Top Japanese Restaurant in Carlsbad
Motto Japanese Grill
5600 Paseo Del Norte #115A, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
No complaints. Good value and good food. I ordered chicken and shrimp tempura, cucumber salad, miso soup, and rice. Topped it off with a cold Sapporo. My wife ordered teriyaki chicken bento. We live in AZ. When we visit the Carlsbad area, nothing beats this fast food Japanese restaurant. ?
san sai Japanese Grill
5600 Paseo Del Norte #115A, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
I go here a lot because the location is convenient. Food is great, but the service is hit and miss. Sometimes quick and easy, sometimes it takes forever. Pay attention to who is waiting when you walk in if you are in a hurry. I waited for 20min today only for them to get my order wrong. Overall, a 4 star because of the consistently good food for a good price.
GONZO
300 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
I have lived in Tokyo, tried almost 100 ramen/katsu shops, and I can say with certainty that Gonzo is the most authentic to taste in the entire San Diego area and its not even close.Their katsu and Karaage is extremely authentic in taste to restaurants in Japan. And their ramen is very up to par as well although I do think it is weaker than their rice bowl dishes since I would like to see something different than just Tonkotsu.I am extremely harsh in my reviews when it comes to Japanese restaurants here so this 5 start review is not 1 of many. Thanks Gonzo.
Yamariki Sushi
7610 Via Campanile #148, Carlsbad, CA 92009, United States
Sushi was decent though inconsistent in size and quality from week to week (larger portions of nigiri closer to closing - no bueno).What I wanted to mention is that after picking up the exact same order for several weeks in a row, they hired a new employee who completely got my order wrong — instead of accepting what I said, the manager/owner (older Asian lady who I assume is) questioned me and the employee in front of me like a judge then begrudgingly fixed it. On my way out, I noticed yet another part of the order was wrong and went back - the owner refused to fix it even those the wrong items were twice the cost of what I ordered. She said they were closing soon (it was really in 45 minutes) and didn't have time to make it (baked dish that takes 15 min) and to come back tomorrow and she would make it “for free”. She never offered to refund me the difference ($40 for two rolls instead of $17 appetizer that I ordered). She also argued that it's not a menu item though they made it for me the preceding week. The initial order came to $200 and I only ordered $75 of items. They brought it down begrudgingly to $100 after part of the errors were fixed.This was so disappointing after several okay experiences. I won't be coming back. Just hope that they don't mess up your order, or you will have to haggle with them to get it fixed and treated like you're trying to pull a fast one on them.WORD OF ADVICE FOR THE OWNER: THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT, REFUND FOR ANY MISTAKES, DON'T INTERROGATE CUSTOMERS, TRAIN YOUR NEW EMPLOYEES BETTER, AND ESPECIALLY DON'T DRESS THEM DOWN IN FRONT OF CUSTOMERS WHEN THEY MAKE MISTAKES.Raising my review from 2 to 3 stars - I gave them another chance and the service has improved - plus the quality of the fish has improved (was good before and now very good cuts - if you order takeout close to their closing time, they will give you larger slices of fish (nigiri/sashimi). Happy hour (4:30-5:30pm every day) is 1/3 lower prices but the cuts seem to also be 1/3 smaller (or perhaps my imagination!)Still waiting for a stellar sushi place in la costa/ south Carlsbad/Encinitas.
