Kinme Omakase | Remembering the Rhythm, But Not Quite the Flavor

Kinme left me with the impression of a Japanese restaurant where everything is meticulously planned. From the moment the chefs garnish the leaves, to the serving of tea and sushi, the rhythm is identical each time. Every dish looks perfect—the lighting, the tableware, the sequence—all just right. Everything is precisely as it should be, yet after the meal, I felt it lacked a touch of excitement. 🍲 Appetizers The pumpkin clear soup (wan-mono) before the sashimi was light and clean, almost devoid of oil. Kinme’s sashimi was somewhat unexpected—not exactly traditional. In addition to raw fish, there was smoked fish, accompanied by groundcherries. The beef tartar was sandwiched in house-made mini bread. The tartar was well-balanced, but the bread was slightly greasy and no longer very crisp when served. The chawanmushi was smooth and at the perfect temperature. The aroma of the egg and the sweetness of the dashi harmonized beautifully. As someone who loves eggs, I really enjoyed this bowl. 🍣 Sushi The sushi portion was above average overall. The most memorable piece was the five-layer tuna. The style leans innovative, with unique sauces and pairings. While not every piece was outstanding, the chef’s dedication was evident. 🥩 Cooked Dishes I’m not usually a fan of A5 (finding it too rich), but Kinme’s preparation was quite enjoyable. The sauce was rich but not overwhelming, and the meat was handled and portioned just right. 🍮 Dessert & Tea The dessert was a honeydew sorbet—refreshing but not particularly memorable. What stood out was the freshly ground matcha at the end. The two chefs personally ground, whisked, and served the tea. The bitter aroma with its foam, the rhythm of the preparation—it felt like a true ritual. As we left the restaurant, the two chefs presented us with an envelope at the door, containing the night’s menu. Even the conclusion was perfectly arranged. The meal cost about $250 per person, excluding drinks, which is quite reasonable—good ingredients, steady pacing, no missteps. Yet, it lacked that spark that makes you want to book another visit right away. 💯 Overall Rating: 7.3/10 💰 Price: ~$250 per person (excl. drinks) ❤️ Would I Return? Not in a hurry, but if a friend wanted to try it, I’d be happy to join. #SanDiego #SanDiegoFood #Omakase #JapaneseCuisine #Kinme