Kinme Omakase — Restaurant in San Diego

I have been fortunate enough to dine at many fine dining restaurants around the world. Very few places have ever stood out the way Kinme did.

From the moment you arrive, you are treated with a warm, hospitable, and most importantly, attentive staff. They go out of their way to make sure you can focus on the meal being presented in front of you and give you a wealth of information regarding all of their beverage offerings. There were two instances that really stood out to me from that staff and are a sign of not a good restaurant, but of a restaurant that is going above and beyond what is expected or even required.

The first instance was as soon as the first dish was served, the individual next to me picked up her chopsticks and used them with her left hand. The second she put them down, one of the serves came over and adjusted her place settings to accommodate someone who is left handed. The individual was shocked.

The second instance was when I dropped my napkin. It took no longer than 5 seconds before a second napkin was given to me and the napkin I dropped was picked up off the floor. I didn't even have enough time to make an effort to pick it up.

These are things that a lot of restaurants look at and are usually the type of service you come to expect at a Michelin star restaurant.

Now for the food. It was amazing. There was not a single thing that I had that my immediate response was not "I want more of that." Nothing was just ok, it was all amazing and here I am weeks later and I have thought about the food at least 4 times a week since I ate at Kinme.

Having eaten at multiple Michelin-stared restaurants, I can guarantee you that if the food and service that I received is the standard, Kinme will not have 1 star soon, but 2. It is that good and I would be shocked at anything less than 2 stars.

If I had to complain about 1 thing, and this is just to have something "somewhat" bad to say, its that the doors open at your seating time. Before then, you have to stand on the sidewalk and wait. It would be nice to have a small entry room where a welcome drink is given or where there are seats in case you are dining with someone who can't stand for extended periods of time. That being said, the layout of the restaurant doesn't exactly allow for that and it by no means diminishes the experience, it would just add that little extra touch.

Finally, the price, this is a 2.5 hour experience and the food is beyond phenomenal. If I lived in the San Diego area, I would be here once a month. As it currently is, I plan on coming back every season to see how the menu has changed and just thinking about it makes my mouth salivate. If you think you cannot afford Kinme, forgo two or three meals at a mediocre restaurant and go here instead, I promise you it is worth it. The experience will last with you forever as well as your memory of how amazing the food was. I am afraid that once word gets out, the price will go up. To me, it will still be worth it, but right now, its a bargain.

I can't...

If you're seeking a transcendent culinary adventure, look no further than Kinme for their impeccable omakase experience. From the moment you step through the door, you're transported to a realm where every detail is meticulously crafted to delight the senses.

The omakase menu, curated by master chefs, is an artistic masterpiece, showcasing the finest ingredients meticulously sourced locally , and straight from Japan Sea. Each dish is a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas, expertly balanced to create a harmonious dining experience.

The presentation is nothing short of breathtaking, with every plate resembling a work of art. Each course is a revelation, showcasing the chef's creativity and skill in transforming the freshest seafood and seasonal produce into culinary masterpieces.

The service is exemplary, with attentive staff who anticipate your every need, ensuring a seamless dining experience from start to finish. The ambiance is elegant yet inviting, setting the perfect stage for an unforgettable evening of gastronomic indulgence.

Whether you're a seasoned food enthusiast or someone looking to elevate their dining experience, Kinme delivers a omakase experience that transcends expectations. Prepare to be dazzled, delighted, and utterly captivated by a culinary journey like no other.

I love this place so much I jokingly told my significant other that I want to name our future daughter Kinme. I found out Kinme was named after a type of fish . Made the chef chuckled about my silly thought 😂 .

It is also my mom’s 67 th birthday night.The staff kindly wrote her a birthday card and that touched my heart. They’re not only deserving 20% of the tip ( for those who complained ) , they definitely deserve more gratitude than any servers / waiters out there who only pours you water twice in an hour.

Kinme is def. One of the best omakase I’ve ever tried. I have been to Japan 30+ times and have had MANY omakase dining experiences. Kinme definitely serves top quality food with the most exceptional service !

PS: I also enjoyed their sake selection , you can pick a couple to taste before you order. I tried both of these , first one was on the dryer side, and the second one has a touch of sweetness ( white grapes and lychees )and a dry finish. It helped with palate cleansing in between fatty fishes ❤️ who doesn’t want...

One of the best omakase experiences I have ever had! When I discovered my favorite sushi place (Azuki) would open an elevated 2nd sushi spot, I knew it would be epic. First off, the place is beautiful and elegantly decorated. Everything from the wall and bar counter to the plates they serve was carefully chosen and curated. It's an intimate, calming, yet comfortable setting, and I enjoyed seeing the chefs preparing the food in front of me. There are only ten seats, and dinner is served only twice per night, at 5 pm and 8 pm. I brought my mother, and we went for 5 pm seating. There are three chefs, and for each course they serve, they explain in detail what it was, where they sourced it from, and the intention behind it. The ten courses were ALL delicious and presented well on beautiful Japanese plates. What's unique about this experience was not just a sushi or fish experience; they also served wagyu beef from Miyazaki prefecture in Japan (known for their beef), which was superb. I also loved their chawamushi (egg custard) with hedgehog mushrooms. I was never a big fan of beef tartar, but the way they prepared it was so good as a little sandwich with puff pastry. Every ingredient they used was fresh and carefully selected and of high quality. They even use fresh wasabi imported from Japan, which makes a world of difference)the real wasabi tastes very different from the one from the tube, by the way). We ended the night with a matcha ceremony, and knowing I won't be able to sleep the night drinking caffeine at night, I couldn't pass it, and it was worth it! As someone who grew up in Tokyo and had many experiences eating at high-end places in Japan, this place reminded me of that. The creators behind this place are both from Japan, so attention to detail and the Japanese spirit of "omotenashi" meaning hospitality, shined through. Both I and my mom, who are very picky about the food were very satisfied with the food, presentation, customer service, and everything we looked for in the omakase experience. This is a great place to impress someone who is a foodie and also for very special occasions! I have no doubt they will be up for the next Michelin-star restaurant...