Makai Sushi — Restaurant in San Diego

This is a must-visit sushi restaurant for anyone who enjoys quality fish. It was absolutely what I was looking for and it lived up to their perfect rating, I cannot recommend Makai strongly enough, whether you’re a local or just visiting San Diego. I sincerely hope one day they also open a spot in Los Angeles.

You can taste the quality with every bite, and I was excited to learn they use fresh crab instead of imitation, and every ingredient they use is fresh.

Their menu is broken up into 4 sections: Poke Bowls, Sushi Rolls, Sushi Burritos, and Specials. The sushi rolls are on the larger side, and roll prices range from $14-$19. Some of their signature bowls are the Gorilla Poke Bowl (ahi tuna & salmon, $21) and the Godzilla Poke Bowl (ahi tuna, salmon, fresh blue crab, $23), both seem an amazing value. Poke Bowls are served on a bed of sushi rice & mixed greens, topped with avocado, cucumber, wasabi aioli, unagi sauce, sweet & green onion, roasted sesame seeds & tobiko.

Since I’ve never had a Sushi Burrito but I’ve seen them on social media and was intrigued, that ended up earning my order. It’s rolled in soy paper instead of seaweed so it’s less chewy and it’s a perfect texture experience while you’re eating - and it’s also absolutely delicious. I went with the Hapa Sushi Burrito with ahi tuna and fresh crab, which also had rice, perfect avocado, and refreshing and crisp cucumber. Each bite was perfect, and it was served with a side of ginger, wasabi, and gluten free soy sauce.

Not on the menu, but they also have a fresh fish of the day sashimi style, and today it was blue fin tuna for $20.

He even gave us complimentary water bottles & banana pudding since we said it was our first time

There’s plenty of metered street parking on Fifth Ave, and the meters are free on Sundays so we lucked out!

He moved from Hawaii 2 years ago to start this business, and hospitality is everything to Matthew (chef & owner) and he really lives that. Incredibly nice and relatable, he went above and beyond to make us feel welcome.

They have both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a private dining room, with casual laid-back tropical vibes and very good energy. If I lived in San Diego, I know this would be a weekly spot for me, great for lunch or dinner!

I let him know that I’m gluten free, and he said that could easily accommodate, and even had gluten free soy sauce for me! I love when restaurants make you feel welcome even with dietary restrictions and allergies, and I felt fantastic after I finished my food.

Top notch service & top...

nestled in the heart of san diego, makai sushi is a culinary gem that offers some of the freshest and most flavorful sushi and poke bowls in the area. from the moment you walk in, you're greeted by a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that promises a delightful experience for your taste buds.

makai sushi's rolls are nothing short of spectacular. each roll is crafted with precision, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures. whether you’re a fan of classic rolls or adventurous enough to try their specialty rolls, you’re in for a treat. the ingredients are fresh, and the presentation is impeccable, making every bite a delightful experience.

if you’re a poke enthusiast, makai sushi is the place to be. their poke bowls are arguably the best in san diego, bursting with freshness and vibrant flavors. the selection of fish is top-notch, with each piece meticulously prepared to highlight its natural taste. the bowls are generously portioned, packed with an array of fresh vegetables, and topped with delicious sauces that elevate the dish to new heights.

one of the standout features of makai sushi is the unparalleled freshness of their ingredients. from the fish to the vegetables, everything is incredibly fresh, which is evident in every dish. this commitment to quality is what sets makai sushi apart from other sushi spots in san diego.

adding to the charm of makai sushi is the owner, who is exceptionally kind and welcoming. their hospitality makes the dining experience even more enjoyable, ensuring that every customer feels valued and appreciated.

for those seeking an exceptional sushi and poke experience, makai sushi in san diego is a must-visit. with its fantastic rolls, outstanding poke bowls, unwavering dedication to freshness, and the kindness of the owner, it’s no wonder this place is considered one of the best in the city. if you haven’t been yet, make it a point to visit makai sushi—you won’t be...

What is a real five star dining experience? Now that the power of giving out stars is in the hands of the masses, I’ve seen a lot of very loose five star ratings given out like candy to the undeserving.

With all due respect to those reviewers, I don’t know what their foundation of experience is, so what for me may be a two or three star experience may indeed feel like a five star experience for them.

Frankly, if I set out to find a five star experience, I’m expecting it to be top-notch in every respect. As a result, I find many reviews and rankings to be somewhat misleading. That’s a long way of saying, that I have been very spoiled by the dining experiences in my life, and I maintain very high expectations!

So back to my original question…. What is a real 5 star dining experience?

Makai Sushi without question is a 5 star establishment.

It’s a small space so prioritize getting in there before the rest of Southern California! They do have a small event space adjacent for overflow seating, which is convenient. When we went, there was a very small but amazing staff. Front of house was held down by Gracie, who was gracious, accommodating, and very passionate about the menu. We instantly felt welcomed to what seemed like a family dining room.

The owner Matthew is also the head chef. This guy has James Beard or Michelin on his future roadmap if he stays the course. He managed to come out front occasionally to greet or thank people while at the same time turning out the most artistically creative and flavorful seafood dishes I have ever had.

Typically, I am reluctant to give out a five star review until I have been to an establishment multiple times. In this case, I can wholeheartedly endorse Makai Sushi.

It’s worth whatever kind of driving conditions California throws at you to make your way to this incredibly creative restaurant before they...