Hino

This place was the perfect, random end to my 13th anniversary. Saw it online and decided to give it a try. Man, was I ever satisfied! The skewers here taste incredibly distinct (and way better) compared to other spots that serve Yakitori in San Diego.The menu is mostly ala carte with a few prepared dishes next to a good selection of meat and veggie skewers. They also serve Sapporo on draught and a few different sake and soju varieties. I have never been to Japan, but if I had to guess I would say this is as close as you can get without crossing The Pacific. Wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

This is such an amazing place! Everything that I have tried (and believe me I have had almost the entire menu) is absolutely delicious! Hands down the best yakitori restaurant around

Delicious food and excellent service. My favorite, pork belly and beef tongue, liver is also a good choice but not for everyone.

First time here and seriously enjoyed the food. The food are in skewers and are designed to go with your beer or sake. We sat at the bar and did not have to wait at all. The servers were super friendly and attentive. I noticed that on the wall we're coat hangers available for your jacket or coat. This place is small but I believe it was designed that way.

Excellent Wow, so good. Apparently so good a reservation is advised. Only maybe 30 people may dine. We had a few items, I cook myself and usually am not impressed. Everything was so delicious (oishi)

Literally the best food experience I've ever had. Everything was cooked to perfection for what it was. Had nearly the whole menu. Drinks are strong. Had a fruity sake variety and a Sapporo. Very small charming inside decor with Japanese aesthetic. Basically tapas/appetizers for those unfamiliar with this style.

The best to ever do it in the city of san diego. Eating here feels like I never left japan. The food and service is fast and efficient. One of san diego's very best kept secret. The cleanliness of the bathroom is also top notch.

Small unassuming place. But you sit right up front and get to see a Master at work. Taking individual care of each piece he creates just for you. The food was absolutely wonderful. I plan on going back before I leave. The prices are absolutely affordable, especially in today's economy. Overall a 5 🌟 and a must visit place to eat in San Diego. Loved it!! 👍

Flavorful, delicious, marvelous Japanese izakaya food. This place is such a gem, and the service is also very sweet. We had such a memorable meal with good variety, and everything was well executed, which is so rare. Beats all the New York izakayas I've been to, and prob the SF ones too. Can't wait to go back here.

This is authentic Japanese cuisine... How do I know? Well, everyone, including the customers, was speaking Japanese. Fortunately, so did my native born Japanese friend. The only word I know in Japanese ends in "Roboto" from an 80's pop song. Without my friend, I may not have had the courage to discover this culinary treasure. We were the first customers there this beautiful Easter night. The place is tiny and dark. The waitress greeted us in Japanese and seated us at the counter. We were handed an electronic menu from which to order. We came that night for the meat skewers and my friend ordered for me. The menu is in English with photos and descriptions. You order on the electronic pad, and the order is cooked fresh in front of you. On this night, it was cooked by the very gifted owner of the restaurant. Each skewer is cooked and immediately served to you, and if you like it, you can push the menu button on the pad and order another one or some other choice. Which is good and bad, as we kept ordering because it was so good and bad because we kept ordering because it was so good. I never eat offal, but tonight I did... wow... delicious. We kept ordering, and the kind chef kept cooking. Customers came in, and it seemed everyone spoke Japanese. It's not the most fancy restaurant but for a solid, authentic feel and fresh authentic food. This very understated restaurant is worth the visit, whether you are an American English speaker or a Japanese speaker. Domo Arigato...

Cozy and intimate spot. The food was very delicious and service was great.

One of the best late night places. I love the baby scallop special! You cannt get the smell and taste of the authentic japanese skewers on the charcoal from any other places. Beef tongue here have been amazing as usual. A rare find here is the chicken skin which is also amazing.

Incredible food, this place is a hidden gem. Everything is so tasty from the sake to the apps. Every yakitori is excellent- loved the eel, chicken thighs, and sweet eggplant

Some of the best yakitori I've had in San Diego so far. Must tries are the bacon wrapped enoki and karaage chicken. My husband loved the takoyaki soup, I was extremely satisfied with everything I ordered. Happy hour specials are pretty 🔥. Service was attentive but not overly so. All in all I totally recommend.

