Top Japanese Restaurant in Del Mar
Sushi Garden Aptos
38 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, CA 95003, United States
I say this with some hesitation, as my son worked at Sushi Garden in Capitola while going to school. In thankful for that. However, having since moved to Aptos I started frequenting Imura Japanese Restaurant in Watsonville. Unfortunately, this evening I stopped by Sushi Garden in Aptos Village. The comparison in cost is amazing. I order the exact same things each time I eat sushi, I know thats not necessarily adventurous but I know what I like. Point being that it levels the playing field when doing a comparison. My Bill at Sushi Garden is almost double the cost as that same meal at Imura Japanese Restaurant in watsonville and the service is different. Imura Japanese restaurant is managed and ran by adults, in fact the owner or adult manager are there every night and they actually really care about your dining experience. Two things beyond just Service and personal experience, again at Sushi Garden my Bill for the exact same items was almost double and when I received the bill with the suggested tips 18%, 20% and 22% its calculated the tip not on the sub total but the total including the TAX. SO your tipping on state tax. Its like your getting the opportunity to thank the state of California each time you eat at Sushi Garden.So to sum it up please keep frequenting all the Sushi Garden locations, pay twice to an operation thats operated hands off by High School students, pay twice what you should and then get shamed into tipping including tax just to boots your Bill!
Sushiya Express
955 Embarcadero del Mar E, Goleta, CA 93117, United States
Surprisingly good Korean food for a Japanese restaurant. The new owners are Korean I think. Food was on the pricier side, but worth it in my opinion.
Shimbashi Izakaya
1555 Camino Del Mar #201, Del Mar, CA 92014, United States
So nice to try this Japanese restaurant out in Del Mar. This place has an amazing ocean view. It is really really popular. I have to say the service is extremely slow, that makes me almost give a 4 star, but I can tell they really need more staffs. The waitress is nice, she really tried hard to make everyone has service. But it is super slow…. We waited over 30 minutes to place our food order. Gladly the foods came to our table not too slow. And all the foods are very delicious. I love their menu, you can get almost anything that you want from a Japanese restaurant, even including sukiyaki hotpot and grilled beef tongue. I was craving for cold soba noodles, and I enjoyed my food. I just hope they can hire more staffs soon.
SOTA
3344 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, United States
Located in Corona Del Mar this fusion inspired Japanese restaurant serves upscale sushi rolls and more. This visit came in during lunch time and ordered a Baja Roll $20 and miso soup $4. Flavors were good and then it goes downhill.Server was in a rush to get our order in and made me feel uncomfortable the whole time I was eating. Felt like I was dinning at a fast food restaurant and when I was about to eat my last piece of sushi she comes over to try to clear my plate and it was very awkward and unprofessional without asking if I was finished. She insisted on me ordering more food and I said no and then comes back to the table again and insisted I order more. I’m about livid at this point. Was rushed to pay as well.Overall experience was not great and felt angry that I dropped a fair amount of money on a meal that I really wanted to enjoy.
Top other services in Del Mar:
Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens
2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, United States
The Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens is simply a beautiful space. Combining some indoor seating with predominantly outdoor seating, we opted to sit outdoors, which had us feeling like we were dining in a lush and sprawling garden.Our server Tom, provided us with very good service, taking us through some of his recommendations, and answering all our questions.My wife and I began our foodie adventure by sharing the Citrus and Avocado salad. The Butter Lettuce was accompanied by sections of Mandarin and Blood Orange, and Pink and White Grapefruit, slices of Avocado, Pine Nuts, and a very delicious Sesame Rice Vinaigrette. What an awesome starter!For our entrees, my wife ordered the Sea Scallops, Shrimp and Mussels with the Tehachapi Grain Project Blue Corn grilled Polenta Cake.I ordered the pan-seared Panko, Dijon and Thyme crusted Autonomy Farms Chicken Pallaird.The seafood dish had a generous amount of mussels, shrimp and scallops.The sauce contained some sauteed spinach and a pernod-based tomato broth with a hint of juniper berry (?) whisping through it, elevating it into a simply delightful, delicious and habit forming dish. We will definitely order this one again.The chicken dish was similar to a Japanese chicken katsu. Hints of Dijon and Thyme could be tasted in its panko crust. The sliced chicken breast was moist and tender. The dishs vegetable medley of sugar snap peas, grilled red onion, roast turnips and radishes, and arugula with a lemon shallot vinaigrette was mighty tasty. The stand out sugar snap peas were the star, and were some of the best and freshest that I have ever had. Unfortunately, the small drumstick that was included in the dish was not cooked through, being a bit red inside, so that took away from an otherwise very good dish.The slice of grilled polenta cake included with each dish was warm, moist and very satisfying. We both commented on how we would love to be able to buy a whole polenta cake to have at home with one of our own home-cooked meals.All in all, it was a very good meal, with only the undercooked chicken leg taking our review down to 4 stars.We highly recommend The Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens, and are looking forward to returning soon and trying more of Chef Rick Means very tasty dishes!
