Ikiru Sushi

Delicious sushi! It's a small place but good atmosphere. The house sake was affordable and delicious.

Dining here is like being back in Japan. The interior is like the sushi restaurants in Japan. So authentic. The sushi roll I had is so fresh. I had the fried ika. It is fried the Japanese way. It’s good but I’m not a fan of the citrusy sauce. I like it plain with kewpie mayonnaise.

This is my favorite sushi spot in San Diego. Really comfortable and cozy environment, warm and friendly service, and really excellent food. The salmon nigiri is always the highlight for me.

I’m giving 4.5 stars because this little gem has everything I need in a Japanese restaurant. It’s small, it has the look and the warm feel, it has your typical Japanese memorabilia and wooden siding and a prominent sushi bar. It also has one of my favorite rolls right now: Lemon Roll, which is pure umami! We’ve also had miso soup (really tasty) and caterpillars. I haven’t tried udon or ramen, so I may need to update this review at some point but for now, it’s a good 4.5 star!

Probably the most consistent best sushi restaurant for a more casual atmosphere. This is definitely a hidden gem for the portion and price.

Visiting San Diego and stayed close by. Had a very good dinner. Their food was very fresh. We had fried octopus, bento boxes and spicy miso ramen. All were excellent.

This place is my all time favorite restaurant in San Diego. Get a spicy miso, some salmon nigiri, and a Sapporo special; you won’t be disappointed. Also the service is always so nice.

It's a really small place, kind of hidden in the middle of a bunch of restaurants in liberty station. We had to wait for over an hour on a Saturday night for dinner. But it was totally worth it. One of a few sushi places (that are not super fancy) where you can find o-toro. Price is also really reasonable for how good the Nigiri was. They also offer other kinds of Japanese food like chicken katsu. Appetizers are ok comparing to Nigiri.

Love this place. Cozy Classic Japanese. Father and son chefs I heard. Great display and tastes with nice Portion n pricing. Timing and planning your visit accordingly. Provecho!

+1

This is top tier sushi! beautiful location , small and attentive. Do not skip on this if you're in the area! The cuts are big and fresh, the sides are all delicious and the large beer and saki special is great to enjoy with friends on a night out for a delicious dinner!

We were in the area and decided to have lunch at Liberty Station. This restaurant was well rated in Google Maps and Yelp. It is quaint and was busy when we arrived. Glad that they had an open table. We had excellent service. They had lunch specials and my husband & I ordered the salmon teriyaki bento which came with miso soup, salad, and California rolls. Our food was fast. We ordered the deal of buy large beer and get a small sake free. We enjoyed our lunch and recommend this restaurant. The staff was friendly.

This is the closest thing to a traditional Japanese izakaya I've been to in San Diego and I'm so glad my sister recommended it! It's a small spot and the staff is super friendly and accommodating. The spicy miso soup was incredible and the sushi was fresh! Of the rolls I tried, I loved the sunset roll and the crispy spicy 🔥 Highly recommend !

This sushi restaurant was legit. The sushi was beautiful and the perfect size and fresh quality. The rolls were also delicious and perfectly executed. Thanks to the sushi chefs and kind service :)

Every time I fly in to San Diego, I go directly here!! I frequently drive from Del Mar just for THIS place! Phenomenal TOP GRADE SUSHI. Not cheep but just right on price… especially for the HIGH QUALITY!!! Pictured is the sushi & sashimi lunch special!!! Worth the drive!!!

Loved the sushi here, the staff is super friendly too, park in the main parking lot and walk into the courtyard to find the entrance. Spicy rolls are on point!!! Highly recommend.

Delicious well-prepared food. The server was willing to answer questions and ensured I had everything I needed. The decorations were appropriate and not too crowded. The space is a bit smaller but perfect for what kind of restaurant it is. Sushi chefs behind the counter looked like they really knew what they were doing.

Great vegetable roll and European style Philadelphia (just smaller) but it was enough for me!

A weekly ritual for my wife and I “Ikaru” is an fantastic little sushi bar. The word Ikaru roughly translates to “To live” or as the friendly staff boisterously described “I want to live, or I like to live” really encourages people to try new things or enjoy your regular favorite. They have fantastic sushi and even bento meals. The sake is really nice too. I go here every week and even get to practice my Japanese with some of the staff. I highly recommend.

This is an awesome spot if you’re craving sushi. Although this location is not able to accompany huge parties, it does provide a huge party for your taste buds. We got their spicy calamari for an appetizer. The calamari was awesome paired with their sauce! For the main dishes, we got the special California roll, the original California roll, the spicy salmon roll, and the panko special! All were just delights. Each roll is made fresh at the bar in front of you. The sushi was filled to the max. They were not cheap with materials! It was a really good place overall! I’ll definitely be coming back when I have another sushi craving!

