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Niban Japanese Restaurant: Taste Authentic Sushi and Comforting Japanese Dishes in San Diego

At Niban Japanese Restaurant, we celebrate the rich tapestry of Japanese cuisine with a special focus on sushi. Nestled in San Diego's Clairemont Mesa area, our restaurant blends tradition with a casual, inviting atmosphere. Customers rave about our signature rolls like the Kamikaze special and Lion King, complemented by warm service and a welcoming vibe. With outdoor seating and catering options, we cater to all occasions—from casual lunches to lively family dinners. Committed to sustainability, we use compostable containers and reusable tableware. Join us for a delicious experience, where every dish tells a story and every visit feels like home.

Niban Japanese Restaurant at a glance

  • Address 7081 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Ste 101 San Diego, CA 92111
  • Phone (858) 268-0465
  • Restaurant type Japanese restaurant , Sushi restaurant .
  • Popular for Popular for lunch , Popular for dinner , Good for solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Niban Japanese Restaurant: Reviews & Ratings

Jasmin Carrillo
5

Myself and my husband came in for a sushi date. Nice, quiet and traditional. It is a pay first then they bring everything to you, which was nice. Service was great, the cashier Kelly super nice and friendly. We had the Hawaiina Sushi roll, Caterpillar roll, Miso, Sapporo & cold Nigori Sake. Everything was great! Thanks guys!

Cora Moore
5

First off, Tina deserves a shout out. She and the other staff there are too sweet and personable! They were so welcoming and friendly! As someone who was visiting from South carolina, Niban's hospitality puts "southern friendliness" to shame. Second, the food! Omg! Some of the BEST Japanese I've ever had! I don't eat seafood, but my friend i was with said her dragon roll was one of the best she ever had. My chicken teriyaki though?? Omg! The flavors!! It was so good I could cry if I lived in town, Niban would be a weekly treat for myself. Prices are fair and portions are HUGE. This is definitely a must stop if you're visiting or live in the area. Next time I'm in San Diego, I'll definitely be stopping by again!

Wandering in Paradise
5

Delicious sushi at Niban! Nice casual restaurant to enjoy great seafood and relax. We had the Lion King Roll, albacore tuna supreme roll, eel hand roll, Dragon Roll, and gyoza. The service is very friendly and quick. They have an outdoor patio as well that’s dog friendly. Recommend!

Ann W
5

Casual but good Japanese eatery with very reasonable prices. Tonight the special was a combo of teriyaki chicken and shrimp tempura served in a bento box with rice and salad. I always enjoy my food here and have been visiting it for years. Staff is friendly and the service is quick. You order at a counter, then pick your table.

Branchydios
5

Food was amazing. I got the steamed goyza and it tasted great. I also got the green tea ice cream and it might be a new favorite.

Doug Shelton
5

Food was great. I'd been jonesing for oyakodon for months; when I saw it on the menu, I was happy. The chicken was tender and flavorful. The egg wasn't quite as sweet as in other places. It certainly filled the bill for me.

Blaine Pilch
5

Came here with my wife, she doesn't like sushi so when we go for sushi somewhere I need to be able to get a bento. She got the chicken terriyaki and shrimp bento. To quote her "Best Bento I've had in a while." We ordered the fried gyoza and garlic edamame, both were good. I got the orange blossom, fried calamari, and rainbow roll. The rolls were good but the sushi rice could be seasoned a little bit more. There wasn't very much rice on the rolls and they were big so they were really a great value. Servic was crazy fast. I'll definitely be back.

Angelea Explores
4

The service, prices, and atmosphere were all great. The woman at the cash register was so kind and offered us table service since we had our dog and baby. She made the experience special. My husband got the bento C and he really liked everything. Unfortunately, I got the sushi lunch and didn’t love it. Typically I love ahi nigiri, but I found theirs chewy. All the other fish were good.

Location

  • Niban Japanese Restaurant
    Niban Japanese Restaurant
    7081 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Ste 101 San Diego, CA 92111 Hotline: (858) 268-0465

Welcome to Niban Japanese Restaurant, a gem tucked away in the heart of San Diego at 7081 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Ste 101. This sushi bar not only caters to your craving for fresh and delectable rolls, but also offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere for sushi lovers of all ages.

Niban Japanese Restaurant stands out for its commitment to quality and variety. With multiple dining options available, including delivery, takeout, and outdoor seating, this establishment ensures that you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine in a way that suits your lifestyle. For vegan diners, there are tempting plant-based options, though vegetarian selections are somewhat limited. The restaurant also welcomes families and groups, making it a fantastic option for meals with friends or a cozy dinner with loved ones.

As you step inside, you’ll notice a lively ambiance that encourages conversation. While the interior might be in need of some renovation, the warm service and friendly staff quickly make you feel at home.

  • Signature Dishes: From the highly praised Kamikaze special to the standout Pork Katsu Curry, Niban offers dishes that leave a mark on your palate. As customer Kevin B. raved about, the Kamikaze roll blends yellowtail with an assortment of fish—Salmon, Tuna, and Yellowtail—creating an explosion of flavors at just $12.95.
  • Great for Groups: The restaurant is ideal for gatherings, offering a variety of options that cater to both sushi enthusiasts and those seeking hearty entrees. George A. highlighted that a typical meal here can easily remain budget-friendly, especially when sharing dishes like the Pork Katsu Curry paired with rolls.
  • Happy Hour Specials: Don't miss the happy hour, where you can enjoy great deals on food and drinks. The atmosphere is vibrant yet casual, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Despite some mixed feedback on service during rush hours, loyal customers like Phuoc B. swear by the fast-paced yet friendly service. While there may be occasional waits for seating during busy times, patrons affirm that the quality of the food always makes it worthwhile.

In conclusion, Niban Japanese Restaurant is not just a place to eat; it’s an experience filled with delicious meals and a friendly vibe. Whether you're a sushi connoisseur or new to Japanese cuisine, this restaurant offers something for everyone, ensuring your dining experience is both memorable and satisfying.

Business Information

  • 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
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards