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Katsuya - San Diego - SBE Reviews List
Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Featuring the dynamic pairing of Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi and design impresario Philippe Starck, Katsuya by Starck is truly a feast for the senses. With specialty cocktails, unique rolls and spectacular sushi and sashimi platters, Chef Uechi skillfully translates Japanese flavors to the American palate. Signature dishes include Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño and Miso-Marinated Black Cod. With superb talent and exacting precision, Katsuya by Starck is changing the face of Japanese cuisine. The San Diego location has been hailed as “the latest temple to all things luscious” by Riviera San Diego.
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62 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 62 reviews
5 stars
(25)
4 stars
(21)
3 stars
(13)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(32)
- special occasion(32)
- fit for foodies(30)
- hot spot(29)
- vibrant bar scene(21)
- romantic(14)
Katsuya - San Diego - SBE Reviews List
Review 1 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Japanese restaurant ever!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"What a great experience we had at Katsuya. From the second we walked in the door until the end, our evening was excellant. Great staff and server - the food was delicious! We started out with a spicy tuna roll that wasn't even on the menu but our waitress suggested we try. My husband loved it! He then had a cod dish with the best sauce ever. I opted for the filet which melted in your mouth. We shared an apple crisp dessert that was the best! A little pricey, but well worth the money. Chef Alex even came out and talked to us after our meal - was so fun to spend a few minutes with him. We will definitely return to Katsuya!"
Dined on 6/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Amazing food quality and great variety of seafood options!"
Dined on 6/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 3 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good quality food selection. Staff are friendly and open. Overall great experience for the avid Sushi/Sashimi and Sake lover.
Compliments to the chef(s)!!!"
Dined on 6/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 4 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Must order the appetizer of albacore tuna, adding the truffles! Must order the miso garlic cod! We also ordered 2 sushi rolls. It was perfect for our anniversary dinner. They even brought us complimentary champaign!"
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 5 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was excellent. Though pricey, good value for the money. A very cool, swanky interior. The Maitre d was excellent, unfortunately the servers not as good. My only knock was slow inattentive service by the server. The server was very nice, but I think they were understaffed for a Monday night and as a result the one waiter had a hard time keeping up with the 4-5 tables he was serving."
Dined on 5/27/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 6 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nothing to brag about
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was good but nothing special. Service was very slow. Very uncomfortable seating. Won't be back."
Dined on 5/20/2013
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Review 7 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Graduation dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"There were 9 of us, ranging in age from 23 to 83, and everybody had a wonderful time. The food was great and the service was impeccable. Eat there alone at the bar or come with a group; Katsuya will not disappoint."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, romantic, late-night find, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 8 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Sassy
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The restaurant and bar have a great ambiance, vibe, and decor. The host and bartenders were very nice and attentive. The food was great however our server was not at the top of her game. There was an hour gap between our 2nd to last sushi roll and our last sushi roll and we had to flag her down if we wanted to order a drink.
We did complain to the manager and he more than made up for our awful service. He was very kind and apologetic. He ended up making our experience a pleasant one. I would definitely try this spot again."
We did complain to the manager and he more than made up for our awful service. He was very kind and apologetic. He ended up making our experience a pleasant one. I would definitely try this spot again."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, late-night find, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 9 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
NIce Ambiance and Decoration
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was great, prices were moderate to fair, food was ok. The place is very very nice, the ambiance for a couple is pretty good, I went and celebrated our anniversary and had a splendid time. Food was below what I expected, not bad, but not spectacular. Overall a good experience. I would certainly go again."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 10 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We enjoyed the Chef's Tasting Menu and it was exquisite! Beautiful to behold and delicious tastes."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great service, wonderful food, imaginative cocktails!"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 12 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The food was fine though the
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was fine though the menu was a bit overwhelming. My biggest objection (and a personal "pet peeve") was that there were many open tables when we arrived, and we had a reservation, and the three people standing at the reception desk made us wait "until seating was available." It was obvious that there was plenty of seating available but we still waited (and ended up staring at the open table that we were finally assigned to) for more than 15 minutes."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 13 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Katsuya is a Japanese/Asian
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Katsuya is a Japanese/Asian fusion chain. Excellent food. Clean, chic, great service. I recommend Katsuya! One of my favorite Japanese restaurants."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 14 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Everything we ordered was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everything we ordered was excellent! My only 2 complaints is that of a party of 4, 2 people were served their entree while 2 other people had to wait almost 30 minutes for theirs. The other thing is the noise level. It was definitely too loud in the restaurant. We couldn't here what our server was saying and for a restaurant with a lot of unusual offerings on the menu we really needed to be able to hear. The menu was very interesting and the food was prepared very nicely - if late!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 15 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Favorite place to visit hands
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Favorite place to visit hands down! Hollywood, San Diego & Downtown LA are all Great! Would tell anyone that likes sushi to put this one on their must visit list!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 16 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
SBE has done a fine job with
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"SBE has done a fine job with Katsuya ..excellent food and flavor fusions, beautiful staff. My only complaint would be the noise, which is most likely a flooring issue."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 17 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was unreal! The fried
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was unreal! The fried rice app was amazing! Service was very friendly."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 18 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent Asian Fusion food.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent Asian Fusion food. A bit pricey but worth it. Love the food!"
Dined on 03/28/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 19 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service was attentive but
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service was attentive but not intrusive. Unable to make decisions, we decided to go for the tasting menu. We were served multiple courses of amazing ingredients, each beautifully presented. The creativity factor behind the menu is off the charts!"
Dined on 03/25/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 20 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Warning: glorified box for omikase!
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Deeply disappointing since I have dined at the Hollywood branch and their omakase's were stellar so walking in, I had high hopes. It was definitely not worth $75 to receive a glorified bento box. Warning for any foodies!!!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 21 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
An okay dining experience
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"For the prices it was not the best quality I have ever had. The crab appetizer was the best. The miso soup was not the best. I like a ginger salad dressing which they did not have. It was okay. Not worth the price. I expected exceptional quality and it was only soso or okay."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2007
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Review 22 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Sadly, not what expected
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service was not what you would expect from a dining experience costing what it does to dine there. It's the attention to details that are what is most important and Katsuya did not meet those expectations (table touches, water and other drink glasses left empty for extended periods of time). The only thing they cared about when it was empty was the cocktail my date had (because it's where they make their money, not on the food). We ordered a few of their signature appetizers. The one with shrimp and mushrooms tasted just like that shrimp and mushrooms. Nothing extraordinary or special, no unique flavor at all. Overall, I think people go for the name so they can say they ate there. There are much better restaurants for sushi."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
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Review 23 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Thoroughly unimpressed. Our
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Thoroughly unimpressed. Our server fit the typical "SoCal - Jeff Spicoli" attitude which is characteristically apathetic. Plus the pre fixe menu for Valentine's Day was slightly overpriced given the offerings. Perhaps their normal menu and offerings are excellent but given what I observed from their overall performance I think not.
If you want the best in Japanese sushi in San Diego go to Sushi Hane or Sushi Ota. Skip this tourist trap."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
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Review 24 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great dishes— the toro was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great dishes— the toro was juicy but connective tissue was noticeable. Great ambiance and a modern, industrial indoor feel."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 25 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I didn't really drink wine,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I didn't really drink wine, but the list was great! The food/decor was awesome and the service was excellent. Its a change of pase from normal asian cuisine, but has all the elements of great asian cuisine. i plan to go again this weekend."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 26 for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Get the Miso-Marinated Black
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Get the Miso-Marinated Black Cod... it was the best thing ever!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Katsuya - San Diego - SBE
Based on the average of (36) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
5 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic