Izakaya Masa

Izakaya restaurant · San Diego

Izakaya Masa

Izakaya restaurant · San Diego

5

928 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103

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Izakaya Masa by Delmo Dela Cruz
Izakaya Masa by Delmo Dela Cruz
Izakaya Masa by Delmo Dela Cruz
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Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
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Izakaya Masa by null
Izakaya Masa by null
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Highlights

Ramen & sushi hot spot with authentic Japanese bar snacks  

Featured in Eater
Featured in Conde Nast Traveler

928 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103 Get directions

izakayamasa.com

$20–30 · Menu

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928 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103 Get directions

+1 619 542 1354
izakayamasa.com

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 17, 2025

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@cntraveler

The 25 Best Restaurants in San Diego

"This tiny izakaya is pretty inconspicuous, so anyone inside is clearly in-the-know. You come for the ramen, but you stay for the small plates. Start with the Hakata ramen, a smooth tonkotsu broth layered with pork belly, fried garlic, seaweed, and ginger, before making your way to shareables like fried agedashi tofu, vegetable gyoza, and salmon ochazuke (a rice-in-soup dish topped with fish). Skim the list and you'll see imported Japanese beer and vodka, though it's sake that reigns supreme. The food at this place is on point, and it has a line to show for it—but Izakaya Masa's intimate vibe and size are part of the fun, ratcheting up the experience of any date or (small) group meal with friends. More importantly, though, waiters don't circle like vultures—so you can stretch it out for as long you'd like." - Archana Ram, Marie Tutko

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-restaurants-in-san-diego
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@eater

Best Japanese Restaurants in San Diego | Eater San Diego

"Reservations are a must at this tiny restaurant in Mission Hills. Popular for its ramen and sushi, also try a selection of appetizers and a beer. Dishes include gyoza and agedashi tofu, or more exotic offerings include chuka karage (spicy jellyfish), takowasa (wasabi marinated octopus), and ankimo (monkfish liver with ponzu sauce)." - darlene-horn

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/san-diego-best-japanese-restaurants
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@cntraveler

Izakaya Masa — Restaurant Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"No-bull sake and ramen The vibe Intimate, modest The crowd Locals who know good soup when they slurp it The drinks Sake-heavy The food Japanese small plates" - Archana Ram

https://www.cntraveler.com/restaurants/san-diego/izakaya-masa
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@eater

Best Ramen in San Diego | Eater San Diego

"Well-loved for its affordable prices—their starting option is priced at $10—Izakaya Masa in Mission Hills serves a variety of izakaya style dishes like donburi, gyoza and more but is known particularly for its ramen. Choose from hakata and soyu." - darlene-horn

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-japanese-ramen-noodle-restaurant-san-diego
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@cntraveler

San Diego Weekend Guide: Mexican Heritage, Microbreweries, and Marine Life | Condé Nast Traveler

"The strip-mall restaurant is easy to miss if you don’t know what’s hidden inside: Japanese bar snacks, steaming bowls of pork-broth ramen, and imported sake."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/weekend-guide-san-diego
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John Lam

Google
One of the best izakaya in San Diego! Very good service, set in an authentic Japanese ambience. All the foods we ordered (Saba, kama, a few different kinds of ramen, and, salmon soup bowl) were top notch.

Jules T

Google
Went for the first time last Friday and it was SO good. Expect a wait but it’s totally worth it. We got so much food and everything tasted amazing, especially the sashimi.

Vanessa Ortiz

Google
Nice vibe, prices are understandable. Staff is attentive and kind. This restaurant has a variety of Japanese classic dishes. It’s not strictly nor majority sushi. Both the rainbow roll and the cali roll had whole chuncks (not shredded) of crab which took most of the flavor away. It would have been better with the mix spicy mayo or reg mayo. The veggie gyoza had limited flavor. I was glad to see a veggie option but it would be nice if it had a pop of flavor. The mackerel was enjoyable in texture however the flavor could be punched up a bit (slightly bland).

