively atmosphere, Lumi presents a compelling option. Its unique Japanese-American fusion cuisine and engaging setting make it suitable for a special occasion or a vibrant night out.
The Recommendation Score of 7.4 suggests many find it a worthwhile visit. However, it’s wise to manage expectations regarding the cost, as some diners feel the experience doesn’t always justify the price.
While the service is generally good, occasional lapses have been noted. If you prioritize innovative dishes and a dynamic environment over strict budget adherence, Lumi could be a good choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Lumi
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
The food at this establishment generally receives high marks, boasting a good score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 74%. Many of the 245 positive remarks celebrate the creative fusion of Japanese recipes, excellent fish quality, and phenomenal food, with special mentions for creative sushi and unique drink options. However, some of the 59 negative comments highlight areas needing attention.
Patrons occasionally noted small sushi portions, a fishy aftertaste on certain items, and issues with sushi rice quality, with a few feeling the dishes were not creative enough for the price point.
Food
331
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
59
negative
27
neutral
245
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative fusion dishes
- Excellent fish quality
- Phenomenal food
What people don't like
- Small sushi portions
- Inconsistent sushi quality
- Bland sushi rice
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a nice place with excellent food and a great atmosphere. It's important to note that this is not a traditional Japanese restaurant; rather, it's a Japanese-American fusion with some very unique flavors.
- drinksI'm giving this restaurant one star because they should give credit to the Peruvian food. The website states it is Japanese, but there are several Peruvian dishes and ingredients present throughout the menu, even in the drinks. Examples include Aji Amarillo, anticucho, chocolo, chicha morada, ceviche, rocoto, cancha, tiradito, serrano, chaufa, huancaina sauce, and salsa criolla, among others.
- cocktailsThe sashimi pizza is a must-try, and the Surf and Turf roll was a perfect, satisfying end to the meal without being too filling. The cocktails were beautiful and delicious; you MUST try the slushie! While we skipped dessert, the roll served as a good compromise.
- sushiIf you love sushi, you will love this place. I visited Lumi with my husband as part of a staycation and had an amazing experience.
- Lumi rollthe Lumi roll, the signature "pizza," and a ceviche. The food was delicious
- FoodFood:5
- food qualityThe food quality was great
- sashimiThe decor and service were excellent, but it's the food that truly brings us back. We've tried a large variety of appetizers, sashimi, rolls, and mains, including the mystery box and sashimi pizza – you won't regret it! Everything was and continues to be fantastic, a true Nobu upgrade.
- sushi pizzaWhenever we're in San Diego, this is our go-to spot. We always order the surf and turf roll, sushi pizza, and the kebab sampler, usually accompanied by two sake flights. The service was impeccable, and I cannot recommend this place enough.
- Akira Back PizzaThe Akira Back Pizza was the biggest highlight for me.
Frequently criticized
- foodMy partner, best friend, and I visited Lumi, but unfortunately, the experience didn’t quite live up to our expectations. Our food took a long time to come out and was served in parts, which made the meal feel disjointed. We were also seated in an area without heaters on a cooler night, which made it uncomfortable.
- sushiInstead, I was served "o-toro" that had hardly any marbling/flavor aside from fishiness, akami, shima aji, tai, and striped bass. None of the sushi appeared to be seasoned by the chef, there were no toppings, the cuts of the fish were sloppy, skimpy, and had a general fishiness you wouldn’t expect at this price point. To add insult to injury, I added up the cost of the nigiri served had I ordered à la carte, and it came out to about $65 worth of sushi.
