Zenbu-The Quaint Sushi Lounge

Zenbu provides a quaint lounge atmosphere while dining on traditional sushi. Located in a meticulously designed and maintained strip mall it is both clean and aesthetically pleasing. 

Four different types of seating include bar, patio, high top and lounge. Dark with smooth rock music it creates an upscale and trendy environment. 

Each of the plates are provided when one is finished. The plates for couples are served to be shared. They are artistically put together and pleasing to the eye. 

Yelp provides a mixed review. However, our experience was pleasant and met our expectations. The décor in the restaurant appears to be updated. Drinks were reasonably priced. Readers recommend the happy hour for the best deals. 

Definitely worth a repeat visit!

http://www.zenburestaurants.com/la-jolla/

Academic-Capital’s Best 2013 San Diego Restaurants

If you are a food lover it is often beneficial to reflect on your dining experiences over 2013. The categories of best atmosphere, best quality, best view, and the best overall choice for 2013. Each has their own benefits and detractors. The best overall choice category indicates that the restaurant has that little extra as a combined experience.  Enjoy your dining experience. 

Best Atmosphere:

The Red Tracton is a full service steakhouse with 1950’s old world charm. Immediately upon leaving valet you will notice that history with the plaques, pictures, and horse racing paraphernalia through time dotting the walls. When compared to many of the restaurants in the area Red Tracton is a meat lover’s heaven. The meat is so fresh and marbled that you swear you can hear a cowbell just a few minutes before the food is served.  With hefty proportions and a nostalgic old world servicescape you are not likely to be disappointed with your experience. More Information.  

Best Quality:

Station Sushi in Solana Beach offers a full menu of sushi at a price that you can afford. Compared too many other restaurants their sushi is top quality. They have a full bar with sporting events and casual seating. There is a large patio for those who wish to dine outside. It is located off of N HWY 101 which offers street side parking. More Information. 

Best View: 

 

Poseidon Restaurant in Del Mar provides a California beach atmosphere in an upscale environment. Visitors stroll along the oceanfront and stop in for lunch or cocktails. Watch the waves crawling up the sand as you dine in style.  A full service establishment with a spacious bar area, indoor dining, and open patio seating. More Information.

Best Overall Choice for 2013:

Piatti Restaurant and Bar is a fine dining Italian restaurant that focuses on high quality food and a huge selection of barrel wine. They offer extras such as the vegetarian plates, gluten free food, and children’s menu. They are located in the unique La Jolla Shores neighborhood blocks from the beach. With tree covered patios and tablecloth dining they provide an excellent atmosphere for many occasions. More Information. 

Popular Fresh Fish at Hanes Sushi and Bar in Downtown San Diego

Hanes Sushi and Bar is ranked as one of the best sushi outlets in San Diego. The popular restaurant has been noted for its excellent service and high quality fish products. Lines are long and every table is full of sushi eating enthusiasts. Between the clanging of glasses at the bar, the chef’s chopping of sea catch and the lively conversation one will find a positive dining experience.

KFMB’s Mojo page indicates that the far majority of the customers ranked it 5 out of 5.  Their favorite products are the California Roll, Sashimi, and Avocado rolls. Comments relate primarily to the overall freshness of the products. “Fresh”, “Pieces of Heaven” and “Might be the best in San Diego” are common.

Trip Advisor also ranked the restaurant 5 out of 5 stars in 13 out of 17 reviews. They mentioned quality and freshness as the main attractors. Price was seen as a detractor. Their favorites were Sashimi, Honeymoon Oysters, and Uni (Sea Urchin Eggs). Comments such as “Best Sushi”, “World Class”, and “Very Fresh” abound.

Best prices can be found during the midday lunch specials. Local workers head over to Hanes during their 45 minute lunch break. A full wine list and other specialty drinks are available. Evenings are packed and it is best to make a reservation if you plan on coming before 9PM.

Because we had reservations the wait was not particularly long. The waitress quickly brought us the food and drink menus. The atmosphere was simple yet clean considering it was toward the end of dinner traffic. The chefs made each roll to order and did so in full view of customers. The price was a touch high for three people but overall well worth it.

As Hanes prides itself on freshness and is new to the area it may be capitalizing on its quality and “buzz”. Like most new products, the prices are generally higher than more established restaurants but this could change depending on visitor popularity. There is a natural association of freshness and quality with price that is part of the establishment’s pricing strategy. At present its position is at the top of local sushi establishments and its price reflects that. It appears that Hanes is doing well and will continue to do so for some time.

Trip Advisor

Mojo

2760 5th Avenue
San Diego, California 92103
619-260-1411

http://www.hanesushisandiego.com/