Came here all the time when I was in San Diego for college. No reason not to come back when I’m back in town. The beef tongue, meatballs and chicken thighs are my favorite! Must try if you are into authentic Japanese grilled skewers 💕

This Yakotori restaurant is simply amazing. I feel like I am in Japan, and the food almost makes me want to cry. It’s that good. It’s a bit pricey- but well worth it. Everything on the menu is delicious, and cooked with perfection. Michelin should rate this restaurant!

Really good place to eat after work.

Everything was perfectly seasoned and grilled, and the saba was melt in your mouth delicious! Unfortunately, I didn’t take photos, except for the saba - a prepared mackerel. As a little treat, we also ordered the chawan mushi - a savory soup/custard with shrimp and mushroom.

Wowowow what an amazing restaurant. Delicious yakitori and the most amazing staff. Cant wait to go back and eat a lot!!!

Elwood Nickerson

This is authentic Japanese cuisine... How do I know? Well, everyone, including the customers, was speaking Japanese. Fortunately, so did my native born Japanese friend. The only word I know in Japanese ends in "Roboto" from an 80's pop song. Without my friend, I may not have had the courage to discover this culinary treasure. We were the first customers there this beautiful Easter night. The place is tiny and dark. The waitress greeted us in Japanese and seated us at the counter. We were handed an electronic menu from which to order. We came that night for the meat skewers and my friend ordered for me. The menu is in English with photos and descriptions. You order on the electronic pad, and the order is cooked fresh in front of you. On this night, it was cooked by the very gifted owner of the restaurant. Each skewer is cooked and immediately served to you, and if you like it, you can push the menu button on the pad and order another one or some other choice. Which is good and bad, as we kept ordering because it was so good and bad because we kept ordering because it was so good. I never eat offal, but tonight I did... wow... delicious. We kept ordering, and the kind chef kept cooking. Customers came in, and it seemed everyone spoke Japanese. It's not the most fancy restaurant but for a solid, authentic feel and fresh authentic food. This very understated restaurant is worth the visit, whether you are an American English speaker or a Japanese speaker. Domo Arigato...

Yandong Li

One of the best late night places. I love the baby scallop special! You cannt get the smell and taste of the authentic japanese skewers on the charcoal from any other places. Beef tongue here have been amazing as usual. A rare find here is the chicken skin which is also amazing.

Anna Cogswell

Incredible food, this place is a hidden gem. Everything is so tasty from the sake to the apps. Every yakitori is excellent- loved the eel, chicken thighs, and sweet eggplant

Jeannette Maldonado

Some of the best yakitori I've had in San Diego so far. Must tries are the bacon wrapped enoki and karaage chicken. My husband loved the takoyaki soup, I was extremely satisfied with everything I ordered. Happy hour specials are pretty 🔥. Service was attentive but not overly so. All in all I totally recommend.

steve young lee

Really good place to eat after work.

Justin Zhu

Came here all the time when I was in San Diego for college. No reason not to come back when I’m back in town. The beef tongue, meatballs and chicken thighs are my favorite! Must try if you are into authentic Japanese grilled skewers 💕

John W (Live Love Ride Eat)

This Yakotori restaurant is simply amazing. I feel like I am in Japan, and the food almost makes me want to cry. It’s that good. It’s a bit pricey- but well worth it. Everything on the menu is delicious, and cooked with perfection. Michelin should rate this restaurant!

Laura Miya

Everything was perfectly seasoned and grilled, and the saba was melt in your mouth delicious! Unfortunately, I didn’t take photos, except for the saba - a prepared mackerel. As a little treat, we also ordered the chawan mushi - a savory soup/custard with shrimp and mushroom.

Michael Leigh

Wowowow what an amazing restaurant. Delicious yakitori and the most amazing staff. Cant wait to go back and eat a lot!!!

