Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Robataya Oton – San Diego
Robataya Oton - San Diego
Photo from Robataya Oton
Robataya Oton at a glance
San Diego Kearny Mesa
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 43 of the guests
#324 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#21 Japanese Restaurant out of 36 in San Diego
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
406
Reviews
73.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Private dining
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Old decor
- Time limit
The restaurant Robataya Oton in San Diego’s vibrant Kearny Mesa neighborhood offers a delightful Japanese dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy atmosphere perfect for unwinding, whether you’re looking for a relaxed dinner or a late-night bite.
This spot is known for its authentic flavors and a menu that caters to various tastes, including healthy options and small plates designed for sharing. It’s a welcoming destination for a casual meal.
Overview: Introducting Robataya Oton
Robataya Oton offers a delightful culinary journey, with many appreciating its authentic Japanese food and the traditional atmosphere that truly transports you. Guests often praise the attentive staff and the overall pleasant dining experience, making it a notable spot for those seeking genuine flavors.
However, some visitors have found the prices to be a point of concern, feeling it can be a bit expensive for what’s offered. There are also occasional remarks about the service not always meeting expectations, and some find the decor a little dated, needing an update.
Good
7.5
out of 10
406
Reviews
73.9%
Satisfaction
84
negative
22
neutral
300
positive
Overall, Robataya Oton achieves a 7.5 Restaurant Score, which is a good showing, complemented by a 73.9% Customer Satisfaction rate, also indicating a good experience for most. This positive sentiment is drawn from 406 customer opinions, with 300 positive remarks outweighing 84 negative ones.
The Food (8.2) clearly stands out as a major draw, consistently receiving high marks for its authenticity and quality, making it a primary reason for many visits. The Ambience (7.4) also contributes significantly to the positive experience, often described as traditional and immersive.
While Service (6.5) is generally good, some feedback suggests there’s room for improvement, preventing it from reaching higher levels. The main area for consideration, however, is Value (4.9), which falls into the average category, with several guests noting that prices can be on the higher side for the overall experience.
What people like
- Authentic Japanese food
- Traditional private dining
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- High price point
- Dated decor
- Time limit pressure
With a strong 8 Recommendation Score, Robataya Oton is certainly worth considering if you prioritize authentic Japanese cuisine and a traditional dining atmosphere. While the food and setting are consistently praised, be prepared for a potentially higher bill and some minor service inconsistencies.
If you’re seeking a genuine Japanese experience and don’t mind the investment, this spot could be a good fit. However, if budget is a primary concern or you prefer a more modern aesthetic, you might find other options more suitable.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Robataya Oton
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.2 and a customer satisfaction of 84.6%, it's clear many diners are happy. Out of 214 opinions, 181 rave about the authentic Japanese cuisine, especially praising the quality of the beef, sushi omakase, and delicious hot pots.
However, not every dish is a home run. A smaller number of 26 opinions mentioned some average tasting food, with a few finding the hotpot bland or the texture of some meats tough. There were also isolated concerns about fish smelling fishy.
Food
214
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
26
negative
7
neutral
181
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Japanese food
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Delicious hot pots
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland hotpot
- Fish smelled fishy
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was a delightful blend of sushi and izakaya foods, served with polite service and at reasonable prices. The food itself was flavorful and quite filling, presented in a traditional restaurant setting. However, be aware that seating and parking are limited around dinner time, so making reservations is recommended.
- Japanese foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed delicious, authentic Japanese food, served by wonderful staff. The seating even reminded me of a place I visited in Shibuya.
- sukiyakiordered two servings of sukiyaki, it was pretty authentic and delicious
- dishesWonderful dishes created by a true Japanese chief
- fishextremely fresh by the consistency and flavor of the flesh
- sushiAll of the food was really solid. We got more than just sushi. I will definitely be coming back.
- FoodFood:5
- SukiyakiIt is delicious and well worth the visit alone
- appetizersvariety of appetizers to satisfy everybody
- authentic Japanese cuisineMy experience at this restaurant was superb! The food was very authentic and not salty, which is a refreshing change from other Japanese restaurants in the US. The service was just as superb as the food.
