Ken Sushi Workshop

We made lunch reservations for 6 people the night before, so our table was ready when we got there. I've been going here since the first day they opened and the quality, consistency, presentation and service are always above expectations. The sauces they use for salads, appetizers and the main meals are always very fresh and unique, which makes the meal more special. The sushi tastes fantastic. The rice is always fluffy, light and rolled sparingly with the sushi. I recommend Ken's sushi, but I suggest you make reservations if you have a part of more than 4 people. We spent $63 per person (no alcohol), but the quality is worth it.

This place is nothing short of absolutely legendary for sushi. Ken himself is a charismatic, funny and loving host to this chateau of incredible sushi and good times. The quality of the fish is something I've never had in my life, it is pristine and incredibly fresh. The staff that works here does such an amazing job making sure you're taken care of. I have heard of this place for years but today was my first time, absolutely blown away by the quality, the service and time I had here tonight. Ken I want to apologize because you'll be seeing me a lot more often from now on, your food isn't just food it's an experience that left me amazed. This is the best sushi I've had in San Diego by far.

Today was a second visit at Ken Sushi, but unfortunately it was disappointing. We had an incredible first visit to this restaurant—the sushi was fresh, expertly prepared, and the overall experience left us amazed. We were looking forward to come back again, but it was a letdown. We ordered the chefs choice nigiri set ($55), the fish temperature was off—quite warm, which took away from the freshness we expected. The texture of the fish wasn’t great either—lacking the chewiness. The overall quality of the sushi just didn’t justify the $200 total we spent. When we mentioned to the waitress that the quality of the sushi wasn’t as good as before, she brushed it off rather than taking the initiative to check with the chef. That response, combined with the food quality, really left us feeling disappointed. For the price we paid, the overall experience didn’t match what we expected based on our previous visit.

It's hands down one of my favorite places. The quality is exceptional — every dish is a masterpiece, prepared with care, precision, and soul. The atmosphere is intimate and inviting, and the chefs’ passion for their work is felt in every bite. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience. I always leave feeling inspired and grateful. Truly a gem!

While this is not a fancy date night sushi spot, it is certainly one of the best sushi dinners I’ve ever had. Their portions were much larger than typical - sashimi/sushi meat were nearly twice the size of compared to anywhere else. Our waitress was very helpful in guiding us toward the plates we’d like best, and we were very happy and comfortably full when we left. The ambiance is not conducive to a quiet date night if that’s what you’re looking for as there were many families around opening. They have portable tents on their patio but ours moved precariously in the wind. Next time, I’d probably opt to sit indoors at the sushi bar to watch the action or see if there are other outdoor seating not in one of the “bubble tents”. Overall, you get great value for your dollar as the sushi is top-notch, fresh, and large portions.

Had a fantastic time at Ken Sushi Bar! The vibe was absolutely amazing, and the chef's personality really added to the experience. Highly recommend reserving a spot ahead of time, especially on weekends - no walk-ins, so plan ahead! The sushi was good, but what really shines is the atmosphere, making it perfect for groups. Can't wait to come back!

Fresh and delicious 🤤. Lots of variety and the option to create your own roll. Even for vegetarians there is a custom option for you to ask the chef to make you a roll of your choice. The atmosphere was okay nothing fancy.

Very delicious sushi. We dined outside in the evening in one of those “bubbles” and it was not cold at all. Great service, food was so fresh and tasty. I loved the hula roll the most. We got the Oh No Oh Yes roll, hula roll, salmon belly sashimi, and the house made gyoza. We also got sake. So good!

Unbelievable sushi! Every single time that we have been to Ken's it is absolutely delicious!

Amazing sushi and sashimi Love the protein roll Also the sashimi platter Best in San Diego

Food and service were really good. And the interior was really cute. Plenty of parking which is always a plus. We ordered 3 rolls: - Unagi - Hula - Workshop My personal favorite was the workshop. Will be coming back again!

