Yoshino

Japanese restaurant · Carlsbad

Yoshino

Japanese restaurant · Carlsbad

2

2913 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

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Highlights

This beloved local spot serves fresh, affordable poke bowls and sushi rolls with a smile, perfect for a beachside treat before it closes its doors.  

Featured in Eater
Featured in Grub Street

2913 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008 Get directions

yoshino.cafe-inspector.com
@yoshinojapanesedeli

$1–10 · Menu

Information

Static Map

2913 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008 Get directions

+1 760 889 0309
yoshino.cafe-inspector.com
@yoshinojapanesedeli

$1–10 · Menu

Features

outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

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@eater

"Take note of cancellation deadlines for refundable reservations — often a day or two ahead of the booking — as that’s when folks often change plans. Heck, I found a coveted Yoshino reservation on Tock for the following day just recently." - Ryan Sutton

How to Get Into NYC’s Hottest Restaurants Without a Reservation - Eater NY
View Postcard for Yoshino
@eater

"Chef Tadashi Yoshida opened Yoshino on the Bowery in September, offering a caviar and white truffle-stuffed meal that, after tax and tip, runs nearly $500." - Ryan Sutton

Why $400 Sushi Menus Are the New Normal in NYC - Eater NY
View Postcard for Yoshino

Jen L

Google
Fast, friendly, and delicious! His poke bowls are simple and affordable with the high quality fish. Updated 7/31/24: Stop by one last time for his famous bowls and sushi rolls. Today was his last day. The line at 10:30am wrapped around the corner with locals wishing him well. He was sold out by 11:40am. He and his family will be missed. Thank you for the wonderful food and memories for the past 12 years.

Here’s Good

Google
Walk up counter, cash only, very affordable. The people who work/own it are amazing and the sushi is great quality. Smaller portions but appropriate for the price and the perfect amount for a beach lunch. We got the tuna poke bowl and the tuna mixed sushi set both were great. I like the tuna avo more than the spicy minced tuna but the poke bowl was my favorite. Highly reccomend taking it and heading to the beach for an amazing lunch in San Diego 🍣👏

Pheap Canossi

Google
The best spot for poke bowls and sushi in town. The owner is lovely and warm. There is generally a line so you want to get there early or call in your order. Typically sells out daily. Food is fresh and amazing.

Bridget Mueller

Google
My absolute favorite spot!! So fresh, so quality. I knew this day would come but why did it have to come so soon? Their last day open is July 31. Run don’t walk to try this gem of a place before it’s closed permanently. Happy retirement to the nicest man, you deserve it!

todd blondis

Google
This is family owned business that serves up love. The food is top quality and served with a gracious smile. We spent $22 for lunch and were stuffed. The sign says open from 10:30 am till we run out, which is a good indication of how popular this place is. We arrived at lunch and there were already a few people waiting in line. The food will not disappoint and you will be supporting a great local business. Eat here, you won’t be sorry. PS this is a takeout only window. Enjoy!

Darla P

Google
Oh so yummy! Only $5.50 cash only Highly recommend this owner operated small business in the village. 🍦🍦 perfect lunch to share and then head over to Handel's for my personal fave lemon crumb ice- cream.

Hillary Hawkins

Google
Oh my goodness, heaven on earth. Worth the wait. They sell out fast. A line starts to form at 10am before 10:30am open. Sweetest owners.

Yaters

Google
These bowls are made with love. The quality of ahi tuna is always A+. You won’t be disappointed supporting this family run establishment. Thank you Yoshinos✌🏽

Maricel A.

