Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Tsuruhashi – San Diego
Tsuruhashi - San Diego
Photo from Tsuruhashi
Tsuruhashi at a glance
San Diego Serra Mesa
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 47 of the guests
#394 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#25 Japanese Restaurant out of 36 in San Diego
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
372
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- High-quality meat
- Friendly staff
- Clean atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent service
- Crowded space
The Japanese restaurant Tsuruhashi in San Diego’s Serra Mesa neighborhood offers a truly authentic dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious Japanese cuisine.
Whether you’re planning a special evening or a casual dinner, Tsuruhashi Japanese BBQ provides a welcoming setting for all.
Overview: Introducting Tsuruhashi
Tsuruhashi offers a compelling Japanese BBQ experience, often praised for its high-quality meat and attentive staff. Many find the overall dining experience quite enjoyable, with the food often compared favorably to authentic Japanese cuisine.
The atmosphere also contributes positively to a pleasant outing. However, some guests have noted concerns regarding value, particularly the portion sizes for the price, and occasional issues with automatic gratuity.
While the service is generally well-regarded, there are isolated reports of less-than-friendly interactions or feeling rushed in the somewhat small space.
Good
7.3
out of 10
372
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
81
negative
27
neutral
264
positive
Overall, Tsuruhashi garners a respectable 7.3 out of 10, with customer satisfaction standing at a solid 71%. This indicates a generally positive experience for most diners.
The restaurant’s strong suit is undoubtedly its Food (8.1), frequently praised for its quality and taste. This positive sentiment is reflected across 372 customer comments, with 264 positive remarks outweighing 81 negative ones.
The Ambience (7.6) also contributes significantly to the pleasant dining atmosphere, often described as cozy and clean. Service (6.9) is generally well-received, though it occasionally falls short for some.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.6), where opinions are more divided, suggesting that while the quality is there, the pricing or portion sizes might not always align with expectations for everyone.
What people like
- High-quality meat
- Professional, friendly staff
- Pleasant, clean atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices, small portions
- Inconsistent service
- Crowded, rushed space
Tsuruhashi is a destination for those prioritizing exceptional Japanese BBQ, particularly the high-quality meats. While it comes with a higher price tag and some concerns about portion sizes, the overall dining experience, supported by a 7.7 recommendation score, suggests it’s often a worthwhile indulgence.
If you’re seeking premium cuts and a generally pleasant atmosphere, Tsuruhashi is worth considering. However, be prepared for the cost and potential for a bustling environment.
It might not be the ideal choice if budget or generous portions are your top priorities.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tsuruhashi
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot truly shines, boasting a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 83.3%. With 174 positive remarks out of 209 total comments, guests rave about the authentic Japanese BBQ experience, highlighting the exceptional quality of Wagyu cuts, Kobe beef, and premium meats like beef tongue and Kalbi. Many praise the delicious flavors, fresh ingredients, and the fun of DIY grilling.
However, not all experiences are perfectly satisfying. Some of the 24 negative comments point to concerns about portion sizes, with certain items like the family combo or wagyu platter being described as surprisingly small or overpriced. A few guests also wished for more variety in seasonings and sauces, or found some side dishes like vegetables to be expensive for their quantity.
Food
209
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
24
negative
11
neutral
174
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Japanese BBQ
- High-quality Wagyu meats
- Delicious, fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Can be pricey
- Limited sauce options
Often praised
- foodWe had a great time. The food and service was very good - just like we had in Kyoto.
- meatI was so impressed that I wanted to tell them "take my money" with a score of 100/5. Words can't describe how amazing the place is; it's one of those places you need to eat at to understand how meat should be eaten. Be prepared for your wallets though.
- food qualitythe food quality and the staff's service are top notch
- beef tonguehaving pork belly..and beef tongue..WOW IT WAS OUTSTANDING
- kimchi fried riceThe kimchi fried rice with egg on top is a must!!
- kobe beefMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed the very delicious kobe beef, beef tartare, and miso pork belly. The staff were incredibly nice and friendly.
- vegetablesIt turned out we felt the combo meat was less in quality, though more in quantity. However, the vegetables were very fresh and delicious. The staff was very attentive and friendly.
- Japanese BBQGreat looking Japanese BBQ 10/5
- Kimchi fried riceKimchi fried rice here is the jam too
- Kobetry the Kobe they have great marbling
Frequently criticized
- portionsThe meat we ordered, the family dinner special, was absolutely delicious. However, the experience was tainted by the vegetables not being included and being WAY overpriced for a very small variety and portions. We felt nickeled and dimed, and left unsatisfied even though we spent more than we do at buffet-style BBQ places.
- family comboHowever, I got the worst experience tonight. The owner refused me to order family combo, stating it was for multiple people. This was contradictory as she allowed me to order premium family set and wagyu family combo.
- vegetablesThe meat we ordered, the family dinner special, was absolutely delicious. However, the experience was tainted by the vegetables not being included and being WAY overpriced for a very small variety and portions. We felt nickeled and dimed, and left unsatisfied even though we spent more than we do at buffet-style BBQ places.
- HighballThe Highball was the worst I've ever had.
- Highball menuthe Highball menu should be removed.
- Korean BBQSeriously, why waste your time and money at Korean BBQ when you can come here? This place offers a superior dining experience.
- YukgaejangThe Yukgaejang was also bland.
- beef tartarebeef tartare was also adorably (and sadly) very tiny
- family combo meatcombo meat was less in quality though more quantity
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was that the meat was decent, however, the place is way over priced and you do not get your money worth of food. I recommend it for people who don’t care to spend a $100 and not feel full after. I had to go grab a burger after I was still super hungry.
If you're seeking an authentic Japanese BBQ experience with high-quality, melt-in-your-mouth meats, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that while the quality is exceptional, some portions might be on the smaller side, and it can get pricey. Come prepared to savor premium cuts rather than expecting a budget-friendly, all-you-can-eat feast.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
Based on 76 customer opinions, the service here generally shines, with 52 positive remarks highlighting a truly welcoming experience. Many guests rave about the friendly staff and excellent service, often describing it as attentive and professional. While the overall score sits at a respectable 6.9, indicating good service, there's a bit of a mixed bag in customer satisfaction.
However, with 22 negative comments, some diners have encountered challenges. Concerns include reports of rude service, a long wait, and even a hostile hostess, which contribute to the 68.4% customer satisfaction. It seems consistency can be an issue, leading to some less-than-stellar experiences for some.
Service
76
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
22
negative
2
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent service provided
- Quick, prompt employees
What people don't like
- Rude, hostile service
- Long wait times
- Forced tipping culture
Often praised
- serviceWe had a great time. The food and service was very good - just like we had in Kyoto.
- staffThey offer a good selection of different meats with excellent quality, and you can truly taste the difference between the quality levels. The staff were very friendly and professional, providing excellent service. I also really enjoyed the nice, cozy atmosphere, featuring individual booths and wood paneling.
- reservationI've never been disappointed with the food, though you might be if you don't secure a seat! It's advisable to plan ahead and make a reservation. For a food tip, I highly recommend trying the Outside Skirt dipped in sesame oil and a hint of salt.
- employeesemployees are super respectful
- ServiceService was really good
- StaffStaff is nice
- birthday songoffered me a birthday song
- everyoneEveryone is nice
- friendly staffFriendly staff was plus!
- ladies workingThe ladies working are really nice
Frequently criticized
- serviceBad service, must give them 12% tips.
- waityou have to wait or call in
- waitressThe waitress Immediately become unhappy and roll her eyes up.
- business hourIf you can't work at your business hour you can change your business hour to close early.
- grill all the stuffThis was contradictory as she allowed me to order premium family set and wagyu family combo. Secondly, she insisted I should grill all the stuff and take them home, which I found very ridiculous. I paid for the food and should have the right to decide how to deal with it.
- hostesshostess, she seemed hostile and impatient
- menudidn't have the time to understand the menu
- ownerHowever, I got the worst experience tonight. The owner refused me to order family combo, stating it was for multiple people. This was contradictory as she allowed me to order premium family set and wagyu family combo.
- proper creditmanager was very unwilling to issue a proper credit
- racistAnd racist!