Frequently criticized
- menuOur bill came out to a little over $80, which is extremely expensive for a bowl of soup and a couple glasses of sake. The menu is confusing and difficult to follow. We asked for advice and went with the traditional dish.
- sushiI was expecting, from the restaurant’s rating, the beautiful authentic wood decor, and the all-Japanese staff, that we had discovered one of SD’s better Japanese restaurants. However, unfortunately pretty soon we found a tiny slimy insect in our sushi on the rice part beneath the fish. I suppose it was some sort of fly or bug that had gotten on it, and not a parasite.
- Hot Potordered the traditional Hot Pot
- Uni OnigiriUni Onigiri had BARELY any uni inside
- appetiteIt seems I'll have to choose another restaurant. The experience left a bad taste in our mouths and ruined our appetite. My friend was not happy at all.
- average tasting foodMy experience at this restaurant was not worth the money for the average tasting food. The person handling phone reservations needs to be replaced as they clearly lack customer service skills, even by Japanese custom standards.
- bad tasteIt seems I'll have to choose another restaurant. The experience left a bad taste in our mouths and ruined our appetite. My friend was not happy at all.
- fishfish smelled fishy
- fish menu unavailableThe imposed 90-minute limit also added to our anxiety. Additionally, about half of the fish menu was unavailable, possibly due to a storm. The tip was calculated from the after-tax amount, which was a minor point of contention.
- fish scaleI suppose it was some sort of fly or bug that had gotten on it, and not a parasite. That wasn’t everything, because we also found a fish scale on the rice of a second sushi item. Needless to say, we returned the rest of our sushi order.
If you're craving authentic Japanese flavors and fresh ingredients, this place is definitely worth a visit, especially for their hot pots and sushi. Just be aware that a few dishes might not always live up to the high standards set by others, so choose wisely.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.5 landing it in the average range, and customer satisfaction at 58.2%, which is also mixed. Many guests, based on 53 positive remarks out of 91 total, raved about the friendly staff, amazing service, and genuine hospitality, often highlighting the attentiveness of the team and the ease of making reservations. However, 30 negative comments point to some significant issues.
Some experiences included rude staff attitudes, long wait times, and difficulty getting a server's attention for things like refills or the check. It seems that while some encounters are stellar, others leave much to be desired, particularly concerning owner temper and staff availability.
Service
91
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
30
negative
8
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Amazing hospitality
- Prompt seating
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Long wait times
- Poor server attention
Often praised
- serviceThe raw egg included with the sukiyaki is worth trying for dipping. Overall, the food was very good, and the service was attentive. The sukiyaki, which requires ordering for two, came with a generous amount of meat.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, largely due to the super friendly staff and chef. We asked the chef for recommendations based on what's in season, and they provided some very good recommendations.
- chefNeedless to say, we returned the rest of our sushi order. I don’t know who had a worse evening, us or the chef (who personally apologized), and I guess they will take whatever steps necessary to improve their food preparation process. There were some other Japanese families dining there (a good sign), so I can only hope it was a very rare incident.
- ServiceService:5
- hostesseshostesses were kind and very helpful
- reservationWhile it can be very expensive, this is a place to go if you're looking for a good Japanese experience with tatami seating and good social distance. Make sure to get a reservation before coming in.
- Japanese peopleTrue Japanese people working here
- amazing servicethey have amazing service
- button to call serverThe atmosphere and decor truly screamed Japan. We appreciated the separated dining areas and the convenience of a button to call the server. It's a place where you take off your shoes when you enter the eating area, adding to the authentic feel.
- customer serviceCustomer service was the best I could ask for
Frequently criticized
- serviceEverything is raw and cooked at the table, so I question what I was paying for. We did not receive glasses of water or hot tea, and the service was no better than anywhere else. I've been to many hot pot and foreign restaurants, but this was the first time I felt it was not worth it.
- reservationMAKE A RESERVATION! ... everyone else without a reservation was turned away
- add wateradd water to the sukiyaki
- attempting to tryit's my third time attempting to do so
- attitudeTheir attitude was terrible
- chase you outthey literally chase you out
- customer servicedoes not know what customer service is
- forgotten wasabigive us the wasabi that they forgot to add
- front deskThe woman at the front desk was VERY rude.
