Wa Dining Okan

Wa Dining Okan is a hidden gem in San Diego's Kearny Mesa neighborhood. This cozy Japanese restaurant offers a unique izakaya-style dining experience, with a menu featuring a variety of small plates and traditional Japanese dishes. One of the standout dishes at Wa Dining Okan was the Creamy Uni Udon. The meat skewers are also a crowd favorite, with a sweet and savory glaze that complements the tender and juicy meat. In addition to the food, Wa Dining Okan also offers a selection of sake and other Japanese beverages. The restaurant's cozy and welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot for a casual dinner with friends or a date night. Overall, Wa Dining Okan is a great choice for anyone looking for authentic Japanese cuisine in San Diego. The restaurant's attention to detail and commitment to quality make it a must-visit spot for foodies and Japanese cuisine enthusiasts alike.

Top notched Japanese restaurant in San Diego. This was our second time visit for lunch. They served meal set for lunch and izakaya dishes for dinner. You can upgrade your rice bowl for your meal set. The shrimp tempura was really good! Really authentic Japanese food. Highly recommended.

Great place for Japanese food with fast and friendly service. Enjoyed the salmon sashimi salad, skirt steak, and especially the unagi eel rice bowl. The black sesame ice cream was also very decent.

My wife and I have been coming to Wa Dining Okan for ten years. It has been excellent every time! When we lived in San Diego, it was a staple of date nights, and when we moved away, we always make it a priority to come here on visits. The best stuff to try: the pork rice pot, ume hi-ball, the chicken karaage, wait actually everything on the menu is good! You can't go wrong!

A friend booked this restaurant for dinner tonight. We had clams, scallops rice, duck soba, yellowtail collar. Everything tasted delicious. Friendly staffs and great service. Definitely will come back again when I come to San Diego.

+6

A rather authentic Japanese eatery with good food, a varied menu and delicious food. The ingredients are top notch and so too is the cooking. The only drawback is the prices which are on the higher side. That said it's nothing worse than anything else in the area and beyond worth it.

+4

Great traditional Japanese food with an authentic feel. Can be busy so be sure to arrive early or on weekdays. The food used here is from their farm and popular crafts from Japan. Pricing here is $2 more than usually prices but it's totally worth it. The staff works really hard and I appreciate their great service!

Lovely Japanese diner food that begs for a drink along side the food. Lots of great stuff to order that keeps you coming back. I love order lots of small things to try and each time something new. Been here many times and will continue to return.

+1

The uni scallop carpaccio is 10/10! The chicken wings and mentai butter udon is also very good. Will definitely recommend this izakaya to my friends:)

Went with my dad, sister and buddy for lunch. I must say that I was impressed with such food quality. I recently came back from Japan so I am able to assess what is authentic. I will be coming back often.

Super friendly staff and so many options to choose from on the menu including specials. Atmosphere feels homey with authentic dishes. Would recommend trying this place out if you want small Japanese eatery vibes. Octopus fried tentacles were delicious, Kama was good, set meals were also great.

I’ve been missing kamameshi since our visit to Hokkaido and we loved that this place specializes in it. The scallop and mushroom kamameshi did not disappoint. It was so flavorful and fresh that it didn’t even need any additional flavoring or sauce. The soft shell crab was perfectly crisp and went great with the lemon and salt on the side. This is the perfect place if you want a small bite with some drinks or a fun easy dinner. I wouldn’t say it’s great for groups or a fancy night out since it’s more of a casual vibe but definitely nice to check out.

I have been wanting to come here for so long! As someone who lived in Japan for 3 years, I was looking for authentic Japanese food, not sushi or romen but the authentic dished and I found that here! The inside was small but inviting with plenty if room. I walked in and was immediately seated at the bar and handed two menus. A food menu and a drink menu. I took a look and decided to stick to water. For food I ordered the Tako Kara (fried octopus), the Tan Shio (grilled beef tongue) and the Creamy Mentai Udon. The Tako Kara was fried perfectly and paired so well with the lemon, it honestly tasted as good as the ones I had in Japan before. The Tan Shio was cooked perfectly and well seasoned. I added some lemon juice on it but it honestly didn't need it because it was so good! And the Creamy Mentai Udon was amazing! It was exactly what I was hoping it would be. Creamy, delicious, well balanced with a bit of heat. My first bite of it really just relaxed my shoulders and made me feel so nice because it was so hot and this cold weather really did call for some warm noodles! Over all it was a great meal. This had got to be one of the best Japanese restaurants in San Diego!