Came here on a Tuesday evening for our anniversary and it was pretty busy for a weeknight. I could tell this is the spot for people to go to after work all the time. The owner seems super friendly, is definitely more friendly to some than others, maybe they are regulars. The service was ok, they all worked together. They have people coming around taking empty dishes, even trying to take dishes that aren't empty. I like that they're prompt on removing dirty dishes but chill bro I'm still working on that. I got the smaller omakase and I'm not sure how I felt about it. Waitress asked me was there anything that I do not like and I told her I do not like raw mackerel because it's fishy to me. They included a mackerel nigiri in my omakase (u can see the pic) which I did not eat and gave it to my husband. As far as the rest of the omakase goes, I liked it but did not love it. The salad was fresh and a nice start to a meal but I don't think I would want a salad as part of my omakase dish. The sashimi didn't taste as fresh as I'd like. The fried lobster dish, with some added fried shrimp was pretty heavy. I asked for a spoon so I can scoop up sauce with it while I ate but I never got the spoon so I used my husband's soup spoon that he used for his miso soup. In the midst of my omakase I don't know why I ordered a belly sampler plate. Also, did not come with Otoro, but rather chu-toro and this plate was not as fresh as I'd expected it to be either. My husband ordered the nigiri omakase that he enjoyed, which I should've just ordered instead. He also ordered an Oh No roll , which was $25. It was ok. For dessert the ice cream was pretty good. Tasted real fruit flavors and we also got truffle flavor. At first I really liked it but then as I am eating the truffle taste was really strong, it was still good. Overall it's ok. My husband knew I was not feeling this place as I was not dancing after taking a bite. I forgot to also mention the table was kind of sticky and had a soy sauce ring from the bottom of the bottle.

Excellent! When in San Diego a must go. Service, food and atmosphere all excellent. The restaurant is very small. So make sure you make a reservation ahead. It has indoor, outdoor and sushi bar seating. Cute Bubble dining outside. I had called and made Monday, 7:30 dinner reservations for 2. When we arrived the entire place was filled except our table that was waiting for us. Peter our server was very nice and attentive. We ordered a Bottle of Junmai Ginjo Kikusui Sake to sip through out the evening. We ordered Yellow Tail Belly, Salmon, Tuna, Eel and Sea Urchin Nigiri, along with a Spicy Tuna and Salmon Skin Handroll. We also shared an Hamachi Kama, Seaweed Salad and a Soft Shell Crab cut Roll (Oh No but Oh Yes Roll). As the dishes were served, everything was so fresh and tasting excellent. Honestly, this place has some of the best Japanese food I've had in a long time. The Hamachi Kama was one of the best I've ever had. The weakest was the Soft Shell Crab Roll. We will definitely be back! To note: the restaurant location has a huge free parking lot. Atmosphere: typical Japanese restaurant decor, cute outdoor bubble seating. Food: excellent. Service: excellent.

I used to eat sushi like 4-6 times a month -- I'd explore different places in San Diego, but now I only eat sushi twice a month, and it's only here. I used to eat rolls, but I've been converted to sashimi and nigiri :) If you want to go and just try it out, and you like sashimi, try the Chirashi lunch special -- it's in the low 20s, but so yummy :)

I have been waiting a long time to try the omakaze from Ken Sushi and I can say it is worth the hype. Hands down, one of my top 10 meals in my life. We ordered the Love Omakaze which comes with 9 dishes and includes dessert. We were both full after the meal so even though the servings look small, the richness of the food filled our stomachs. A work of art and a delight for the palate.

I came here last night with a 5:30 PM reservation for two. We called a week ahead to reserve and I'm so happy we did. The place was completely packed by 5:45 PM on a Wednesday evening. The restaurant is pretty small and the tables are closer together. One wall has a bunch of golf flags covering it altogether. The noise volume shot up like crazy in there and it was pretty loud. The outside looks fun and relatively calmer where you can eat inside a plastic bubble tent The ambience I would give a 3.5 star for the casual vibe and how loud it is (It was hard to hear my own conversation) but the service was 5 stars. The servers were attentive and the food came out very quickly. We were impressed. We ordered the Chef's Choice Nigiri (10 pieces for $46) which was delicious, Otoro, Yellowtail, a hula roll, and an Oh No but Oh Yes roll, and an udon which comes with tempura. The tempura with the udon was fantastic. The sushi was fresh and delicious and the rolls were creative and good too. All in all, I've been wanting to try here for months and I'm so happy we finally did because we will be back!

Came for a birthday celebration and got to sit in an outside bubble! Great service and delicious food and drinks. Sushi was fresh and soooo delicious. Ordered way too much but it was our first time. Everything was great. Only negative is that I Wish the wasabi was fresh made (if it was, it tasted like it wasn't made from fresh wasabi). Lots of parking on a Saturday which was nice. The bubbles are also a bit worn and dirty and have seen better days so the atmosphere could also use some help. The food more than makes up for it. We were lucky to get a reservation for a large party on short notice so appreciate them accommodating us. It was busy/full. The bubbles make you forget you are in an office park area of Carmel Valley. Look forward to coming back again.

Had the chef's choice, it's was one amazing dish , fresh stylish and tasty. Best in San Diego county.

This place is great. The sushi rolls are phenomenal. They have an indoor area and an outdoor area. The outdoor area has covered areas to sit in. The staff members are super friendly. Great service.