- get the checkto get the check
If you're looking for a place with potentially amazing hospitality and attentive staff, it might be worth a try, especially if you make a reservation. However, be prepared for the possibility of encountering rude service or long waits, as experiences can vary significantly.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.4 and leaving customers feeling good with a 74.7% satisfaction rate. Many of the 59 positive remarks praise the authentic vibe and traditional atmosphere, often highlighting the private room and cozy booth seating for an intimate Japanese experience. It truly feels like a step into Japan.
However, not everything is perfect, with 14 negative comments pointing out a few snags. Some guests found the parking limited and the decor a bit old and drab, with worn pillows. The 90 min limit also created some anxiety, making the experience feel rushed for a few.
Ambience
79
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
14
negative
6
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Traditional atmosphere
- Private dining rooms
- Cozy booth seating
What people don't like
- Limited parking
- Dated decor
- 90-minute limit
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere and food at Robataya Oton are exceptionally good.
- private roomEach booth is its own little private room
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- experiencethis experience was an exception. It was wonderful
- traditional atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional, offering the best Japanese food I've had outside of Japan. While it is a bit pricy, the cost is justified by the traditional atmosphere and top-rate food.
- Izakaya style Japanese restaurantcozy Izakaya style Japanese restaurant
- Japanese experienceWhile it can be very expensive, this is a place to go if you're looking for a good Japanese experience with tatami seating and good social distance. Make sure to get a reservation before coming in.
- Japanese restaurantGreat little Japanese restaurant, very authentic
- alcove roomsThe little alcove rooms where we got to sit no shoes
- atmosphere and decoratmosphere and decor just screams Japan
Frequently criticized
- parkingfinding parking is incredibly hard
- 90 min limitThey also had the 90 min limit which made us anxious
- atmospherewe just got so uncomfortable
- bar in the hallwayserved at the narrow bar in the hallway, not recommend
- decor is old and drabThe decor is traditional Japanese, which is nice and novel if you haven't experienced it before. However, the pillows are worn, the decor is old and drab, and the wood is fading. The place generally needs an update.
- eye sorea slight eye sore
- pillows are wornThe decor is traditional Japanese, which is nice and novel if you haven't experienced it before. However, the pillows are worn, the decor is old and drab, and the wood is fading. The place generally needs an update.
- placeAlthough the place is tiny
- seatingSeating and parking are limited
- shoesI can see shoes from all the diners
If you're seeking an authentic, intimate Japanese dining experience with private seating, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and a decor that some find a bit dated, and be mindful of the time limit.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners have found pleasant surprises, especially with options like a Late Happy Hour and dishes available across various price ranges. Many appreciate the reasonable prices for tasty food, with some even noting that the traditional offerings come at a very fair cost, making celebrations or casual meals accessible. However, the overall sentiment, based on 22 opinions with 14 negative compared to 7 positive, leans towards disappointment.
The score for value sits at an average 4.9, and customer satisfaction is quite low at 31.8%, indicating that many feel the restaurant is overpriced and not worth the money for the quality received, with some finding the sushi particularly pricy and their expectations unmet.
Value
22
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Late happy hour
- Fair prices exist
What people don't like
- Often overpriced
- Not worth money
- Expectations unmet
Often praised
- pricesI found the service to be attentive and the staff to be friendly. The food was tasty, with good variety and nicely portioned at fair prices. I would definitely go back, but I recommend making a reservation before you go.
- Late Happy Hour10.00 d/c for the hotpot. (So 20.00 cheaper for two!
- price rangesI've always had a very nice experience here. The delicious foods are available across a variety of price ranges, allowing us to enjoy meals from relatively inexpensive happy hours to more pricey meals for celebrations. The seasonal dishes offer special opportunities.
- reasonable pricesand reasonable prices
- sushiThere were some other Japanese families dining there (a good sign), so I can only hope it was a very rare incident. On the plus side, we weren’t charged for the sushi, and we got a free dessert, so I’m adding an extra star.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe price for a family dinner is a little bit expensive
- moneyNot worth the money
- normal Japanese restaurant pricesdon't come here if you are expecting normal Japanese restaurant prices.
- overpricedit was a bit overpriced based on the quality
- price that they chargefor the price that they charge, I had much higher expectations
- pricesPrices are quite high for what you get.