Amanda Kellari

Google
Delicious sushi for a great value, the atmosphere is so welcoming and authentic, I truly feel like I am in Japan. Super fast and quality service! Family owned, the owners are hard working and extremely nice! I would highly recommend!

Volodymyr Korsun

Google
Love the vibe of the place!! Feels like a Japanese whole-in-the-wall restaurant. Tuna tartare was delicious and the California roll was great as well. Ramen was a bit disappointing, so that is why 4 stars. Given the prices and Japanese beer on draft ( Sapporo and Asahi) definitely worth a visit!!

Tiffany Moseley

Google
We absolutely love this place! It’s a small, cozy spot, so don’t expect to make reservations online—you’ll need to sign in when you arrive. That said, we’ve never waited longer than 15 minutes for a table. The service is incredibly fast and friendly, making the experience even better. But the real star here is the ramen! We always go for the Hakata-style ramen, which has a rich, creamy broth that’s perfectly savory, topped with tender pork chashu and roasted garlic. It’s absolutely delicious and always hits the spot. If you’re a ramen lover, this place is a must-visit!

Conrad Holden

Google
Yum! Miso soup was great very tasty. Pork Katsu Curry was deliciously flavorful. And Sushi was lovely, especially the San Diego roll. Will definitely be back:)

Vanessa L

Google
Super yummy and authentic. Staff are friendly and they serve you quickly once seated. We arrived around 7 pm and there was no wait, but by the time we left at 8 pm there was a line. The prices are extremely reasonable. The space is small but vibrant. I really enjoyed my first visit and can't wait to come back!
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Shaman A.

Yelp
Izakaya Masa is the spot! Bomb-ass ramen with rich, flavorful broth that hits the spot every time. The sushi? Absolutely top-tier--fresh, delicious, and perfectly crafted. On top of that, the space is so cozy and cute, making it the perfect vibe for a relaxed meal. This place never misses. Highly recommend for anyone craving authentic Japanese comfort food!
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Gordon D.

Yelp
This place is buried in a small neighborhood, and thought it would be nice to check out this area for some comfort food. We decided to get a small roll, a grilled fish of some sort and serve with our dipping noodles, something I thought would represent a nice spread of comfort foods. The mackerel was good but we learned that the other baked version would take about 25 minutes of waiting. So keep that in mind for the fattier savory upgrade. The softshell crab appetizer was great, I would highly recommend that! The noodles were fresh and was exactly what we expect for a blander base. You can also order the curry version or add protein on the side. The roll we had was just average. I think the panko crumbs didn't have the intended feel, and the bits of fish in the roll felt more like diced fish than pieces of fish. I think this restaurant has a nice all purpose menu but it has limited options. It's probably a good spot for a date or a group with different tastes.
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Jaselle C.

Yelp
I recently visited this small, authentic sushi spot in Hillcrest, and I'm so glad I did! From the moment we arrived, the smell of delicious food wafted outside, instantly building excitement. It was a Friday evening, and though we were a party of three, the 30-minute wait wasn't too bad. The interior had a charming Japanese aesthetic, which added a nice touch to the overall experience. I started with the edamame, which was simple but perfectly done. I ordered two rolls--the Alaskan and the tuna avocado. Both were incredibly fresh and flavorful. Each bite was balanced and tasted as if the fish had just been caught. The highlight, however, was the dessert. I tried the pineapple sorbet, and wow--it was easily one of the best sorbets I've ever had! Refreshing, light, and bursting with natural pineapple flavor, it's a must-try. I will absolutely be coming back, not only for the sushi but also for that amazing dessert! Highly recommend this spot if you're in Hillcrest and looking for fresh, authentic sushi.
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Jerry C.

Yelp
Never been to this side of town before and stumbled upon this izakaya as it nestled in the neighborhood. I knew this place was a great find as there was already a few parties waiting outside on an early evening. Interior looks just like a Japanese izakaya with traditional decors. Have to say that portion size is a bit small but it's also appropriately so as it's an izakaya and that I just have a big stomach. A good spot for hanging out and will have to visit again to try other items on the menu!
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Julz A.

