Sushi MARU

“The food is absolutely of the best quality! Their method and process for preparing and cooking is unparalleled from most anywhere I have seen in the world let alone San Diego. Truly world class! The service was amazing- I am a messy eater and dropped my napkin several times, each time they handed me a new clean napkin. The ambiance is incredible- so intimate. This is an experience!”

“Wow is this place a trip. Very expensive but worth the price. I would go again in a heartbeat. Fun atmosphere. For big eaters this isn't really the place to go as the food is very high quality and priced accordingly, so dont expect an all you can eat buffet. The portions are elegant and that of a fine dining establishment. I wouldnt say their food is pretentious but they definitely prioritize quality over quantity. Was a real treat watching chef Marcus prepare the food. He really enjoys his job and puts care into every item. They have some rare foods like cuttlefish, red bream, urchin, and Japanese snow crab. Menu changes monthly.”

“Heard about this place from a friend and was not disappointed! They have two set dinner services so you have to make a reservation in advance. Small restaurant with an inconspicuous entrance that just says "Maru" on the door. Walking in, you are greeted and taken to your designated seat(s). Darker, upscale-looking interior. Countertop seating with about 14 seats. The waitress gave us a drink menu to look over and offered suggestions based on our preferences. We got the Hon Kid sake which was light and sweet. Chef Maru welcomed us in and began the service, briefly describing each course one by one. The wait staff would clean our "eating block" after each nigiri and clear our dishes between each course as needed. Large variety in seafood and dishes, and the ingredients were all very quality and fresh. Chef Maru and one waitress took the time to get to know the diners, which made the experience more personable. Everything was prepared and seasoned wonderfully! Finished the night with dessert, which was hojicha ice cream with a strawberry - the ice cream was creamy and the flavor was nutty and warm. Would very much recommend for a special occasion!”

“Sushi MARU in San Diego is an absolute must-try for any sushi lover! My wife and I had an amazing experience, and the customer service was a huge part of it. From the moment we walked in, we felt like VIPs. The staff were attentive, personalized, and incredibly friendly. They took the time to explain each dish, answer our questions, and even offered recommendations for sake pairings. It was clear that Chef Maru and his team are passionate about delivering an unforgettable experience. The 20-course omakase was a culinary journey, with dishes crafted using the freshest seafood from Japan and local produce from Chino Farms. Highlights included the melt-in-your-mouth nigiri, braised sea eel, and bluefin tuna. The ambiance was serene and elegant, with a cozy counter seating area perfect for a special night out. If you're in San Diego, don't miss it!”

“I had an amazing experience at Sushi Maru. The sushi rice was perfectly seasoned and so delicious — you can really taste the care that goes into it. They use fresh, seasonal fish, which makes each piece unique. Great downtown location that’s easy to walk to. The staffs and Maru San himself were all super friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend!”