- portion sizesuper small (snack-sized, for one person-small)
- sushi ricesushi rice tastes like the one you can buy in grocery store
- Akira Back PizzaAkira Back Pizza...didn’t look as appetizing
- Chef’s Combinationportion size was so small
- Crispy CreamCrispy Cream didn’t taste or look fresh
- Japanesewebsite says it is Japanese
- Lumi roll saucesauce for the Lumi roll tastes terrible
- Michelin-star experienceLumi was not that Michelin-star experience I was hoping for
If youre looking for an innovative culinary experience with creative fusion dishes and high-quality ingredients, this place is definitely worth exploring. Just be prepared for potentially smaller portion sizes and manage expectations if youre a purist seeking traditional sushi.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! Overall, its looking pretty good with a score of 7.1, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 66.8%. Many guests, 125 out of 187 comments, rave about the friendly servers, impeccable service, and attentive staff, often highlighting positive manager check-ins and great recommendations.
However, some experiences werent as smooth. About 58 comments mention issues like long waiting times, slow service, and uncoordinated staff, with a few noting a general lack of attention' or reservation mix-ups. It seems consistency can be a challenge.
Service
187
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
58
negative
4
neutral
125
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Manager check-ins
- Knowledgeable recommendations
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Inattentive staff
- Reservation issues
Often praised
- serviceThe pork ribs tasted off and the seafood was not fresh. It's a cool spot with good service, but we talked and agreed we would not go back. I had no more than one piece of each roll because I kept hoping they would bring out something good.
- staffWhat an unexpected positive experience! It is rare to walk into a restaurant in America and feel special; however, from the moment we sat down, it was obvious the staff cared about our experience. Juan, the manager, made certain we were welcomed.
- ServiceService was flawless with appropriate timed check-ins
- managerIt is rare to walk into a restaurant in America and feel special; however, from the moment we sat down, it was obvious the staff cared about our experience. Juan, the manager, made certain we were welcomed. Our waitress, Becky, was knowledgeable of the menu and made superb recommendations, based on our personal tastes.
- serverMy experience at Lumi was amazing! Our server was awesome, and the food was so delicious and fresh. I also loved the ambiance.
- DanielleDanielle was our waitress/bartender. She was amazing!
- great recommendationsShe had great recommendations for us
- recommendationsJuan, the manager, made certain we were welcomed. Our waitress, Becky, was knowledgeable of the menu and made superb recommendations, based on our personal tastes. She was also a delight to converse with.
- waiterOur waiter was very knowledgeable about the cuisine and the menu
- DarbyDarby was so cool and took care of my family right away!
Frequently criticized
- serviceHis restaurant in my home city is my favorite for sushi, not only for phenomenal food but for service. This restaurant, however, lacks in the latter. I travel often for work as a single diner, and whenever I go places, they treat me as if I’m a valuable guest regardless.
- bartenderhe didn’t know why they were closed. Then he said “thanks for having my walk to the door”
- reservationthey couldn’t find our reservation, and had to make sure we were actually on the list
- serverMy experience at the restaurant was a bit slow to get waited on by the server and for the food to get out, not gonna lie. However, it was a busy Saturday night.
- managerMy waitress was quick, attentive, and friendly. The only thing I would change from the service end is I would have sent a manager over to speak to me about my experience, who should have, in my opinion, at a minimum adjusted the bill to the Ă la carte rates for the nothing special selection or found a way to make it right some other way.
- Terrible serviceTerrible service
- accommodate any changesNot sure to accommodate any changes in prep
- attention to detailsattention to details was obviously scarce
- callThey never called us. We waited at the bar next door and never received a call. For all I know, I am still waitlisted, and for all they care, I am still waiting and they couldn't be bothered to reach out to tell me.
- checked in onThe only saving grace was a young woman who asked me if I wanted another drink after my singular cocktail, which was a glass of wine. I was never checked in on beyond that. Yellowtail at Bellagio in Las Vegas will continue to be my golden standard, but I will never be coming back to this location of Chef Akira Back.
If you value a friendly and attentive staff, you'll likely have a great time, especially with managers often stepping in to ensure a good experience. Just be prepared for the possibility of some waiting or minor coordination hiccups, particularly during busy periods.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, boasting a good score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction of 82.8%. Based on 111 positive remarks out of 134 total, guests frequently rave about the stunning rooftop area and view of the city, praising the overall vibe and atmosphere that creates a fantastic experience. However, not everyone finds the setting perfect.