Yelp
Another great night here! Everything we ordered was delish! We waited a good 30 mins which was fine. The staff were friendly. We sat at the bar area which was perfect!
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Katelyn R.

Yelp
After being in Japan I was hesitant to even want to eat Japanese food back home in cali but I definitely picked the right restaurant to eat at when I landed today!!!!! The decor, the service, and the food were all 10s. I washed everything down with shochu. The ramen was bomb, I forgot what the name was but I got the first one out of the two and the cherry blossom roll was as beautiful as it was delicious. Tuna carpaccio was so fresh and bombbbb omg I wanna come back! I'm glad I didn't come while it was super busy because of reading everyone's review saying they had to wait at least an hour to get in. I arrived around 830pm ish on a Tuesday. Anyway I cannot wait to come back!
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Paige N.

Yelp
Won't be back again after we tried more of the menu tonight. The service was also subpar. The chicken udon was too sweet and the chicken in it was dry. We ordered the Masa Fried Chicken because it looked good at another table but it was greasy, not very crisp, and disappointing. The cooked salmon in the Alaskan roll tasted like canned salmon. They weren't able to accommodate my shellfish allergy for certain menu items because they only have 1 frier. The San Diego roll is still good but my mom said the sushi rice was actually pretty bad if you paid attention.
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Donna B.

Yelp
They have the best dessert menu! I love their ice cream w/spring roll (matcha & red bean paste filling). Kara-age is really juicy and delicious, and takowasa is a go-to choice for appetizer! Ochazuke is a must try. They also have quite a few selection of sake. Server is pretty nice and gives good recommendation. Decoration is pretty fun and cute! Has a small booth table for a small group of people.
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Ariane M.

Yelp
Was visiting the area and was craving for some sushi and decided to try this place. Immediately greeted and seated. The servers were nice and attentive. I ordered edamame, a Cali roll, the fireman roll, and the caterpillar roll. All tasted great!
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My N.

Yelp
There was a line when we arrived but it wasn't a long wait. I enjoyed how fresh the sushi was. The ramen broth was lighter and alittle more oily than what I normally have fun it was very tasty. I loved the roasted garlic, it was fantastic. The service was quick and nice. I would recommend trying out this restaurant!
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Nicole B.

Yelp
Love this spot! It's super casual and the service is good. The food is great! Love all the small plates but it's nice you can get bigger entrees and sushi as well. I love the takoyaki, tempura, agedashi tofu and karage. They don't take reservations so be prepared to wait a little if you aren't part of the first seating when they open.
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Mohammad B.

Yelp
Real solid authentic Japanese food. I've always liked coming to this spot not only for the atmosphere of being in an Izakaya with friends & loved ones, but also for their delicious food. I had some Takoyaki (Fried balls with sauce and octopus on the inside), Shoyu Ramen and Hakata ramen. The takoyaki is a fantastic Japanese street food dish and it always hits the spot at this place. The Shoyu ramen provides a savory, more umami flavor that features spinach in the broth. Get the Hakata ramen if you like a "brighter" but deeper flavor due to their garnish which might be bitter for some. Service is great here, and all the staff are incredibly friendly and work to make you feel most welcome. Great place, and I will definitely continue being a regular here.
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Jeff S.

Yelp
For our first dinner in San Diego we returned to Izakaya Masa which we couldn't get into last year but were able to enjoy this past May. Chef Masa Tsuruta helms the kitchen while his wife Yukari runs the front of house with a friendly and efficient staff. Together they put out a wide selection of Japanese pub dishes that are really tasty. We've enjoyed everything we've tried so far.
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michelle s.

Yelp
Wow this place is busy but I know why they do not take reservations you go put ur name down and wait to be called I thought I could just put my name and come back in 30 (had a drink at fort oak) when I came back they had already called me so when the lady says it's going to be a hour don't believe they were nice enough to call me next so no love lost food came out fast sushi was fresh calamari was lightly breaded delicious sushi fresh .
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Abby ..

