Ken Sushi Workshop

11375 El Camino Real #120, San Diego, CA 92130, United States
$$$ Japanese restaurant
(696 Reviews)
Price Range $100+

If you're venturing into the heart of San Diego, a culinary treasure awaits you at Ken Sushi Workshop. Located at 11375 El Camino Real #120, this gem of a Japanese restaurant is a must-visit for sushi enthusiasts seeking an authentic dining experience that transcends the ordinary.

Ken Sushi Workshop specializes in the traditional art of sushi-making, where the freshest ingredients come together to create stunning plates of irresistible flavors. Among their exquisite offerings, indulge in the Chopped Toro or the tender Tuna and Salmon rolls, each highlighting the quality of the fish that is sourced with meticulous care. For those with a taste for the unique, the Fermented Soy (Natto) roll offers an elevated experience, while the Ume Shiso Yamaimo showcases a delightful balance of ingredients you'll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

But what truly sets Ken Sushi apart is their extensive sake selection, including the beautifully aromatic Kikusui "Chrisanthemum Mist" and the bubbly Mio Sparkling Sake, perfect companions to your meal that promise to enhance your dining experience.

The atmosphere at Ken Sushi Workshop is a delightful blend of intimacy and vibrancy, drawing you into a world steeped in culinary passion. As you enter, the warmth of Ken's charismatic presence envelops you—a blend of humor and hospitality that instantly makes you feel at home. The team mirrors this energy, providing attentive service that keeps your glass filled and your palate pleased. According to customer reviews, every element of dining here—from the generous portions to the thoughtful presentation—reflects a commitment to excellence.

While many rave about their visits, not everyone has left with the same level of enthusiasm, as emotions run high around the mixed experiences of service and dish consistency. Nevertheless, what remains consistent is the sense of community and celebration around each meal, with customers describing Ken Sushi as a place that not only serves food but also fosters lasting memories. One enthusiast mentioned, "It's not just a meal; it’s an experience. I always leave feeling inspired and grateful. Truly a gem!"

So, if you're in search of sushi that leaves your taste buds dancing and your heart feeling cared for, look no further than Ken Sushi Workshop. Don't forget to make a reservation—this beloved spot fills up quickly, and trust us, you won't want to miss out on this culinary masterpiece!

For inquiries, feel free to contact them at +1 858-793-1200. Make your sushi dreams come true at Ken's, where tradition meets innovation in every bite!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

5:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

696 Reviews
Neil Fox

21 Sep 2025

Ate here for the first time and immediately understood the seller reputation. Ken is a magician. Every slice of fish was beyond incredible. I have never had such an intensively awedome sushi experience. I am grateful to Ken and his team for their dedication to perfection.

Hal Jurgensen

07 Sep 2025

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.

Waleed Sharaf

16 Aug 2025

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.

Lulu

24 Jun 2025

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.

Blair T.

20 Jun 2025

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.

Anne Caroline

14 Jun 2025

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!

Saami Khalifian

12 Jun 2025

Ken Sushi Workshop is the spot that ruins other sushi for me—in the best way. Every visit reminds me why I keep coming back: pristine fish, generous cuts, and a welcoming, family-style energy that is totally unique to this place. Ken’s larger-than-life charm infuses the whole room, but it’s the precision on the plate that seals it. After trying omakase around the world, this is the benchmark. Not so “hidden” anymore, and still absolutely exceptional.

Mahsa Pourhamze

05 Jun 2025

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!

Join the Ken Sushi Workshop Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.