With 20 negative comments, some found the space a bit loud or busy and loud, which could detract from conversation. A few also mentioned discomfort from being seated at a table without heater or in full sun, impacting their enjoyment.
Ambience
134
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
20
negative
3
neutral
111
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Rooftop views
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Great music/DJ
What people don't like
- Too loud
- Uncomfortable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a nice place with excellent food and a great atmosphere. It's important to note that this is not a traditional Japanese restaurant; rather, it's a Japanese-American fusion with some very unique flavors.
- rooftopMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I visited on the weekend and enjoyed the lively atmosphere with a DJ on the rooftop. The service was great, the food was excellent, and the view of the city was spectacular.
- vibeMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The rooftop had a great vibe, making it a potentially fun spot for a date night or a girls' night out. However, the sushi portions were quite small for the price point, which ultimately led to my three-star rating.
- ambianceThe drinks were decent, but nothing particularly memorable. The location is lovely, with a nice ambiance, and they have heaters to keep things comfortable when it’s chilly outside.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceThe ambience was intriguing and the vibe nice
- locationThe drinks were decent, but nothing particularly memorable. The location is lovely, with a nice ambiance, and they have heaters to keep things comfortable when it’s chilly outside.
- DJThroughout the night, the DJ was fantastic!
- decorBeautiful, contemporary decor
- heatersThe drinks were decent, but nothing particularly memorable. The location is lovely, with a nice ambiance, and they have heaters to keep things comfortable when it’s chilly outside.
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere wasn’t at all what the photos had me think
- parkingparking was going to be horrible on a padres game day
- all hypeWe had to flag down staff again to have this corrected. Overall, the service was terrible, the brunch food was mediocre, and it felt like all hype. It was a truly terrible birthday brunch.
- busy and loudIt’s very busy and loud
- lightingso dark, you can't see what you're eating
- loudadmittedly a little loud
- musicmusic was so loud where they seated us, I couldn’t even talk
- overhead heatingthe overhead heating wouldn’t work just on top of our table
- placethis place was over hyped
- private eventGot here and said there was a private event
If youre looking for a vibrant rooftop experience with great views and a lively atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially energetic and sometimes loud environment, and perhaps request a shaded or heated spot if youre sensitive to temperature.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to getting your money's worth, some guests found bright spots, especially around the happy hour and general price points, calling it an inexpensive night out. With 4 positive remarks out of 33 total comments, some felt it was worth the money and that happy hour was a huge hit. However, the overall sentiment for value is quite low, with a score of just 3.9 and customer satisfaction at a mere 12.1%.
A significant 22 negative comments highlight concerns about price, expensive items, the final bill, and unexpected surcharge fees. Many felt the prices are delusional for the food and that portions were small for the price point, often leading to an overpriced experience.
Value
33
Reviews
12%
Satisfaction
22
negative
7
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour deals
- Worth the money
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Unexpected surcharges
- Small portions for price
Often praised
- happy hourHappy hour was a huge hit
- inexpensive night outService was flawless with appropriate timed check-ins. An inexpensive night out downtown I would highly recommend.
- moneyWorth the money
- priceIt's a fair price too
Frequently criticized
- pricewarm beer at a premium price
- billadjusted the bill to the Ala carte rates
- price pointThe rooftop had a great vibe, making it a potentially fun spot for a date night or a girls' night out. However, the sushi portions were quite small for the price point, which ultimately led to my three-star rating.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was that the food was fine, but it would be significantly better if they slashed their prices in half. They seem to believe they are a high-end establishment like Nobu, but they are not <3.