Yelp
This is my favorite ramen place in San Diego! The waiter/servers are super nice and very quick! The wait varies especially when it's winter time. They have a lot of seats inside but kind of squished near each other. They used to offer small and large portions of ramen, which was nice when you didn't want to commit to a large bowl. Their sushi tastes pretty fresh and not too fishy like other sushi restaurants. The karaage and calamari are pretty good here too.
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Adriana L.

Yelp
Our wait wasn't too bad, we waited around 30 minutes for the bar because it was the fastest option. The food was amazing, the prices are also really reasonable. It's a small spot but it is worth it! Side note: our server with pink strands of hair was extremely disrespectful/rude however everything else was perfect!
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Clythie C.

Yelp
I do not wait at restaurants. This place is my exception and it's soooo worth it! This is the first time I truly felt transported back to Japan since I was there 20+ years ago. The menu is simple, the food is exquisite and there is absolutely no rush. You'll feel simultaneously like you're the only guests with the service and also part of the small bar experience that is a true izakaya. Put your snobby sushi vibes away and get the Katsu Roll and you will dream of it forevermore.
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Sophea V.

Yelp
***3.5 stars*** If I were to compare this place to other Japanese spots, I would say it was satisfying but not impressive. Especially their pricing, it was a little in the pricier range. I have been to a better place. Food: We got their tuna carpaccio, agedashi tofu, una don, and pork katsu curry. As for dessert, we got their orange sorbet. Everything tasted yummy. Service: Was a little left out and hard to get their attentions when we assistant. Ambiance: is so-so. Small place, hidden away with limited sittings. Parking is a pain also sketchy area especially at night.
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Nastaran M.

Yelp
Izakaya Masa never disappoints. Great Ramen, great sushi and drinks. I love the cozy atmosphere. I been coming here for years and it has been very consistent.
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Xander C.

Yelp
Step inside and be transported to a true to life Japanese bar. By far, my all time favorite Japanese restaurant. This is a longkept secret gem right cantered between Hillcrest and Mission Hills. Serving up Japanese favorites such as ramen and sushi. My favorite items are actually izakaya staples like takoyaki, grilled mackerel, grilled unigi, paired with a big glass of sapporo... or three. Friendly Japanese waitresses provide top-notch service. Add this to your must-go if you love all things Japan. 10/10
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Garen V.

Yelp
This place is one of those sushi places that make you feel so cozy and good and you know the food is gonna be banging too. Not one of those modern/avant places, prices being just right (considering it takes breaking an arm and a leg to eat out these days), and great rolls, I am more than satisfied. We got the rainbow, Alaska and the star of the show, the Midori roll. If you're weird and don't like cream cheese on your rolls, I feel bad for you. The tuna carpaccio was great too as a little appetizer. Great family and date spot.
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Shana V.

Yelp
Intimate, cozy, delightful, my favorite izakaya spot in SD. We walked over at 9pm and waited about 5 minutes for a seat at the bar. This is a no frills kind of place imo, but so worth it. I know exactly what I will order every time I come in. We always start with takowasa, Masa's fried chicken, and chukka karage. I usually get some type of sushi rolls, takoyaki, and depending on how hungry we are we add on from there.
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Donna N.

Yelp
We were introduced to this place by our good friends/neighbors. There are no reservations and no take out orders. You have to put your name on a list. Then they will call you up when they are ready to seat you. It's nice and cozy inside not pretentious at all. The menu had a good selection of rolls ramen and appetizers. We got the tuna carpaccio, the hakata ramen, shoyu ramen, cherry blossom, lobster dynamite and San Diego dream rolls. Wow everything was amazing!!! This is seriously one of the best sushi spots in SD. For us the food and service was as good as it gets. Can't wait to go back!
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Mara M.

Yelp
Another 5 star visit to Izakaya Masa! Had all the usual things and also tried the sashimi this time. All was delicious and we were not disappointed! Service is super fast and everything is brought out in the correct order, which is nice. Such a cool vibe, feels very authentic.
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Erica C.

Yelp
2/13/24- first time here and I will go here again. The best Ramen soup we have had. I went with a party of 4. Highlight, they actually have jellyfish to eat! My favorite. I haven't seen it since SF, you must try it as an appetizer. Also, the black bean Tofu was excellent. We ordered both ramen dishes. Food was delivered fast and the place was packed. Highly recommend this place. Check out the photos.
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Hazel M.

Yelp
Food was delicious, we got the gyoza, edamame, fireman roll, beef udon and pork ramen with chicken. Everything was so full of flavor. All the food came right after the other but not too fast. We really enjoyed dining in. Will definitely come back!
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Alexandria H.

Yelp
Honestly, this is one of the best sushi spots in San Diego. The food was amazing, everything tasted fresh, and the house salad had a ginger vinaigrette that was so tasty. If you didn't know any better, you would walk right by this place. Service was prompt and friendly and we were at our seats no more than ten minutes before we got our food. The ambiance is chill, they have a small interior that has standard table seating and a couple of high-top tables. Bottom line, anyone who claims to like sushi needs to give this place a try.

Mari S.

Yelp
I visited San Diego for Comic Con. I yelped and came here two nights in a row! On the first night, it took me to get in for an hour! But it's worth it to wait ! Food was great! And I loved the decor of the restaurant. It reminds me of my hometown. The owner and my server were kind and attentive! This Izakaya is definitely my bookmark restaurant in San Diego!
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Brenda B.

Yelp
The food is delicious and reasonably priced, they always have a wait but move through it pretty fast, servers are quick and attentive, very authentic atmosphere and decor. Love this place! Every person I've brought here loves it too
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Jolene L.

Yelp
Yummy! First off, we went on a Friday night and the parking... ugh.... We had to keep circling the area a few times to get parking. When we finally did though, the rest was easy peasy. We walked in and got seated right away. They tucked us into this table in a niche. It was pretty cool. It felt like we were hidden away from the hustle and bustle. We were sitting there waiting for the menu... Lawd.. thank goodness for these younger teenager folks (my son) finally pointed out and said, "You guys need to scan here for the menu." I never felt so old. Everything looked so good on the menu. We finally settled on the takoyaki for an appetizer, the spider roll, crunch roll, salmon maki, the Una don (eel bowl), hakata ramen and shoyu ramen. I had the hakata ramen. The broth was steaming hot, creamy, garlicky deliciousness. I wish I was having another bowl right now. The pork was delicious as well and did not taste gamey like this other place I had ramen at. Both my older boys had the shoyu ramen and the loved it as well. The takoyaki was gone as soon as they set it down. My youngest had the sushi rolls and loved it. My husband enjoyed his Una don even though he had wished it was a bigger serving. All in all, the food was delicious and I would definitely return to this restaurant!
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Paula C.

Yelp
Been coming to this place for a long time and it's a family favorite. Never had a bad experience with the food here. You almost always have to wait for awhile so it's a good idea to come early or plan on waiting. Some of our must haves whenever we come are the Hakata Ramen, tuna carpaccio, gyoza, and the chicken katsu. This is a solid authentic experience with quality food and service.
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Kamron A.

Yelp
A very cool place in a great neighborhood! Old school sushi place and limited seating! A great sign is when it's packed on a Tuesday night and all night! Great sushi and service! Extremely affordable! The San Diego roll is awesome and so is the fireman roll! Definitely will hit this place again!
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Kayla P.

Yelp
This place is overrated. I genuinely do not understand the raving reviews for this restaurant. That being said, my review reflects my opinion of the restaurant independent of these aforementioned expectations. There was a line at opening, so they definitely have a following. If you want to get in, you should come in early. However, they didn't fill all of the tables. Maybe they're short-staffed. Food: The have an extensive menu, which I appreciated because everyone in my party was able to find something to order. The prices were also relatively reasonable. However, the food was mediocre and surprisingly very salty for some dishes. Ambiance: It was very traditional in there, though the tables were fairly small, and the lighting was fairly dark where we were seated. Nonetheless, I liked how the decor reflected the energy of the restaurant. Service: Besides the food, another reason I had a subpar experience for this place was because of the service. The waitress was very pushy with us, and was honestly very unaccommodating. I did not feel at ease dining here. For such reasons, I do see myself returning, despite the restaurant being in a convenient and nearby location. Given the relative proximity to other Japanese restaurants, I know I can satisfy my cravings elsewhere.
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Bianca M.

Yelp
Giving this a full 5/5 FOR ME. Here's why: Food: Some of the lightest and refreshing ramen/ingredients I've had. The tuna Carpaccio was was very light, even as it's in oil, and had fried garlic pieces on it for extra umami. A very light appetizer, and well flavored. We also had the San Diego Roll which was surprisingly fresh and not too heavy as an appetizer. The rice was perfectly cooked and the fish was well cut. The ramen! Wow. Honestly, some of the lightest and well flavored ramen I've ever had. It's different than the others I've had because usually they're quite heavy in broth and ingredients. With this, I could finish the whole bowl which is uncommon for me. Priced at $13 a bowl, I would say it's extremely reasonable and I will absolutely be coming back. Price: We paid $73 for a roll, an appetizer, 2 ramens a ramune (drink) and tip. Ramen is $13 a bowl which is just awesome in my opinion. There is no sacrifice for the quality and the price point. :) Ambiance: Just right. Food came out very quick. Good vibes and not too many tables at all. The kitchen isn't in customer view so it was calm and classic. Service: Also amazing. Server was very attentive, sweet, and food was quick. Everyone was helpful. Huge TIP: They open at 5:30 and put a waitlist down around 5(?). Put your name down then and wait the 30 mins in your car, you'll get in right away (most likely!)

Frania R.

Yelp
Great food, excellent service and very welcoming energy! The place was nice and clean and we are going back next time we are in town!
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Kendra R.

Yelp
This place is so great - lovely wait staff, delicious food, and chill "hole in the wall" vibes that make for a relaxing meal. There is always a line waiting for table when I come BUT it moves quick - the staff inside get food to tables quickly and people move in/out quick (although, I'll add the caveat that I have never felt rushed either!) The food here is also really good - their Udon and Salmon Teriyaki are some of my faves. I also like their sorbet desserts, although sometimes they're so frozen when they're brought out that they're hard to eat. I would highly recommend this place if you're looking for a delicious, casual, neighborhood Japanese place!
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Jen N.

Yelp
Went on a Friday night around 6:00. For a party of 4, the wait was already 45 minutes. We put our name on the list, and went to another spot for a drink while we waited. I wish there was a place at Izakaya Masa to get a drink while waiting, but their small space just doesn't allow for it. The bad thing is, they don't take your phone number or give you a pager, so if you miss your name being called, they move to the next party. We got lucky, and when we returned, there were 3 or 4 parties of the same size ahead of us. As they called them, some weren't there. We only had to wait maybe 5 minutes upon return. Once seated, we were greeted quickly and ordered drinks. I tried the Otokoyama sake, which is their own brand. I am not a sake connoisseur, but I thought it was good. My husband and I ordered several dishes to share, and our friends did the same. Items just come out when they are ready. The gyoza and tuna carpaccio came out first. The gyoza had a nice crisp to the outside, and the filling was flavorful. The tuna was delicious. It is definitely garlic heavy, but I loved it. Tuna was fresh and tender. Next came our rolls. We got the spicy tuna and San Diego Dream. Both were really good, and I loved that they were more centered on the fish and not covered in heavy sauces. We decided we had a little more room after and ordered one more - the spicy yellowtail, which was delicious as well. The five plates were the perfect amount for the 2 of us. I would not say they focus on servers being overly involved in your dinner, but they are friendly and fast. With it being so busy, and not many tables, they want to keep things moving. I thought the food was great though, and I look forward to going back to try some other items!
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Jessica S.