Harumama Noodles Buns - Carlsbad
711 Grand Ave Suite A, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
Harumama is one of our family's favorite take out places when we are out in town running errands. The food is always amazing and consistent. We particularly love the character buns and ramen with a start of kaarage! Yum!Sadly, that's not what led me to leave this review.We eat here probably once a week and always choose to eat on the go. Today we had an exceptionally harder family day and chose to change our take out order to a dining in order - to make it extra special for our little daughter.Upon arriving, we were greeted rudely by a very well manicured brunette male (had gold jewelry, very put together but a “I'm better then you attitude”) and also could have been new. He seemed perturbed that I wanted to sit at a table rather then take our food and go. Having told the man inordered our food online and wanted to dine in. I went ahead and sat down at a table with my family and waited. No one greeted us for beverages so I proceeded to wait right at the doorway for someone to help me place an additional order. I waited for 5 minutes….made eye contact several times and nothing. I proceeded to then go find the server in the back area by the restrooms and ask if I can place an order. He seemed once again annoyed and told me to “hold on”. So I then waited for longer at the front door.It wasn't until two other parties had walked in that he rushed past me to seat them and then said “oh sorry!” When finished like I hadn't been standing there for almost 10 minutes. He finally asked me how he could help me!!In addition to the long wait for placing an order. I was never brought my take out order, I went inside and grabbed it myself, never offered water or utensils. We ate without napkins and we're never checked on. Let me mind you we had a young child and a baby who most likely needed a high chair. When the food order was ready for me the waiter simply called my name across the restaurant for ME to turn around and walk back and grab my food…Are these restaurant SERVERS or are we supposed to wait on ourselves?? Is this how the new dining experience is?? When I worked the industry the standard was to serve everyone with the best quality service one could offer, to anticipate needs.My inkling is this young man saw my online tip and didn't want to work for something so small. Something I ALWAYS do is tip 10% on all orders and cash tip upon arrival sometimes up to 40% if the staff is that thoughtful and anticipates our needs by simply providing a standard of service. That's just my assumption..but maybe not.Being in the food service industry, working at many different establishments..I would have never prided myself to work around anyone with the lack of customer service this employee had. Not sure if this is just the norm with the younger generation or a lack of training or maybe overall awareness. Regardless…it's enough to make me do a quick search and find another favorite spot.A lot of people are becoming more mindful as to where we spend our hard earned money. There are so many suffering restaurants that have impeccable service that would love to benefit off of new customer support. I really think Harumamas staff could do better to treat everyone inclusively and kindly. More people need to look UP and AROUND and care more about those around them instead of only themselves.I hope this review goes to show how one interaction can make or break the loyalty a customer has within a business. One customer can provide a lot of support in their loyalty by spreading the word to friends, family and their professional network. In times like these this shouldn't be overlooked. Your loyal customers are ultimately who will help you survive when say something like a pandemic happens or life gets tough and the masses can't afford to eat out as much. I wouldn't neglect these loyal customers you have.Do better.
Tabu Shabu Bressi Ranch
2674 Gateway Rd Suite 190, Carlsbad, CA 92009, United States
4.5 stars - lovely little casual restaurant in modern Japanese style. Staff was great, food was super high quality, and drinks were standard fare (various sake, a couple of wines and a handful of beer options). Took off a half star because no reservations system and the hot sake wasnt actually hot (warm only). Will definitely be going back and highly recommend for a great Shabu Shabu experience in a relaxed setting!
Surf Brothers Teriyaki And Catering
2708 Loker Ave W #103, Carlsbad, CA 92010, United States
Nine times out of ten the food quality is very good, I enjoy the steak more than the chicken. I have been going to the store in Encinitas most of my adult life. I moved jobs and now Carlsbad location is closest to me for lunch. The last three times I went in has been a struggle. I called and spoke with one of the owners who identified himself as the older brother and asked that I give them another chance and to call him before I went in so he could cover my meal for me. I went down today and tried to call him but was unable to get ahold of him so I went in and ordered anyway. While I was ordering I asked if they could make sure there was enough rice. The woman taking my order squinted at me and acted like she didnt understand, I had a hard time understanding her too so I thought this was totally possible, so I spoke slower and enunciated my words. She then asked if I would like to forgo the salad for extra rice. As I had obviously failed to communicate the first two times I surrendered to her idea. she then turned to me and said sorry they already made it, sorry. Then proceeded to try to help the next customer. I told her if my food could not be made correctly then I would like a refund please. This too was met with resistance by both her and the person who eventually gave me my refund. Everyone makes mistakes. its how those mistakes were handled and how I was treated for pointing them out that leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I will still try the Encinitas location, if I am ever in the area, but as for my employees and myself, we will not be returning to Carlsbad.
Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar
2958 Madison St #100, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
Bright, comfortable decor, with a large bar area. This is a fusion Japanese restaurant, offering a variety of sashimi, sushi rolls, skewers, hot spicy rice clay pot, etc. The rolls we had were pretty good, refreshing, particularly, the hotty hotty rolls with fried onions were delicious! The uni sushi were average. The grilled skewers were over sauces, too salty. Overall, good CP!
BESHOCK RAMEN CARLSBAD
2525 El Camino Real UNIT 211, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
The noodle tasted very awesome. The bross reminded me of a well thought out plan. I was really impressed by the state of the bathroom. Very clean and unique in design. The design of the restaurant gives you a Japanese restaurant feel. Very small on the inside but packs a lot of power when the food comes out. Even in the small space the staff members are very good with not running into each other. The staff are very attentive to the customers. They also understand the menu very well. The bar seating is very comfortable. A perfect little quiet place to take a date.
Tomoyama sushi
6949 El Camino Real #201, Carlsbad, CA 92009, United States
The tempura was horrible and just okay compared to other Japanese restaurants. Small portions. The sushi was OK. seemed a little overpriced for what we got even so we did get 30% off since we went before 5 PM.