Local Sushi Bars

Japengo

8960 University Center Lane, La Jolla
858-450-3355 | cafejapengo.com
Between all the beautiful people, the Zen-inspired interior, pulsating music and chichi atmosphere, it's almost easy to forget about the delicious Pacific Rim cuisine at this top La Jolla spot. But Japengo's sushi selection won't disappoint; creative dishes like the Tootsie roll are as impressive as everything else about the restaurant. Dress to impress, and take advantage of the valet parking.

Sushi Ono

1236 University Avenue, Hillcrest
619-298-0616 | onosushi.com
This now-decade-old sushi restaurant, which set a new standard for sushi in town, draws bigger crowds than ever to Hillcrest for dishes like its Baja roll or its wonderful sashimi sampler. Lively decor, such as Ono's leopard-print booths, and a friendly atmosphere keep people coming back for more year after year.

Sushi on the Rock

7734 Girard Avenue, Suite A, La Jolla | 858-456-1138
1923 Calle Barcelona, Suite 148, Encinitas | 760-436-6261
sushiontherock.com
La Jolla certainly has no shortage of sushi options, but any local will tell you Sushi on the Rock is one of the best. Vegetarians will have no problem as the Rock offers many non-meat dishes from which to choose. Everyone else is encouraged to try rolls such as the Orange Crush, a wasabi tobiko roll with asparagus, salmon and avocado. The downtown location is centrally located on Girard while the Encinitas location is in the Forum shopping center.

RA Sushi Bar

474 Broadway, Downtown
619-321-0021 | rasushi.com
This raucous restaurant on Broadway keeps the music loud, the atmosphere fun and the scenery attractive, providing a perfect start to an evening spent downtown. Try the signature Viva Las Vegas roll, kani kama and cream cheese rolled in rice and seaweed, lightly tempura battered and finished with eel sauce, a combination that goes well with any of the wide selection of Japanese beers.

Bistro d’Asia and Sushi Bar

1301 Orange Avenue, Coronado
619-437-6677 | bistrodasia.com
Sushi isn't just for mainland San Diegans: With Bistro d'Asia, Coronado residents and visitors have a spot all to themselves on Orange Avenue. But Bistro d'Asia offers more than just sushi; the kitchen creates many Chinese and southeast Asian dishes, and also offers excellent Happy Hour specials on drinks, appetizers and yes, sushi. Try the signature Orange Avenue. Roll, spicy scallops wrapped in soy paper and topped with scorched salmon.

Samurai Japanese Restaurant

979 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach
858-481-0032 | samuraijapanese.com
Samurai has been at it since the start of the California sushi craze. Even with more than 20 years under its belt, the restaurant shows no signs of slowing down. If the sushi bar, cocktail lounge or the wonderfully decorated dining room doesn't mentally transport you to Japan, the tatami room surely will. For a fun, lively experience, Samurai's teppanyaki room is the way to go.

Peohe's

1201 First Street, Coronado
619-437-4474 | peohes.com
As locations go, Peohe's is hard to beat anywhere in the world. Diners sit right on San Diego Bay at this Hawaiian-themed Coronado restaurant, soaking in the sun and views of the downtown skyline. Docking one's boat next to the restaurant is a real possibility. Touches like tropical flowers and faux lava rocks (along with the prices) re-create a Hawaiian vacation feel. The sushi bar is open seven days a week and offers such creations as the Surf 'N' Turf, a lobster California Roll wrapped in seared filet mignon.

Sushi Ota

4529 Mission Bay Drive, Pacific Beach
619-270-5670
With many locals already considering Ota to have the very best sushi in town, who needs anything more? Indeed, while the decor may not sweep you off you r feet, rest assured all the extra effort goes into the outstanding sushi at this PB spot, to which the constant line out the door attests. Its strip-mall location may be unassuming, but those familiar with this gem know to look for the daily specials.

Station Sushi

125 North Highway 101, Solana Beach
858-481-9800
Score another point for North County as the young and trendy find themselves night after night at Station Sushi, right across the highway from the train station. Delicious original creations such as the Bruce Lee roll and the Maui Wowie, a tempura- style roll with tuna, cucumber and avocado wrapped in salmon, the baked pizza roll and the monkey stick are as eyecatching as the local art on the walls.

Zenbu

7660 Fay Avenue, Suite 1, La Jolla
858-454-4540 | zenbusushi.com
Youthful, stylish but not over the top, Zenbu in La Jolla seems to do everything right. The food and its presentation are spectacular and worth any wait, as the ambience is meant to be savored like the food. Try the house Wind-N-Sea roll with freshwater eel, tempura banana, avocado and cucumber. Zenbu's cool Koi Lounge adds excitement to the evening with its carp mural and deejays spinning downtempo lounge music. And how many other sushi restaurants have their very own fishing boat?

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