- tip calculationthe tip is calculated from after-tax amount
If you're looking for specific deals like a late happy hour, you might find some good value here. However, with an average score and low customer satisfaction, be prepared that many find the regular prices to be on the higher side for the quality, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at Robataya Oton?
On average, you’ll spend around 60 per person – from 43 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
But here’s the interesting part: while the average is 60, the actual spending is quite varied. We see a good mix of diners enjoying more budget-friendly options, and a significant number opting for a more premium experience, with many spending over 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 43 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, especially with the range of options available. It suggests they cater to different tastes and budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Robataya Oton
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
5
Good food, terrible service
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of anticipation and disappointment. We were excited to try it, especially since getting a reservation is difficult. The food tasted good, but the service was terrible.
It took us about 5 minutes to get our server's attention each time, and another 5 minutes for them to complete a task, whether it was taking our order, bringing forgotten wasabi for the sushi, refilling tea, serving ordered rice, adding water to the sukiyaki (which became too salty to eat), or getting the check. The imposed 90-minute limit also added to our anxiety. Additionally, about half of the fish menu was unavailable, possibly due to a storm.
The tip was calculated from the after-tax amount, which was a minor point of contention. Despite tipping 18% after tax, the overall experience makes me hesitant to return.
- food9
- service1
- server's attention2
- forgotten wasabi3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Authentic Izakaya Experience
My experience at this restaurant was that of a hidden gem, a cozy Izakaya-style Japanese restaurant. The food truly reminded me of Japan. I will definitely go back to try out different menu items.
- food10
- Izakaya style Japanese restaurant9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
An Unforgettable Japanese Culinary Journey
My experience at Robataya Oton was truly unforgettable! We had an amazing dinner, easily one of the best Japanese meals we’ve ever had in San Diego. Every dish was outstanding.
The fish was unbelievably fresh, and the uni was the best we’ve ever tasted. Monkfish liver season made that dish an absolute standout – it was rich, silky, and perfectly prepared. The shabu shabu was insanely good, full of flavor and beautifully presented.
OMG, the meat was incredible! We dined in one of their traditional horigotatsu rooms, which was super cozy, private, and beautifully lit, making the whole evening feel like we’d been transported to Japan. We were laughing, eating, and drinking nonstop, completely in the moment.
We shut the place down, and the owner, Kenji, couldn’t have been more gracious and kind. Truly a gem of a restaurant with warm hospitality and incredible food, it’s an experience we’ll be talking about for a long time. Looking forward to going back soon.
Thank you to Kenji and his wonderful staff!
- fish10
- uni10
- monkfish liver10
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Omakase Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I opted for the omakase, and it was the best decision I could have made. The chef was funny and prepared some really delicious food.
The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating.
- omakase10
- food10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Sushi Experience with Outstanding Hospitality
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional, offering something difficult to find elsewhere in San Diego. The team, led by Kenji, is outstanding in their craft, making me feel genuinely welcome, which is a refreshing change from some other high-end sushi establishments. I came for the food, but I stayed for the incredible hospitality.
- food10
- hospitality10
- team10
What Robataya Oton 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
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Robataya Oton?
You’ll find convenient free street parking and a free parking lot when you visit. Robataya Oton is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
Can you make reservations and what dining options does Robataya Oton offer?
Yes, Robataya Oton accepts reservations, with dinner reservations recommended. You can enjoy dinner with table service, choosing from delicious small plates, healthy options, and even late-night food. They also offer wine and beer to complement your meal.
How does Robataya Oton generally score with customers?
Robataya Oton holds a good overall Restaurant Score of **7.5** and a **73.9%** Customer Satisfaction rate. Its **Food** (8.2) is highly rated, followed by **Ambience** (7.4) and **Service** (6.5), though **Value** (4.9) is considered average.
What makes the dining experience at Robataya Oton unique?
Many guests appreciate the traditional Japanese atmosphere, including private tatami seating and decor that evokes Japan. The authentic Japanese food, particularly dishes like sukiyaki and fresh sushi, is also a significant highlight.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Robataya Oton?
Some customers find the prices to be on the higher side, impacting the overall value. Additionally, there are occasional comments about the decor appearing dated and the 90-minute dining limit causing some anxiety.