Yelp
I am so sad to hear that Yoshino's has closed a month late. My last visit was on 6/25/24 and I will cherish the memory forever. I did not have a chance to say goodbye in person so I hope you will read this review one day! Thank you Yoshino family for having served us for so many years! I have been blessed to been able to eat your food for the first time in 2013. Back in 2013 when my husband and I first started dating he asked me if I like poke bowls and had no idea what he was talking about. He went to Yoshino's and drove back to CSUSM bringing me a triple tuna poke bowl and I was forever enamored. He told me he used to joke with the owner that he would take up the establishment one day and today I tell him he certainly should have! I have shared the poke bowls with my sister and mom as well since then. I will sincerely miss the fresh and most best poke and sushi. I wish you a happy retirement. You have been so wonderful over the years. Thank you for the beautiful memories and delicious food.

Tiffany M.

Yelp
Genuinely upset that they're closing at the end of the month after going there for years! I couldn't recommend these bowls enough to everyone I knew. My go to was always a bowl with spicy salmon, spicy tuna, and spicy crab and it was consistently delicious. I've gotten at least 20 bowls throughout the years and they tasted just as amazing every time. Service could not have been better from the friendly man that always greeted you with a smile and made you feel like you were the only customer he had even if there was a line out of the door. My Carlsbad visits will never be the same without Yoshino and I wish them nothing but the best! If you're lucky enough to get to support them during the next couple of weeks, I would highly recommend going early as they do sell out and it's cash only!

Rosalie H.

Yelp
Arrived here 1pm today and sadly they were completely sold out. To make matters worse- there was a sign on their front window telling customers they are closing their doors 7/31/24 Thank you Yoshinos for being the best sushi spot for years and for your kindness and hospitality each time we stop by. Wishing you the very best. Much love

RJ S.

Yelp
The best poke in Carlsbad! Yoshino serves up the freshest poke and sushi in town. Surrounded by boutique shops and trendy restaurants, this place is a hidden gem with amazing food and reasonable prices. Early each morning my wife and I see the owners prepping for the afternoon lunch rush and it's apparent that a lot of dedication and pride is put into the business. The menu is simple but the fish is beyond fresh and they often sell out early. To ensure you're not left hungry, be sure to get there early or call in an order ahead of time. I happily recommend Yoshino to everyone who asks for a lunch spot in the area. 5 stars in my book!

Anna L.

Yelp
Perfection. Simple, flavorful and fresh. Grabbed a Salmon + Spicy Tuna Poke bowl, a roll + Octopus Salad. You can sit outside in their patio or head down to the beach! The people who work here are absolutely sweet, kind, and talented! This is a must visit and one of my family's FAVORITE spots :)

Jeremy S.

Yelp
This place seriously brings me back to my time in Japan. No frills, nothing fancy just good, cheap rolls to go. Loving the spicy California and the Lahaina. Grab a couple, walk down to the beach and grub. Bring cash, no card!

Denise M.

Yelp
I've been wanting to try Yoshino for the longest, but never had cash on me! Today the stars aligned, happily. The man who helped me (presumably the owner?) was extremely kind, showing me each item in the display case, which were being freshly made in front of us by the ladies just past the register. I selected the tuna and spicy salmon poke bowl, and the unagi roll. The wait was worth it! Each piece of tuna was generous and gem-like, super fresh! The salmon was well seasoned, and even though the bowl looked small, it was the perfect portion. The unagi roll was delicious as well, with big pieces of eel and avocado, all in the ideal proportions. Very affordable too, at $12 for the poke bowl and $9 for the roll. There isn't really a place to sit inside, however there are plenty of outdoor tables as you walk out on State St. I'm so happy I finally got to stop by, and look forward to bringing friends and family!

Sol C.

Yelp
No frills, tiny spot for the freshest sushi. Eel roll was great, salmon roll was great, but the Lahaina roll (tuna) was outstanding. The softest, melt in your mouth tuna. Heavenly.

Amanda B.

Yelp
I will miss this grab n go, reasonably priced spot at Yoshino- closing on 7/31/24 then selling equipment the next few days (per Carlsbad Mag ad). Good for them and Happy Retirement!

Tom M.