New York, San Fran, I'm calling this the best Japanese food I've ever had. Get a reservation! Great service. You know anyone named Ken is going to be awesome, lol.

Ken-sensei and his workshop of sushi dreams operates on a whole other level of hospitality and quality. To say I was blown away by the sheer level of generosity is an understatement. Somehow, we were sat in the corner of the sushi bar which was front and center to the man, the myth, and the legend himself. We knew we were getting their top tier omakase course and while seemingly more expensive than other well known sushi restaurants upon first glance, it was utterly and COMPLETELY worth the price. I have never left so full following an omakase dinner like I had here! This was due in large part to his GENEROUS thick cuts of sashimi, random helpings of sashimi dropped quietly on our plates, and that LUSCIOUS seared wagyu with a healthy drizzling of bone marrow and caviar on top. GOD TIER! Plus, as a palate cleanse, and due to his generous nature, we somehow ended up with a helping of Crown Melon EACH, the Japanese King of Fruits, aka a freakin' DEVIL FRUIT! I'm pretty sure I have acquired new powers by consuming this delicately sweet king of fruits. My limbs are stretching now! Birthday dinner satisfaction fully achieved! I can finally tick this one off the bucket list of sushi omakase dining experiences. This one is located in well-to-do Carmel Valley/ Torrey Hills. The restaurant has seen many pro golfers and celebrities. In general, the clientele is extremely well off. However, despite this, the restaurant is not uptight and somehow our equally wealthy dinner companions at the sushi bar were beyond pleasant. Dare I say that Ken Sushi Workshop may have just topped my overall 'best sushi' list in San Diego!?

This Carmel Valley sushi restaurant was conveniently located between our workplaces so we met here for a meal. Ken Sushi Workshop has developed a reputation for good quality sushi which certainly piqued my interest. As we walked up to the entrance, the first noticeable feature was the bubble tents that were set up to enclose the tables on the outdoor patio. It was a reminder of how strict the dining conditions were during the middle of the pandemic. I guess the plastic structures are still useful to reduce the breeze blowing across the tables, but they seem out of place now. We sat inside which had a capacity for about 60 diners including the bar area. I didn't snap photos of the menu sheets, but I did capture the sushi order slip. While the variety was extensive, the prices were really high for the cut rolls and hand rolls. Nearly all of the latter were more than $10, and a Vegetable cut roll sold for $14!? It makes me wonder how some higher end places can sell the same types of rolls for 20-30% less than here. I selected a Lunch Sushi Combination which consisted of six pieces of nigiri and four pieces of a California Roll. The fish for the nigiri were tuna, salmon, albacore, eel, shrimp, and spicy tuna. The presentation on the plate was simple and clean. For $19, the price was a good value for the seafood quality. Our server and the rest of the staff were well-trained to the point in which I felt like they had us on a clock with their precision. Efficiency seemed to be a point of emphasis versus making the experience more relaxed and casual. I gave a 3.5 star rating for our visit to KSW.

This is a small spot that fills up quickly. If you're a San Diego local, and you like sushi, you must try this spot. The quality of the fish is the star here. You can't go wrong with sashimi or the nigiri. Unfortunately, they don't have hot sake which is a huge bummer, but they do have an eclectic list of cold sakes, I'm just not a fan. They also have a great selection of ice cream, including black sesame that was featured in our tempura fried ice cream. Sooo good!

SUSHI KIND OF DAY (4 stars) - FOOD: quality cuts of fish - SERVICE: very good.. provided by Ken himself - PRICE: kind of pricy - AMBIANCE: very clean Check out their specials that are posted on the wall (not listed on the menu). Yes, they had Golden Eye Snapper (aka kinmedai). Yes, they had Big Eye Sea Perch (aka Nodoguro). I think I'm beginning to love Nodoguro more than Kinmedai these days. MISO SOUP ($3) - average. Nothing special. KUMAMOTO OYSTERS ($22/6pc) - with ponzu. I asked the waitress where are they from (yes I know they are from Japan but what bay) and was told "Kumamoto Japan" which didn't fully answer my question. I've had Kumamoto countless of times and enjoy their small, firm, and sweet profile. Honestly, if I'm going to pay that much for raw oysters I want to taste the oyster, add the extras on my own if I need. Not a fan with oysters all dressed up and served, it takes away the taste of the oyster. They came all coated up and felt like it ruined the oyster. if you are an oyster lover the way I take them... I don't recommend this. YELLOWTAIL NIGIRI ($7/2pc) - the safe fish to order. I love the simplicity of yellowtail and always order it when I'm out eating sushi. RECOMMEND NODOGURO ($18/2pc) - this is what I came for. I love me some quality nodoguro. Eat as served (no soy sauce no nothing, eat as is). The fish quality was fresh, had a nice sear for the flavors to come out, and it didn't have a very strong perch flavor it was subtle. Love the delicate sweet and somewhat smoky flavor, not fishy at all. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. That simple order cost $70 (after tip). GEEZ. But I will def be back. JABA APPROVED. Until the next review...