I had such a fantastic dinner here, everything we ordered was fresh, filling, and delicious. The hostess and staff team were warm and welcoming — I’ll be back ❤️

Get the pork shiso with plum and duck breast yakitori, add deep fries octopus and mentaiko cream udon, then end with kinako ice cream!

Best yakitori in town, huge selection of sake and soju. Easily my #1 recommended bar to friends and family

Tessa Antalan

Get the pork shiso with plum and duck breast yakitori, add deep fries octopus and mentaiko cream udon, then end with kinako ice cream!

Sean Stevenson

Best yakitori in town, huge selection of sake and soju. Easily my #1 recommended bar to friends and family

Jessica Mazzo

I had such a fantastic dinner here, everything we ordered was fresh, filling, and delicious. The hostess and staff team were warm and welcoming — I’ll be back ❤️

Marvin Mallari

First time here and seriously enjoyed the food. The food are in skewers and are designed to go with your beer or sake. We sat at the bar and did not have to wait at all. The servers were super friendly and attentive. I noticed that on the wall we're coat hangers available for your jacket or coat. This place is small but I believe it was designed that way.

I love coming to this place. They do yakitori (coal grilled meats). While small, there's typically enough seating, especially towards the latter half of the night. They have a great dish I always get, fried smelt. They're like fried minnows/anchovies. You can eat the whole fish, head and all, and it doesn't taste fishy. It's a great start and goes great with beer. Yakitori Hino's grilled meats are great as well and always fresh tasting and tender. The beer price is great as well. The beer is a sticking point for me and why I can't completely embrace this place: they only serve one (1) beer, Sapporo. They have a great selection of sake, but just only one beer on draft sucks, especially in the craft beer market of San Diego. (Sapporo and 3 other brands dominate in Japan.)

Though under the same ownership (I believe) as Yakitori Taisho, Hino has more of sushi bar feel whereas Taisho has more authentic Japanese Izakaya. I felt Taisho had a bit more yakitori selections than Hino. But, Hino had better sake options including sake flights.

Good food but a bit pricey. Great atmosphere, loved the relaxed nature. Not sure if I would go back, just because of the price.

Went on a Monday night and was able to be seated right away. Place is small so I can see how it can be busy fast. Staff were friendly and interactive. I like the iPad idea to order, had some technical issue but it happens all the time with technology. Overall, I liked the quality of the food but it menu felt very limited no pork options and the beef selection was only two. Food was also a bit pricey. Enjoyed the food very well and had a great experience overall.

lina najeeb

Went on a Monday night and was able to be seated right away. Place is small so I can see how it can be busy fast. Staff were friendly and interactive. I like the iPad idea to order, had some technical issue but it happens all the time with technology. Overall, I liked the quality of the food but it menu felt very limited no pork options and the beef selection was only two. Food was also a bit pricey. Enjoyed the food very well and had a great experience overall.

Pretty much a good Asian quick meal. A good selection of different Asian food with a Japanese bias. I was in the area so decided to try it. My father a Nisei so I can’t help but try. It’s one of those places where you order and then sit. The menu is pretty diverse. I had tempura the lady had teriyaki. The tempura batter was good and crispy. The vegetables were varied. The rice was decent. The salad was a definite disappointment basically a iceberg lettuce with a small amount of bland dressing. The teriyaki met the lady’s needs. Decent portion. I wouldn’t come here as a destination. If I was in the area and wanted a quick meal in a clean environment I’d try it again

Anthony Mori

Pretty much a good Asian quick meal. A good selection of different Asian food with a Japanese bias. I was in the area so decided to try it. My father a Nisei so I can’t help but try. It’s one of those places where you order and then sit. The menu is pretty diverse. I had tempura the lady had teriyaki. The tempura batter was good and crispy. The vegetables were varied. The rice was decent. The salad was a definite disappointment basically a iceberg lettuce with a small amount of bland dressing. The teriyaki met the lady’s needs. Decent portion. I wouldn’t come here as a destination. If I was in the area and wanted a quick meal in a clean environment I’d try it again

I'm sad to say that this Yakitori place pales in comparison to Yakyudori, an establishment just down the street. Food: For whatever reason, the yakitori itself seems to be less flavorful and lacks the kind of impact that I've now become accustomed to. Staff: The staff is very friendly and service was quick. Is the experience here bad? Not at all; I had a great time and enjoyed my meal. However, considering the competition, I would choose other places first.