Yelp
Walked in to this little hole in the wall just after Noon. But by the time I got there, they were cleaned out! An old Asian couple were feverishly making more sushi and poke in the back. Luckily, they had one lonely poke bowl left in their display case. I grabbed it, and walked across the street to have lunch on a bench. It was really tasty, fresh, and reasonably priced. Gotta love finding these little unpretentious, authentic local gems!

Kaitlyn K.

Yelp
Yoshino is closing their doors July 31, 2024. This is going to be such a huge loss for Carlsbad Village. Go show your support this month before they close for good

Jeong-A C.

Yelp
Everytime I'd head down south to San Diego I stop by with a pocketful of cash. Man am I so sad to see that they have closed. Will miss this place so much

Nina S.

Yelp
So sad to see this place has closed. Thank you Mr. Yoshino for serving amazing fresh sushi and poke

Justin K.

Yelp
Yea I'll give them another 5 star review (not that they need more since they have so many! haha). Located in the downtown area, this unsuspecting shop is like a hole in the wall shop that is open for a few hours on all days except Sunday and Monday. I've heard this place can get busy and will sell out before their 1 pm close. So get here early enough to enjoy the delicious food they offer. Note: they only accept cash. The prices they post is the final price. So you don't need to worry about having exact change since everything is rounded to the dollar. I got the poke poke bowl, which is a combination of cubed tuna and spicy salmon. At the time of review, it was $12 for this bowl. The cubes of tuna were nice and big. Melts in your mouth and was excellent! The spicy salmon was excellent as well. They were big cubes of salmon dressed in spicy mayo sauce. It was delicious and honestly, you can't go wrong with either the tuna or salmon. If you prefer one over the other, it might be cheaper (save you $1) by going for that particular poke bowl instead of getting both fishes. However, if you're like me and you like both fishes, then get the poke poke bowl. You won't regret it. The bowl itself was not a big bowl, but I wouldn't consider it small either. It was an average portion. I counted 5 large cubes of tuna and 5 large cubes of salmon as well. They also give seaweed salad, a sheet of seaweed (different than the seaweed salad), cubes of avocado, ginger, wasabi, and two slices of cucumber. All in all, it was very fresh and tasty. Nothing fancy per se, but a classic poke bowl done well. At $12, some might say that you don't get much food for that price in comparison to some other poke spots. However, if you care about quality, this place will deliver quality fish that leaves you craving for more instead of some other poke shops where the fish is questionable. Try this place out. You won't regret it!

Addy W.

Yelp
This has been on my list for a while, and I was finally able to check them out. Theres a little sign right outside their door, which states CASH ONLY. Sadly, I was too excited to finally try them that I didn't see it. The gentlemen helping me, kindly told me as I tried to pay with card, cash only. I was bummed for a moment, thinking dang it, I was so close...then remembered my bank was block away. After hitting the atm, I came back and grabbed the salmon and spicy tuna rolls. Mann I'm so glad I came back! Both rolls were so fresh and tasty. I will definitely be back soon.

Wynn Y.

Yelp
This place is so delicious and authentic. We eat here a few times a month when we visit San Diego. We drive over to Carlsbad to spend the day and this little place is right in the center of the cute little downtown area. I just read that they will be CLOSING THEIR DOORS at the end of July! I am devastated for them and for the town of Carlsbad. It is going to be such a loss for everyone who has been here and enjoyed their delicious delicacies. I am so sad about this. Is there anything the public can do to change your mind? HELP

Jack B.

Yelp
What a shame that this establishment has closed! This was definitely the best value with excellent quality for sushi in Carlsbad Village.

P C.

Yelp
The best kept secret in Carlsbad. Family owned small sushi spot, take out/cash only. Made fresh daily. They make simple yet flavorful rolls & poke bowls.

Hanaah F.

