Yakitori Tsuta - Reviews

My experience at this restaurant was truly unforgettable. The yakitori was perfectly balanced, showcasing the chef's meticulous attention to detail in every skewer. Each piece was cooked to perfection, with a crispy yet juicy texture. The condiments were applied with a gentle touch, never overpowering the natural flavors. The sake selection was great, complementing the meal beautifully. While I could elaborate on each course, I prefer to leave the delightful discovery to you.

My experience at this restaurant was insane, offering one of the best meals I’ve had period. Despite its unassuming nature, the service was spot on. Every dish we enjoyed during the omakase was awesome. I highly highly recommend this place.

As a Japanese national, I found this place to be an authentic high-end Japanese restaurant with excellent food. I suggest approaching it with an open mind, rather than an "American attitude of being picky. " Come here to appreciate the authentic Japanese food as is. The chef curates the menu thoughtfully, ensuring most dishes are enjoyable for open-minded diners while maintaining authenticity. I'm certain this establishment will soon earn Michelin Stars and become difficult to reserve. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny, especially for omakase. We spent approximately $275 + tip for two people with two drinks each, but it was absolutely worth it. We will definitely be returning.

My experience at this restaurant was a fantastic guided dinner. It was a lot of fun, elevating the simple yakitori to an event. This was complemented by chawamushi, a delicious dessert, and chicken broth soup. Reservations well in advance are required.

We drove 100 miles (one-way) for dinner at the charming, 10-seat Yakitori Tsuta in San Diego. My husband wanted to go because of the yakitori, and I was drawn to the chef's choice/tasting menu. Our experience was phenomenal. After service, we spoke with the chef/grill master, Tatsuro Tsuchiya, who shared that he starts his day at 8: 00 AM to break down chicken and prep, working until the first service at 5: 30 PM (second service is at 8: 15 PM). The restaurant has six seats at the counter and four at a single table. Chef Tsuchiya puts so much energy and focus into his craft, and his dedication is apparent in his food. My favorite dishes included the lotus root/renkon for the childhood memories it evoked, the soul-satisfying ramen served pre-dessert, and the surprisingly tender and juicy yakitori tail. It's definitely worth a visit.

Yakitori Tsuta by Chef Tsuchiya is seriously a hidden gem in San Diego. We recently traveled to Japan and could not really satisfy our yakitori needs & kept comparing to Yakitori Tsuta back in the states lol. The chicken ramen here is DELICIOUS and we couldn’t find a similar tasting broth in Japan. ! The minute we got back, we had to get our fix. We always order a La carte cause we want everything on the menu! The flavors are so clean & high quality - no other yakitori place in San Diego can compare. Other than yakitori we highly recommend the sesame tofu, pickles, marinated miso cheese, egg&chicken rice bowl and the rice ball. Please be patient with the chef as it is only him who is prepping, cooking & grilling all at the same time and only one other server (he’s so awesome too!). Be prepared for a long meal, but it is definitely worth it.

We were just passing by and noticed there was no sign or menu outside the restaurant, so we opened the door to ask. Inside, there appeared to be only one chef (possibly the owner) and two or three customers. When we inquired, we were told it’s reservation-only. The chef had an unfriendly attitude, didn’t offer any explanation or menu, and seemed annoyed by our presence. Not very welcoming to potential customers who are simply curious. According to the restaurant’s Google listing, the prices seem to be over $100 per person. Even Michelin-starred yakitori restaurants in Tokyo don’t charge that much—and their service is far more professional and friendly. If you haven’t eaten here yet, there’s no need to spend money just to be treated rudely. Not worth it.

Secure your reservation now to avoid missing out on this unique dining experience at Yakitori Tsuta. Arriving 15 minutes early is a sign of respect and sets the tone for the omakase journey that awaits you. Patiently wait for the invitation to enter. Yakitori Tsuta is already a must-visit for upcoming San Diego events, with the anticipation of seasonal ingredient shifts adding to the excitement. Chef Tatsuro Tsuchiya's omakase experience expertly orchestrates the implementation of superior courses through neurogastronomy. The textures, flavors, and smells bring back memories of my apprenticeship with other Senseis, and Chef Tsuchiya builds the foundation for ongoing new experiences. As a trained butcher, I was interested in everything. Consider ride-sharing for the performing Sake pairing or have your designated driver join. I was fortunate to dine with a professor and his wife, making new friends.

My Japanese friend kindly invited us to a charming yakitori restaurant, and we had a delightful experience. All the food was fresh, prepared, and cooked right before our eyes. It was wonderful to watch each piece being expertly seared. Some items, such as the chicken cartilage or neck, might not appeal to everyone, but the chef was happy to offer substitutions. The restaurant's intimate setting, with only six seats, reminded me of my trips to Japan; it felt like stepping back in time. The meat was flavorful and tender. They also offered intriguing desserts, including an interesting edamame ice cream and a refreshing yuzu sorbet. The sake selection was excellent. While the skewers were a bit pricey, the overall experience was well worth it.

My experience at Yakitori Tsuta was a great experience overall. We opted for the omakase dinner, and it certainly delivered. The appetizers were interesting, and I particularly loved the smoked chicken and duck. The chawamushi was incredibly savory with huge umami, yet it still felt fresh thanks to the vegetables. The sake selection was great, and the ability to choose your own cups was a nice touch. All the skewers were fantastic. I especially enjoyed the chicken skin, wing, and quail eggs, so much so that we ordered extra. The heart was also a unique and interesting preparation compared to what we were accustomed to. The meal concluded with ramen and dessert, both of which were tasty. By the end, we were stuffed and thoroughly enjoyed our meal. I 100% recommend their omakase and we will definitely be back!