Local, casual Japanese restaurant serving grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables on wooden skewers. Also offering rice bowls and other small dishes. Nice place for a relaxing happy hour. Ordering the small dishes in batches is easy with the iPad interface / menu. The iPad allowed us to sample different dishes, space out the ordering to see how full people were getting, and conveniently request refills on ice-cold beer. The gyoza was popular. The wrappers had a balance of a crisp sear and softness. The pork shiso and beef skewers were juicy and cooked well. Recommend using some of the restaurant’s chili oil for a bit of spice. The scallops with fish eggs and wasabi on a piece of nori were nice bites. The thin-sliced A5 wagyu carpaccio was served over a bed of raw onions and a tasty shoyu mix. The various chicken skewer options were soft bites, but had very little char to enhance their flavor. The beef rice bowl was temperature hot and served with shoyu / raw egg mix to pour over the dish.

KakuBites

Local, casual Japanese restaurant serving grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables on wooden skewers. Also offering rice bowls and other small dishes. Nice place for a relaxing happy hour. Ordering the small dishes in batches is easy with the iPad interface / menu. The iPad allowed us to sample different dishes, space out the ordering to see how full people were getting, and conveniently request refills on ice-cold beer. The gyoza was popular. The wrappers had a balance of a crisp sear and softness. The pork shiso and beef skewers were juicy and cooked well. Recommend using some of the restaurant’s chili oil for a bit of spice. The scallops with fish eggs and wasabi on a piece of nori were nice bites. The thin-sliced A5 wagyu carpaccio was served over a bed of raw onions and a tasty shoyu mix. The various chicken skewer options were soft bites, but had very little char to enhance their flavor. The beef rice bowl was temperature hot and served with shoyu / raw egg mix to pour over the dish.

Overpriced and the chicken tasted wild. Wouldn't recommend you visiting here,

This was a gem–easy to be seated on a Friday night, drinks with the staff, late nights kind of place. They were written up on a best of SD from a major publication and unfortunately the place has changed. TBH, the quality of food consistently coming off the grill has gotten better, better than its sister down the road, but the gem that this place was is lost. No more easy seating, no more staff interaction, and the biggest concern of all, the prices have doubled. So here I am, back to a search for smokey bar where I can sit all night and not cough up an entire days pay.

Robert Raad

This was a gem–easy to be seated on a Friday night, drinks with the staff, late nights kind of place. They were written up on a best of SD from a major publication and unfortunately the place has changed. TBH, the quality of food consistently coming off the grill has gotten better, better than its sister down the road, but the gem that this place was is lost. No more easy seating, no more staff interaction, and the biggest concern of all, the prices have doubled. So here I am, back to a search for smokey bar where I can sit all night and not cough up an entire days pay.

I used to have really good impression for this restaurant, until last time when I came there and they raised the price unacceptably. Also last time we have 6 people in total and they put us next to the door. I dont know how they designed the circulation system but all the smoke came to us, which gave us a horrible experience.

Would love to be able to rate this place fairly, but to be fair we were not even given the chance to dine there. There is no way to make reservation online, there is no way to leave a voicemail, and despite calling and letting it ring forever, nobody picks up the phone. It was surprising then that, even being first in line when they opened we found they don’t let anyone without a reservation. Very disappointing and frankly unprofessional

I called to ask how long for the wait time. The host said no wait time. We showed up within 15 minutes. Then asked to wait. I don’t mind waiting for a table but be honest. We chose to go there because of the “no wait.”

Dont go when you are hungry because they mess up their wait list sooooo much. They dont cross people’s names off when they are called and end up letting people who arrived way after others in. I would not wait in line for this place again. Not worth the wait given there are so many other good japanese places in the area.

They are so rude. Ingnoring people. Pretend not seeing you when already made eye contact. Not welcoming at all. Maybe they don’t like people within some particular groups.

On Sunday, September 5, 2021, I was greeted with a poor attitude from an employee I did not recognize. I frequently eat here, as this is my favorite restaurant. My best friend and her boyfriend were visiting me from Atlanta, Georgia. We arrived a few minutes before they opened and asked for a table for three. The waitress informed us that we needed a reservation b/c they were really busy that day. I looked around and saw all of the empty tables and said okay, can you add us to the list? She said that she would and that the earliest she could seat us was 8:30 pm. By now, it was 6:08 pm. I told her that that was fine and then she went to talk to a chef and informed me that we couldn't be seated at all. We were refused service due to their many reservations. We left in disappointment, and I thought to myself, "I wonder what would happen if I called instead." I called and made a reservation under my name for a table for four just in case they remembered the three of us. The gentleman that I spoke with said that that was fine and the earliest we could be seated was 6:45 pm. We went back and the waitress looked like she saw ghosts. We had a great time although our server did not wait on us. The food was amazing, per usual, and I paid the bill in full without tipping b/c of the unprofessional behavior I experienced earlier in the evening. After heading to my car, the waitress and a manager came following after us and asked why didn't I leave a tip. I explained the entire situation at hand and the manager apologized before proceeding back inside the restaurant. Fast forward to today, almost one month later, Sunday, October 3, 2021. I called with my cellphone, which is what I used to make the reservation the first time. Without asking my name, I was told that I am no longer welcomed at Hino b/c I did not tip the server more than one time. Not only was management given false information, but they did not correct the new server for her poor quality of service. Very sad for business and sad to be happening here in the San Diego area.

They ask customers not to post anything positive, so here I am with a glorious one-star review! This is the best yakitori I've been to though, and that's not just in San Diego. My default items to calm my yakitori addiction are chicken hearts, chicken veins, pork neck, beef tongue, shishamo, and shiitake. I always have to get the takowasa too to go with my nigori. However, back to the one-star review, don't try this place because it will crowd the space and prevent us regulars from coby without having to wait.

Experience of Discrimination To say I am disappointed with my recent encounter at this restaurant would be a gross understatement. My experiences here have devolved from pleasant to absolutely abhorrent in the blink of an eye. This review aims to shed light on an unfortunate incident that has left me feeling unfairly treated, humiliated, and discriminated against. My previous two visits to this restaurant were enjoyable - the food was satisfactory and the ambiance, serene. As a patron who values a rich culinary experience paired with a side of entertainment, I often enjoy my meals while watching videos on my iPad - a harmless habit, I believed, as no explicit rules against it were stated. However, my latest attempt to reserve a table resulted in an unexpectedly shocking phone call from the head chef, who arbitrarily cancelled my reservation due to my use of an iPad during meals and alleged under-tipping. The head chef claimed that I tipped 10%, however, I have clear memory of tipping 15% on a $110 bill - an amount generally accepted as a standard tip in the restaurant industry. He then proceeded to dismissively explain that their restaurant's clientele usually tips at least 18% and concluded, rather rudely, that my under-tipping was indicative of my dissatisfaction with their services, hence I was unwelcome in the future. No one in the restaurant had ever addressed these so-called concerns during my previous visits, nor was there any signage indicating a mandatory minimum tip or policy against the use of personal electronic devices. When I visited the restaurant later that evening to seek clarification, the head chef doubled down on his baseless accusations, and even went as far as to threaten to call the police if I ever attempted to dine there again. I was left flabbergasted and humiliated. The cherry on top of this ghastly experience was the chef's claim that my presence would potentially disrupt the dining experiences of his "regular" customers and those customers are more important than me - suggesting an appalling favoritism and discriminatory selection of clientele. This is not the ethos of a public dining establishment. I write this review as an international student in the United States, feeling unjustly targeted and lacking the means to fight against such unfair practices. I hope this account of my experience alerts potential customers to the discriminatory practices, appalling attitude, and patron screening at this establishment. This restaurant is more akin to a private club, selectively catering to certain customers and actively rejecting new ones, rather than a public dining venue. I urge Google to consider removing this establishment from its maps. It does not deserve to be classified as a restaurant. It is a private club in disguise, operating under the pretense of a public eatery, and should be recognized as such. This is a call for justice and fair treatment. No one deserves to be subjected to such an unjust, degrading, and utterly inhumane experience. This establishment's appalling treatment of its patrons should not go unnoticed.