Cozy atmosphere Amazing chefs and top notch sushi

Small, like a sushi shop should be Polite, professional Sushi Chefs, like a sushi shop should have Full of local Point Loma San Diego vibes with nods towards the naval heritage, like a sushi shop on a retired naval training center should be It's worth a visit. The photo is of Salmon Skind Handroll and Salmon Maki cut roll. Updated review Manju Saki - expensive, but actually very nice, had some kind of sweeter element than typical sake know what you want before you purchase. 4 oz I was happy. Salmon skin cut roll - nice, soft, not typical sushi texture, cooked Takka Maki - simple and clean, protein (tuna), carb, plus super plant seaweed. Excellent food. 4-2-2024 Takka Maki, Salmon Makki, and Shoyu Ramen. The sushi and rolls are always good, but the ramen. So I eat and enjoy lots of Ramen but this Shoyu Ramen had an unexpected grilled flavor in the broth. It was a great experience that I wasn't expecting from am already pleasing restaurant that I always desire to return too. Don't be afraid to try the Ramen. I would have chosen spicy shoyu Ramen but my 14yr dining companion (my son) today is reasonably afraid of the word spicy. Next time...

If you’re visiting the Ikiru restaurant — or even just in the area — you absolutely must come here to eat! The food is delicious, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and everything is prepared with such care. Highly recommended! Especially Hamachi Kama! 👍

Ikuri sushi is deserving of each of these five star reviews. Incredible sushi made with obvious fresh ingredients, technique and care. The service is quick and the atmosphere is perfect for an intimate conversation or a nice solo date. I will recommend this place to anyone!

We ordered food to go instead of dinning in. The sushi is fantastic and really well put together. One of the main reasons we decided to try Ikiru sushi is because there were several good reviews about the uni and they were spot on. This was really fresh and good and can’t wait to go back again. It was a bit pricey it well worth it.

Yesenia Lucatero

This is the closest thing to a traditional Japanese izakaya I've been to in San Diego and I'm so glad my sister recommended it! It's a small spot and the staff is super friendly and accommodating. The spicy miso soup was incredible and the sushi was fresh! Of the rolls I tried, I loved the sunset roll and the crispy spicy 🔥 Highly recommend !

J P

This sushi restaurant was legit. The sushi was beautiful and the perfect size and fresh quality. The rolls were also delicious and perfectly executed. Thanks to the sushi chefs and kind service :)

Matt Reeves

Loved the sushi here, the staff is super friendly too, park in the main parking lot and walk into the courtyard to find the entrance. Spicy rolls are on point!!! Highly recommend.

Karen LaPierre

Every time I fly in to San Diego, I go directly here!! I frequently drive from Del Mar just for THIS place! Phenomenal TOP GRADE SUSHI. Not cheep but just right on price… especially for the HIGH QUALITY!!! Pictured is the sushi & sashimi lunch special!!! Worth the drive!!!

David Dedios

Delicious well-prepared food. The server was willing to answer questions and ensured I had everything I needed. The decorations were appropriate and not too crowded. The space is a bit smaller but perfect for what kind of restaurant it is. Sushi chefs behind the counter looked like they really knew what they were doing.

Kevin

A weekly ritual for my wife and I “Ikaru” is an fantastic little sushi bar. The word Ikaru roughly translates to “To live” or as the friendly staff boisterously described “I want to live, or I like to live” really encourages people to try new things or enjoy your regular favorite. They have fantastic sushi and even bento meals. The sake is really nice too. I go here every week and even get to practice my Japanese with some of the staff. I highly recommend.

Courtney Barron

This is an awesome spot if you’re craving sushi. Although this location is not able to accompany huge parties, it does provide a huge party for your taste buds. We got their spicy calamari for an appetizer. The calamari was awesome paired with their sauce! For the main dishes, we got the special California roll, the original California roll, the spicy salmon roll, and the panko special! All were just delights. Each roll is made fresh at the bar in front of you. The sushi was filled to the max. They were not cheap with materials! It was a really good place overall! I’ll definitely be coming back when I have another sushi craving!

Beatrice Harr

If you’re visiting the Ikiru restaurant — or even just in the area — you absolutely must come here to eat! The food is delicious, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and everything is prepared with such care. Highly recommended! Especially Hamachi Kama! 👍

graceypacey156

Ikuri sushi is deserving of each of these five star reviews. Incredible sushi made with obvious fresh ingredients, technique and care. The service is quick and the atmosphere is perfect for an intimate conversation or a nice solo date. I will recommend this place to anyone!