The sushi quality here is amazing!! Tonight we ordered their various nigiri plates as well as sashimi. Everything was plated so beautifully and there was quite a variety of fish. Our favorites of the night were salmon belly, toro, yellowtail, and uni. Their uni hand roll is stuffed with uni! I definitely recommend. The staff here are very attentive and quick to clear away trash and empty plates. The inside of the restaurant is on the smaller side but they have the cutest outdoor setup. I recommend making reservations in advance as it can get very busy during peak dinner hours. Great location! I will definitely be coming back.

Ken Sushi is a top-tier sushi restaurant with a welcoming, sophisticated ambiance perfect for any occasion. The menu features both traditional and innovative sushi, made with the freshest ingredients. The omakase experience is a highlight, offering a delightful journey of flavors. Service is exceptional, with knowledgeable and attentive staff. Beyond sushi, their Japanese dishes and curated drink menu, including sake and cocktails, are excellent. Ken Sushi is a must-visit for sushi lovers.

Ken Sushi Workshop in San Diego, is the place to be If you're seeking an authentic and exquisite sushi experience with one of a kind chef who makes it very interesting for his patrons. Parking lot looked definitely good enough to accommodate a good amount of cars though we happened to get there via Uber as we were visiting San Diego and did not have a rental car. Right from there, we were greeted with a cheerful smile and were assigned a seat inside within a couple of minutes. We were definitely struck by the intimate and inviting ambiance. The minimalist decor, traditional Japanese aesthetics, and softly lit interior create a serene atmosphere that elevates the dining experience. The sushi bar seating allows you to watch the skilled chefs in action, adding an extra layer of enjoyment. Since we were seated a bit away from the bar we got to see a few glimpses of Mr Ken's guile in all his glory. Definitely recommend front seating (aka at the bar) to the show!!! The service at Ken Sushi Workshop is unparalleled. The staff's warmth and attentiveness were remarkable. Jacky was not only knowledgeable about the menu but also eager to share his passion for sushi. Their personalized recommendations and attention to detail made the meal truly memorable. He made sure that he understood our asks and then recommended from the options available and made our experience so much more better and every bit worth it. Having done our research and as well paying keen attention to what Jacky had to say we ordered the following: Began with 2 Miso soups along with the Salmon belly and Toro (melted in our mouth. wonderfully fat and juicy). Followed that up with the Hula role with the Mango-a-go-go and a workshop special role at the time. The freshness of the fish and the precision in preparation were evident in every piece. The variety of flavors and textures simply blew our minds. We wrapped the dinner up with a Green Tea Ice-cream that stuck a fine balance between sweet and texture and you can never go wrong with that. Ken Sushi Workshop offers a premium sushi experience and the prices reflect the quality and craftsmanship of the food. It's an ideal choice for a special occasion , when you're craving an authentic sushi adventure or simply to witness Chef Ken's guile at work. From the elegant ambiance and top-notch service to the sushi that can only be described as a work of art, it's a restaurant that stands out in the world of sushi. I would highly recommend paying a visit to them and becoming a patron of theirs. Onto more such visits!!!

Definitely one of the more underrated sushi restaurants in San Diego. Its location was a bit bizarre once you arrive as it was surrounded by a lot of business buildings but you won't miss the giant dining bubbles outside. I would have preferred to sit outside esp. in the summer as it got stuffy inside. It was quite busy and wait times for food came out quite slow. We ordered: Clam Miso Soup (5/5) Red Miso Soup (4/5) Tobiko Sizzler (3/5) Unagi Bonsai (3/5) Chef's Choice Nigiri (4/5) My favorites were the nigiri and miso soup. The tobiko sizzler was so colorful! They offered to mix the rice in the stone pot. I agreed to this, however, I would have much liked it better without it mixed. There was uni on top which I felt like I couldn't taste after mixing everything, but the rice turns crispy which was nice to eat. Fish quality and the chef's choices were delicious! It was a nice platter of everything and was presented nicely. I am still really glad I got to try Ken Sushi as I've always been eyeing the restaurant. It's definitely pricy but if you have the chance I would recommend it!

