SoCal Sushi

SoCal Sushi

3454 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116, United States

+1 619-255-7388

Sushi restaurant
(234)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of San Diego’s Adams Avenue corridor, SoCal Sushi is more than just a sushi restaurant—it’s a welcoming haven where fresh, expertly crafted Japanese cuisine meets a warm, neighborhood vibe. From the moment you step inside, the cozy atmosphere invites you to unwind and indulge in some of the most flavorful sushi offerings that Southern California has to offer.

The menu at SoCal Sushi is a celebration of both classic favorites and innovative creations. Start your meal with the addictive Great Garlic Edamame, perfectly seasoned and bursting with savory aroma, or the crisp and tender Octopus Karage that perfectly balances texture and flavor. For those craving a traditional experience, the Sashimi Omakase offers a beautifully curated selection of fresh fish, including luxurious cuts like Chutoro and Blue Fin, sliced with precision and presented to delight each sense.

Sushi rolls here are an art form, blending fresh ingredients with bold tastes. The Protein Roll offers a hearty, satisfying bite, while the Baja Roll intrigues with its unique twist and zesty flair. Adventurous diners will be enamored by their Secret Menu, such as the Purple Rain Roll featuring shrimp tempura, crab, cream cheese, and a smoky spicy blackberry aioli that lingers long after the first bite. Don’t miss the Adams Family Roll, a masterful composition bursting with spicy tuna and salmon melded with layers of sriracha, unagi sauce, and the subtle heat of habanero paste.

The experience at SoCal Sushi is elevated not just by the food but by the genuine hospitality. Customers like Lauren West have described it as a familial gathering spot, where the sushi feels fresh and the staff are like old friends. Melissa W fondly recalls the sushi bar experience, savoring an omakase that showcased the finest fish of the day, while Geena Rose Davis highlights the heartfelt service from Goody and his team, who turn every visit into a memorable occasion.

Though casual and intimate, the restaurant manages to make each guest feel special. Whether you choose to sit at the sushi bar to watch the chefs’ deft hands or cozy up in a booth with friends, the vibe is relaxed yet vibrant. For groups of four or more, reservations come highly recommended to ensure you don't miss out on this local gem.

Complement your meal with a crisp Asahi Beer or unwind with the subtle sweetness of Green Tea Mochi to finish on a perfect note. Every dish at SoCal Sushi is thoughtfully prepared to celebrate the freshest ingredients, local flavors, and that unmistakable SoCal flair.

If you’re in San Diego and craving sushi that’s both authentic and inventive, SoCal Sushi is simply a must-visit—a place that captures the true essence of community and culinary excellence, making each bite, each visit, truly special.

Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Happy-hour food Healthy options Quick bite Small plates Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    03:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    03:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    12:00 PM - 04:00 PM
  • Thursday
    Closed
  • Friday
    12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Saturday
    12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Lauren West
    1 week ago

    This is my olive garden (meaning when I'm here I feel like family)! I love everything about this place. The sushi is delicious and always fresh. The location is cozy and the staff is friendly and welcoming. As much as I'd love to keep this spot to myself, everyone should have the honor of visiting. Reservations recommended for groups of 4 or more.

  • Melissa W
    1 week ago

    This spot is A+. I kinda don't want to tell everyone how awesome it is bc there's already a long wait but holy cow. We signed in and were quoted about 30 mins. Ended up around 20 and we got to sit at the sushi bar. We started with the omakase which had 4 pieces of sashimi and 6 nigiri pieces, a mix of fish. We added in the chutoro (seared) and trout based on the fresh menu of the day. While everything was delicious, the chutoro and trout blew us away. So creamy and melt in your mouth! We got a second round of trout and had it seared this time (I cannot recommend this enough. Searing brings out the fat and oil and just transforms the fish) and added in the A5 wagyu (I don't even eat red meat but tried it) and wow. By far some of the best sushi we've ever had. I cannot recommend this spot enough. Service is also incredible with their knowledge and recommendations. This place has only 12 table spots and 6 bar spots so get there early and be patient or do take out. Total bill was $100 for the two of us without drinks.

  • Zach Siegrist
    2 week ago

    Solid choice for sushi at a local spot. They are a bit skimpy on the wasabi/ginger but overall the food was fresh and flavorful. The seating outside is very reminiscent of Covid social distancing outdoor seating which could probably use an update, but we didn’t have a wait at all when we arrived at 6:30 on a Saturday.

  • Geena Rose Davis
    1 month ago

    Oh my God! I've been coming here since it opened. Goody & his wife have incredible service & super fresh sushi options. I really love coming to this place as a nice sit down place or to go. In 2020 the night my dad died i was distraught so my boyfriend at the time took me there for an easy meal. Goody told me a couple stories about his dad & gave all the folks in the restaurant a shot of Sake to toast to my father. It wasn't a packed house but I will never ever forget that heartfelt gesture & the compassion shown. I've never seen a restaurant owner do that before.

  • J G
    2 month ago

    Are you kidding me? The best sushi I’ve had in San Diego thus far. The chicken karage and chicken wings were soo crispy and delicious. The seasoning was perfect. Oooo if you’re a garlic lover like me, try the garlic edamame. I used to work at a restaurant that had a sushi roll with lemon slices on top and I’ve been searching for something like it since they closed. Luckily, I found the Baja roll and it did not disappoint. If you’ve never tried sushi with lemon on top, you’re missing out. So fresh and yummy. The lychee sake complimented the sushi very well. The green tea mochi tasted homemade and the fried pbj sandwich was so comforting. The restaurant is small and quaint. The woman that served us was very helpful with recommendations. Overall, we had a 10/10 experience. Amazing! We will be coming back.

  • Ben Stanger
    3 month ago

    Some of the best sushi I've had in San Diego. I eat sushi a lot. I love it. SD has sushi places everywhere so it can be a hard choice. Theres something different about the sushi here. Its on another level. So good and so fresh. Dining room is very small though so get there early or order takeout.

  • Kelley Coates
    4 month ago

    Great sushi in the heart of Normal Heights. We've been to SoCal Sushi many times over the past few years since they've been open. Our favorite rolls are the Hello Kitty Roll and the Avatar roll. The Bob Marley roll is also very good. The wings are amazing and very crispy. All of the fish is fresh and I would eat anything on the menu without hesitation. It is a small place and can get busy pretty quickly on the weekend. Dine in service is great and it is fun to eat inside with a view of the sushi bar.

  • Bravo Molina
    4 month ago

    My Son and I absolutely loved it. The Baja Roll and the Hello Kitty were both 5/5. Very cozy spot with a very friendly crew. I’m definitely glad this was recommended to us. Highly recommend.

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