Izakaya Masa

For our first dinner in San Diego we returned to Izakaya Masa which we couldn't get into last year but were able to enjoy this past May. Chef Masa Tsuruta helms the kitchen while his wife Yukari runs the front of house with a friendly and efficient staff. Together they put out a wide selection of Japanese pub dishes that are really tasty. We've enjoyed everything we've tried so far.

This is my favorite ramen place in San Diego! The waiter/servers are super nice and very quick! The wait varies especially when it's winter time. They have a lot of seats inside but kind of squished near each other. They used to offer small and large portions of ramen, which was nice when you didn't want to commit to a large bowl. Their sushi tastes pretty fresh and not too fishy like other sushi restaurants. The karaage and calamari are pretty good here too.

Step inside and be transported to a true to life Japanese bar. By far, my all time favorite Japanese restaurant. This is a longkept secret gem right cantered between Hillcrest and Mission Hills. Serving up Japanese favorites such as ramen and sushi. My favorite items are actually izakaya staples like takoyaki, grilled mackerel, grilled unigi, paired with a big glass of sapporo... or three. Friendly Japanese waitresses provide top-notch service.Add this to your must-go if you love all things Japan. 10/10

There was a line when we arrived but it wasn't a long wait. I enjoyed how fresh the sushi was. The ramen broth was lighter and alittle more oily than what I normally have fun it was very tasty. I loved the roasted garlic, it was fantastic. The service was quick and nice. I would recommend trying out this restaurant!

Wow this place is busy but I know why they do not take reservations you go put ur name down and wait to be called I thought I could just put my name and come back in 30 (had a drink at fort oak) when I came back they had already called me so when the lady says it's going to be a hour don't believe they were nice enough to call me next so no love lost food came out fast sushi was fresh calamari was lightly breaded delicious sushi fresh .

Real solid authentic Japanese food. I've always liked coming to this spot not only for the atmosphere of being in an Izakaya with friends & loved ones, but also for their delicious food. I had some Takoyaki (Fried balls with sauce and octopus on the inside), Shoyu Ramen and Hakata ramen. The takoyaki is a fantastic Japanese street food dish and it always hits the spot at this place. The Shoyu ramen provides a savory, more umami flavor that features spinach in the broth. Get the Hakata ramen if you like a "brighter" but deeper flavor due to their garnish which might be bitter for some. Service is great here, and all the staff are incredibly friendly and work to make you feel most welcome. Great place, and I will definitely continue being a regular here.

I do not wait at restaurants. This place is my exception and it's soooo worth it! This is the first time I truly felt transported back to Japan since I was there 20+ years ago. The menu is simple, the food is exquisite and there is absolutely no rush. You'll feel simultaneously like you're the only guests with the service and also part of the small bar experience that is a true izakaya. Put your snobby sushi vibes away and get the Katsu Roll and you will dream of it forevermore.

Izakaya Masa never disappoints. Great Ramen, great sushi and drinks. I love the cozy atmosphere. I been coming here for years and it has been very consistent.

Intimate, cozy, delightful, my favorite izakaya spot in SD. We walked over at 9pm and waited about 5 minutes for a seat at the bar. This is a no frills kind of place imo, but so worth it. I know exactly what I will order every time I come in. We always start with takowasa, Masa's fried chicken, and chukka karage. I usually get some type of sushi rolls, takoyaki, and depending on how hungry we are we add on from there.

I visited San Diego for Comic Con.I yelped and came here two nights in a row!On the first night, it took me to get in for an hour! But it's worth it to wait ! Food was great! And I loved the decor of the restaurant. It reminds me of my hometown. The owner and my server were kind and attentive!This Izakaya is definitely my bookmark restaurant in San Diego!