Steak 48 Del Mar
12995 El Camino Real Del Mar, Heights, Town Center, CA 92130, United States
HOLD ON - please read so you can understand why a popular, beautiful place is only getting 2 stars (when the food and service is rated 5 stars).When you walk in - you are greeted immediately and kindly - which is great. We only had to wait for a few minutes for a table, and that was a plus. The place is MUCH bigger than I thought it would be which I initially thought would be good - but read on to why I think its actually a negative.Out waiter was GREAT - so was our busboy. They both could not have been more attentive - so again - a plus. (so at this point you are wondering why Im giving it such a low rating...read on)Heres one of the 2 biggest issues - THE NOISE IS JUST SO FREAKING LOUD that I felt like I was in a bar or at a rave. I mean - not only is the (unnecessary) music so dang loud - but its just crackers that a place like this would have such loud music. Its SOOOOO not needed! Also, the acoustics are non-existent because you honestly could NOT hear what anyone at your table was saying to you unless you were sitting right next to them. What makes it worse, is that the tables around you are shouting because they cant hear one another over the loud music and competing voices. WHY have music like this and just plan so poorly with your acoustics?!!Also - lets talk prices for a minute. If you are going to charge INSANELY EXPENSIVE prices for food, you need to have the atmosphere match the prices (as thats always been my experience). So if Im going to leave there paying $$$$ for my meal, I want to be able to at least talk to the people Im there with as this is part of the experience. Please know that I am an experienced fine dining patron, so I do know that you shouldnt have caviar prices and have the atmosphere/surroundings of Bud Light. It takes away so much when you are paying $$$$ for a meal and its just impossible to enjoy it.We also had to deal with a drunk patron who yelled at us at the beginning of the meal AND have 2 babies next to us that clearly were not happy with the noise and dirty diapers they must have had on. I KNOW that a restaurant cannot be help responsible for some of these things (unhappy babies, babies who need a diaper change, drunk patrons) - but it all added up to just making the whole experience just NOT GOOD.Yes - the food was good. Yes - the food presentation was good. Yes - the customer service was good. BUT - pair that along with a beyond noisy place - very high prices without matching the atmosphere AND having to practically yell at your tablemates to be heard and it adds up to my rating.STEAK48 - you have potential to be a really, really good place. If you even read this - please - no music in the evenings as its not necessary. Have the acoustics tweaked so its not like a WWE experience just to talk. Try to not have people with babies sit next to a couple clearly trying to have a romantic date night (if at all possible - I know this one is a tough ask).Sadly, we wont be going back and have shared our experience with many so far (and quite a few on social media).
ADDISON
5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130, United States
Addison is amazing. It satisfies the dictionary definition of the word. Addison causes great surprise or wonder. Addison is startlingly impressive. Addison is astonishing. Addison defies all expectations of dining in San Diego. Dont trust anyone who claims that any restaurants other than Addison represent San Diegos best fine dining. They dont. It is Addison. Addison, all alone.My wife and I usually dine at Addison around the time of our anniversary and maybe another visit or two annually. It truly is a special occasion dinner, not a place you go to on a whim.Chef William Bradleys style is modern French fused with new Californian cuisine. There are Asian influences in many dishes at Addison, specifically Japanese. Like most restaurants in this class, food is arranged like art sprawled across each plate, each a colorful and intricate tapestry of textures and colors. But, make no mistake, flavor is prioritized over form at Addison.The kitchen delighted us with the following courses on our most recent visit this past May:Amuse Bouche: Whipped Yogurt over Orange Ginger GranitéBread Selections: Parker House Roll, Sesame Seed Lavash, and Warm Gougère, filled with Sea Salt and Sherry Crémeux1. Sake-Cured Kampachi with Nori, Red Radish, and Miso Dressing2. Osetra Caviar over Dutch White Asparagus with Oeufs Fouetés and Sauce Gribiche3. Coquilles St. Jacques, featuring Diver Scallop, Leek Cremeux, Sauce Vermouth, and Little Gem Lettuce4. Caramelized Sablefish with Toasted Kale, Bacon, and Bouillon Japonais5. Mascarpone Agnolotti with Saveurs des Printemps6. Ris de Veau Pané with Roasted Tomato, Jamon Iberico, and Artichoke7. Coffee Roasted Canard with Koshihikari Rice, Candied Peanuts, and Sauce Albufera8. Gâteau au Fromage de Chèvre with Candied Cornichon, Black Olive, and Preserved Lemon9. Lime Sorbet with Elderflower Consommé10. Roche de Chocolat, with Hazelnut, Brown Butter Caramel, and Maraschino CherryThe Coffee-Roasted Duck is my all-time favorite dish at Addison and, fortunately, it ends up in the 10-course tasting every time, regardless of season. It features tender duck breast cooked rare, glazed with a bittersweet coffee sauce, and meant to be eaten with the peanut purée that decorates the plate. It always comes with a side of koshihikari rice with crunchy peanuts and duck confit.The Ris de Veau Pané also appears frequently (but not always) during tastings -- it is a lightly-breaded veal sweetbread blanketed by a slice of salty Jamon Iberico next to silky purées of artichoke and micro-sieved potato, the latter of which uses the magical 2:1 potato-to-butter ratio. Speaking of butter, the Coquilles St. Jacques was perhaps the richest of all of the dishes we had in this recent tasting. Scallops can be fussy to prepare, and Chef Bradleys kitchen knows they want and need butter. The Mascarpone Agnolotti was another rich plate, and probably my second favorite dish of this visit -- its tastes of Spring included firm, beautiful Tibetan morel mushrooms which were all at once meaty, woody, dense, and deep with umami.Finally, the Caramelized Sablefish should be mentioned -- it had a similar miso glaze to it as the often-imitated miso-marinated black cod from Nobu. The riveting dashi broth tasted of the sea, but a food version of it. The highlight, buried in the dish, was a dice-sized chunk of what may be among the smokiest bacon Ive ever had.In conclusion, this is a restaurant that Id recommend to anyone in San Diego who wants an unforgettable dining experience or who seeks the absolute best meal this region has to offer.
Flower Child
2690 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014, United States
Elite '165.0 star rating 12/2/2016First to Review 21 photos 1 check-inWow, this place is heaven, healthy heaven.The menu varies from Salads, bowls,wraps and mix n match, everything so healthy.No junk, here.And you could add any protein you like from chicken, salmon, steak and tofuLot of option for vegetarians too.Interior:Very trendy and very open with lots of natural lights flowing in.Very positive colors and feels like home.Also love the idea of having wash basing, to wash hands without waiting in Restroom.Aslo, Extended seats below stairsCozy outside patio.Dog Friendly, woof woof.Staff:Special mention to the the Staff team, super friendly and very warm despite of the super crowd. They were very patient and explaining everything in detail. I will go again just to meet this beautiful people.Food:We orderedMadras Curry Bowl:Yummy.Since i am form Madras, and I eat curry every day, I wanted to order Madras Curry.It did meet my expectation, yummI ordered with Salmon as added protein.It had, organic potato, heirloom carrot, green bean, sweet onion, cilantro, garam masala, coconut.Bird is the Word - Chicken Wrap:I loved onions a lot, especially grilled and this wrap had charred onions, it was out of the world wrap. Best wrap in San Diego. So fresh and tasty.The wrap had grilled chicken, broccoli, charred onion & pepper, melted pepper jack cheeseThai Dye Wrap:This wrap was ok, lacked the flavor and taste, milder side.spicy tofu, thai basil, avocado, carrot, daikon radish, cilantro, snap pea. Spicy Tofu was not that spicy.And it lacked the punch.Drinks:LemonadeThey had 3 variety of lemonade and three version of TeaCappuccino was fresh and very aromatic.Tried a sample of Kombucha, on the tap. I will order this next time.Fresh tap beer available too.Highs:Great STAFFAmazing atmosphere with great interiorsGreat outside cozy patioExtended seats below stairsDog Friendly, woof woof.
Poseidon Restaurant Del Mar
1670 Coast Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014, United States
Poseidon, located in Del Mar offers an unrivaled dining experience that combines breathtaking ocean views, exceptional service, and delectable cuisine. My recent visit to this seaside gem left me thoroughly impressed, and I am excited to share my fantastic experience. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by the friendly and attentive staff who made me feel welcome and ensured a seamless dining experience. The service throughout the evening was top-notch, with the staff being knowledgeable, accommodating, and always ready to cater to my needs. The highlight of Poseidon, without a doubt, is its stunning ocean view. The restaurant is strategically positioned right on the beach, allowing guests to enjoy the sight and sound of crashing waves while indulging in their meal. The ambiance is simply mesmerizing, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Now, lets talk about the food. Poseidon truly delivers on its promise of exceptional cuisine. The menu boasts a diverse selection of dishes, ranging from fresh seafood delicacies to expertly crafted steaks and enticing vegetarian options. Every dish I had the pleasure of tasting was a testament to the chefs culinary skills and commitment to quality. The flavors were well-balanced, the presentation was impeccable, and the ingredients were undoubtedly fresh. One dish that stands out in my memory is the succulent grilled seafood platter. The perfectly cooked shrimp, tender scallops, and delicate fish fillets were a true delight for the palate. Each bite was bursting with flavor and showcased the restaurants commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients. To complement the delicious meal, Poseidon offers an extensive drink menu, featuring handcrafted cocktails, an impressive wine selection, and a variety of craft beers. The talented mixologists behind the bar are more than capable of crafting the perfect drink to suit your preferences. The overall ambiance of Poseidon is warm and inviting, with a tasteful coastal-inspired decor that complements the stunning ocean backdrop. Whether you choose to dine indoors or on the spacious outdoor patio, youll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere that exudes relaxation and tranquility. In conclusion, Poseidon in Del Mar is a true gem that checks all the boxes for an exceptional dining experience. The combination of breathtaking ocean views, attentive service, and outstanding cuisine makes it a must-visit destination. Whether youre a seafood lover, a steak enthusiast, or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, Poseidon will exceed your expectations. I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough and cant wait to return for another unforgettable evening by the sea.