Based on the other reviews, I decided to call ahead to see if I could get a reservation for one, same night. They were able to reserve a spot for me at the sushi counter and I arrived a little early. They weren't technically open yet, but I saw other customers going in so I went in too and was seated right away. The kitchen staff were already working on orders ahead of their formal start time and I put in mine as well. I tried a variety of nigiri sushi and ordered repeats of my favorites. You could watch most dishes being prepared right there on the other side of the counter. The restaurant was small inside, though they had outdoor dining as well, with crazy little plastic tent things for when it rains (it was raining a little on the night I visited). I liked all the sushi I tried, and the staff was extremely attentive and kept plates cleared quickly. I even made some new friends, chatting with some people seated next to me at the sushi counter. Right now, I'd rank this nigiri as the best I've had outside of Japan, and I consider myself pretty picky when it comes to eating raw fish. I also thought that overall the price was very fair. It actually surprised me how reasonable it ended up being. Friendly atmosphere. I would highly recommend you try this place if you are in the mood for some excellent sushi.

This sushi spot is a bit outside of my normal radius, but I had a lunch date with a friend, and she suggested Ken Sushi Workshop. We arrived right after opening and were shown to one of their outdoor "bubbles", for lack of a better word. Basically, it's outdoor seating in a plastic, see-through tent, which offers no privacy but maybe provides a bit of distancing? Let me start off by saying I loved their green tea. It was hot and had a delightful flavor, and it was frequently refilled. They brew it up fresh, not from tea bags, and they are generous with the pours. Highly recommend. For my main, I went with the Lunch Sushi Combination ($13). It came with tuna, salmon, albacore, eel, spicy tuna and California roll. Don't let the "spicy tuna" fool you, though. Their version is like spicy tuna on 'roids. The spicy tuna in this case sits on top of a bed of crispy rice and the resulting bites are crispy, smooth, spicy and heavenly. They were by far my most favorite items on the plate. The other pieces were just as tasty - fresh and expertly made sushi; I certainly had no complaints. My friend ordered the Chirashi and supplemented one of the specialty rolls that neither of us can remember the name of. It was quite expensive - the Chirashi was only $15 but her specialty roll was over $20. She did say she was a bit let down by the Chirashi - it wasn't as big or varied as the Chirashi bowls she's had in the past - but she made quick work of it and her specialty roll. All in all, we had a pleasant lunch experience, with excellent service and tasty plates. This restaurant is closer to my work than it is to home, so I don't know that I'll have an opportunity to come back real soon, but it's definitely now on my radar.

General Comments-- This review is based on my first experience, which took place on a Friday evening. For starters, this place is so popular I would strongly encourage you to make a reservation several days in advance. This restaurant is relatively small and has the vibe of a bar / izakaya that is nicely decorated and comfortable. I had the opportunity to sit inside, which was a pleasant experience; however, this place also has outdoor seating with a quite peculiar setup I must add. The staff was super friendly and moves quick with the orders once you've made up your mind. They are also quite patient and are not in a hurry to get you in an out of the door. Food-- Outstanding. I've been to many traditional Japanese sushi places in all of San Diego and this place ranks top 3 on my list. Full stop. If it is worth noting, I've been to the motherland of sushi and this place is on par. Just saying. We were four guests dining in and we ordered the following: Appetizers: Crispy Rice Tuna (Fuego), Pan Fried Gyozas (delicious), miso soup (delicious) Main dish: Chef's Choice 10 Piece Nigiri (FUEGO!) Additional dishes: Mango A-Go-Go Sushi Roll (delicious), Surfs Up Sushi Roll (delicious), Hot Momma Hand Roll (FUEGO!) From the Chef's Choice 10 Piece Nigiri, the uni one was the best bite of the night. Make sure to save that one for last. Believe me when I tell you - you will not regret it. Everything else was absolutely amazing, fresh, and does not disappoint. One pleasant surprise was the Hot Momma Hand Roll, which is actually not on the menu but deserves an honorable mention due to how tasty it was. Overall-- This place is an excellent choice if you are craving fresh and delicious sushi made the traditional way with the option of ordering some fusion dishes as well. This place is a little expensive (~$100 USD per person), but it is worth the investment. Your taste buds and your cravings will thank you for it. Would I come back? Absolutely. As a matter of fact, I already have another reservation.

Had an amazing dinner, I loved everything we ate me and my wife order the crispy rice and some the yellow tale nigiri which was so delicious. Sitting in an intimate bungalow outside elevated the experience as well. Service was good and food came fast.