A small but very good bowl of curry. The beef tongue is very tender and flavorful, the curry is well seasoned. The portion is a bit small but I enjoyed the food. Great service and cute restaurant.

Incredible seafood at Wa Dining Okan! Was not prepared for how delicious everything was. We ordered the chirashi bowl, zeitaku udon, scallop and uni carpaccio, and grilled rice ball broth with eel. The uni was amazing. Great service, food comes out quick. We sat on the dog friendly patio. Highly recommend!

We were visiting from out of town and heard about this place and wanted to try it out. The restaurant is quite cozy with only a couple of tables and the bar. There was already a line waiting for the place to open when we arrived around d 4:45pm on a Friday. We were waiting in line for a while but then we saw the note that all in a party must be present to be seated, and we had to give up our place in the queue as we have toddlers napping in the car. We were lucky to still have a table once everyone else in the queue were seated and we woke up the kids. Menu offers a large selection and a lot of things look amazing. We ordered salmon sashimi, scallop skewers, beef tongue skewers, tonkotsu ramen, and kettle rice with sea urchin and salmon roe. Everything was delicious! The sashimi and sea urchin were especially fresh and tasty. Also want to thank the wait staff for being patient with our party with several small kids, appreciate it!

Had many items here overall good 👍 Sliced wagyu was good. Ramen was just ok. Sweet potatoes tempura excellent. Cartilage very good. Garlic French fries was lacking any taste of garlic. Fried squid good. Udon cabanara feels like it's missing something saltier like port belly would have been amazing in it but other that was too bland for me. The mentai udon I liked the best but if you don't like salty items you may like the uni udon more it's more balanced.

I absolutely loved this authentic little Japanese restaurant. We came in right at opening and the shop quickly filled up. They have onigiri, tempura, grilled skewers, and more. Everything was tasty and true to taste. Their udon dish was one of my favorites and the roasted green tea they served was delightful. Come check it out if you can!

The food at Okan is fire. Authentic Japanese style, very tasty, at a reasonable price. The curry udon and grilled onigiri were super good. We will be coming back again!

Really busy store but I really enjoy the food! The place is a little crowded. The portion of the food is similar to what you get in Japan, and so is the quality. So far I feel like this place resembles what you might get in Japan, small portion but higher quality.

Updated May 2025: Sashimi: A Yellowtail Collar: A Pork Belly/Rib Eye beef/Chicken Wing BBQ: B Soft Shell Crab: S Rice Ball in Broth (Salmon): A Tuna Sushi Bowl: A 釜飯: S Ramen: A Black Sesame Pudding/Ice Cream: A Vibe/Service: A

We got the Butter Udon and chilled soba with dipping sauce. Very delicious flavors! The chilled soba is very refreshing and the dipping sauce tastes like sukiyaki broth. Works very well with fresh wasabi mixed in the sauce. The butter udon noodles has fish roe in the middle, and has a buttery umami taste. I dipped my udon in the egg and then the crumbs and seaweed, with the roe, and the flavors are soo good together. The prices are good too!

One of my favorite restaurants hidden in a small plaza. I love the traditional dishes and their vegetables are sourced locally from their farm. The soba noodles are well crafted and balanced. The sushi is good but not what I'm here for. An intimate space that caters to those who appreciate food. Get there early to make a reservation!

Kelly Yung

I’ve been missing kamameshi since our visit to Hokkaido and we loved that this place specializes in it. The scallop and mushroom kamameshi did not disappoint. It was so flavorful and fresh that it didn’t even need any additional flavoring or sauce. The soft shell crab was perfectly crisp and went great with the lemon and salt on the side. This is the perfect place if you want a small bite with some drinks or a fun easy dinner. I wouldn’t say it’s great for groups or a fancy night out since it’s more of a casual vibe but definitely nice to check out.

