Welcome to Ikiru Japanese
At Ikiru Japanese, we believe in the art of authentic Japanese cuisine, where every dish tells a story. Nestled in San Diego, our casual dining setting fosters a warm atmosphere for families and friends alike. We pride ourselves on offering a diverse menu, catering to vegans and vegetarians without compromising flavor. Whether indulging in our handcrafted sushi or a comforting bowl of ramen, every bite is a celebration of tradition. With delivery, takeout, and a delightful happy hour, we're dedicated to making quality dining accessible. Join us to experience the harmony of taste and community at Ikiru Japanese.
- 2850 Womble Rd Ste 105 San Diego, CA 92106 United States Hotline: (619) 221-1228
Welcome to the world of flavor at Ikiru Japanese, a gem nestled in the heart of San Diego. Located at 2850 Womble Rd Ste 105, this restaurant transcends mere dining, offering an authentic taste of Japan that captivates both the casual diner and seasoned sushi enthusiast alike.
Ikiru Japanese not only serves exquisite dishes but also embodies a welcoming ambiance perfect for gatherings and casual dining. With a focus on accessibility, they ensure a plethora of options for everyone:
- Delivery and Takeout: Enjoy your favorite dishes at home.
- Reservations: For those who plan ahead.
- Vegan and Vegetarian Options: A treat for plant-based diners.
- Family-Friendly: Good for kids, making it easy to introduce them to the joys of sushi.
- Catering Services: Perfect for any occasion.
As you step inside, you’ll find the atmosphere is lively yet casual, the ideal backdrop for leisurely lunches or leisurely dinners with friends or family. The moderate noise level complements the dining experience without overwhelming the senses. Dress comfortably—this is a space meant for relaxation and enjoyment.
The menu at Ikiru Japanese is a celebration of traditional Japanese cuisine with a contemporary twist. From the delicate sushi rolls to the hearty ramen, each dish reflects meticulous preparation and a splash of creativity. The happy hour specials are not to be overlooked, offering a chance to indulge in refreshing drinks from their selective beer and wine list, perfectly paired with your meal.
Each bite tells a story, evoking the intricate flavors of Japan while showcasing the freshest ingredients. The customer experience is further elevated with conveniences such as Wi-Fi, acceptance of various payment methods (credit cards, Android Pay, Apple Pay), and the welcoming gesture of allowing dogs on the patio—ensuring you feel at home in this charming establishment.
Whether you’re a local or visiting San Diego, Ikiru Japanese invites you to immerse yourself in a culinary adventure that goes beyond just food. It’s a place where flavor profiles intermingle and friendships blossom over shared plates. So why not gather your loved ones, embrace the casual vibe, and experience a dining escapade that celebrates the essence of Japanese culture?
For reservations or more information, you can reach them at (619) 221-1228. Your exceptional meal awaits at Ikiru Japanese!

Me and my dad have been going to this spot for years, my dad longer than me though. I started coming here young before I started eating fish or any actual sushi yet and started out with teriyaki chicken bowls here which is great, but the sushi here is phenomenal and always has been. The fish is always very fresh. The ramen and appetizers as well, can't really pinpoint anything negative food wise. The service is also on point and great, usually at the sushi bar there will be a sushi chef named John working (Usually wearing a beanie), nice to chat with and can provide further insight regarding the food. As well as the waitresses and waiters always checking and paying attention consistently. The ambiance is very lively most of the time, me and my dad have to get there right at 5:00 PM as they open for dinner time just to get two spots at the sushi bar, because the place floods and fills up with customers in a snap of a finger on weekends about 99.9% of the time, even on weekdays too a lot. Me nor my dad have never left Ikiru dissatisfied. All pros, only con is maybe it can be pricey depending the individual(s).

Delicious and fresh sushi! We came here for a quick dinner while visiting San Diego as it was 10 minute drive from our hotel. We were greeted by friendly staff. My children got the teriyaki chicken bento box. My husband and I enjoyed the sushi and sashimi combo. It consisted of toro tuna, salmon, hamachi and other fresh fishes. We knew we were in for a treat when we saw the fresh wasabi. This will be our new go to spot when we visit San Diego. This is a must try!

This is my favorite sushi restaurant in San Diego, truly, and I have tried quite a few. They have extremely fair pricing for amazing quality of fish and I've never had a bad experience with them. All of their roles and nigiri are fantastic. So good, in fact, I get Ikiru almost every Friday. This small business deserves all of the hype.

Wanted a light lunch--swung by at 12:10 PM on a Sunday and we were able to be seated immediately for two people. There's a good variety of options on the menu--I decided to go with the Orange Crush roll after scrolling through reviews. It was delicious--salmon sashimi was fresh with the creamy scallop filling and crunchy cucumber, and the rice was well cooked. Space is no frills, service is fast, and food is authentic with fresh fish. Great option for sushi in SD--would love to come back and try more items on the menu.

Stayed at a hotel nearby and while walking around we found this little gem. It was packed inside so we added ourselves to the waitlist. Walked around a little more while we waited. We were sat down within 20 min. Servers were extremely friendly and attentive. The food was quick and packed with flavor. The rolls were fresh and ramen was yummy. Got the miso ramen (for our son) - we usually get spicy. But everything was a hit. Definitely would come back.

Love this restaurant. Usually get the same two servers and they are amazing at their job. Small restaurant but lots of seats as well as sushi bar seats. Have never had to wait. I've tried all their lunch bentos as well as their spicy miso ramen (yummm!), no complaints here. Their prices are fair as well.

I've been here 3 or 4 times now on date nights, and it's been consistently delicious. The restaurant is small (maybe 10 tables and a little sushi bar), which gives it an intimate vibe. The servers are both friendly and great at what they do. We've tried a bunch of their rolls and sashimi, and enjoyed them all, but I'd have to say that the Hawaiian roll is my favorite.

Old review from 4/2023 that is long overdue. Was at a painting class in Liberty Station Market and got so hungry afterwards and found this place within walking distance and they weren't allowing anyone to dine inside cause it was almost closing time so had to get it all to-go. Food was quite delicious and presentation was nice for it being in a takeaway container. Can't believe this place has been here for 15 years and looks so new. For sure will come back to dine in next time.

Lots of parking and cute quaint place, food was quickly served and high quality. The service was very friendly and helpful, I would return. Very cheap California rolls as well which wasn't expected but appreciated. The location is very clean and pretty