Riki Sushi — Restaurant in San Diego

Normally a five star rating. Not tonight. I was aware it was busy so I was patient perhaps too patient. I had placed my order immediately upon sitting at the bar on the corner. Around 20 minutes later one of the young chefs tried to hand me possibly someone else's order. Waitress that took my order came and apologized and repeated my order and that it was in the system. I Said that's fine and it looked good just not my order. About another 20mins same girl came back and apologized again about the wait. Another 15 mins another waitress came by to bring me my check stating I was welcome to hang out and no rush on the bill acting obviously on the assumption I had eaten and was just finishing my drink which by this time was nearly gone. I stated that I was still waiting on my order and she took the check back with a whoops my bad. Another 10 mins and I had one of my rolls. Had to stop my waitress because I had never received the plate of ginger, wasabi, and cucumber salad the chefs hand out. Also was never asked by them about my order like they usually would do. After eating my waitress basically tossed my check next to me. She had been so nice...All this time myself being cool and understanding about the fact my order was long overlooked. Asked one waitress about perhaps a discount for what was a complete fail of service leaving me feel neglected and that my business wasn't appreciated. Of course this girl had no idea what I'd gone through and couldnt have cared less since she rolled her eyes and huffed away irritated. She came back telling me there's no discount for us being busy. No apology. Ive never waited so long no matter how busy. My order was obviously forgotten. Paid with my usual 20% tip and what cash I gave to my waitress. what an idiot i am. You Failed today Riki Sushi. Update 2/4/17 second time back. Last visit everything was fine. This visit it was hot inside. The thermostat was set to cool at 80 and read 78. When I received my order of the pink roll (my usual favorite.) The salmon on top was the worst I've ever had. It was warm chewy and fishy tasting which anyone knows is a clear sign your sushi isn't fresh. They did not charge me for the roll and had offered to make something else. I felt I had already raised enough of a fuss but I'm done with...

Service: Service here is good. The servers are attentive and check in on you throughout your visit. They also accommodate requests to change or remove something on your sushi rolls which is always a plus.

Atmosphere: I came in during happy hour / dinner rush on a weekday so it was pretty loud, but there were a few tables available. If you come in solo and aren't opposed to sitting at the sushi bar, there is no wait at all.

Parking: Parking here is horrible, but that's like all of North Park. Unless you live nearby, plan to circle a few blocks to find a parking spot.

My Experience: I live in the neighborhood and was hoping to find a solid sushi restaurant that I could easily walk to for dine-in or takeout, but this just wasn't it. I am not expecting Michelin star quality, but at least above average considering the location and prices. The fish wasn't the freshest I have had in San Diego, and one of my rolls was falling apart upon delivery to my table. You know when it's a little warm, a little mushy...? That kinda vibe...

I am not surprised about the rolls falling apart because I placed an order for 2 uncooked rolls and the server brought them out in less than 10 minutes, no lie. It's like the sushi bar staff was just rushing and took no care in their craft. I don't want to eat raw fish at an establishment that also doesn't care about...

I have a high bar for sushi, and in three takeout orders over the last few months, everything has been superb. I'm not talking 'good for takeout', this is top-notch fancy sit-down quality at reasonable prices that holds great for pandemic takeout. I love that they have less common options like scallops, langostina, crawfish, etc. I often steer away from yellowtail, theirs is awesome. Their spicy rolls don't taste like the same old spicy tuna mix everyone does, theirs are unique and fresher in the best of ways and they also do spicy scallop, yellowtail, etc. They do fun special rolls with cool touches like candied lemon, in really great flavor combinations (other restaurants' specialty rolls pale in comparison). I like that they do the sauces (ponzu, mayo, spicy, etc) on the side with takeout so the sushi holds up really well, and you don't have a pile of mayo if you don't want that much. Nothing is ever in the slightest bit fishy. It's fresh, bright, great texture every time. Oh and the fried langostinas are great and held up to takeout well without getting soft.

All of this at reasonable prices with friendly staff. Highly,...