- 5% surchargeannoying is the 5% surcharge
- cost of the nigiriadded up the cost of the nigiri’s served had i ordered Ala carte
- expensiveIt was a little expensive
- expensive foodsExpensive foods not worth the money
- extra chargeMy experience at the restaurant was average. The food was decent for the price, but I was unhappy with the unexpected 5% extra charge at the end to cover cost increases. I suggest updating the menu with current prices.
- final billconcerning giving the final bill of over 1200$
If you're considering a visit, be mindful of the cost. While some found specific deals like happy hour to be a good inexpensive night out, the general consensus points to an overpriced experience. Go in with clear expectations about the price point and be wary of potential extra charges on your bill.
How are the prices at Lumi?
You’re looking at roughly $70 per person, reported by 86 diners. That places this Japanese restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For a Japanese spot in San Diego, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the bigger picture, the prices are quite spread out across different experiences. While the average is $70, we see a good mix, from more budget-friendly options to a significant number of diners spending over $101.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 86 reviews.
How this Japanese restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Japanese spot in San Diego. It offers a good range of options, so you can tailor your experience to your budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Lumi
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Intent
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fresh Sushi and Romantic Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I really enjoyed the sake, sushi, and sashimi. Everything was incredibly fresh.
The staff were incredibly helpful, and the atmosphere was cozy and romantic.
- sake9
- sushi9
- sashimi9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Best Rooftop Sushi Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's the best rooftop sushi place I've ever been to. The spicy rolls were incredible, and the cocktails were both unique and tasty.
The service staff was a delight and very attentive.
- rooftop sushi place10
- spicy rolls10
- cocktails9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Slow Service on a Busy Night
My experience at the restaurant was a bit slow to get waited on by the server and for the food to get out, not gonna lie. However, it was a busy Saturday night. The food was good, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
- food7
- atmosphere8
- server3
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Breathtaking Design, Unforgettable Flavors!
From the moment we arrived, Lumi impressed us with its breathtaking design aesthetic and impeccable service. We were celebrating a friend’s birthday, and it was clear that the entire staff, from the host to the food runner to our server, had read the reservation notes and went above and beyond to make the evening special. Every dish was a showstopper, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor.
The standout favorites for me were the sushi pizza and the seabass specialty roll – absolutely unforgettable. I’ll never not order them when we visit! If you are local, check out the Monday night specials.
Our server Cassie struck the perfect balance of being attentive without ever feeling intrusive. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and made excellent recommendations that elevated our experience even further. Thank you for making my friend’s birthday so memorable.
We’ll absolutely be back!
- design aesthetic10
- impeccable service10
- showstopper dishes10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Favorite Sushi Spot!
My friend brought me here and told me it was her favorite sushi place in town. After my visit, it's now mine too! The food was excellent, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch, all receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
What Lumi offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Lumi in San Diego?
At Lumi, you can expect an upscale and trendy Japanese dining experience. Enjoy small plates, healthy options, and late-night food, complemented by a great selection of cocktails, wine, and beer, all within a vibrant atmosphere, including rooftop seating.
Does Lumi offer outdoor seating and what are the parking options available?
Yes, Lumi provides outdoor seating, including highly desirable rooftop seating, perfect for enjoying the San Diego ambiance. Regarding parking, you should be aware that finding a space can be difficult, with paid street parking being the primary option.
How does Lumi generally rate among its diners?
Lumi receives a good overall **Restaurant Score** of **7.3**. Its **Ambience** (7.9) and **Food** (7.6) are particularly well-regarded, while **Service** (7.1) is also good. The main area for improvement is **Value** (3.9).
What makes Lumi's food unique?
Lumi is known for its Japanese-American fusion cuisine, offering unique flavors that diners often appreciate. Popular items include various sushi and sashimi options, with some highlighting dishes like the sashimi pizza.
What are common concerns about dining at Lumi?
Diners sometimes express concerns about the **Value** for money, citing high prices and small portion sizes. While service is generally good, some experiences mention occasional inconsistencies or slow waiting times.