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oChef » URBN – San Diego
URBN - San Diego
Photo from URBN
URBN at a glance
San Diego University City
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 31 – 40 €
mentioned by 74 of the guests
#283 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#18 Japanese Restaurant out of 36 in San Diego
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
504
Reviews
78.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh food
- Great service
- Modern ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- High prices
- Food quality
The restaurant URBN is a Japanese Restaurant located in San Diego’s University City neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy atmosphere perfect for a casual meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, healthy options, or a full dinner with wine and beer, this spot has you covered. They offer a variety of small plates and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone to enjoy.
Overview: Introducting URBN
URBN offers a dining experience where the culinary offerings generally shine, with many guests praising the fresh sushi and diverse menu options. The establishment also frequently receives commendations for its friendly staff and attentive service, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall price, finding certain items to be on the pricier side. While the food and service often impress, there are occasional reports of inconsistent attention from staff and some dishes not meeting expectations.
Good
7.7
out of 10
504
Reviews
78.2%
Satisfaction
94
negative
16
neutral
394
positive
URBN achieves a solid `Restaurant Score` of 7.7 out of 10, indicating a generally positive reception. This aligns well with a `Customer Satisfaction` rate of 78.2%, suggesting most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial pool of 504 customer opinions, with 394 positive remarks outweighing 94 negative ones. Delving into specifics, `Food` (7.9) is a clear strength, often highlighted for its quality and variety.
`Service` (7.6) and `Ambience` (7.6) also score well, contributing positively to the dining experience. The `Value` (5.8) score, however, sits in the average range, reflecting mixed opinions on pricing.
What people like
- Fresh, diverse food menu
- Warm, attentive service
- Modern, clean setting
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service attention
- Perceived high prices
- Occasional food quality issues
For those seeking a spot with generally high-quality food and a pleasant atmosphere, URBN is certainly worth considering. The strong `Food` and `Service` scores suggest a reliable experience, especially if you appreciate fresh sushi and attentive interactions.
With a `Recommendation Score` of 8, it leans towards a positive endorsement. Just be mindful that while many find the prices reasonable, some items might feel a bit steep.
It’s a place that often delivers, but it’s wise to manage expectations regarding consistency in service and overall cost.
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Verdict: Our expert take on URBN
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction rating of 79.4%, many diners rave about the fresh, delicious sushi, sashimi, and creative specialty rolls. Out of 296 total comments, a whopping 235 were positive, highlighting the variety and generous portions.
However, not every dish is a winner, as 49 negative comments point out some areas for improvement. Concerns include a burnt oil taste in some items, mentions of poor fish quality, and even some tough salmon. While these instances are less frequent, they're worth noting for a balanced view of the culinary experience.
Food
296
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
49
negative
12
neutral
235
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, delicious sushi
- Creative specialty rolls
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Food poisoning concerns
- Poor fish quality
- Burnt oil taste
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was amazing. The food was incredibly fresh, and I had the opportunity to try several new things. The uni was absolutely perfect!
- sushiMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the food! I was so impressed by the food; it was oh my god so delish and fresh sushi! The fried part of the food was warm and the sushi was chilled, and I loved every bite of them.
- rollsI don't often give out 5 stars, but this place absolutely deserves it. The huge rolls and amazing presentation were phenomenal. The fish was incredibly fresh, and the place itself is clean and cozy with friendly staff.
- sashimiWe ordered a substantial amount of food, and everything was delicious. From the tempura veggies, miso soup, and bao buns, to the sashimi and specialty rolls, I was surprised this place isn't rated higher. I highly recommend URBN if you're looking for a nice chill spot with delicious food and great service.
- fishThe fish they use is always fresh and tasty
- portionsWe each chose a dinner combination featuring teriyaki and a specialty sushi roll. The sushi was fresh, and the portions in the combination were large, resulting in leftovers for another meal. The waiters were friendly and attentive.
- specialty rollsWe ordered a substantial amount of food, and everything was delicious. From the tempura veggies, miso soup, and bao buns, to the sashimi and specialty rolls, I was surprised this place isn't rated higher. I highly recommend URBN if you're looking for a nice chill spot with delicious food and great service.
- menutheir menu is long!!!! They have so many different foods
- miso soupWe ordered a substantial amount of food, and everything was delicious. From the tempura veggies, miso soup, and bao buns, to the sashimi and specialty rolls, I was surprised this place isn't rated higher. I highly recommend URBN if you're looking for a nice chill spot with delicious food and great service.
- presentationI don't often give out 5 stars, but this place absolutely deserves it. The huge rolls and amazing presentation were phenomenal. The fish was incredibly fresh, and the place itself is clean and cozy with friendly staff.
Frequently criticized
- foodExtremely bad food all around
- sushiThe service was subpar, even though it wasn't a busy time. I strongly recommend against ordering raw fish at this establishment, which is very ironic considering they specialize in sushi. I will never eat here again, and if you're in the mood for sushi/sashimi, I suggest you don't either.
