The Yasai: Plant-Based Japanese Experience

"The Yasai is a vegan sushi spot that shares space with Matsuoka Pure Sushi." - Candice Woo

"The latest from owner/executive chef Junya Watanabe is an ode to vegan and plant-based cuisine, Japanese style. Expect everything from nigiri sushi topped with tempura kabocha pumpkin to classic rolls, salads, gyoza, and no-chicken karaage." - Keri Bridgwater

"Contrasting the mildness of the veggie options at mother restaurant Rakiraki, The Yasai roars into the vegan ramen pool. “The Classic” pulls handcrafted noodles into a smokey broth topped with bamboo shoots, seaweed, grilled tofu cutlets, and charred kabocha squash, over wilted bean sprouts and green onions. A scattering of crunchy garlic chip finishes off the presentation." - Kelly Bone

"The Yasai gets underway in Kearny Mesa this weekend, bringing Japanese sensibilities and ingredients to vegan cuisine. The eatery replaces Pokirrito on Convoy Street where it was previously paired with popular noodle shop RakiRaki Ramen + Tsukemen and is the latest offering from owner and executive chef Junya Watanabe, who has partnered with chef Eduardo Fierro, formerly of vegan spot NoW Sushi in Mission Beach, on this meatless mission. The 50-seat restaurant, which will also offer beer, wine, and sake, is serving lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 11 p.m." - Candice Woo

"The Yasai by RakiRaki, reopening on Convoy Street and India Street in early November, will serve an all-vegan menu of sushi rolls, ramen, and other Japanese dishes. It is inspired by the popularity of vegan Asian eateries like Shizen and modeled after a Japanese izakaya." - Candice Woo