Daniela Alvarado

I have been wanting to come here for so long! As someone who lived in Japan for 3 years, I was looking for authentic Japanese food, not sushi or romen but the authentic dished and I found that here! The inside was small but inviting with plenty if room. I walked in and was immediately seated at the bar and handed two menus. A food menu and a drink menu. I took a look and decided to stick to water. For food I ordered the Tako Kara (fried octopus), the Tan Shio (grilled beef tongue) and the Creamy Mentai Udon. The Tako Kara was fried perfectly and paired so well with the lemon, it honestly tasted as good as the ones I had in Japan before. The Tan Shio was cooked perfectly and well seasoned. I added some lemon juice on it but it honestly didn't need it because it was so good! And the Creamy Mentai Udon was amazing! It was exactly what I was hoping it would be. Creamy, delicious, well balanced with a bit of heat. My first bite of it really just relaxed my shoulders and made me feel so nice because it was so hot and this cold weather really did call for some warm noodles! Over all it was a great meal. This had got to be one of the best Japanese restaurants in San Diego!

Elijah Cheng

A small but very good bowl of curry. The beef tongue is very tender and flavorful, the curry is well seasoned. The portion is a bit small but I enjoyed the food. Great service and cute restaurant.

Chicken Smoothie

Soo good. The eel is tender and melts in your mouth. The creamy mentai udon is the kind of dish that tastes even better after each bite—it’s absolutely packed with flavor, and the roe is a nice touch of spice and umami. Portions are perfect for sharing with another person!

Wandering in Paradise

Incredible seafood at Wa Dining Okan! Was not prepared for how delicious everything was. We ordered the chirashi bowl, zeitaku udon, scallop and uni carpaccio, and grilled rice ball broth with eel. The uni was amazing. Great service, food comes out quick. We sat on the dog friendly patio. Highly recommend!

Landon K

The food at Okan is fire. Authentic Japanese style, very tasty, at a reasonable price. The curry udon and grilled onigiri were super good. We will be coming back again!

J D

We were visiting from out of town and heard about this place and wanted to try it out. The restaurant is quite cozy with only a couple of tables and the bar. There was already a line waiting for the place to open when we arrived around d 4:45pm on a Friday. We were waiting in line for a while but then we saw the note that all in a party must be present to be seated, and we had to give up our place in the queue as we have toddlers napping in the car. We were lucky to still have a table once everyone else in the queue were seated and we woke up the kids. Menu offers a large selection and a lot of things look amazing. We ordered salmon sashimi, scallop skewers, beef tongue skewers, tonkotsu ramen, and kettle rice with sea urchin and salmon roe. Everything was delicious! The sashimi and sea urchin were especially fresh and tasty. Also want to thank the wait staff for being patient with our party with several small kids, appreciate it!

Autobot Vu

Had many items here overall good 👍 Sliced wagyu was good. Ramen was just ok. Sweet potatoes tempura excellent. Cartilage very good. Garlic French fries was lacking any taste of garlic. Fried squid good. Udon cabanara feels like it's missing something saltier like port belly would have been amazing in it but other that was too bland for me. The mentai udon I liked the best but if you don't like salty items you may like the uni udon more it's more balanced.

maryroselol

I absolutely loved this authentic little Japanese restaurant. We came in right at opening and the shop quickly filled up. They have onigiri, tempura, grilled skewers, and more. Everything was tasty and true to taste. Their udon dish was one of my favorites and the roasted green tea they served was delightful. Come check it out if you can!

S Duan

Really busy store but I really enjoy the food! The place is a little crowded. The portion of the food is similar to what you get in Japan, and so is the quality. So far I feel like this place resembles what you might get in Japan, small portion but higher quality.