- food poisoninggot food poisoning from the albacore special
- Chicken YakisobaThe worst Chicken Yakisoba
- NoodlesBland Noodles
- Philadelphia rollcouldn’t even eat it because the salmon was tough, stringy
- Very averageVery average
- albacore specialfood poisoning from the albacore special
- back kitchenEverything that came from the back kitchen was terrible
- chickenBurnt chicken
If youre craving fresh sushi, creative rolls, or a hearty Japanese entree, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful of some inconsistent kitchen items, and youll likely leave satisfied with the delicious offerings.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at 77.6%, guests often rave about the friendly staff, attentive waiters, and how the owner personally connects with customers. Based on 97 positive remarks out of 125, it seems they truly know how to take care of you.
However, not every experience is perfect. About 28 negative comments point to occasional slow service, issues with customer service, and long waiting times. Some guests felt a lack of attention, with orders getting messed up, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency.
Service
125
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
28
negative
0
neutral
97
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Owner interaction
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Lack of attention
- Order mix-ups
Often praised
- servicethey've already nailed down food and service
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The space was great, complemented by good service and friendly staff. I particularly enjoyed the fresh fish and tasty rolls.
- serversThe servers were amazing and really took care of us all.
- ServiceTOP SERVICE! Our server Henry was great the whole time
- ownerIt was so worth the wait! The owner is super friendly and always makes us feel special whenever we come by. I particularly love the baked salmon roll and crunch roll.
- JJJJ is just a second to none
- chefsservers and chefs were nice
- great serviceFrom the tempura veggies, miso soup, and bao buns, to the sashimi and specialty rolls, I was surprised this place isn't rated higher. I highly recommend URBN if you're looking for a nice chill spot with delicious food and great service. You absolutely HAVE to try the ‘no rice’ rolls; the ex-girlfriend roll was my personal favorite.
- sushi chefsushi chef to the wait staff was super friendly
- sushi chefsThe sushi chefs are excellent
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service I got while picking up and order was horrendous
- attentionhad to call for my server to get their attention
- checking on methey never once checked on me
- customerdo not care about customer
- customer serviceBad customer service
- customersDoesn't treat all customers in the same way
- deliveryDriver didn't bother to call me for directions or help
- feedbacktheir feedback was sorry about that
- full mealI had to actively seek out my server for attention and even for water. When my order was finally taken, I didn't receive my full meal, requiring another request to get the missing part, which they had apparently forgotten to make. While the servers did attend to other tables, checking on their needs and refilling drinks, I received no such attention.
- ordermaking sure the order is correctly submitted and received
Overall, you can expect a good service experience here, often highlighted by friendly and attentive staff. While there might be occasional hiccups like slower moments or minor order issues, the positive outweighs the negative for most diners. It's definitely worth a visit if good service is high on your list.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
The ambience here truly sets a welcoming tone, earning a good score of 7.6 and an impressive 83.3% customer satisfaction. Out of 60 comments, a whopping 50 rave about the atmosphere, praising the clean place, great vibe, modern atmosphere, and beautiful interior space, often highlighting the thoughtful design and even fun music. It sounds like a place where youll feel right at home!
While overwhelmingly positive, a few of the 7 negative comments do point out some minor quirks. Some guests occasionally noticed an unpleasant smell, found the lighting a bit too bright, or felt the tables were a little too crammed together. These seem to be isolated incidents rather than widespread issues, so dont let them deter you too much.
Ambience
60
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Immaculate cleanliness
- Inviting atmosphere
- Thoughtful design
What people don't like
- Unpleasant odors
- Harsh lighting
- Cramped seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThis new Japanese spot has opened up and they are definitely onto something. My experience was marked by wonderful presentation, a modern atmosphere with a mural of magical fish, and lovely employees and owners. I initially came for the sushi, and I'm eager to return to try their ramen and Japanese curry.
- placeservice and place is nice
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- restaurantThe restaurant was clean
- ambianceThe ambiance is so modern
- casual restaurantCasual restaurant
- casual vibeNice casual vibe here.
- chill placeGreat chill place
- chill spotFrom the tempura veggies, miso soup, and bao buns, to the sashimi and specialty rolls, I was surprised this place isn't rated higher. I highly recommend URBN if you're looking for a nice chill spot with delicious food and great service. You absolutely HAVE to try the ‘no rice’ rolls; the ex-girlfriend roll was my personal favorite.
- clean placeClean place with a great vibe!
Frequently criticized
- tablestables are very crammed together
- dishesDishes was stained and chipped.
- lightingVery brightly lit place
- parking lotThe sushi was okay, and the prices were reasonable. The location was convenient, although the parking lot can be crowded; thankfully, there's plenty of street parking nearby. The service was good.
- photosI can’t understand where they got this beautiful photos of sushi, definitely not same thing that I got.
- smellThe place smell like a fish drying market
If you're seeking a spot with a generally pleasant, clean, and inviting atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Despite a few minor mentions of lighting or seating, the overall vibe is highly praised, making it a great choice for a comfortable dining experience.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners find things quite agreeable. With 12 positive remarks out of 23 total comments, guests often highlight the reasonable prices and how the food offers great value for the cost. The overall score for value sits at an average 5.8, suggesting its a decent option for your wallet.
However, its not all sunshine and savings. With 10 negative remarks, some folks felt certain items were on the pricier side. Specifically, drinks can be expensive, and the added service charge sometimes makes the final bill feel a bit steep.
Customer satisfaction for value is a mixed 52.2%, indicating a split in opinions.
Value
23
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable food prices
- Good value overall
What people don't like
- Drinks are expensive
- Specialty items pricey
- Service charge adds up
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, featuring amazing food and very reasonable prices. The service was also good.
- priceMy experience at this sushi place was generally positive, with good quality sushi at a reasonable price. We visited on a Sunday at 5: 30 PM and had no trouble getting a table.
- costI always come back here at least once a month. The servers are super friendly and the food is great for the cost. I always get a specialty roll to share and a bento box for myself.
- reasonable pricesuper reasonable price
Frequently criticized
- pricemuch more expensive here than Japan
- average rollAverage roll was $18
- drinksDrinks are expensive
- pricey placeNot that impressed for such a pricey place
- pricier sideOn the pricier side.
- sashimia few pieces of sashimi $24 and up
- service chargethe service charge is the reason
- special roll sushispecial roll sushi $16-25
- tipplus a tip. Hope you enjoy a MY free meal plus a free tip
If you're looking for generally reasonable prices on food, especially for a good meal, this place could be a solid choice. Just be mindful that drinks and certain specialty items can quickly push your bill onto the pricier side, so plan your order wisely.
How are the prices at URBN?
You’re looking at roughly 33 per person – reported by 74 diners. That puts it in the 31 – 40 € category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the full picture, while the average is 33€, we see a nice spread. Many guests spend in the 21 – 30 € range, showing there are great options for various budgets, alongside those who might opt for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 74 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Diego. It offers a good balance, allowing guests to enjoy a quality meal whether they’re looking for something quick or a more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about URBN
Price per Person
- 31 - 40 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
URBN Sushi: Fresh Fish & Great Service
My experience at URBN Sushi was a delightful dining experience. The restaurant offers super fresh fish and creative roll options, making it a perfect spot for your sushi fix. The prices are also super reasonable.
The service was great; they provided recommendations and even a free appetizer. I highly recommend the lemon roll, which was the highlight of the meal. It's worth a stop if you're in the area, or even if not.
- fresh fish10
- creative roll options9
- sushi fix9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Sushi and Great Vibe!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The place was clean and had a great vibe. The sushi was exceptionally soft and truly delicious.
I also enjoyed the rolls, maki, shrimp dishes, and chicken katsu, which were all great. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, and they did a wonderful job explaining the menu. I would definitely come back!
- clean place9
- great vibe9
- sushi10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Salmon and Shrimp!
This was my second visit to the restaurant. My son absolutely loves the miso salmon. On my previous visit, I had the Salmon Poke, and this time I tried the Garlic Shrimp.
Both dishes tasted incredibly fresh and delicious!
- miso salmon10
- Salmon Poke9
- Garlic Shrimp9
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Salmon and Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, primarily due to the food quality and the subsequent service. I ordered a Philadelphia roll, but the salmon was so tough and stringy that I couldn't even eat it. When I brought this to their attention, I was met with an explanation that I apparently didn't understand what I was eating, which was frustrating given my prior experience with sushi.
Instead of addressing the issue or offering a solution, I was lectured about the 'texture of salmon. ' I've never had a restaurant dispute what was in my mouth before. While I understand that bad batches can happen, I do not appreciate being spoken to as if I were unintelligent.
- Philadelphia roll1
- salmon1
- service2
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Incredible Food and Helpful Service!
I ordered platters for pickup for my sister's bachelorette party, and it was such a hit with our group! Everyone loved the incredible food. I really enjoyed coordinating with the staff; they were so helpful in creating a variety for all dietary restrictions and ensured we didn't have too much of one thing.
This really took the stress off me for ordering and coordinating for such a large group. Thanks again!
- food10
- variety9
- coordinating9
What URBN offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at URBN Sushi - La Jolla?
At URBN Sushi – La Jolla, you’ll find a free parking lot with usually plenty of parking available. The restaurant is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom for your convenience.
What kind of dining experience and menu options does URBN Sushi - La Jolla offer?
URBN Sushi – La Jolla provides a casual and cozy dining experience, perfect for lunch or dinner. You can enjoy table service, small plates, and healthy or vegetarian options. They also offer a kids’ menu and high chairs, making it a great choice for families.
How is URBN generally rated by customers?
URBN holds a `Restaurant Score` of **7.7** out of 10, with `Customer Satisfaction` at **78.2%**. Customers particularly praise the `Food` (7.9), `Service` (7.6), and `Ambience` (7.6), though `Value` (5.8) receives a more moderate assessment.
What do customers appreciate most about URBN?
Customers frequently highlight the fresh and diverse food, especially the sushi and rolls, along with the friendly and attentive service staff. The modern and clean atmosphere also contributes to a positive dining experience.
Are there any common complaints about URBN?
Some customers have noted inconsistencies in service attention, such as needing to actively seek out servers. Additionally, the pricing for certain items, like drinks and sashimi, is occasionally perceived as being on the pricier side, and there are isolated reports of food quality issues.