Where To Find the Best Hibachi in San Diego in 2024
Take an exciting tour through the top hibachi spots in San Diego, from stylish restaurants to popular food trucks and more. With the Mexican border not far and the Pacific Ocean sparkling on its shore, San Diego’s hibachi options are vast, including access to fresh seafood that will make your experience even more delicious.
Whether it’s your first time trying hibachi or you’re a seasoned expert, tasting hibachi in San Diego will be an experience that you will remember. With so many options, the choices may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we explore the city’s best hibachi dining destinations.
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The 13 Best Hibachi Restaurants in San Diego
1. Benihana
Nestled near the San Diego River, Benihana is conveniently located in the city’s downtown landscape. The restaurant is a top choice for those looking to eat hibachi in San Diego and is known for its lively atmosphere and contemporary space.
The Vibe
With its casual dress code and many seating options, Benihana offers a unique and memorable San Diego hibachi dining experience, with a bustling ambiance and Japanese-themed décor. It's one of the top spots for food in San Diego.
What to Order
Benihana’s loyal customers recommend filet mignon and chicken, spicy chicken fried rice and a sushi roll for a filler so you don’t get hungry later. For a sweet finish, opt for the rich chocolate ice cream.
Benihana | 477 Camino Del Rio S., San Diego, CA 92108 | $$$
2. Shogun Kobe Restaurant
To enjoy some of the best hibachi in San Diego, Shogun Kobe Restaurant is a vibrant spot, with engaging staff and delicious food.
The Vibe
Often referred to as one of the most fun restaurants in San Diego, the area in this San Diego hibachi is spacious. The atmosphere is relaxed, with unique cocktails available to heighten the experience.
What to Order
Treat yourself to the shrimp yakisoba if you’re looking for an affordable, yet tasty selection. Make sure to order the sashimi salad for a fresh appetizer.
Shogun Kobe Restaurant | 5451 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA 92123 | $$$
3. Papis Teppanyaki
Looking to experience high-quality hibachi in San Diego, but don’t have time for the long wait? With affordable food and conveniently located, Papis Teppanyaki is the perfect option for a quick tasty meal.
The Vibe
Papis Teppanyaki stands out among hibachi food trucks in the city and is a favorite for locals keen to try San Diego hibachi grills without having to sit down at a restaurant. This mobile eatery is perfect to catch on the San Diego harbor, at farmers markets and at food festivals.
What to Order
For supreme flavor, get the steak and chicken bowl. For a healthy kick, locals also recommend the salmon plate.
Papis Teppanyaki | Multiple Locations | $
4. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
Originally a popular New York City spot, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ makes its mark among hibachi restaurants in San Diego by bringing the East to the West in delicious culinary cultural fusions that will leave you coming back for more.
The Vibe
With its cozy interior and sleek ambiance, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ offers an inviting, relaxed environment perfect when looking for date ideas in San Diego.
What to Order
Guests highly recommend the Umakara beef rice bowl with thin-sliced Yakishabu beef and rave about the miso soup, making it a hibachi restaurant that San Diego locals have given a big thumbs up.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ | Multiple Locations | $$$
5. Tabu Shabu
Located in the trendy area of North Park, Tabu Shabu is a perfect spot to stop for hibachi in San Diego if you like traditional Japanese cuisine with unique flavors.
The Vibe
Tabu Shabu has a warm and engaging atmosphere, with interesting décor that combines modern and traditional elements. The restaurant possesses a comfortable, yet chic dining experience, a unique trait among San Diego hibachi spots.
What to Order
Start with some spicy salmon handrolls. Then pick your broth, rice or noodles, veggies and protein — slow cooked to perfection. For a sweet finish, don't miss the black sesame ice cream, a local favorite.
Tabu Shabu | 3647 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104 | $$
6. Robataya Oton
If you’re looking for a traditional Japanese barbecue amidst an elegant sushi bar and private wooden booths, look no further than Robataya Oton. The restaurant gives you a delicious San Diego hibachi experience against a stylish backdrop.
The Vibe
If you're looking to enjoy hibachi in San Diego within a welcoming and homey atmosphere, locals recommend Robataya Oton. Known for its exceptional quality and ambiance, it’s hailed as one of the best hibachi grill spots in San Diego.
What to Order
For a delicious treat, try the crab hot pot. For dessert, finish off with a refreshing scoop of green tea ice cream.
Robataya Oton | 5447 Kearny Villa Road, Ste. D, San Diego, CA 92123 | $$
7. Negihama Sushi Bar & Grill
A restaurant for hibachi in San Diego that's known for its entertaining and tasty meals prepared tableside is Negihama Sushi Bar & Grill. Located in the convenient spot of Mission Valley, it also has outdoor seating and is dog-friendly, making it a standout among San Diego's hibachi spots for its flexibility.
The Vibe
With a relaxed and warm interior, Negihama offers a casual, yet inviting atmosphere. It's the perfect place to eat hibachi in San Diego, especially for those looking for birthday ideas in San Diego.
What to Order
Menu favorites include the hibachi-style garlic steak and the beef yakisoba. Raise your glasses and toast with your dinner guests by ordering the refreshing strawberry mojito.
Negihama Sushi Bar & Grill | 7610 Hazard Center Drive, Ste. 507, San Diego, CA 92108 | $$
8. Besthibachi
The name does not lie: locals say that Besthibachi is the place to go for the best hibachi in San Diego.
The Vibe
Are you looking for dinner and a show all in one in one of the country’s most vibrant cities? Visit the bustling Gaslamp neighborhood, where Besthibachi offers an exciting hibachi experience in San Diego, set against the city’s trendy backdrop.
What to Order
Besthibachi is known for its trio plate with lobster, filet mignon and shrimp. Don't forget to ask for the yum yum sauce!
Besthibachi | 744 Market St., San Diego, CA 92101| $
9. Wa Dining Okan
Guests can enjoy a taste of Japan on the West Coast at Wa Dining Okan, offering authentic San Diego hibachi in the heart of the city.
The Vibe
The restaurant boasts intimate seating and a relaxed atmosphere, a unique quality among hibachi restaurants around San Diego.
What to Order
Delight in the savory flavors of sukiyaki and pork katsu curry. If you're a noodle fan, try any udon.
Wa Dining Okan | 3860 Convoy St., Ste. 110, San Diego, CA 92111 | $
10. Chiba Japanese
A family-owned business established back in 1998, Chiba Japanese’s San Diego hibachi location offers a charming and inviting atmosphere perfect for guests of all ages.
The Vibe
Chiba Japanese offers friendly staff, short wait times and comfortable seating, creating a welcoming and lively dining experience where you can savor zesty San Diego hibachi.
What to Order
Try the savory beef platter and some classic sashimi for a fresh taste.
Chiba Japanese | 10435 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego, CA 92108 | $$
11. Tsuruhashi Japanese BBQ
A lively and authentic Japanese eatery, Tsuruhashi Japanese BBQ is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner for hibachi enthusiasts in San Diego.
The Vibe
With dark, moody lighting and private booths, Tsuruhashi Japanese BBQ is the perfect hibachi restaurant in San Diego for an exclusive dining experience.
What to Order
Order the onion rib-eye and grill it yourself for an interactive and delicious dinner. Guests can also enjoy the skirt steak with a side of kimchi fried rice.
Tsuruhashi Japanese BBQ | 3904 Convoy St., San Diego, CA 92111| $$$
12. Yokohama Yakitori Koubou
Considered by many to be one of the best hibachi restaurants in San Diego, once you dine at Yokohama Yakitori Koubou, you’ll understand why many people keep returning.
The Vibe
You can sense Yokohama Yakitori Koubou's attention to detail through its décor, featuring exquisite Japanese artifacts and cultural elements in a comfortable, casual setting where you can enjoy some of the most flavorful hibachi San Diego has to offer.
What to Order
Start with the zesty fried cheese wonton. For flavorful meat options, order any of the skewers.
Yokohama Yakitori Koubou | 3904 Convoy St., Ste.108, San Diego, CA 92111 | $$
13. Suki Hana
Having made its mark on the San Diego hibachi scene through its fun dining experience, at Suki Hana, you can see your food freshly made with family and friends.
The Vibe
Located in a well-kept food court with plenty of seating, Suki Hana gives guests the option of dining in between shopping sprees — a standout among hibachi in San Diego, with fast service so you can get back to enjoying some retail therapy.
What to Order
Try the chicken teriyaki for a succulent and crispy meal.
Suki Hana | 7007 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92108 | $
Try Hibachi Catering in San Diego
If you want a more private and intimate experience, why not try hibachi at home in San Diego? Hibachi in San Diego is just as delicious to enjoy from the comfort of your own home as it is in a restaurant! Hibachi catering in San Diego offers a much more exclusive setting, ideal for a fun date night, a unique event or a memorable birthday party. And if you want to hone your own hibachi skills, try out cooking classes in San Diego and learn fun ways to make diverse dishes at home.
Which hibachi spot in San Diego caught your attention the most? Whether you're dining on hibachi in downtown San Diego, in trendy districts, overlooking the river or even in a mall food court, there's something to suit every dining preference. All you need to decide now is which you'll try first. Wherever you go, we're sure you won't be disappointed. After all, hibachi in San Diego has to be one of the city's most exciting culinary experiences.
For even more ways to explore San Diego and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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