Sushi MARU

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Jeremy Wongvia Google

11 days ago

Heard about this place from a friend and was not disappointed! They have two set dinner services so you have to make a reservation in advance. Small restaurant with an inconspicuous entrance that just says "Maru" on the door. Walking in, you are greeted and taken to your designated seat(s). Darker, upscale-looking interior. Countertop seating with about 14 seats. The waitress gave us a drink menu to look over and offered suggestions based on our preferences. We got the Hon Kid sake which was light and sweet. Chef Maru welcomed us in and began the service, briefly describing each course one by one. The wait staff would clean our "eating block" after each nigiri and clear our dishes between each course as needed. Large variety in seafood and dishes, and the ingredients were all very quality and fresh. Chef Maru and one waitress took the time to get to know the diners, which made the experience more personable. Everything was prepared and seasoned wonderfully! Finished the night with dessert, which was hojicha ice cream with a strawberry - the ice cream was creamy and the flavor was nutty and warm. Would very much recommend for a special occasion!

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Gustavo Penavia Google

about 1 month ago

Sushi MARU in San Diego is an absolute must-try for any sushi lover! My wife and I had an amazing experience, and the customer service was a huge part of it. From the moment we walked in, we felt like VIPs. The staff were attentive, personalized, and incredibly friendly. They took the time to explain each dish, answer our questions, and even offered recommendations for sake pairings. It was clear that Chef Maru and his team are passionate about delivering an unforgettable experience. The 20-course omakase was a culinary journey, with dishes crafted using the freshest seafood from Japan and local produce from Chino Farms. Highlights included the melt-in-your-mouth nigiri, braised sea eel, and bluefin tuna. The ambiance was serene and elegant, with a cozy counter seating area perfect for a special night out. If you're in San Diego, don't miss it!

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Karoline Lvia Google

3 months ago

My fiancé & I were running 30 mins late to our 5:30 reservation. After emailing them in a frantic to let them know, (they do not have a phone # to call, which I believe is intentional and just adds to the experience because they want you to focus on the meal and not be distracted), chef Maru was so unbelievably kind and waited for us to arrive before beginning the meal (big apologies and thanks to the family of 3 for waiting for us as well!). Although there were a couple pieces I could've done without, I was impressed by all the flavors from the starter and appetizer down to the dessert, which was simply WOW and out of this world. The waiter was also great in his recommendations for sakes. The whole experience was divine and lovely; from the moment you walked in to when you leave, you are treated like family. They were so easy to talk to and even recommended other food places to check out for our last day in San Diego (definitely make a res for Callie too). The interior design is simple and sleek, yet impactful. You can tell everyone working there loves what they do and want to bring you a fine dining experience, which is what Sushi MARU is. Chef Maru is knowledgeable and passionate about his craft and explains each piece so well. Most of his fish pieces are not what you normally get at typical omakase places, but that is what makes this place unique in its own way. Some of our favorite pieces were the seabass and Toro Takuan (both of which we ordered additional pieces of). They also allowed us to try both the San Diego uni and uni from Japan. I love that they also source ingredients from local spots. This was my favorite meal of my San Diego trip (beating Sushi Ota by a hair though). If I ever find myself in S.D. again, I'll be sure to make my way to Maru. Do yourself a favor and dine at Maru for an unforgettable omakase experience. Well worth the money, time, and visit!

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Yeji Sohvia Google

3 months ago

I had an amazing experience at Sushi Maru. The sushi rice was perfectly seasoned and so delicious — you can really taste the care that goes into it. They use fresh, seasonal fish, which makes each piece unique. Great downtown location that’s easy to walk to. The staffs and Maru San himself were all super friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend!

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Tokiko Crawfordvia Google

6 months ago

Delicious, delicious, delicious! I love the presentation, and the atmosphere of the restaurant is amazing! Every piece of nigiri was delicious, and the chef explained the fish to us. The staff were very kind. We had a wonderful dinner.