Sushi Itto

I’ve had Americanized sushi… Even that is an upgrade from what is served here! No flavor at all!
Blahhhh. I’ll try my luck with the million other sushi places in this town.

Sushi Itto is no more! I never got a chance to eat here and by the reviews I’ve read, I’m glad I never did. I was recently down by the Sushi Itto a few days ago and I have to inform everyone… the place has closed down.
It really looked as if they left in a hurry and by what was posted on the entrance, I’m sure they did. There was a huge «eviction» notice posted right on the door complete with SDPD approval. Whatever these guys did, they screwed up royally. They must not have paid their rent and were literally kicked out.

Horrible atrocious service…
Ive been here in the past on first dates, with friends, and the food is OK. My bitch is not about the food though its the SERVICE!
Me and a friend walked in to the place at 8:55 and sat down. Waiter waited a few minutes and dropped off our menus and took our drink order. The norm. Waiter comes back and brings my friend her water and beer… where the F is my beer? Waiter walks away. Okay I’m thinking at this point he is going back to get my drink… WRONG!
This guy walks away and ignores me and her the rest the time we sat there. I noticed a couple walk in at 9:10 and they were served their drinks and food before us.
Me and my friend made numerous attempts to grab his attention by either trying to call him over or making direct eye contact. Nope. He would look at us and just blow us off.
At 9:25 i decided it was enough and told the bus boy we were leaving because the waiter kept ignoring us! Waiter walks over to us and says, «Oh i forgot your drinks huh?» Really?
Well congrats waiter you have turned away this «prior» customer for good. Good job!
Save yourself the trouble and go across the street to Kazumi…

Don’t go!!!
Service sucks
Well service is nonexistent!

We should have done our research… but the partner-​in-​crime was hungry and I’m bad at making decisions, so we decided to wing it and ended up here.
First and foremost, I’ll give a star for having a parking lot and not having to deal with Hillcrest parking. Other than that though… nothing really impressed me. As other reviewers have mentioned, yes, a lot of their rolls include cream cheese. But as the menu points out, you can always order the roll without it. Come on, people!
Anyway, we ordered:
Fried Calamari appetizer — blech. The spicy dipping sauces it came with were good but that didn’t make up for how flavorless this tasted on its own.
Hooky at the Beach Roll (shrimp, avocado, cream cheese in a breaded roll) — Intriguing concept, but the breading completely overwhelmed everything else in the roll. Blech.
Coronado Roll (tempura shrimp, crab, avocado topped with scallops) — decent, my favorite of the three. And that’s saying a lot.
Some other roll that was new, couldn’t pronounce and I can’t even remember what was in it because I wasn’t that impressed.
For this amount of disappointment, it was a rather pricey meal. To top it off, we grabbed a handful of mints as we left (as usual), but they were all melted and stuck together. Really, Sushi Itto? Really?!

Jon and I ate here for dinner. It was around 6pm and there was barely anyone there, so we did not have to wait for a table (maybe that’s a bad thing?).
I was born and raised in San Diego and I have driven by this corner restaurant so many times, but tonight was my first time visiting Sushi Itto!
I ordered a Miso Soup, house salad and the Panama Roll. My order was delicious! The Miso soup had mushrooms in it (which is probably not very ‘authentic’ but it was good). Their house salad came with a delicious Ginger Soy dressing. And the Panama Roll, a very non-​traditional roll with cream cheese and bananas, was SO good!
My standards are not very high when it comes to Japanese food in San Diego… because obviously, the BEST Japanese food is in… well, JAPAN! When it comes to service… as long as my water and hot green tea is topped off without me asking, I’m happy. I’m sure on a very busy evening, it may have been different.
We had a great time at Sushi Itto… and we left happy and full.

Sushi Itto has some nontraditional rolls, many of which involve cream cheese. Some people have a strong reaction to the inclusion of cream cheese in sushi — I’m not one of them, so I have no issue. If you are anti-​cream cheese, just ask for the rolls without.
Hooky at the Beach is fried and delicious. I don’t know what’s on the top but it is damn tasty. Not your traditional fresh fish, but you can just balance it out with some sashimi or nigiri and you’ll get your fresh fix.
I have never had to wait very long for a table here, even with a large group which is nice. There is plenty of space, as opposed to many places in Hillcrest which are pretty tiny. I also enjoy the private parking lot. Sometimes you don’t want to deal with parking and waiting in line, and Itto will be there for you.

The service was alright… The time waiting not so much.
The sushi is really good actually… The chef took all the time in the world to make it perfect!
We ordered like 12 different sushi rolls… They had to serve them to us 2 party trays! Hahaha…
The final price for it was: $ 126 dollars for 4 people… kinda expensive. but we eat a lot. :P
I would go back if anyone asks again.

Take a first time sushi eater here, if you want to turn them off of sushi for life. Overpriced for extremely bland fish. The specialty sauces tasted like someone mixed soy sauce with Summer’s Eve. So I had to essentially coat all of my food with wasabi in order to make it palatable.
The waiter was obnoxious, and he wouldn’t quit staring at my friends crotch (I mean WTF dude!!!). The only good thing about this place was the hot waitress that we didn’t get.
BTW-​Meredith W. is a hipster lame.