Yelp
Fresh rolls/sushi + poké bowls in this small deli. Wouldn't have found this eatery without my sister's recommendation. I don't normally order California rolls, but surprisingly, their California rolls hit different. They were delicious! Their spicy salmon roll was a bit too spicy for me, but I'm also one to be more sensitive to spicy foods. Their salmon rolls (non-spicy) were yum! The downside is finding parking nearby since it is downtown... can get busy. They get pretty busy and sell out fairly quick, so it is best to arrive early. Also, they are cash only, so be sure to have some cash on you.

Davis N.

Yelp
Was looking for some good sushi rolls to enjoy at the beach and came across this number on Yelp, and wow this place is amazing!! The quality of the rolls were spot on, being both fresh and delicious. The owners (mom and pop shop) of the place were very nice and helpful. I appreciated everything about them and their restaurant. It was also amazing to see how affordable these items are, I like not break my bank for a meal! The store is located in a cute shop area and parking could be limited, but going mid day should have plenty of parking space. Overall, this place is quite awesome and I would definitely come back!

John Y.

Yelp
Very fresh and authentic premade sushi roll and, poke bowls. The chef sources the best fish and stays open until he sells out around 2pm. A great little stop in the Carlsbad Village.

Wen Q.

Yelp
Cute little Japanese eatery. Everything is made fresh and really tasty! Note: it's cash only.

Lili T.

Yelp
I saw this place on Yelp last time when I was in the area for work. I read through the reviews and saw that they sell out pretty quickly most days. When I stopped by around 12:30pm, I wasn't surprised that there were only two unagi (eel) rolls left! One with eel sauce and one without. The owner greeted me and apologized for the limited selection and recommended the one with sauce to me. The roll was neatly packed and the service was so nice! I also enjoyed the unagi roll. Hopefully I can come back again when I'm in the area to try out some other rolls!

Brett L.

Yelp
You will be missed. The most authentic poke around. Didn't need a lot of different sauces to enjoy this authentic dish.

Katherine Z.

Yelp
So so sad to see you close!! You were the best!! Awesome fresh fish daily plus I got to use my Japanese xoxo you will be missed dearly. Arigato!!

Ryan S.

Yelp
Delicious Poke bowls at a good price. Cute little shop with ordering window. Very nice menu with a variety of rolls and Poke bowls. If you haven't had a Poke bowl before, this is the place to go. Very traditional and closest to Hawaii you'll get in San Diego. Very nice owner. This was our first time here and I noticed that the owner knew what his regular customers wanted when they approached the window. That's awesome service. Easy street parking. Note...this place is Cash Only.

Alan B.

Yelp
If not a hole in the wall, this establishment comes very close. If you're looking for very tasty takeout sushi and sashimi, at a really great price, this is your place. I arrived at 1pm, and though they close at 2pm, they were virtually sold out. I was able to grab their last Spicy Salmon Bowl, which was the only bowl they had left. They also had a few California Rolls, and then they were done for the day. I grabbed my Spicy Salmon Bowl, sat down at the one an only table available in their little alley (sort of an entry way to two small stores with stairs at the end, perhaps an egress to apartments). The salmon was very good, they also included avocado, sushi rice and more. It was a very tasty bowl, and only $11. Would I return to this little place? You bet!

Jeenee Y.

Yelp
*** CASH ONLY *** Came here on a Saturday at around 1pm and everything was sold out but 3 items on their menu. I can definitely say that the poke bowl is on a smaller portion. Tuna poke bowl $9 - don't get me wrong it was fresh but on a pricey side Veggie roll - it was just OK California roll - again just OK The owner is pretty cool and was nice to let me know what was available once I got up to the menu stand.

Araceli N.

Yelp
It was my first time in Carlsbad and went to Carlsbad Village, I wanted something light to eat and found this place.... Wow, just wow! The sushi here is so good as well as poke bowls. I will be thinking about this place when I go back home. This place is CASH ONLY. I got 2 California rolls and poke bowl. I got the last 3 items and made them sell out. All 3 items were $25. I'm so bummed they are not open Sundays! I wanted to make one last visit before going back home.

Bryan D.