The sushi here is so good! We enjoy coming here and dining outside in their bubbles with our dog. We have also sat inside and the ambiance is nice. Everyone is friendly and they have a lot of golf decor. The omakase is nice and has many courses. There were two different omakase's to choose from when we went. We decided to get the smaller of the omakase but left super super full. They have items that aren't on their regular menu, it was really delicious! Sometimes we also like to just order a La carte. I like the oh yes but oh no roll. All the sashimi are really fresh and delicious. It's one of our go-to spots for special occasions or when friends visit from out of town.

Made a reservation a week in advance for the sushi bar. Upon arrival, they asked if we could sit at a table instead and we advised that was fine since we weren't doing the omakase experience. We ordered the crispy rice, chefs choice nigiri, Hula roll, the Unagi Bonsai roll and ended the night with deep fried ice cream. Everything was delicious, fresh and flavorful. The unfiltered sake went down smooth. We really enjoyed our experience here! The service was friendly and very attentive. The ambiance is simple. The restaurant is very small! Make sure you make a reservation or you won't get in.

Every year, sometimes as many as every two or three months, we take a completely different group from San Diego Foodies and Carlsbad Foodies on Meetup to Ken Sushi Workshop. Our regular goal is to tell you what to order when you go. And in this case, there's so much conversation about more than just the food, so we are adding those comments for you as well. We are always checking and rechecking for consistency and we are happy to report you can count on this restaurant to be consistently good. Chef Ken says: "I create with love and present with pride". And trust me. It shows! We all decide on the Love Omakase, drinking dark beer, light beer and filtered shots of cold sake. Bring your wallet. And I will say, "It's worth every bite. So amazing. It's an experience, not a meal". "The salmon is my favorite but I love everything" Michelle says and laughs. Brandon agrees and adds: "I am surprised by the salad. A great mix of sweet and savory". Justin likes "the energy of the chef. And everything is fresh, artistic and colorful". And he agrees about the salad: "It's such a mix of chino farms vegetables. Everything has its' own flavor and taste and then they throw in pieces of salmon. That's the best salmon I have ever eaten on planet earth". You may think this is an exaggeration, but I couldn't say it better myself. My thoughts: "Such soft, beautifully smokey full freshly cooked salmon pieces. It blows me away every time and I don't know how he does it"! And you can quote me! Kathe loves the salad: "I've had it here with you before and I love it every time. She also mentions how cut and perfectly grilled the corn in the salad is. It is just perfect". Michelle loves the corn too. And I mention the opened pod of peas. How cute that is! And delicious. Briana says: "I was not sure about the sweet shrimp, but it turns out, it is my favorite". Kathe adds: "I also love the tuna belly. The pickled wasabi we ordered, is amazing with it.". Every time we go for sushi, I explain that we need to order pickled wasabi because the paste is just chemicals. And there's a way to eat it. You take a small amount, put it in your mouth, then add the sushi (inside your mouth) and chew! I also explain that there's two ends to the chopsticks. The end that is thin goes into your mouth. The other end, that's bigger and you use it to serve yourself and others. This way you can give someone a piece of sushi, without your own personal germs from the end you eat with. On with chatter about the food: Brandon says: "The eggplant is really unexpected. It is almost like having sweet potato tempura". When I ask Briana about it, she looks at me and says: "X rated". Another way to say that? Orgasmic. She likes it. Everyone loves the lobster. "So good" says Michelle. Briana says: "Hot damn. That's good". I hear the waitress tell us "It's usually lobster and crab, but he did all lobster for your group especially". Like I say, Chef Ken always takes very good care of us. I don't know if the smoked tuna cheek and the 'smoke show' that goes with it is my favorite, or the wagyu beef at the end. What I will say is that after Brandon eats the tuna cheek, he turns to me and says one word: "Wow"! At the end of the evening, we are left with our group and a few others at the sushi bar. Some couples at the surrounding tables. Once the table with the baby is gone, Chef Ken cranks up the music and we all get up and dance and then move ourselves out the front door, thanking all as we leave. Speaking of leaving, I have to leave you with comments made during the end of the meal and texts sent to me afterwards.... Kathe says: "One of the most enjoyable, memorable meals of my life. Thank you"! Justin says: "it is an outstanding meal. From cuisine, to atmosphere, to company, memorable from top to bottom"! Briana says: "This is one of the best meals I've had in a long time". She calls her experience: "Magical". Michelle says: "Love the restaurant and the great group. I look forward to signing up again". Best, Chef Marian

One of the best, if not "The Best" Sushi restaurants in San Diego. Expensive but worth it. It should have at least a Bib Gourmand Michelin recommendation

Well. Finally made it to ken sushi workshop. Don't believe the hype. Because it's better than the hype. This is a six star review. From the reservations of two to walking out. We are at the bar and got to see the master sushi chef in his element. Some small talk and a nice outline of each piece. We ordered both the nigiri and sashimi chef special. The workshop. And a coke and sake order. The meal started off right with the miso. Great broth. Perfect balance. Each chef special was just mouth watering. I had to slow my self down to savor. The roll was just sooo good too. I can't wait to go again. It's pricey but worth it. Prob the best sushi I have had outside of the bay and Japan.

Amazing sushi! A top 10 in my all time list! Service was good, the bubble ambience was fun and the food was memorable!

Tasty and well-crafted Japanese food. The sushi is terrific, and so are all the other dishes

High end treat, quality sushi. Friendly staff. Reservations are a must. Cute igloos outside that look cozy. Wine reasonably priced, might be budget friendly to buy bottle versus individual glasses. Group favorites were the yellow tail, crispy rice appetizer, salmon nigiri, and hand rolls. Plenty of parking.

Wow! Wow in my terrible Owen Wilson impression. Ken Sushi Workshop has been on my list for a while now and today was the day I took a fantastic voyage to new heights of sushi creativity. I came here for one thing and one thing only and that was the Omakase. Omakase to me is measure I like to use for great sushi places and I judge them on creativity of flavor profiles on the amazing combinations they put together. There are 3 levels of Omakase at Ken's. A $140, $180 and an open keep it comin, til I tell you to stop level. This adventure was the $140 journey as I was told to get the crispy rice tuna which was like nothing I have ever tasted. Highly recommend to get the Crispy Rice Tuna, you will be blown away. The Omakase was about 6 courses that take your taste buds to flavortown. I don't want to go too much in detail as I would like for you to see for yourself as it's a nice pleasant surprise that will not disappoint. From start to finish it was well done from service, presentation, taste. It was worth every penny. I plan to come back to try the higher end Omakase but from what I was told that the quality is still present but it's just more dishes like high end A5 wagyu. If you want high end, fresh and amazing sushi definitely pay Ken Sushi Workshop a visit.

Ken's sushi is such a vibe!! I absolutely love going here and it has become my go to sushi spot. You should have a reservation or you're likely not to be seated or wait a long time to eat here. Sake, sushi, sashimi, and specials! They really have it all and I absolutely love Ken and all of his staff! Try this sushi spot if you haven't already and don't forget to make a reservation.

This is legit good sushi. there's a subtle smoky influence on some pieces that impart a depth to an otherwise familiar fish. I even quite enjoyed the Uni/roe combo. Chef pointed out the origins of the fish for the nigiri--from Japan, Korea, all the way to local. Finished it off with the lychee sorbet. Not too sweet with chunks of lychee. It's a very friendly place with people there to have a good time. Plenty of seats all around if you snag a reservation.

Sat at the bar the other night. The sushi was good but the service was non existent. No chefs interacted with us or asked us questions. When I sit at the sushi bar I want to order one piece at a time and eat it fresh, but this wasn't an option. My green tea wasn't refilled until the end of the meal when we were about to leave.

This was absolutely an exquisite experience and I would recommend to others. We had gone for my husband's birthday dinner and tried a number of their dishes. All dishes were impressive. Small establishment that did not offer enough seating for those who wanted to visit, but that's another reason this spoke is exclusive. Must make reservations and ask to be seated at the bar!

Obsessed after my first experience and am plotting my next adventure here soon. Ken was the life of the party and the star of the show. The drinks and food were flowing deliciously. Every bite was perfection though my favorites were the crispy rice spicy tuna and Ken's Workshop roll.

This place is one of the best sushi places I have had in San Diego!! I had a reservation here with my friends for my birthday and the sushi was so amazing. So fresh and tasty! They have these bubble things with table inside for outdoor seating. So it feels outdoors but your still inside this see through bubble. So cool! You do have to make a reservation, otherwise the wait is about 2-3 hours, but it is easy to get a reservation. I'll definitely be going back!

Objectively pretty good. Good quality for what it is. Comparatively to other sushi places I love in SD (i.e. glassbox), its not amazing.. but pretty good. The yellowtail and albacore were good. Great service.

I took my friend here to celebrate the fact that she won her fitness challenge! Sushi is a great way to indulge in a high protein meal without feeling too heavy or guilty (in regards to your macros consumed). We came here at 8:45pm on a Tuesday night and we were given the option of sushi bar or table. Since we didn't have a preference the host sat us at the sushi bar and after our experience I am so grateful they did!! The two of us shared the Belly Trio, Cherry Blossom Roll, Chef's Choice Sushi which came with Miso Soup, 3 orders of Nigiri (Scallop, Salmon Belly, and Mackerel), a Softshell Crab Hand Roll, and a side order of Fresh Wasabi. The sushi came out in waves so honestly there wasn't a time in the entire night where we had to wait for food, it just kept coming! We initially ordered the Belly Trio and Cherry Blossom Roll as starters, and the main course was the Chef's Choice Nigiri (which we were told was 8pcs but it actually came with 10pcs!), individual Nigiri orders, and the Hand Roll. Honestly everything we had was DELICIOUS!! All the fish were very high quality cuts, they were incredibly fresh, and everything was soft and tender. There were literally no tough bites. For Fresh Wasabi they even had the option of the leaf or the root!! Honestly this was third time I've eaten here and it gets better and better every time!!! We ended up staying for about an hour and a half because we were catching up while eating, and the owner (who is also one of the sushi chefs) actually gave us Toro Sashimi (tuna belly) ON THE HOUSE!!! THAT WAS SUCH A NICE SURPRISE!!! I could definitely see why the place was so popping this late at night! There was a party of 3 guys sitting next to us who were drinking with the owner, and even when we were finishing up our meal around 10pm (when the restaurant technically closes) a party of 5 ladies came in for drinks and sushi as well. They bumped up the music and it was a great time for everyone. All in all this was a truly amazing experience, I would highly recommend this place for great, high quality fish and overall ambiance. The total came out to be $158 before tip, and $190 total.

Google show me sushi near me... and this delightful sushi parlor came on the top... and rightfully so. Curiosity piqued; it was an epic adventure visiting Ken's workshop. His humble take on sushi pays homage to his sensei Ota and with artistry and a flambe torch as his signature. Along the Pacific west rim very few sushi parlors provide wasabi japonica, grated wasabi at the stalk, a distinct sign of quality. Venturing from Hong Kong, I am fortunate to find this gem in the greater San Diego area. Ken cleverly torches his nori before serving the hand rolls serving two functional purposes; by bringing out the flavor and helps keep the nori dry as his audience take the 69 seconds to enjoy. The atmosphere is very neighbourly, everyone is friendly, and staff is on point. Ken has a sharp eye, and even sheepishly apologized when he found a sauce plate chipped that I hadn't even noticed. The Omakaze choice was exquisite, each dish carefully explained and delivered timely. Even at 930pm the daily catch tasted freshly caught, and sushi served at the correct temperature. Ken you are a master of your craft and I cannot wait to try what your workshop offers.

We stopped here to have dinner before going downtown for a musical. The service was great, the food delicious and the bubble was fun. It was raining and it kept warm inside. Highly recommend

Being from Florida and finding this jewel was a huge win! Ken definitely is a culinary genius. We sat outside in the tent on beautiful sunny afternoon and while the server was a little forgetful with my red miso the rest was fantastic

Great food and service. Had a B day dinner outside in the plastic bubble. Had a special not on the menu item, seared and smoke salmon sushi, see video. Also a few special roles and sushi plates.

Easily No. 1 in San Diego! Always a great vibe at the bar with chef Ken who has an uncanny ability to know and keep track of his patrons' particulars. Buy him a shot of sake and you just might be in for a surprise! Jenna, Maria and the entire team are always on point. Only the finest from the daily catch are are prepared meticulously, and every morsel better than the last. Worthy of Michelin recognition. Come visit their dinner service and judge for yourself!

A great place to grab a bite with a fresh selection of fish. There is something for everyone! It does get quite busy at times but Chef Ken always has a smile on his face and staff are friendly. We always bring out of town guests here and it never disappoints. They have a lot of creative rolls and standard fish options. The only downside is I wish they had more of the nigiri pieces I tend to love (kohada, iwashi, kamasu, etc). However, I go here knowing what is offered and go elsewhere when I want something else. With the extensive menu they offer, their dishes are reliably good and fresh!

Service was great and everyone was very friendly but the fish quality was only descent. I was expecting a little more after all the great reviews and the long lines we always see. We came for lunch and ordered their sushi combo, chirashi bowl and special roll of the day. The roll was good but most of the sashimi lacked flavor and were not the quality I was expecting from all the reviews.

Went with friends and wasn't sure what to expect. I'm a pretty finicky eater and definitely not a try anything guy. But we had such great sushi, and the service and vibe were great! Looking forward to going again!!! Spotlight was the A5 Wagyu...perfectly braised and tasted delicious. The Rice Crisps are also a MUST! I will be back with more friends!

Great food, very nice crew, perfect for a casual but high quality business lunch meeting.