Yelp
I had low expectations of this place but the food was pretty good. They didn't over-do the rice on each roll, good amount of fish is on each roll, and quality is also quite good for the price! Staff is very nice. They don't take reservations. I removed one star mainly because they charged me $1 for a small cup of hot water! Who does that?? I found it so weird and also they didn't tell me until I got the bill. Go for the food, but beware of weird charges and ask before you buy I guess.
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Matt G.

Yelp
This place has a ton of hype as you can see in the reviews. I have been meaning to go here for a while but there is always a line every day of the week it's open. I went on a Friday and wrote my name down on the wait list at 5:40 and didn't get seated until 6:45. Luckily I live across the street but you can walk around in the little mission hills downtown while you wait. But don't stay away too long because I'd they call your name they will skip you! FYI - they don't accept American Express! The food! Very good and seemed to be traditional Japanese. Recommendations/ratings: - Hakata Ramen: 4/5 people raves about this in the reviews. It was good but I've had better. - Chicken breast teriyaki appetizer: 4/5 they do it right! Very basic but you can get a bowl of rice with it and not just the chicken! - tuna carpaccio - 5/5 per the reviews some people loved it some people didn't but I recommend it if you love garlic. - seaweed salad - 3/5 - it was a good classic seaweed salad. No frills. - gyoza - 10/5!!! Must get. So good. Just trust me. I'll definitely be back! I want to try more of the sushi next time as a lot of people were getting that!

P H.

Yelp
Amazing, hidden gem. Most authentic Izakaya experience in San Diego. Small bites, BIG flavor!
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Arian B.

Yelp
Wow! This place never ceases to impress me. I haven't been back since Covid and everything is as fresh and delicious as ever. The staff is super friendly and patient. We went on Friday night and didn't have to wait in line - which was unexpected. But even if you have to wait 20-30 min, it is totally worth it! Parking is tight, but almost always something available. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
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Alexis S.

Yelp
I ordered the saba and it reminded me of the grilled fish i would have for breakfast in the early mornings of Japan. Grilled to perfection where you can pick at the fattest parts or start of with the crunchy in of the tail. Dont forget to utilize the lemon !
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Jessica L.

Yelp
This place always has a wait and it's easy to see why. Love the variety this Izakaya offers and the food is always on point. From their appetizers to their ramen, it's hard to pick a favorite. It's a homey, low key, no frills kind of place that never disappoints.
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Jinny L.

Yelp
I first came here in 2019 and Izakaya Masa quickly became my number one ramen place. Whenever friends asked for ramen recommendations, I referred them to here, since the wait was not bad (better than Menya Ultra at least), the ambiance reminds me of true izakaya's in Japan, and the ramen is amazing (also the price is great)! Other than the ramen, their menu offers great diversity in Japanese cuisine. I liked their donburi and my friend has enjoyed their soba. I go to Gonzo when I am in North County San Diego, but Izakaya Masa when I am in San Diego.
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Erika L.

Yelp
Bad bad bad! Horrible service! The unbelievable happened when visiting the restaurant. All the food came out.. (something they charge an arm and a leg for something I can make for 1/2 the price) and at the end, the waiter offered mochi ice cream. I did not order so thought it was FREE OF CHARGE but immediately after I was finished eating, he came and said "I am so sorry it's my mistake but I need you to pay.. my manager told me to come tell you." I asked to speak to the manager but she hesitated to come and insisted for me to pay; because it was consumed?! I have never experienced something so crazy like this! Not so Japanese and disappointed. Not worth your time. Stop waiting.. look around you. No Jpns cares too go because of their food and especially SERVICE!
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Daniella S.

