Hanaya Sushi — Restaurant in San Diego

If you are lucky in life, you occasionally get to have a real dining experience. Something that defies expectations, challenges the norms, sets the bar at an unattainable level. That often comes with high-end restaurants with renowned chefs. When it happens in a tiny, unassuming neighborhood establishment, it makes me giddy. I just had one of the best meals of my life hosted by Hiro the chef and only employee at Hanaya Sushi. In fact it was just he and I in the restaurant on a Wednesday early evening. He served me a beautiful presentation, delicious beyond any words that I possess. It was truly edible art. Hiro was amazingly talented in his food preparation, a real culinary artisan. On top of that, he was funny, kind, humble, grateful and entertaining. When it was all done, he sent me home with an awesome little goodie bag. What's clearly evident to me, that while my treatment seemed so special and personable, I know he takes care of everyone with the same effort and respect. He doesn't really want a crowd, even though he deserves one. He is happy taking care of one customer at a time and giving them all he has, grateful for the living it provides for himself. We need more Hiros in this world. I've eaten at a lot of good places and have been happy to provide reviews for the ones that really stand out. But I've never written a dining review quite like this. I'm so grateful for this very personal experience and I'm actually sad I don't live in the area so that I can enjoy Hiro and Hanaya Sushi on a regular basis. This will be a dinner I'll never forget and I hope to make it back one day. ...

The nice thing about this location is it’s a convenient location for a working individual who needs a fair size lunch.

However, the overall taste, presentation, and professionalism of this restaurant is absolutely obscene. Undoubtedly the most tasteless sushi I have ever had in my life, it’s a one-man show in there, so don’t go in expecting you can get the basic essentials you would expect from a traditional sushi Resturant . No crunchy rolls, no teriyaki sauce, most things that require the use of a kitchen are not available, it’s simply a rice cooker and microwave and this gentleman‘s hands dine in is not available. It is Takeout only.

If you were wanting proper Sushi with the appropriate, tender, loving care you expect from Sushi this is not the place to go. Inflated pricing for less than adequate appearance and taste.

You’ll also receive a beverage that you didn’t order or seasonal fruit that you didn’t order as well, likely as a parting gift for the...

This is the best sushi place I’ve been in years! Visiting Dell Mar e we drove 15 just to come eat here, all the reviews were so preserved o couldn’t miss it and they were no wrong. The owner is indeed super sweet and caring! It’s take out only as of right now and he was so kind he have is cooled water bottles for us to wait in the car -at no charge! He made the best - hands down- the most amazing sashimi salad... tons of fish -all kinds - and delicious dressing! It’s was epic! The rolls were ordered were also super delish... tempura shrimp, spicy shrimp, the best Philadelphia and amazing California roll, plus seaweed salad, miso soup, edamame, candy and mini Water! So good I’m sad i don’t live closer! I wish him endless health and prosperity for his business! I hope i come back to feast again! My mouth waters while writing this review this is how...