Yelp
This is a husband and wife sushi place. They buy fish in the morning and make up sushi and sell it until they sell out and they always sell out. No waste and low prices and high quality. Closing time is tbd and rarely later than noon. If you time it just right and buy the last sushi sometimes you can get a deal. This is a Carlsbad institution that I try to hit often. For the 4 reviews that have 1 star for closing before the sign on the door you just do not get it - hope you get in and take down your review as you are bringing the rank down for no good reason.

Kat M.

Yelp
7 years later and this place is still fantastic. My family loves being able to grab a quick, delicious sushi meal in a non-fussy environment. It's fantastic! Try it :-)

Adam R.

Yelp
The 5 star reviews don't lie. Just go. You won't regret it. I just wish it was open all day!

Irina Z.

Yelp
I remember coming here when my daughter was still in a stroller. Now she's halfway through high school! This place is the best and consistently great quality fish. The owner and his wife are the kindest people ever and their poke bowl is my favorite food in Carlsbad :) thank you for so many years of yummy poke and sushi!

Grace L.

Yelp
Got a salmon and tuna roll - fish in both were very fresh, pieces had large cuts of fish in it. Overall a great place to stop by for a quick takeout lunch on the way up/down from San Diego. Located in downtown Carlsbad area, parking may be a bit complicated to find during busy times

Michael M.

Yelp
Spicy Salmon Roll was best I've ever had. Cashier and staff were very friendly. Small hole in the wall places are almost always the best.

Pamela F.

Yelp
Local spot sooo amazing ,.. I'm always too late Go early ! Buy local and support small businesses!

Jp P.

Yelp
Best poke in mainland. Especially for the price. Brings me back to Hawaii every time. This is one of those places where you wish you're the only one who knows of the place.

Sam H.

Yelp
Incredible local sushi with a very kind owner and team. Wife and I stopped here for lunch and loved every bit of it.

Scott T.

Yelp
Business operating during the pandemic, "thank you" Review #53 with all the Chipotle-style poke places popping up (some of which I also enjoy) there's lots of competition these days, but i really and truly love this tiny place. i grew up on Oahu. for me, Yoshino's is more than a bowl of rice and fish, even more than comfort food -- for me it's coming home. when i was in junior high, my orthodontist, Arthur, had an office in a tall building by the Ala Moana shopping center. after getting my braces tweaked, i would sneak across the street to the Woolworth's. they had a counter that sold sushi cones (like giant handrolls stuffed with rice and fish). whenever i go to Yoshino's, which is a couple times a week, i'm right back there. Tomio is so darling. i take anybody's criticism of his place personally -- probably too personally. Yoshino's is a victim of their own success. i remember when Tomio worked there by himself (back when they still served gelato). i loved watching him meticulously build bowls one item at a time with chopsticks. it probably took five minutes to put together just one but i swear you could line up every bowl he made back then and couldn't tell them apart -- they were that carefully engineered. now he's got a whole crew and given how much food they pump out over lunch, sometimes bowls are a bit scruffy and Tomio looks haggard and exhausted. but the quality of their food is very important to them and it shows. they buy premium ingredients and serve them fresh and not necessarily at my convenience or yours. i gave them five stars in a review once when i got there at 11:45 and they'd already sold out (vowing to come earlier the next lunch which i faithfully did) because i understand that. it pains me to read reviews from Philistines whining about how Yoshino's had sold out when they got there or about how they're cash only. look, i get your disappointment if you show up and they're done for the day. i know it's inconvenient they don't take credit cards but deal. there's a Jack-in-the-Box around the corner and up the block. Jack take's plastic and, more importantly, they're open 24/7. maybe you're just not evolved enough for Yoshino's. for my part, i treasure every visit, even the ones when i show up and they're done for the day, because i know next time, when i come a little earlier, how much i'm going to enjoy my poke bowl.

Han Z.

Yelp
Great service. Arrive early because otherwise they may sell out. Friendly owners. :) fresh fish.

Marey G.

Yelp
This is the perfect spot for simple yet high quality and authentic sushi, definitely lives up to the hype. We ordered the Fresh Salmon and Spicy Tuna rolls and they were delicious, super fresh sushi, crisp seaweed, and perfectly textured rice. I'll definitely be coming back here and highly recommend! Make sure to bring cash because they are cash only.

Alice T.

Yelp
Small mom and pop cash only shop in Carlsbad! The grandpa and grandma that works there is so cute and sweet. They remind me of my grandparents. The shop is small with no dining in. You buy the food and take it with you to another location to eat. Once the deli sells out of their food that's it for the day. Both times I have come, they sell out of salmon first. That seems to be the most popular. I wanted something with salmon but they were out and the grandma offered to make a salmon salad bowl since they were out of rice. So sweet! Their menu isn't extensive but that's all they need. Great quality and fresh fish. Everything we got was delicious too. I recommend calling in and putting in your order. Price point is great too. It's very reasonable compared to what you would get at restaurants. Spicy Salmon Roll - The salmon was fresh and the sauce was perfect. Not too sweet or overpowering. Ahi Poke Bowl - Fresh as well! Chunks of fish were decently sized. Salmon Poke Salad - Generous size of salmon and the flavor was creamy. The grandma also put in scoops of crab in for me. The bottom was romaine lettuce. Tako - Seasoned perfectly! Parking could be difficult depending on when you visit. The weekends are busy and they are located in an area with a bunch of other restaurants and shops.

Clifford C.

Yelp
Yoshino's is the best sushi spot you could ever ask for! I still can't believe that they closed their doors after so many wonderful years. The quality of food was always consistent and super fresh. The old man was very friendly and warm. He always greeted you with a smile every time you came. I will truly miss this unforgettable spot. Thank you for bringing me joy.

J B.

Yelp
Great authentic Japanese sushi. Ingredients were fresh and well assembled. Menu is limited and subject to availability but everything is good.

Father C.

Yelp
Yoshino is the spot for the best poke bowls and sushi!! Always a good experience Thank you Yoshino for consistently being the best!

Anna C.

Yelp
Based on the pictures, I thought this place was on the beach, but it's right in the heart of Carlsbad Village. It is a small storefront that sells sushi rolls and poke bowls to go, which explains why it's popular to take and walk to the beach. It's a limited menu, made even more limited by the availability of each item as it sells out fast. We got two poke bowls around 1PM for $20 (cash only). Small portions, but fair for $10 each in context of pandemic inflation pricing. Quality of fish was very good, and although the rice was a bit cold and stale, it was well-seasoned and still better than some other sushi places. Overall, I'm a fan.

Billy P.

Yelp
Looking for a quick bite to take home, enjoy on the sand or munch on the go? You've come to the perfect spot. Take-out boxed sushi, no frills, fresh, simple, affordable and delicious! I watched as an older (yet spry) Japanese man took orders as a few ladies (family?) carefully prepared the sushi and boxed each order with care and love, even being mindful to wipe the little takeout poke bowl before bagging it! If this much love goes into bagging food, you could just imagine how much goes into food prep and selection! Tip: Get there early! They open at 10:30am and close whenever they're sold out for the day. I got there right as they opened on a Wednesday and 4 people lined up behind me as we waited for the window to open! Oh! And try the Lahaina roll!

Josue C.

Yelp
Yoshino is retiring. For so many years he has stayed consistent with the quality of product he offers. If you haven't tried his poke bowls yet. You have a few days left

Joseph C.

Yelp
Tried it for the first time Wednesday this past week and it was delicious! Just really well made, simple rolls with tons of flavor. The Japanese couple working there are really nice and it looks like they have a little area you can eat outside at. Tried every single non spicy roll and they all were great! Favorite was definitely the Lahaina! Will definitely be back for more sushi and to try the poke.