If youre looking for a place with potentially great service and a friendly vibe, its worth a shot, especially given the good overall score. However, be prepared for the possibility of a long wait or an inconsistent experience, as customer satisfaction is a bit mixed.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.6 and boasting a good 73.7% customer satisfaction. Guests frequently rave about the nice, cozy atmosphere and quiet, easy to talk noise level, making it a fantastic date spot. Many also appreciate the overall cleanliness, from the floor to the bathroom, and the unique personal grills for an authentic experience, based on 28 positive remarks.
However, its not without its quirks. Some found the place small and packed, leading to feelings of being rushed, especially for big parties. There are also mentions of a time limit and concerns about the restroom being nothing special or a bit gross.
Finding available spots' for parking can also be a challenge, as noted in 7 negative comments.
Ambience
38
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Quiet noise level
- Personal table grills
What people don't like
- Small, packed space
- Time limit imposed
- Unimpressive restroom
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere at this location is great
- bathroomAll of their vegetables were incredibly fresh and clean, and the meat they served was of excellent quality. Furthermore, they did a fantastic job of keeping the floor, dining tables, and bathroom tidy.
- best night outbest night out for just dinner ever
- cool placesuch a cool place
- date spotDefinitely a good date spot to go to.
- dining tablesAll of their vegetables were incredibly fresh and clean, and the meat they served was of excellent quality. Furthermore, they did a fantastic job of keeping the floor, dining tables, and bathroom tidy.
- environmenta clean and sufficiently private environment
- facilitiesfacilities clean
- floorAll of their vegetables were incredibly fresh and clean, and the meat they served was of excellent quality. Furthermore, they did a fantastic job of keeping the floor, dining tables, and bathroom tidy.
- free parkingWe found free parking
Frequently criticized
- available spotsWhile the portions aren't the largest and the price is on the higher side, I believe it's worth it for the quality. We found free parking, but available spots can be difficult to find at night, as is typical for Convoy. The restroom is a single room located in the back next to the kitchen, and it's nothing special.
- big partiesI did make a note not to do big parties here
- peoplewe were there with 6 people and we felt a bit rushed
- restroomthe restroom is a bit gross though
- small and packedkinda small and packed
- small spacesmall space so you have to wait
- time limitThere does seem to be a time limit
If you're seeking a lively spot with a great atmosphere and unique personal grills, this place is definitely worth trying. Just be prepared for a potentially small and packed space, and manage your expectations regarding parking and the restroom facilities.
Value (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.6, placing it in the average range. Many customers appreciate the affordability of options like the family set or family package, often finding them well worth the money. Some even feel they get what you pay for with high-quality items like A5 beef, making it a good deal for 10 positive remarks.
However, the overall customer satisfaction is quite low at just 20.4%, which is considered poor, largely due to concerns about it being on the expensive side or simply pricey. A significant number of the 28 negative comments out of 49 total mentions highlight issues with the bill, particularly added tip charges, making many feel it's not money worth or that the pricing is way off.
Value
49
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
28
negative
11
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Family deals save money
- Quality justifies cost
What people don't like
- Very expensive overall
- Automatic tips added
- Charging for sides
Often praised
- A5 beefA5 ends up being decently priced
- affordabilityWorth it if you can afford it
- family combofamily combo on Mon-Thurs is a great deal
- family packageMon-thurs has the family package
- family setrecommend the family set if available for price
- get what you pay foryou get what you pay for
- pennyWorth every penny
- priceThe price is great
- price per personPrice per person:$20–30
- well worth the moneyIt's a very nice place to eat. While it is pricey, the cost is well worth the money due to the fresh and high-quality meat. I particularly recommend getting the Kobe gold and gal i in pot.
Frequently criticized
- pricevery overpriced for the amount of steak you get
- tipI paid for the food and should have the right to decide how to deal with it. This is my last time here, and I decided to pay 0 tip.
- added tipa 32 dollar tip was added to the bill
- billwasn't informed that a 23% was automatically added to the bill
- dissatisfieddisappointed and dissatisfied
- expensive sideit is on the expensive side
- high pricebe aware of the high price. Kobe beef is expensive!!
- kobe beefbut pricy
- money worthyou do not get your money worth of food
- other beefother beef is not
If you're looking for a deal, definitely check out their family sets or weekday packages, as many find them to be good value. However, be prepared for potentially high prices, especially for premium items, and keep an eye on the bill for automatic tips to avoid surprises.