Britts

Updated May 2025: Sashimi: A Yellowtail Collar: A Pork Belly/Rib Eye beef/Chicken Wing BBQ: B Soft Shell Crab: S Rice Ball in Broth (Salmon): A Tuna Sushi Bowl: A 釜飯: S Ramen: A Black Sesame Pudding/Ice Cream: A Vibe/Service: A

Krista V

We got the Butter Udon and chilled soba with dipping sauce. Very delicious flavors! The chilled soba is very refreshing and the dipping sauce tastes like sukiyaki broth. Works very well with fresh wasabi mixed in the sauce. The butter udon noodles has fish roe in the middle, and has a buttery umami taste. I dipped my udon in the egg and then the crumbs and seaweed, with the roe, and the flavors are soo good together. The prices are good too!

Duke

One of my favorite restaurants hidden in a small plaza. I love the traditional dishes and their vegetables are sourced locally from their farm. The soba noodles are well crafted and balanced. The sushi is good but not what I'm here for. An intimate space that caters to those who appreciate food. Get there early to make a reservation!

Great food and fast service! We loved the pork belly rice bowls as well as the wide variety of small dishes like baby octopus and beef tongue. Overall definitely worth a visit if you like homestyle Japanese cuisine.

I had the hamburg set lunch and mu daughter had katsu curry. The food was outstanding. I loved the salad dressing, the miso soup like my mom used to make,steamed veggies and the hamburg steak was covered freshly grated daikon and so delicious. A reasonably priced and very filling. We also loved the atmosphere. It is small inside but they do have outside seating.

Lorraine Socia

I had the hamburg set lunch and mu daughter had katsu curry. The food was outstanding. I loved the salad dressing, the miso soup like my mom used to make,steamed veggies and the hamburg steak was covered freshly grated daikon and so delicious. A reasonably priced and very filling. We also loved the atmosphere. It is small inside but they do have outside seating.

Hayley

Great food and fast service! We loved the pork belly rice bowls as well as the wide variety of small dishes like baby octopus and beef tongue. Overall definitely worth a visit if you like homestyle Japanese cuisine.

Lovely family style Japanese home cooking. Was a last minute decision so didn't make a reservation. Our wait was about 30 minutes

+2

Great lunch spot. The food is very good. I had the lunch set menu with miso braised mackerel. I also added the optional eel mini rice bowl. The eel was good, but I just thought the mini rice bowl had too much eel sauce for my taste. The set lunch was $11. The additional eel rice bowl was $6. I probably would have been happy with just the set lunch.

Best udon in all of SD. This place is tiny and pricey but that broth keeps me coming. Service is on and off, inconsistent. We also really like their lunch set!

If you want to try unique Japanese food, this is the place. It is little pricey. Service was excellent and food is fresh.

+6

Was so excited to try out this place because I love Uni Udon and not too many places offers it. I usually go to Little Tokyo just for that. It's pretty good but my expectations were running high so I couldn't give a full stars. Also their ramen is pretty salty. 3 of our companies ordered the ramen and none can drink their broth because it's too salty for them. The cold soba is average too. But I haven't tried the yakitori, that would be what I order if I ever go back.

Revisited after trying them out three years ago. First, the mackerel sushi was fantastic! I wonder if they marinate the fish themselves. The fish is incredibly meaty and it’s a filling dish. That alone deserved five stars. Pork belly yakitori was good too with a nice char flavor. However, I deducted one star because: -The front plates they provide were a little dirty -Water cups smelled a bit weird… I don’t know if it’s the cup or the water though it tasted fine -Bathroom also was not the cleanest It’s a lean small group that provides the service but I wish the overall ambience and atmosphere caught up to the food they provide.

This is a quaint Japanese restaurant with pretty good food for lunch or a casual dinner. I had the Yakiniku Beef BBQ and my wife ordered the Miso Salmon. Both were good and we would return if in the area, just wouldn't make a special trip to eat here. The service is good, friendly and the wait time is normal to minimal. The atmosphere is a typical one for this type of restaurant and it's conveniently located next door to Nijiya Market. Parking is challenging as this lot is always full and busy.

the food was good and typical japanese cuisine. i wish they put more uni on the creamy udon and the seafood kamameshi had like 2 scallops, 3 shrimps, fish roe and it was like 30$. i feel like you can get a better deal in other japanese restaurants, but that’s just my opinion :)

A good Japanese restaurant with variety of offerings. I had fried soft shell crab, rice ball in broth with cod roe and grilled salmon belly. I enjoyed the grilled salmon while fried soft shell crab could been better if it was less greasy. I’m looking forward trying other dishes next time.

