Sushi House Japanese - Encinitas

First off, it’s been ages since I visited the connected sushi bar, so I can't recall much about their offerings. But when my son ordered a California Roll for his lunch, we were let down to see one of those imitation crab sticks sticking out at the end. I understand that most places use this kind of crab meat, but they could at least elevate it a bit by mixing it with a vibrant crab salad. Instead, we received a dry and oddly sticky version that was pretty disappointing. At least the four-year-old at our table enjoyed it! As for the poke itself, it was just alright. The fish was fresh enough, but we encountered some significant issues with what was in our bowls. The salmon bowl had multiple colors of fish that were confusing—there were various shades of red, from bright pink to deep reddish brown. It felt like they tossed together pieces from several farm-raised and wild-caught salmon simply mixed in one bowl. The fried onions on top were stale, almost as if they had been sitting out for a few days. My partner grimaced at the first bite and struggled to enjoy the rest, despite the potential for something good underneath that lack of crunch. The portions of fish were rather small as well. Unlike many other places that generously serve heaping spoonfuls, this place appeared to measure them more conservatively, resulting in a bowl that felt more like rice and toppings rather than the expected tuna and salmon. On a positive note, they did offer octopus and scallops, which I appreciate in my poke bowls. Unfortunately, the scallops that day tasted a bit off—still edible but having a fishy taste instead of the fresh, sea-salty flavor I hoped for. Since then, we haven't returned. I'm unsure if our experience was just an off day or if these issues are common, but with so many other poke options that we enjoy much more, we haven't felt compelled to find out. Unless that changes, I’d rate Sushi House Poke a rather weak three stars.

I’ve been a regular at Sushi House since my kids were in elementary school, and now they’re 30 and 32! The same family has owned the restaurant all these years, although the original parents have retired. John, the same talented sushi chef (who happens to be Asian), is still there crafting amazing sushi. Recently, they’ve added a Mexican chef behind the sushi bar, who creates incredible vegan rolls for his kids. If you’re not vegan, be sure to ask for John—you won't be disappointed! The service has always been on the slower side, but it's never felt rude or excessively lagging. Just take your time with some edamame or salad like you would at any other restaurant, and your sushi rolls will follow! I’m having lunch with a friend there tomorrow, so I’ll update you if anything changes. Wishing you all healthy and happy eating! Chef Marian

The soup was overly salty, the salmon hand roll was quite small, and the tofu was bland. They even incorrectly charged me for green tea. I waited a long time for the check, despite there being more staff than customers. Ultimately, they presented me with a $32 bill meant for the other guests, then adjusted it to $10, which felt very little for what I ordered. To top it off, they said my card didn’t go through! I ended up going to BevMO next door to grab some water and cash, and I was able to pay with that same card without any issues. They even asked me to leave them a dollar as a tip. I really miss the Happy Hour at Sushi on the Rocks in the Forum, and the one at Beach Grass Cafe is also excellent. Since I don't drink alcohol, my main focus is on the food. I’d recommend my neighbors stick with Mr. Sushi and give Beach Grass Cafe a try.

Let me share the truth: there are only two places in Encinitas that are really worth visiting, and Sushi House is one of them. Any negative reviews about Sushi House likely come from envious competitors who used to work there. For sixteen years, Sushi House has been a pioneer in the sushi scene, and they continue to excel today. On the other hand, Blue Fin falls short; the owner borrowed ideas and couldn’t deliver when it came to originality. Having lived in Encinitas for 27 years and traveled worldwide, we know good sushi when we taste it. John and his family truly understand fish and know how to craft incredible flavors. Don’t be misled! John at Sushi House is exceptional. You’ve got to try the soft shell crab wrapped in lettuce—it’s fresh, crunchy, and a delightful mix of temperatures. The Victoria Secret roll is a must-order; you’ll want to save the sauce for everything else on your plate. David has also joined their team and is a fantastic asset—a true master of sushi and quality!

Went here after going to the music what love. I ordered the crunchy roll and shared garlic edamame. The garlic edamame didn't have any garlic. In fact, it was sweet. So that was disappointing especially when I asked if they used fresh crushed garlic. The crunchy roll was good. Ordered a Diet Coke and it was flat. Service was ok. I don't I'll be back since I don't live in the area.