+1 858-569-6151
Nestled in the bustling Convoy Street corridor of San Diego, Izakaya Sakura stands out as a treasured gem for authentic Japanese dining. Specializing in classic izakaya-style fare alongside fresh sushi offerings, this cozy spot brings a genuine taste of Japan right to the heart of the city. Whether you're craving the rich umami of a chirashi bowl or the satisfying crunch of chicken karaage, Izakaya Sakura delivers with dishes that are both meticulously crafted and packed with comforting flavors.
Step inside and you're greeted by an inviting, warm atmosphere where authentic Japanese décor and tasteful wooden accents create a serene yet lively dining environment. The ambiance perfectly complements the menu's promise: honest, heartfelt meals that feel like a comforting embrace after a long day.
The menu at Izakaya Sakura is a harmonious balance of tradition and indulgence. Signature dishes like the Chirashi Bowl offer a vibrant symphony of fresh sashimi slices layered over perfectly seasoned sushi rice, each bite bursting with oceanic freshness and subtle sweetness. For those seeking something savory and soul-satisfying, the Champon ramen and Sara Udon stir-fried noodles offer complex layers of flavor, expertly combining chewy noodles, tender proteins, and fresh vegetables in a richly seasoned broth or sauce. The beloved Fried Meatloaf Curry is a heartwarming twist on a classic Japanese comfort dish, marrying crispy textures with a fragrant, mildly spiced curry that lingers deliciously on the palate.
Beyond these standouts, the appetizer selection sparks anticipation: delight in the golden, crisp shrimp tempura or the savory punch of gyoza with juicy pork filling. The Okonomiyaki Osaka Style brings a playful, savory pancake that feels both nostalgic and exciting with every bite. Not to be missed are unique creations like the Uni & Ikura Bowl and Uni Pasta, where the luxurious creaminess of sea urchin mingles with delicate textures to elevate the dining experience.
Customer testimonials vividly echo the quality and heartfelt service that Izakaya Sakura provides. Mark Land-Ariizumi praises the restaurant for its authentic comfort food and generous portions, while Nora Lu highlights the consistently fresh and flavorsome salmon sashimi, a true indicator of the kitchen’s dedication to quality. Another guest, Wandering in Paradise, captivates with their fondness for the dining environment, describing the space as beautifully decorated with wood and subtle Japanese touches that enhance the meal's overall enjoyment.
Not only is the food a feast for the senses, but the attentive and friendly staff elevate every visit, making you feel like a welcomed guest rather than just a customer. With a balance of casual charm and high culinary standards, Izakaya Sakura is a must-visit for anyone eager to explore genuine Japanese flavors in a comfortable, down-to-earth setting.
Whether you’re savoring a mixed sushi special, sharing skewers of Yakitori, or indulging in the rich notes of Katsu Curry, every dish here tells a story of passion, tradition, and impeccable craftsmanship. Allow yourself to be transported on a delicious journey — Izakaya Sakura invites you to experience the soul of Japan, one bite at a time.
Contact Information:
3904 Convoy St #121, San Diego, CA 92111
Phone: +1 858-569-6151
If you are looking for authentic Japanese comfort food in San Diego you must try Izakaya Sakura!! It was everything I was looking for. They have a nice variety of different dishes. We tried the Champon Ramen and the Sara Udon. For an appetizer we had Okonomiyaki. Everything was delicious, and generous portions. The atmosphere is inviting and clean. The service is amazing, the staff are very friendly. Next time I come, I will definitely try the sushi, the fish looked amazing and the owner is the one behind the sushi bar. They also have a wide range of alcoholic beverages that I will try next time too! If you have ever been to Japan, and miss the food, come here to be transported back.
The quality of the food is great. It's a small authentic place and it's always very very busy so service may be slow. The staff is all very friendly though! I'm very picky with sashimi and this place has really good salmon. It doesn't taste watered down, but rather, very flavorful and rich.
This restaurant is kind of secretive because they always have their screens down. Inside it is quiet and nice decorated. The salmon poke bowl is good. It comes with a miso soup, potato salad, sauerkraut and fried toufu. My favorite is the potato salad.
My childhood friend treated me to a super ono and oishi dinner. We didn't hold back and are all the wonderful da kine' grinds. Service staff was awesome and conversed with us throughout the night. Everywhere I went in San Diego, I felt the warmth of its citizens.
Great lunch at Izakaya Sakura! Delicious, authentic Japanese cuisine. Love the ambiance of the restaurant with the wood and Japanese decorations. The Chirashi bowl was very yummy, always fun to get a taste tour of the sea. We enjoyed the curry omelette as well. Friendly staff and quick service. Luckily we didn’t need to wait but after us around 12:30 there was a small wait. Recommend!
My regular japanese restaurant Food is good, atmosphere is comfortable I like grilled mochi and agedashi tofu as appetizers, and sushi or chicken curry don for main dish