If you don’t eat a lot of Sushi, you’ll enjoy the rolls here. They’re varied, inventive. And they have some mexican influences in some of the rolls. Kind of a nice fusion-​y feel. That’s if you’re unfamiliar with sushi.
But if you ARE familiar with sushi, you’ll recognize that a lot of their rolls just don’t seem to make a lot of sense. The house sauce probably has Ketchup in it. A lot of the rolls seem like re-​organized variations of other rolls.
The place isn’t terrible if you’re new to sushi. It seems like a very good beginners menu. But if you know what you like, there are easily 20 better places.
Also, both times Ive gone here, the house was relatively dead, and yet we still ended up waiting maybe 10 minutes longer than we should have. Just a thought.

Jason: Is this ketchup on my roll?
Waitress: No, that’s our special house sauce.
Jason: What’s in your special house sauce?
Waitress: Ketchup and soy sauce.
Yeah right lady. It was Heinz 57. The only reason you don’t get one star is because you were an unabashed liar. It was impressive.

A friend wanted sushi last night, so we popped in here to check it out. I’d actually heard great things, so I was kind of excited.
First and foremost, there were no Japanese people working here. Now, call me a purist, but I like my sushi chefs Japanese, my beer cold, and my homosexuals fuh-​laaaaaaming… but I digress. It’s not racial profiling, but seriously, Japanese cuisine prepared by Japanese chefs trained in the traditional Japanese art just seems more… appropriate or something. That being said, if these folks were well-​trained by a «purist», I could care less if they had purple skin and greeted us saying «Nanu nanu». But that soon became, clearly, not the case.
It was like they picked up «Sushi for Dummies» out of the discount rack at the local car wash and tried to self-​teach how to make sushi. The temperature was off (not very cold), the fish obviously not fresh (and this is in San Diego), the cuts were sloppy, and the assembly haphazard. If it tasted good, this could be forgiven… but the first roll was bland and the second one overpowered by the wasabi sauce that came on top of the roll.
Well, at least it was expensive… when the check came… ten minutes after we asked for it… when we were one of two tables there…
Boo.

AAAAAAND once again, I disagree with most of the too-​cool-​for-​school Unilocalers.
Came here with a few friends. The joint was pretty much empty, but that made me happy because I was starving and didn’t want to wait forever and a day for dinner! We started off with some gyoza and their grilled edamame. The gyoza was somewhat floppy — in that it was nearly impossible for me to pick up with the chopsticks. The grilled edamame was delicious — a little bit of spice by not overwhelming.
We got some basic crab and eel rolls, which were average — no different from anywhere else I’ve been to. But then again, they are basic rolls, so I wouldn’t expect them to be. We got a Rainbow Roll, which was delicious, light and fresh, the Soft Shell Crab Roll, which was excellent, and a few others that I can’t remember the name of off the top of my head. One had pineapple and sriracha (however it’s spelled) on it, that much I remember. I also got the Coronado Roll, which nearly killed me with its spice — but was still awesome). I read the description (shrimp, crab, scallops)…and neglected to see the sriracha… OOPS. That first bite had me coughing for about a minute and a half.
Yeah, I’m somewhat of a wimp when it comes to spice. I don’t care.
Our server was extremely friendly and the timing of when our rolls came out was excellent. I also want to recommend the Michelada as a drink — beer with some citrusy goodness in it. I have no idea exactly WHAT is in it, but it’s got some kick to it that was fun and refreshing. I also want to recommend the Tempura Ice Cream… DAMN. I normally don’t go for dessert when I’m out, but I’m glad I did last night. Vanilla ice cream with some fried goodness surrounding it, drizzled with chocolate sauce.
This is probably the 2^nd or 3^rd time I’ve been to Sushi Itto since moving here 3 years ago. I’ve always enjoyed the food, service, and of course the company of my friends. I don’t get all the hate on this place. I really, really don’t.

My first grade teacher was named mrs. ito. she was the cutest japanese lady ever. this place, although probably no relation, has taken her name and screwed her over, by pretending to be a decent japanese sushi joint.
strolled in here on a monday early dinner time. it was already dusk, and the place was fairly busy. but where the hell were the lights? None of the lights were on, but they were in full operation. so, we literally asked our waiter later. «can you turn on the lights?»
we were greeted and directed to a table. when we got to the table, it was dirty, and the place setting was as if someone decided to sit, and sat, and then decided to walk off. it felt very goldilocks and the three bears. «someone’s been at my place setting??!»
upon this discovery, the host flagged over the busboy to clean the table while we stood around watching. therefore, being able to be sit at a freshly bleached table that was wet. yum! that sounds appetizing! i love eating in an environment that smells like a mop bucket.
keep on going. well. we ordered. salmon sashimi. how can you go wrong. yes. i ordered the thin slice, but didn’t know it we be as thin as a carpaccio, and the salmon was not the crisp cold temp it should be. instead, it seemed like it was heated up?
miso soup has some fillas in with some dried shitake mushrooms, which made the broth incredibly salty.
a couple rolls. nothing special at all. i love sushi and even mind the hole in the wall places, that are cheap and decent. but expensive and crappy, well that I can’t handle.
so. finally this dining experience was coming to an end… and we just wanted our bill. after literally flagging over and doing S.O.S calls to the waitress, the bill came. Simple request: «Can you split the bill b/​w two cards?» — Sure! no problem!
Well. no that was a problem. Because splitting the bill, actually just meant to them charging the same card twice. geez. is it really that difficult?
I know.
fool me once. [the lights aren’t on] — shame on you.
fool me twice. [the table is already dirty] — shame on me.
shame on me over and over throughout my entire dining experience.
i’m sorry mrs. ito… that you could ever possibly be connected to such restaurant.