Survival Corps

Small, like a sushi shop should be Polite, professional Sushi Chefs, like a sushi shop should have Full of local Point Loma San Diego vibes with nods towards the naval heritage, like a sushi shop on a retired naval training center should be It's worth a visit. The photo is of Salmon Skind Handroll and Salmon Maki cut roll. Updated review Manju Saki - expensive, but actually very nice, had some kind of sweeter element than typical sake know what you want before you purchase. 4 oz I was happy. Salmon skin cut roll - nice, soft, not typical sushi texture, cooked Takka Maki - simple and clean, protein (tuna), carb, plus super plant seaweed. Excellent food. 4-2-2024 Takka Maki, Salmon Makki, and Shoyu Ramen. The sushi and rolls are always good, but the ramen. So I eat and enjoy lots of Ramen but this Shoyu Ramen had an unexpected grilled flavor in the broth. It was a great experience that I wasn't expecting from am already pleasing restaurant that I always desire to return too. Don't be afraid to try the Ramen. I would have chosen spicy shoyu Ramen but my 14yr dining companion (my son) today is reasonably afraid of the word spicy. Next time...

Mike Mikha

We ordered food to go instead of dinning in. The sushi is fantastic and really well put together. One of the main reasons we decided to try Ikiru sushi is because there were several good reviews about the uni and they were spot on. This was really fresh and good and can’t wait to go back again. It was a bit pricey it well worth it.

Bobbie Lin

It's a really small place, kind of hidden in the middle of a bunch of restaurants in liberty station. We had to wait for over an hour on a Saturday night for dinner. But it was totally worth it. One of a few sushi places (that are not super fancy) where you can find o-toro. Price is also really reasonable for how good the Nigiri was. They also offer other kinds of Japanese food like chicken katsu. Appetizers are ok comparing to Nigiri.

HENRY CASTANEDA

Love this place. Cozy Classic Japanese. Father and son chefs I heard. Great display and tastes with nice Portion n pricing. Timing and planning your visit accordingly. Provecho!

🔥 “Packed House, Fresh Fish—Ikiru’s Worth the Wait” I ordered the Rainbow Roll, Mango Albacore, Special California, Protein Roll, Special Poke, and Calamari—and every bite was fresh and flavorful. The fish quality was excellent, and the sauces added just the right touch (though the soy sauce was extra salty, a little goes a long way). I wish they offered natural wasabi, but the one they served was still good. The wasabi, ginger, and seaweed salad came out once with the order, and I had to ask for more—but the staff were happy to bring it, and didn’t charge extra. Everyone was super friendly, and the chefs were clearly hardworking and kind. Service felt warm and attentive, even during a busy rush. The atmosphere was lively but a bit hot and crowded—understandable, since the place is popular and the food is worth it. I got seated in under 30 minutes, which was impressive given how packed it was. Overall, Ikiru Sushi is a spot I’d definitely recommend. Great food, great people, and a vibe that shows they care.

They were very busy when we got there and there was a bit of a wait for a party of 4 but once we were inside they were very friendly and quick to take our order and quick to serve our food. The rolls were really yummy. Everything tasted fresh and the veggie tempura roll was very big. We were very full by the end of the meal and took home leftovers.

My family have been going here pretty much since they opened. Always great quality and service, great group of people running. My son's first sushi was here and it's still his favorite spot after 10yrs

Leah Curzon

They were very busy when we got there and there was a bit of a wait for a party of 4 but once we were inside they were very friendly and quick to take our order and quick to serve our food. The rolls were really yummy. Everything tasted fresh and the veggie tempura roll was very big. We were very full by the end of the meal and took home leftovers.

MarioOnTheMove

🔥 “Packed House, Fresh Fish—Ikiru’s Worth the Wait” I ordered the Rainbow Roll, Mango Albacore, Special California, Protein Roll, Special Poke, and Calamari—and every bite was fresh and flavorful. The fish quality was excellent, and the sauces added just the right touch (though the soy sauce was extra salty, a little goes a long way). I wish they offered natural wasabi, but the one they served was still good. The wasabi, ginger, and seaweed salad came out once with the order, and I had to ask for more—but the staff were happy to bring it, and didn’t charge extra. Everyone was super friendly, and the chefs were clearly hardworking and kind. Service felt warm and attentive, even during a busy rush. The atmosphere was lively but a bit hot and crowded—understandable, since the place is popular and the food is worth it. I got seated in under 30 minutes, which was impressive given how packed it was. Overall, Ikiru Sushi is a spot I’d definitely recommend. Great food, great people, and a vibe that shows they care.

One of my go-to sushi restaurants. Great choices, fresh seafood, and friendly staff. My only compliants are that its tucked way into Liberty Station and a bit tough to find the 1st time, and the size of the place is quite small. Outside of those very minor issues, good place to eat and drink!

Nice little place in Liberty Station for some Asian (Japanese) food. Menu is bigger than I expected for a small place. They only offer take-out at this time. Plenty of outdoor seating throughout the place for some fun alfresco dining. I had the spicy shoyu ramen with egg, extra cha-su and vegetables. Pretty good spice and flavor. Some tempura, rolls comlleted the meal. Prices are typical, not too bad. Worth a try/return visit!

+4

Overall good quality sushi. Lemon roll and crush roll kinda tasted the same but they were good. We also got the hamachi Kama which was great. However, the uni could have been better, didn't taste as fresh in my experience. But, I would go back if I am in the area. The service was good and the beer sake deal was good too.

This is a go-to restaurant for me when I’m in the area. I really like their deep fried Crispy and Spicy roll with side of miso. Service is always fast and friendly.

I stopped into Ikiru and it was lovely. It’s a small place with maybe 8-10 tables and a sushi bar for another 8 people maybe. It’s chill but not the most beautiful Japanese restaurant around. The service was good and the food was equally solid. There was a small sale selection alongside a familiar sushi house menu. Food included ramen as well as sushi. Ikiru is a good weeknight sushi place in comfortable surroundings.

This is a nice little sushi shop with a traditional vibe. All of the fish was delicious as was the ramen. I like the fact that they actually use real wasabi on the fish instead of the green horse radish past that others do. I would stick to nigiri and rolls though the chirashi wasn't as exciting as I thought it could be.

Your typical Japanese restaurant. They offer for lunch special and a variety of different sushi’s. I said the price is OK. Food quality is also pretty good.

Very nice small sushi restaurant in Liberty Sation. The good is excellent, as is the service. Lots of very fresh specials, fresh real Wasabi, and very tender, delicious agedashi tofu.

Yikna Wu

Your typical Japanese restaurant. They offer for lunch special and a variety of different sushi’s. I said the price is OK. Food quality is also pretty good.

Uchi Deshi

Very nice small sushi restaurant in Liberty Sation. The good is excellent, as is the service. Lots of very fresh specials, fresh real Wasabi, and very tender, delicious agedashi tofu.

The food was delicious! Some of the best sushi in San Diego and at a great price. It was also very quick between ordering and receiving all the food. However, we did not have a great experience with the service at the end of our meal. We finished eating and paid in less than an hour, but were asked to leave within 5 minutes of paying. We didn’t even finish our drinks by the time they asked us to leave. We definitely would eat their food again, but will probably think twice about going depending on how quickly we need to eat and leave the restaurant.

Drew Blumenthal

The food was delicious! Some of the best sushi in San Diego and at a great price. It was also very quick between ordering and receiving all the food. However, we did not have a great experience with the service at the end of our meal. We finished eating and paid in less than an hour, but were asked to leave within 5 minutes of paying. We didn’t even finish our drinks by the time they asked us to leave. We definitely would eat their food again, but will probably think twice about going depending on how quickly we need to eat and leave the restaurant.

The waiter/ owner forgot our miso soup and the bottle of sake, but still tried to charge us for it. Their rolls were not good and fell apart as soon as you picked them up. In the land of amazing sushi, I would not recommend

The sushi itself was on the pricier side. It lacked much flavor, it was a bit bland. They had nice service and it was served quickly. The restaurant itself is clean, and we'll decorated.

Cristian Ferretti

The sushi itself was on the pricier side. It lacked much flavor, it was a bit bland. They had nice service and it was served quickly. The restaurant itself is clean, and we'll decorated.

Damon Roberts

The waiter/ owner forgot our miso soup and the bottle of sake, but still tried to charge us for it. Their rolls were not good and fell apart as soon as you picked them up. In the land of amazing sushi, I would not recommend

The otoro is not good... Cost me $20 for two pieces, but they are very chewy, I have to throw it. The uni is great. The service is not good, the waiter even forgets to give us wasabi. The food is not impressive at all.

I used to be a loyal customer, and would go with my wife almost weekly, and thought the food was delicious. However, last time some of the salmon pieces were bad. As soon as I put it in the mouth, I could tell it was starting to rot. I’m really sad, because I used to love this place but I lost my trust in them. I let the staff know, but they didn’t apologize, and just said OK. Can’t trust their quality anymore. Eating bad fish can cause severe food poisoning and even death