Kokoro Restaurant

I cannot believe this place doesn’t come up as the first result when searching “Sushi”.
It should!!!
This place is very unassuming from the outside. However, when you walk in you are transported to Japan. They gave the traditional chefs’ counter, traditional Japanese dinnerware, artwork, the whole atmosphere is excellent.
Secondly, the food was very good. We had the Omakase which is $120 per person. Honestly, was completely worth it. This place is awesome and can wholeheartedly recommend.

We became a big fan of Kokoro and the chef. We had Sushi Omakase. My husband and I are from Japan, but this place had the best and most authentic sushi we've found anywhere in Japan or the U.S. I chose it for my husband's birthday, and it was a hit including the atmosphere and portion! We've since recommended it to some friends, and they've all been fans as well. We will definitely be going back soon!

I am so happy to have found this hidden gem. This unassuming restaurant blew both my fiancé and my expectations out the water. When you enter the store, you immediately feel like you’ve walked into a little sushi shop in Japan. The waitresses were so lovely. Decor is simple and zen. The sushi quality is excellent, I especially LOVED the Uni; very generous portion and a perfect sweet, clean taste. The presentation of the food, particularly the tempura, was beautiful. All of this for a fair price makes this a Must Go.

The sashimi set meal was very satisfying.
The octopus was especially fresh and delicious.
The mackerel sushi (Samara) was very large and satisfying.

I wasn't sure if I had to make reservations but I walked in anyway and they seated me right away. The staffs were super friendly and welcoming. My boyfriend and I had the omakase course. The chef prepped the food thoroughly with a lot of care into it. He even asked if there were any allergy restrictions. We paced ourselves through each meal and everything was fresh and delicious. We did not mind waiting because it was mesmerizing to watch as the chef made the sushi. I thought that the price was reasonable and it felt like I was in Japan again. Would definitely come back even for non special occasions.

Food: 10/5
Service and Setting: 4/5
Value: 3.5/5

Kokoro restaurant has truly stolen my kokoro (heart) with the honesty and quality of their food. Located in an unassuming, honesty run down plaza, Kokoro’s entrance leaves very little expectation. Parking is easy. Their window treatments make them look like they are closed, but don’t let that fool you. The interior is clean, Japanese inspired, with no gimmicks. Natural wood is the theme and makes the small restaurant feel cozy. Service is very kind. Though slow at times, the servers are all very attentive and detailed. You don’t need a reservation for lunch but I would definitely make one for dinner, particularly on the weekend. The magic is in the food, especially their dinner. Chef Akio Ishito is truly a gem and I am so honored to have been able to try and enjoy his food (he is alive, I realize that this sounds like he isn’t oops).

“Omakase” Sushi Course: 100/5
I won’t mince my work. PHENOMENAL. SPECTACULAR. AMAZING. Chef Akio Ishito definitely has the sushi rizz as he gingerly formed the rice and expertly sliced his fish. Bangers on top of bangers on top of bangers, I was basically walking from side to side. All of the pieces of sushi had a unique charm, ample amounts of wasabi underneath, and years of experience ingrained into them. Cuttlefish, toro, uni, toro, this insane shiso hand roll, anago, are just a few standouts. The chef would explain to us what he was serving each time and we would be given hot dishes in between (these were also bangers). Before they serve dessert, the servers will ask if you want to order anything else to make sure sweets do not come out prematurely. The ending with panna cotta and tea was a great way to round out the meal. For the first time, I truly want to come back and support the food and art at this restaurant and I hope that all of you do as well.

Mackerel Battera: 5/5
A form of sushi not often served, Battera is a pressed sushi with more densely packed rice with marinated radish on top. Imagine like a Spam musubi. This dish in particular tasted “special” and I knew that Kokoro was doing something right. It tastes like sushi but something is different, come try it!

Lunch Unagi Bowl: 4/5
The unagi bowl comes with eel, egg, inure, shrimp, and Kanpyo rice. All of the ingredients are very fresh and expertly prepared. We all have had the experience of ordering an unagi bowl and having it literally just be a piece of fish over rice. I felt that this was lovingly and thoughtfully crafted. The only downside was that the portion is a bit small and pricey, but the quality is definitely there. The miso soup the meal comes with is also a bit elevated and has a “gourmet” taste for a lack of better words.

Sushi Lunch: 4.5/5
What Kokoro does better than any other sushi restaurant I have eaten at is their rice. Perfectly seasoned, perfected formed, and perfectly cooked, it truly is a masterclass in its preparation and is the ultimate vehicle for toppings. All of the sushi was phenomenal in its quality, freshens, and preparation. Even the American friendly cooked shrimp was prepared with respect and was a step above other sushi restaurants’ preparations. A bit plain Jane, but perfect for a simple lunch.

Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura: 2.5/5
A bit shocking, but the tempura was not that good. A bit too oily and not very crispy, a definite low point. Better than all you can eat, but definitely not worth the price they are charging. Good thing they keep things traditional and not add tempura into their rolls.

Housemade Panna Cotta: 4.5/5
Rich, creamy, and tastes almost exactly like White Rabbit candy. This Panna Cotta is pretty sweet, not as sweet as most American desserts, but much sweeter than most Asian ones. With a warm cup of tea, the perfect dessert.

Amazing hidden gem. Quiet atmosphere and excellent service. The inside is very nice and neat looking. The sushi was amazing. Wish I tried the sushi for two but it was just me. Saw a couple getting it and the sushi chef explained it all to them. Very friendly.

Another hidden gem. It's hidden in a neighborhood shopping mall. We went there for lunch and ordered chirashi sushi and lunch sushi set. The sushi was excellent to good. I was pleasantly surprised by the udon. I chose to upgrade from miso soup and it was excellent! It was simply dressed but its broth had depth. The noodles were chewy. The service was warm and felt by being treated by my own grandma. 😊. It deserves revisit.

It's going to be such a pity when this place gets its Michelin star. Friends take me here every time I'm in town, and both the bento and omakase are immaculate, perfect, exceptional, and any other superlative you care to use.

Eat here before it's impossible to get a table. Been to Michelin-rated places that were miles worse.

We went for Saturday lunch and got the Shiraki Bento. The sashimi melted in your mouth. The grilled cod was perfectly cooked and had a great glaze. There was this chestnut thing that was delicious. Honestly, it was all great. This is probably the best Japanese food I've had outside of Japan.

I wonder if people don't know about this place because of the location. But honestly, if you want terrific Japanese food, you should check this place out.

I’ve been here three times, and got the omakase all three times. They are overall very good every time, but I definitely enjoy the sashimi dishes more than their baked / fried dishes. The soups are always good too.

If you love sushi then this is the place for you! I unfortunately couldn't take any pictures of the sushi I ate because I was way too distracted eating it. Very high quality sushi made right in front of you. The chef takes a lot of care making each piece and each roll of sushi, and it shows. This is definitely my new favorite sushi restaurant. After your food do your taste buds a favor by finishing off with some green tea and panna cotta (dessert) trust me you will want more than just one of those!

I just moved to San Diego and was so excited to get good sushi. I stumbled on this restaurant on google and am so glad I did. It is the BEST sashimi I have ever had. The ambiance was amazing too! I live a block away and will be returning regularly.

The quality of the fish at Kokoro is excellent, a clear step up from most sushi restaurants. We had the omakase, and each dish was very good. The abalone and okra dish was a standout from the kitchen, and the sushi chef is very skilled. The uni was the sweetest and freshest I've had. The rice for the nigiri was perfect, well portioned (i.e. not too much) and not overcooked.
The prices are higher than average, and the storefront is plain. But if you appreciate top quality ingredients Kokoro is a wonderful experience.

Definitely worth the trip. It’s very traditional, so it is not imaginative sushi in anyway, it is just solid good quality old-school sushi.

A hidden gem; Kokoro restaurant offers a curated selection of fresh fish unmatched by other area sushi joints. They offer an authentic experience for a mid-range price.

Their beautiful ceramic tableware is what drew me to choose this place. Completely worth it.

ありがとうございました　🙏

Hands-down one of the best, most authentic traditional Japanese sushi spots I've ever been to outside of Japan.
If you're looking for rolls with sauces go somewhere else.
If you're looking for the best chirashi rice in the world, made with house-pickled kanpyo, then this is your place.
Decisive, strong, and gracefully balanced flavors.
It's a treat, but it's not for everyone - I repeat, if you're looking for stuff with avocado, sauces, etc. this is NOT your place (and what you're eating is not sushi btw).

Top quality authentic Japanese cuisine. If your idea of sushi is a California roll and Japanese food is Dynamite, this is not for you. Only seafood served here, no meat at dinner. The freshest fish I've had anywhere in this country, the sashimi is so fresh it's juicy. They have a monthly omakase, which is a multi course chef's special meal. For those who don't enjoy exotic foods there is tempura, udon, and miso soup. The chef/owner is also open to special requests, particularly items that used to be on the menu. Whatever you order, each item comes out as soon as it is prepared. Plan for a long meal and spending a lot of money if you dine here, this is a high end restaurant tucked into a modest location.

An absolute gem of a place. Most omakase restaurants especially in California are full of flash and don’t feel authentic. The chef here clearly cares about the food he puts in front of you and each piece is packed away beautifully with high quality fish, years of experience, and a touch of love. The environment is incredibly intimate and service was phenomenal. Will definitely be back!

Very good food. The chef and staff was very nice. My wife is from Japan and she highly enjoyed this place. Kind of pricey but worth it.