Yes, you should dine alfresco at almost every other San Diego restaurant, but at Himitsu, you'll want one of those eight coveted front-row seats at the sushi bar, a semicircular table that offers an up-close view of Chef Mitsu Aihara and his team. (If you don't get a bar seat, there are 20 other seats on the leafy, semi-covered, heated patio). Thanks to its compact size, location at a busy intersection in La Jolla, and exquisite sushi, it's often crowded, and reservations are a must.

This refined Japanese restaurant draws inspiration from Tokyo’s sushi bars and Southern California’s laid-back lifestyle to deliver an authentic and intimate dining experience. Chef Mitsu Aihara’s menu features fresh sushi sets and bento boxes for lunch, and the dinner menu encompasses everything from classic California rolls to experimental plates including sliced hamachi with jalapeño and ponzu. Himitsu means “secret” in Japanese but the word is well and truly out about this tiny 29-seat place, so reservations are recommended.

A small, exclusive-feeling pervades at Himitsu (1030 Torrey Pines Rd. G), where a seat at the sushi counter offers a prime view to the chefs’ “admirable knife skills,” the Guide writes. Omakase is the way to go, according to Michelin, and we’d agree, but don’t miss the Japanese-style tapas like the shishito peppers with bonito flakes and more. Himitsu’s chef Mitsu Aihara’s menu of traditional sushi rolls, nigiri and special plates boasts the highest quality ingredients, along with a curated sake list to complement the food.

With a 9-person bar and 20 person outdoor patio, Himitsu offers guests an intimate dining experience. Chef Mitsu Aihara presents a menu of traditional sushi and nigiri along with Japanese style tapas, and a carefully curated sake list, select natural wines, and Japanese and local craft beers are also available. We recommend the eponymous Himitsu Roll made with spicy salmon and crab and topped with scallop, jalapeno, and cilantro aioli.

Village of La Jolla • Japanese • $$$ Address: 1030 Torrey Pines Rd G, La Jolla, CA 92037 Phone: 858-263-4463 Reservations: Yes Ocean view: No Visit Online. Himitsu offers highly authentic Japanese cuisine in the form of traditional nigiri sushi and tapas-like plates. Executive chef Mitsu Aihara has been crafting sushi for a long time, including at the award-winning Sushi Ota restaurant in Pacific Beach.

Himitsu provides a cozy and earthy ambiance, with greenery draped from the ceiling, in which to serve it’s refreshing sushi creations. If you’re seated at the bar, you can watch the chef do their thing, preparing any of the sushi or sashimi selections on their carefully curated menu. The Rib-eye Katsu Sando is a must-try with breaded certified rare Angus beef, au jus, cabbage, and ginger dressing.

It's a fitting name, considering the tiny restaurant sits on a nondescript road in La Jolla. But don't be fooled: It's one of the most romantic restaurants in San Diego for sushi, with a counter that serves just nine guests. It feels cozy and exclusive, and you'll impress your date with how in-the-know you are when the chefs serve up stellar sashimi ranging from Japanese sea perch to seared toro.

Typically as a Celiac, Sushi is a very difficult food to eat out due to soy sauce causing high cross contamination issues as well as anything fried being off limits as well. Himitsu is an amazing spot to have a normal sushi meal and everything is delicious!. Their fryer and tempura is 100% gluten free, they make their own gluten free soy sauce!

Himitsu offers a unique and intimate dining experience that showcases Japanese-inspired cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant is small and cozy, making it ideal for a quiet, romantic dinner or a special night out with friends. The menu features a variety of sushi, sashimi, and inventive dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Visit this popular Japanese bistro for a mix of Southern California flair and Japanese-style tapas, sushi, and nigiri. Dine on exclusively lux lobster dishes, like the rare lobster sashimi, and renowned ise-ebi lobster sushi. For dinner, the menu includes lobster miso soup, served with seaweed and scallions, and lobster bisque.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (37 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (5.0/5), Value (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Japanese, Seafood- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 1030 Torrey Pines Rd Ste G, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037-4425- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like: Best places for 10 popular indoor activities in San Diego

Although it is one of the smaller sushi joints in San Diego, many people also rank Himitsu as one of the best. It has just eight seats at the sushi bar and some additional outdoor seating. The intimate restaurant is run by chef Mitsu Aihara, who previously worked for 16 years at the celebrated Sushi Ota.

Born from the inspiration of Ginza’s esteemed sushi bars and infused with the relaxed vibe of San Diego, Himitsu is a celebration of Japanese culture, design, and unparalleled hospitality. Their intimate 9-person bar and 20-person outdoor patio offer a secret escape in a discreet corner of La Jolla.

The face-to-face engagement with the very chefs preparing your sushi makes each bite that much more meaningful. These friendly sushi chefs will turn you into a sushi expert by the end of your meal. Only eight seats are available at the sushi bar, so lock in your reservations before arriving.

Hailed as one of San Diego’s best sushi bars, Himitsu offers an elegant dining experience featuring high-standard sushi craftsmanship. With myriad fish offerings, sushi and sashimi are easily customizable to suit your preferences, but the specialty rolls are not to miss.

San Diego is no stranger to great sushi, but Himitsu raised the bar to a whole new level, thanks to Sushi Ota alum Mitsu Aihara. The sushi pro crafted omakase, sashimi and nigiri selections rooted in tradition that will change the way you think about modern-day sushi.

From the moment I entered, the waitstaff greeted me with a warm welcome and guided me to my table. They were always on hand to answer any questions and made sure my dining experience was nothing short of excellent. Now let's talk about the main attraction - the ramen.

It focuses on traditional Japanese techniques with some inventive flourishes. The space is compact, and seating is limited, which allows for more attentive service and a quieter environment. The fish selection is top-tier, often including items flown in from Japan.

Himitsu, meaning “secret” in Japanese, welcomed me with its sleek, intimate charm, tucked away in La Jolla. As the seventh pick in my San Diego Japanese restaurant toplist, this tiny sushi bar offers an exclusive omakase that’s worth the reservation.

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (37 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (5.0/5), Value (4.0/5)– Type of cuisine: Japanese, Seafood– Price: $$ – $$$– Address: 1030 Torrey Pines Rd Ste G, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037-4425– Read more on Tripadvisor

Julian Hakim and Aram Baloyan run Shōwa Hospitality, the group behind other local concepts such as The Taco Stand, Convoy Music Bar, Himitsu, and Showa Ramen, and are intimately familiar with the space.

Omakase is the specialty of Himitsu’s chef, who is a longtime protege of his counterparts at Sushi Ota. A more casual a la carte menu is available for those who sit on the outdoor patio.

Located in La Jolla at 1030 Torrey Pines Road G, Himitsu is the perfect connection between the traditional sushi bars of Ginza in Tokyo and the Californian vibes of San Diego.

1030 Torrey Pines Rd G, La Jolla, CA 92037Phone: (858) 263-4463 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Himitsu (@himitsusd)

No Ota, Hidden Fish, Soichi, Kokoro, Tadokoro, Azuki, Himitsu, or Kami...definitely way better sushi in San Diego my friend :)