Ikiru Sushi — Restaurant in San Diego

I usually wouldn’t review negatively for a business but personally thought it odd how fishy (not in a good way, we obviously know that sushi is fish...) all 3 rolls we bought were. It was takeout for quarantine so we didn’t try it until we walked 30 minutes home.

😬 It was so off tasting that we pulled the spicy tuna part off and drenched the rest in sauce because we are a little concerned at the freshness of it and it was the only food we had in our Airbnb.

As we walked out they said “let us know how it is!” so when it really was quite bad, I called to say they might want to check the spicy tuna since that seemed to be the culprit. It being late in the day and business possibly being slower during these times, maybe the fish wasn’t as fresh as usual.

Surprisingly was met with a fairly defensive attitude and no apology. I get it, but also think maybe you listen and say “that’s not good, we will check on it...” that’s all it takes 😐

Just hoping to spare any of you out there from running into the same situation! I’m all about supporting local business especially during the pandemic, but they won’t be getting my business again. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Here’s a pic of our sad piles...

Ikiru was completely full when we arrived for an early dinner at 6:15pm. An employee took our name and number and said the wait would be 15min. 15 minutes later we were seated and greeted by our waitress. We both ordered beer and saki, while we reviewed the extensive menu. My friend ordered the sashimi platter and I ordered a spicy tuna hand roll, hamachi belly, toro and hamachi nigiri and Spanish mackerel sashimi. We enjoyed our beers and saki as we waited for our order to arrive. The place was packed but tables were turning over at a constant rate. Our order started coming out, not all at once, but as it was prepared. Everything was fabulous and fresh. I particularly liked the diced pickled jalapeños relish they serve with your orders it is another way to spice things up without too much wasabi. All of my selection was outstanding. The mackerel (AJI) was excellent and the fried bones are a great light salty snack to eat as you finish your beer. The spicy tuna hand roll was well prepared and very delicious, I ordered two more and shared one with my friend. The service was impeccable. I would highly recommend this restaurant. It was my first time and I...

Small, like a sushi shop should be

Polite, professional Sushi Chefs, like a sushi shop should have

Full of local Point Loma San Diego vibes with nods towards the naval heritage, like a sushi shop on a retired naval training center should be

It's worth a visit.

The photo is of Salmon Skind Handroll and Salmon Maki cut roll.

Updated review

Manju Saki - expensive, but actually very nice, had some kind of sweeter element than typical sake know what you want before you purchase. 4 oz I was happy.

Salmon skin cut roll - nice, soft, not typical sushi texture, cooked

Takka Maki - simple and clean, protein (tuna), carb, plus super plant seaweed. Excellent food.

4-2-2024 Takka Maki, Salmon Makki, and Shoyu Ramen.

The sushi and rolls are always good, but the ramen. So I eat and enjoy lots of Ramen but this Shoyu Ramen had an unexpected grilled flavor in the broth. It was a great experience that I wasn't expecting from am already pleasing restaurant that I always desire to return too.

Don't be afraid to try the Ramen.

I would have chosen spicy shoyu Ramen but my 14yr dining companion (my son) today is reasonably afraid of the word spicy....