Hiyashi
Chopstix

Chopstix

4633 Convoy St San Diego , CA 92111, San Andreas, United States

Sushi • Ramen • Chinese • Japanese


"I love Japanese food. Of course, I’m not Japanese so I don’t claim to be an expert, but I probably go eat at new Japanese restaurants at least a couple times a month. And of all the Japanese restaurants in San Diego, Chopstix is my favorite, by far. At first glance, it seems like just another typical Asian place on Convoy with an all too small parking lot. But step inside and you’ll see that the quality and variety of food (multiple types of Ramen, Udon, Soba, etc. , the reasonable prices, and the quick and friendly service makes this a can’t miss eatery if you’ve never tried it. I’ve been here three different times, for both lunch and dinner, and the place is always reasonably crowded, but never intolerably packed (my uncle, who judges the quality of a restuarant by the length of its wait, would be pleased . Inside the atmosphere is one that gives off a Japanese feel, without the formal setting of more elegant restaurants. There are bar type seats as well as regular tables, and a tv in th corner. It’s not so quiet that you have to whisper and not so loud that you have to yell to be heard. In other words, great for family or friends type of a gathering. There are a couple of cons, though. The sushi selection is rather limited (compared to sushi specialty places , and the place isn’t huge, so you can’t expect to sit together if you have around ten or more people. And the parking is a pain. But I consider these to be minor inconveniences. So order a green tea, try something new, and hit up the Yogurt World or Tapioca Express across the street afterwards. What more could you ask for?"

Sushi 101

Sushi 101

11331 Moorpark St, Los Angeles, California, 91602, United States

Soup • Sushi • Casual • Japanese


"I once asked a Japanese friend at the gym which sushi place he would recommend, so we 've been going to 101 for 20 years since. So if you like Un-slick and cheaper by a lot in an ugly strip mall…. It reminds me of the place in Tokyo in the series Midnight Diner on Netflix. It has achieved not trying/Is -ness. Last night we ordered a generous amount in an a la carte variety that included items we’ve never had, like Yellowtail collar, and mushroom Miso soup, for example. All served quickly with excellent taste. My wife asked me to guess the price and I guessed $45 and it was $35, including beer. They were about 75% filled on a Friday night at 6:30. So if you want quality and you have an accepting attitude… They won 't yell Ohai-O! when you come in, just a warm welcome. My favorite tell is that you have to step over an unceremonious drainpipe three feet directly in front of the front door. The place is like one of those famous Japanese teacups with the rough finish mistake i.e. “wabi sabi” glaring out at you lovingly. The whole place says “wabi sabi” come to think of it. Their unglamorous friendliness is refreshing. Btw, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie were playing softly in the background as we walked in. Louis Armstrong and other early Jazz was also played. Who does that? I think Joni Mitchell and Elvis C. might go there buy not Elton John, if you get my drift. Try it. Or don 't, because I love it 75% full, but 85% wouldn 't wreak it. I only risk telling you because we love them and feel better saying so out loud."