Melissa Chu

They ask customers not to post anything positive, so here I am with a glorious one-star review! This is the best yakitori I've been to though, and that's not just in San Diego. My default items to calm my yakitori addiction are chicken hearts, chicken veins, pork neck, beef tongue, shishamo, and shiitake. I always have to get the takowasa too to go with my nigori. However, back to the one-star review, don't try this place because it will crowd the space and prevent us regulars from coby without having to wait.

Baishui Hu

Experience of Discrimination To say I am disappointed with my recent encounter at this restaurant would be a gross understatement. My experiences here have devolved from pleasant to absolutely abhorrent in the blink of an eye. This review aims to shed light on an unfortunate incident that has left me feeling unfairly treated, humiliated, and discriminated against. My previous two visits to this restaurant were enjoyable - the food was satisfactory and the ambiance, serene. As a patron who values a rich culinary experience paired with a side of entertainment, I often enjoy my meals while watching videos on my iPad - a harmless habit, I believed, as no explicit rules against it were stated. However, my latest attempt to reserve a table resulted in an unexpectedly shocking phone call from the head chef, who arbitrarily cancelled my reservation due to my use of an iPad during meals and alleged under-tipping. The head chef claimed that I tipped 10%, however, I have clear memory of tipping 15% on a $110 bill - an amount generally accepted as a standard tip in the restaurant industry. He then proceeded to dismissively explain that their restaurant's clientele usually tips at least 18% and concluded, rather rudely, that my under-tipping was indicative of my dissatisfaction with their services, hence I was unwelcome in the future. No one in the restaurant had ever addressed these so-called concerns during my previous visits, nor was there any signage indicating a mandatory minimum tip or policy against the use of personal electronic devices. When I visited the restaurant later that evening to seek clarification, the head chef doubled down on his baseless accusations, and even went as far as to threaten to call the police if I ever attempted to dine there again. I was left flabbergasted and humiliated. The cherry on top of this ghastly experience was the chef's claim that my presence would potentially disrupt the dining experiences of his "regular" customers and those customers are more important than me - suggesting an appalling favoritism and discriminatory selection of clientele. This is not the ethos of a public dining establishment. I write this review as an international student in the United States, feeling unjustly targeted and lacking the means to fight against such unfair practices. I hope this account of my experience alerts potential customers to the discriminatory practices, appalling attitude, and patron screening at this establishment. This restaurant is more akin to a private club, selectively catering to certain customers and actively rejecting new ones, rather than a public dining venue. I urge Google to consider removing this establishment from its maps. It does not deserve to be classified as a restaurant. It is a private club in disguise, operating under the pretense of a public eatery, and should be recognized as such. This is a call for justice and fair treatment. No one deserves to be subjected to such an unjust, degrading, and utterly inhumane experience. This establishment's appalling treatment of its patrons should not go unnoticed.

Honestly, probably the worst service I’ve received so far. First we were moved from a perfectly good table in the front to a table all the way in the back. Once we ordered, we received everything within 10-15min of each item. We were never asked if the food was good or if we were missing anything. We spent 50mins and our food order was still not complete. I canceled the remaining skewers, paid, and left. No sort of apology was given by staff or any sort of management. I’d look for other skewer type restaurants before eating here.

Josh Aguilar

Honestly, probably the worst service I’ve received so far. First we were moved from a perfectly good table in the front to a table all the way in the back. Once we ordered, we received everything within 10-15min of each item. We were never asked if the food was good or if we were missing anything. We spent 50mins and our food order was still not complete. I canceled the remaining skewers, paid, and left. No sort of apology was given by staff or any sort of management. I’d look for other skewer type restaurants before eating here.