Dined in for the first time here on a Saturday evening. Service was prompt and friendly and didn't have to wait to be seated. Ordered the creamy uni carbonara and a flavored rice cooked with salmon and roe. Ordered a few small plates as well . The small plates were ok (ordered vegetarian ones)and maybe the miso was a bit too sweet on them. The carbonara was pretty good (I liked it even though I don't like cheese or cream that much) . The flavored rice with salmon was also decent. Might go again to try other items.

We tried about 8 things. The best ones were the egg with week eel, the eggplant and sweet potato with miso, raw octopus with wasabi, and chicken skin yakutori were good. The homemade pudding dessert was also really good. I'd avoid the duck, the salmon ikura don, and the deep fried octopus.

Abigail T

the food was good and typical japanese cuisine. i wish they put more uni on the creamy udon and the seafood kamameshi had like 2 scallops, 3 shrimps, fish roe and it was like 30$. i feel like you can get a better deal in other japanese restaurants, but that’s just my opinion :)

Daniel H

A good Japanese restaurant with variety of offerings. I had fried soft shell crab, rice ball in broth with cod roe and grilled salmon belly. I enjoyed the grilled salmon while fried soft shell crab could been better if it was less greasy. I’m looking forward trying other dishes next time.

Urvashi B

Dined in for the first time here on a Saturday evening. Service was prompt and friendly and didn't have to wait to be seated. Ordered the creamy uni carbonara and a flavored rice cooked with salmon and roe. Ordered a few small plates as well . The small plates were ok (ordered vegetarian ones)and maybe the miso was a bit too sweet on them. The carbonara was pretty good (I liked it even though I don't like cheese or cream that much) . The flavored rice with salmon was also decent. Might go again to try other items.

Andrew Lin

We tried about 8 things. The best ones were the egg with week eel, the eggplant and sweet potato with miso, raw octopus with wasabi, and chicken skin yakutori were good. The homemade pudding dessert was also really good. I'd avoid the duck, the salmon ikura don, and the deep fried octopus.

don’t get the sukiyaki bowl . the portion is incredibly small and your plate is loaded with so much onion. picture on the menu doesn't match the dish neither btw save your $20 :p

Service was definitely very slow. When we got there on a Saturday night, there was only 1 worker on the sushi stand, and 1 server filling our orders. For context, we ate outside. We waited a while until we even got to place our orders. (We only got the waiter to come to us because we had to walk inside the building and call for them) The food was very average, below average if I'll be honest. We ended up paying $14 for a pound of green onions and 6 small strips of beef 🤣 I also wasn't able to get a picture of it, but the takoyaki didn't even have octopus in them. Atmosphere was just very bland, no music at all.

Jackson Zhang

Service was definitely very slow. When we got there on a Saturday night, there was only 1 worker on the sushi stand, and 1 server filling our orders. For context, we ate outside. We waited a while until we even got to place our orders. (We only got the waiter to come to us because we had to walk inside the building and call for them) The food was very average, below average if I'll be honest. We ended up paying $14 for a pound of green onions and 6 small strips of beef 🤣 I also wasn't able to get a picture of it, but the takoyaki didn't even have octopus in them. Atmosphere was just very bland, no music at all.

Service was horrendous. They need way more than two waitresses for the whole place and I felt so bad for the waitresses because you could tell they were so stressed out. Food was only ok - portion sizes were incredibly disappointing. They did not match their pictures on their menu at all. Summary of what we got and what was good vs skip: rib eye skewers = SKIP, so bad salmon & avocado rice bowl = good, just really small portions & mostly rice curry udon = i’d recommend! best thing we had of the night, good portion size too Probably won’t come back, but happy we tried it

I sit outdoors and there are flies flying around. The skewers have extremely small portions. (Outrageously small). The urchin rice is nothing special (I wish there was more rice). The eggplant+taro dish is something special but I didn't like the taste (personal opinion).