Soichi Sushi

I had the pleasure of dining at Soichi. Their omakase dinner was great and filled with about a dozen courses or so. They had fantastic sake pairings (in unique hand crafted cups) and incredibly fresh fish.  They presented the dishes from lightest and citrus flavored to fatty and savory, with a nice treat at the end. I unfortunately did not capture everything.

Parking was difficult but plenty of neighborhood street parking nearby.

Establishment was cozy. Pleasant decorations all around. We didn't get seated at the center table next to the chefs but at a booth nearby. Wait staff and chef were great hosts and checked in on us frequently in a pleasant manner.

Soichi, Soichi... for everyone who's had the privilege of dining here, we are all aware of how difficult it is to find a reservation. For those who've never gone, I must begin by saying that the struggle to find a seat at the table is absolutely worth it.

When you dine at Soichi, you are paying for high quality/fresh food, impeccable service, and friendly interactions. I ordered the full omakase and I left with a very full stomach and heart. My friends had mentioned to the staff that it was my birthday and the owner came out and sang a song for me with his guitar.

Nothing lacked here and nothing ever will. I will definitely be coming again.

This was possibly one of the greatest food experiences of my life. I've had seafood and sushi my whole life and this was everything I hoped for in a omakase sushi bar experience.
We were a 2 person party that got lucky as a wait list (was alerted earlier in the day), getting to sit at the sushi bar. We ordered the full omakase and Nigiri omakase. Side note, we got a bottle of wine for only $38 which is wildly cheap for a Michelin starred restaurant. Also the staff were considerate enough to tell us how long the meal would take if we did the omakase.
From start to finish, it was an amazing experience. The starter was a 4 part appetizer that helps when you feel the hungriest. As someone who's grown up around japanese food, every dish was surprisingly Elevated, flavorful and polished beyond what I've had before. The most special part was Chef Rio making the nigiri course right in front of us, explaining each piece, showing the steps that make it so much more than what it looks, helping to make this a comfortable, intimate, unique and engaging experience. Chef Soichi was right next to Chrf Rio, taking the time to introduce himself, singing while cooking, sang happy birthday to another group while playing a guitar, and personally shaking everyone's hands when we left. What an incredibly personable, talented and comforting man.
I have always wanted this experience, and it's overwhelming to have Soichi fulfill every step of it. Dishes were brought timely, servers were on time for every step, the atmosphere feels like a small local joint that doesn't go through the tense air that fancy restaurants tend to have. It speaks on the quality of the food that really was a step above all sushi I've ever had and the warmth of the whole staff. I can't thank the Soichi staff, Chef Soichi and Chef Rio enough for making my dreams come true.

I've been trying to get reservations to here for months and I'm so glad I finally did! They release reservations on the 1st of each month at 12pm for the following month. You have to be quick, it will sell out fast. There is a waiting list you can join if you don't get a spot for the month, but that's obviously not guaranteed. I went on the waitlist once and didn't get a email until literally 2 hours beforehand and unfortunately couldn't make that.

This was one of the last sushi places on my list to try and I'm glad it was the last one bc it's one of my new favorite. I like how this place really focuses on nigiris/sashimis and that there is different types of omakase menus to choose from. You can get the full experience which includes hot dishes, sashimi, nigiri etc. which is the more common thing to get at any omakase place. You could also do another option where it's basically all nigiri (this is the option I chose) and also another version of this but smaller portions.

I don't know any other place in San Diego that does the different types of omakase and that's why I love this place so much. I really only care about nigiris and sashimis so this was perfect.

Luckily I got bar seating so you got the full omakase experience watching and talking to the chefs. Everything we ate was delicious. Normally places like this it's a one time try for me but I'd absolutely come back here over and over again

You can't go here unless you get a reservation. You have to be one your phone/computer and waiting tight when they're released or else you won't get one - they go quick.

We had an 8pm reservation and were seated outside. I was disappointed to be outside because we missed the experience of being inside, seeing the chefs work, and enjoying the ambiance. However if you are outside, you will be comfortable! There were heaters, including a heater under the table so your legs stay warm too.

We did the full tasting menu and it was definitely an experience - I loved being able to try things I normally would not have. The service was impeccable. Overall the food was really good, but I was not blown away. Considering the price, this was probably a 1 time experience for me.

I mean...for waiting months to get our reservation and anticipating a fantastic experience - I have to say it was alright.
We ordered ala cart and I just ordered a few tastes of sushi and some pickles and it took a very long time to come out. First got the pickles. Then 3 pieces of sushi and then a full 25 mins later got the last 2. I felt more hungry when I left then when I arrived.
The sushi was great tasting...the tuna being the best I've had in a long time. I just wasn't impressed with the long wait.
It's a cute place. Glad I tried it once.

Reservations are extremely hard! But it's well worth the wait. There is limited seating and because of that their reservations fill up quickly. They release reservations for the next month the first of every month at noon. Join their waitlist! I always get notifications, but act fast because those get taken up too.

Their staff is amazing! So welcoming and kind. Great service! Always a great time!!

The fish was sooooooooo fresh! Rice on the nigiri was warm and has the perfect ratio!

White sesame ice cream is TO DIE FOR! I honestly wanted to order another scoop. I wish I could take home a whole pint of it!

Worth every penny and I can't wait to come back here! I can see why this is a Michelin star restaurant.

Reservations were very hard to get. You have to go online the 1st of the month and quickly book right at 12 pm. We failed twice because each time everything filled up within literally minutes.

Small and simple restaurant. We initially booked outside seating but received an email that we would be moved inside, unsure why, but we were glad because being inside made the experience even better. Limited street parking. Great customer service. You can tell the sushi chefs really care about everything they create.

Definitely the best oysters I've ever had, the ponzu sauce drizzled on top just works so well and each oyster was shucked so clean. Sushi quality is very high. I've worked in 7 sushi restraints and have never had sushi that just melts in your mouth like butter.

I highly recommend this restaurant for all sushi lovers. We ordered a la carte; everything was pretty decently priced but of course it added up. But it was so worth it! I will be back.

Be sure to check out the release dates on tock for reservation because I was checking it 10 minutes after the release time and date, and it some dates were already getting sold out. I've been wanting to try this place for quite some time now so I set my alarm. I had to try this michelin restaurant in San Diego and i took a friend with me, she loved it. I loved it, everything was just fresh and tasty. We also ordered the ankimo (monkfish liver pâté) and it's just love.

Soichi is a very special and unique place. There are only 3 tables inside,  one outside, and about 12 at the sushi bar. Make reservations months in advance! Or do what we did- get there a few minutes before they open at 4:30pm. They were kind enough to accommodate us with a table for four. This is an adventure in flavor, design, and fish with all kinds fun surprises along the way. I can honestly say this is now my favorite sushi restaurant (#2 and #3 being Sushiota and Azuki). I can't wait to get back there! I think about it everyday...