Hana Sushi — Restaurant in El Cajon

I am so picky about my sushi. To be honest, I don't know the difference between Taco Shoppe or Tacos El Gordo, but sushi... that's a different story. I used to frequent Okawa in Santee but they recently went through a change in ownership and the food is terrible there.

So I decided to go back to Hana Sushi since I hadn't been there in about five years. During that time, they've changed a lot of things. The restaurant bought the space next door and expanded, making the dining area twice what it was in the past. The sushi bar area is twice what it was, making the area more open to more chefs cooking simultaneously, and the food comes out even faster.

As you walk in, you'll see the old aquarium at the entrance with that one giant fish floating back and forth lazily. Don't tap the glass; it scares the fish and the staff will give you dirty looks. :) You're greeted by a bunch of friendly faces and they'll vaguely wave you towards a table. Don't be offended; they're not rude - the ladies there are just a little on the shy side.

TIPS:

When you pull into the shopping center, be careful as some coming out of stores tend to not look before they step out between cars As I mentioned earlier, be patient. If they're not coming to your table enough, just politely raise a hand and they'll be right there Don't place all of your orders at the same time. If you're getting appetizer, order that first. Then when you're halfway through, order entrée, etc. The servers are good, but the food runners just bring out whatever pops up so sometimes, you can get them all at the same time Absolutely, definitely try the tempura udon. It is so warm, savory, and filling Jalapeno bomb. Yes.

Every time we've gone, we've never had a complaint. The fish are always, always fresh, they always bring us a little extra (maybe to get us to try something new), and the service has always been friendly and prompt.

This is now my favorite...

I work late and was looking for a good late night food on a Friday and found this spot that said they were open til 11pm. I called to confirm and they said they were open til 10:30. We arrived at 10:23 and were immediately told that we have 3 mins to order and that the kitchen was closing. Sat down opened the menu and not even one minute later we were asked (by the same person) if we were ready to order. As we were feeling rushed we quickly picked out a couple rolls and ordered a beer. The general feeling from almost the entire staff was very unwelcoming. Then as we were served our food they begin mopping with a strong chemical cleaner around the sushi bar, where we were seated and made it very evident that they were ready to close. At this point it was barely 10:35. In all honesty the food was well prepared and tasty and had it not been for the service we would absolutely return. But due to the poor accommodation and overall attitude of the staff we will not go back.

note to management For any restaurant if you don’t want to be serving people til a certain time then clearly state on your website and window hours that you are closed at said time. Saying you’re open til 11p but pushing everyone out at 10:20 is poor...

Since the owner of the restaurant doesn't want to reach out to me to discuss this, ill go ahead and leave it here, maybe then he will see it.

Had lunch here last month and left my airpods, called the following day as was told they werent there. Went back a few days later to ask in person and an employee said they were turned in and that the owner had taken them home. While there, a different employee said she was bummed because she was hoping she would get them if nobody came back for them (weird thing to say directly to me). They said the owner would call me to get them back to me. I called about 5 more times throughout the week and each time was told the owner wasnt there but that he would get back to me, leaving my number each time. After about a week passed I spoke to a manager who said that my airpods had gone missing from the lost and found. Super frustrating as it was likely an employee that took them, kept trying to get in contact with the owner but no luck; I guess he doesnt care about it. All in all, its my fault for leaving them in the first place. But when management is this shady and unhelpful Its hard to believe that they really went...