How are the prices at Tsuruhashi?
You’re looking at roughly 65 per person – reported by 47 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the broader picture, prices for Japanese food can vary quite a bit. While there are plenty of cheaper options out there, a good number of places also offer more premium experiences. This spot lands squarely in the middle, offering a balanced choice.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 47 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
We think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Japanese Restaurant in this range. It offers a good balance, especially considering the variety of experiences available in the market.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tsuruhashi
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Consistently Delicious Japanese BBQ
My family and I have been coming to this Japanese BBQ spot for years to celebrate special occasions and birthdays. The food, including the meat, rice, and side dishes, is consistently delicious. The staff are welcoming and accommodating, and they even recognize my family now.
I highly recommend the family combo for its good balance of beef variety and value, especially for larger parties. While the portions aren't the largest and the price is on the higher side, I believe it's worth it for the quality. We found free parking, but available spots can be difficult to find at night, as is typical for Convoy.
The restroom is a single room located in the back next to the kitchen, and it's nothing special. We will definitely continue to eat here!
- food10
- staff10
- family combo9
- available spots4
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Excellent A La Carte Asian BBQ Experience
My family and I had an excellent dinner. The staff was incredibly pleasant and attentive, and the chow was excellent. We are eager to return.
For those new to Asian BBQ in SoCal, be aware that some places are all-you-can-eat and around $35 per person, often featuring lower-grade meats. This restaurant, however, is an a la carte establishment, offering higher grade meats (A5) at approximately $100 per person, comparable to fine dining establishments like Capital Grille or Ruth's Chris, rather than casual dining like Outback or Applebee's.
- dinner9
- staff10
- chow9
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Delicious Premium Meats, Friendly Service
We were able to get seats right away around 6: 15, but later it was all packed. We ordered premium beef tongue, pork belly, and premium ribs, which were absolutely delicious and of good quality. We were told no appetizers were included, so we ordered edamame, which was good.
Later, we added kabocha peppers and the family combo meat. It turned out we felt the combo meat was less in quality, though more in quantity. However, the vegetables were very fresh and delicious.
The staff was very attentive and friendly. When it was fully packed, it was very lively.
- premium beef tongue9
- pork belly9
- premium ribs9
- family combo meat4
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
5
Amazing Food, But Overpriced Steak
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was amazing, earning a perfect score of 5. However, the price was very high for the amount of steak served.
We ordered the wagyu platter, which included about 6oz of wagyu, two medium rice portions, one Asahi beer, five pieces of thin pork, and a $20 steak (five pieces). The total bill for this was $160. While the quality of the food was excellent, the value for money, particularly with the steak, was questionable.
I'd recommend exploring other Japanese options to save money. The atmosphere was also great, rated 5, and the service was excellent, also rated 5. It was a quiet environment, making conversation easy.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- service10
- steak3
- wagyu platter3
- price3
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Premium Beef, Clunky Tablet System
My experience at this restaurant was centered around the premium beef, which was excellent. However, the new tablet system for ordering was a bit clunky during my visit. Overall, it's a great place to eat if you're looking for high-quality beef.
- premium beef9
- tablet system3
What Tsuruhashi offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Does Tsuruhashi Japanese BBQ accept reservations?
Yes, Tsuruhashi Japanese BBQ accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are recommended to ensure you get a table, especially during peak hours.
Is Tsuruhashi Japanese BBQ accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Absolutely. Tsuruhashi Japanese BBQ is fully wheelchair accessible, offering an accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom for your convenience.
How does Tsuruhashi rate overall?
Tsuruhashi holds a good overall score of **7.3** out of 10. Its **Food** (8.1) and **Ambience** (7.6) are highly rated, while **Service** (6.9) is good, and **Value** (4.6) is considered average.
Is Tsuruhashi considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find the A5 beef and family combos decently priced and worth the money for the quality, others feel it’s overpriced for the portions, especially for certain items.
What can I expect from the service and atmosphere at Tsuruhashi?
The staff is generally described as friendly and professional, contributing to a good service experience. The atmosphere is often praised as great, cozy, and clean, though some note the space can feel small and packed, with occasional time limits.