Yelp
I love it here ! Worth the wait , very simple menu. The sushi rolls and sashimi are great. My favorite is the spicy yellow tail and avocado tuna. Along with the curry udon noddles with chicken. Service is always great here! The restaurant is decent sized greatly decorated perfect for date nights or a birthday dinner !
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Michelle N.

Yelp
I've been meaning to try out Izakaya Masa after hearing a few positive reviews here and there, especially since I generally like Japanese food. I definitely wish I came sooner! - PARKING - There's a tiny parking lot, which will get filled up once it gets close to opening time! There is street parking available, but you may need to walk a block or two during rush hours. - SERVICE/ENVIRONMENT - They put out a sign-in sheet in front of the restaurant before opening (5:30 pm), but when we arrived at 5:25 pm on a Friday night, the list was already about 7-8 parties in. The restaurant itself is also very small, with about 6 bar stools, 3-4 (2) person tables, 2-3 (4) person tables, and around 3 larger tables in the back that fit up to 6 comfortably. I would definitely come early to ensure you get seated first round, although it seems like some parties came to eat a quick bite and left fairly quickly. Appetizers came out extremely fast, and service was very attentive all night. - FOOD - Gyoza (6pcs - $5.50): The skin on the Gyoza is much thinner than most I've had, which was actually a nice change of pace! I don't want to get full off appetizers, so this definitely helped! The flavoring of the filling was delicious, and the Gyoza itself wasn't too oily! Fried Garlic (~1clove? - $5.00): Unlike other spots I've been to, they individually fry each Garlic Clove, so each piece has a nice exterior skin to it! I definitely can't eat too many myself, but my boyfriend enjoyed it! Masa's Fried Chicken (5pcs - $7.50): WOW this Chicken was juicy! Usually deep-fried chicken ends up being too oily or too dry on the inside, but Masa did it perfectly. I do wish they served this with a sauce, but they only give you a lemon slice. Salmon Sashimi (~6/7pcs - $13.00): I was shocked at the quality of the Sashimi here - I went in with very low expectations but was amazed at how buttery and soft this Salmon was. I usually only find this quality of fish at more high-end sushi restaurants! Hakata Ramen ($12.00): Of the few reviews I heard, the Hakata Ramen was always mentioned in passing. I decided to give it a shot, and was also pleasantly surprised! I wouldn't say it's my favorite ramen as I'm more inclined towards thick noodle options, but this was pretty good - I think especially at its price point! Think Ichiran Ramen style, with thin but chewy noodles. NOTE THAT the broth here is definitely not as heavy or rich, but I actually liked this version more... but that's personal preference. Zaru Soba ($10.00): Great quality of Soba - the noodles weren't limp or overcooked. Similar to the Ramen noodles, the Soba noodles had a nice chew to them. The dipping sauce was just the right amount of saltiness and umami! - OVERALL - Great hidden gem, at least to me as of recent - there seems to be an established large fan base as the waiting list became very long very fast, and people kept coming to wait as we ate! Be sure to arrive early, or be ready to send someone to put your name down and wait. Give the Sashimi and Fried Chicken a try, and depending on your mood, try out the Hakata Ramen or Soba out! I will absolutely be back to try out the rest of their menu!!
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Rebecca D.

Yelp
This place is such a neighborhood gem! I came here on a Friday night and the wait was ~15-30 minutes. There's nothing really fancy about this place. Just straight up good classic Japanese food. We got a bottle of apple sake ($25), 3 rolls of sushi (~$8-9 each), agedashi tofu ($6.5), and the fried chicken ($8). Everything was SO GOOD. The standout for me was the fried chicken. No idea how they make it but it's amazing.
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Jacqueline J.

Yelp
False advertising. There was 4 parties looking for the same restaurant. Everyone drove from a far length because it's 4.6 stars. Multiple sites confirms restaurant is open and green! Yet, we physically drive a crossed town to see in person they are closed until august 16th, next Wednesday. We are all strangers looking for the same thing & all hungry. Not a great customer experience at all.