NOIR Sushi and Sake Fusion Lounge — Restaurant in San Diego

I had the pleasure of attending the soft opening of NOIR Sushi.

Perfect reviews, but only 10 of them? I took a gamble…and it paid off.

Rarely have I had such a traditional expression of sushi. Perfectly seasoned rice, pre-seasoned nigiri, thoughtful accompaniment. The sushi chef and his second were pleasures to talk to and appreciate their craft. Maybe it was just because of soft opening, but I didn’t see any deep fried strawberry with cream cheese rolls. And that is exemplary in a touristy district.

Highlights: Hirame, and a hirame marinared in kombu. A Saba that was not your standard pickled out of the bag saba. And a housemade tamago fit for an emperor.

Their sake selection is thoughtful and interesting, their service was warm and hospitable, and I walked away knowing I had just been served an extraordinary dinner.

Thanks, NOIR! I wish you the best of luck in your...

New sushi place in downtown San Diego. It’s used to be sushi before with different name, so not sure if it’s new ownership or new management. Stopped by weekday and was busy. We tried the cold tasting menu for two. Starters included Seaweed Salad, Scallop Dynamite, and Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice — all fresh and flavorful. The Sashimi (Bluefin Toro, Hon Maguro, Salmon, Albacore) and Nigiri were top quality and perfectly sliced. The Yellowtail Carpaccio was light , and the Specialty Rolls (Lemon Eclipse, Serrano Sunset, Midnight Crunch, and Noir Inferno) were delicious. Great service, cozy ambiance, and some of the freshest fish in downtown San Diego! Will be coming back to try other items...

10/10 recommend! I’m a local to downtown, San Diego, and wanted to try a new place. NOIR Sushi and Sake Fusion Lounge is a great new spot! It’s a beautiful space, great aesthetics— love the lounge seats & tables. Service was excellent, fish was great quality (ordered nigiri), prices were very fair! The chef even gave us extra fish and tasters of their appetizers as it was their soft opening. It is “fusion,” so expect twists on traditional Japanese sushi and dishes (e.g., capers on fish, brown rice is the default). Everything...