Definitely a different sort of sushi place, that’s for sure.
If you’re a sushi aficionado or disdain cream cheese in your sushi, I don’t recommend going here.
If you like trying things that step out of the box a bit — feel free to give this place a shot.
That said, while here — my favorite roll was Mi Calaverita — dipped in ponzu. It was a roll consisting of avocado, kakiage, cream cheese and chives with fresh salmon and chipotle sauce.
I also got to try the Krunch-​Itto — grilled smoked salmon, cream cheese, kakiage ad plantain w/​eel sauce — as well as the Ai Karai — fresh salmon, cucumber, avocado, pineapple, with seared tuna, wasabi mayo and topped with cilantro and sriracha sauce.
I expected the rolls to be non-​traditional… I expected busy rolls… but for the price, I have to be honest and say that I would’ve much rather gone somewhere traditional instead of here.
Mind you, the staff was nice, if not a bit awkward at times… but I’m not holding that against them. The food was edible… but I prefer my sushi to be a calm experience… unfortunately, electronica has the exact opposite effect on me.
I shared three rolls with Antonio G. and was ready to be out of there.
Thanks for the experience, Sushi Itto… but I don’t see myself coming back. If I ever crave rolls like these, I’d much rather make them at home.

So much hate on this place! It’s not so bad! Just know what you’re getting — not authentic sushi, but a mexican fusion which incorporates plantains and chipotle sauce.
Overall, I’d say this place is a solid 3.5 stars, but I’ll round up because our server was particularly nice.
The rolls were very interesting, and it makes for a nice change of pace. The deep fried plantains with cheese were awesome. Rolls were really busy, but well done. My favorite one had seared tuna on top with wasabi mayo.
All well and good, but this place is ‘SPENSIVE. 50 bucks for 3 rolls and an app, that doesn’t even include drinks and tip! That did include the new tax, though. :-/​
Not bad, just know what this place is about. And be prepared to SPEND.

I don’t know why everyone disses this place. I think you have to know what to order, and realize you are going for a different sushi experience. If you want standard, authentic sushi, Sushi Itto is not the place for you. The service is kind of weird, they bring out everything seperately, which somewhat disrupts the dining experience, but hey, you know this going to sushi itto, and you go anyways, for the best, and really the ultimate sushi-​mex fusion.
I’ve been going here since high school. I’m 25 now, so that’s about 8 years. Everytime I come home, I go to Sushi Itto. I order one roll that is no longer on the menu, it’s called «Mas de lo Mismo.» It’s very simple, but packed with flavor. Make sure you dip it in ponzu sauce, it’s the perfect combo.
Also, the marly roll, the panama roll, cuahemitto, otonitto, and hooky at the beach are good. The cheese skewers in this spiced, asian ketchup type sauce are addictive! Try those. Also, they have great fried rice, and this thing called a «rice triangle» that’s filled with cream cheese.
I will always love you, Sushi Itto.

I had dinner here for the first time the other night and thought it was okay. We got seated right away after rolling in at 9:45. I’m glad we got seated where we did because our server was awesome! I wish I got his name, he was definitely Mr. Personality and great at his job.
It was another night where I wasn’t that hungry (we were supposed to just go to Wine Lovers a couple spaces down, but he was hungry), so I was going to order one roll. When reviewing their specialty rolls, I wasn’t that impressed. I wanted something simple, shrimp tempura with crunch. The closest thing to it had other add ons including chipotle sauce (which was listed on a lot of their other rolls, yuck).
We asked our server if we can order such a thing and he said no problem. Our food came out and it was aight. It’s amazing how there were three sushi restaurants within this one block radius, talk about competition. I doubt I’d go back here since I’ve had way better sushi elsewhere. The saki and beer we shared did its job of giving me a good buzz though, a much needed one after the busy week I had at work… lol!

Any Unilocaler eating at this place after reading these reviews is a DAMN FOOL!
I’m not here to judge but christ on a cracker, go to Ono or Sushi Deli! Such masochists they are!

Sushi Itto was the brainchild of Mexico City expat Alberto Romano and his partner Juan Cory. Started in Hillcrest, it has now expanded to 8 countries… obviously people like it or it wouldn’t succeed.
For all you negative reviewers, let’s drink down a nice cold glass of reality here, along with a shot of sake and perhaps a XX Lager wtih a lime: Sushi Itto is NOT supposed to be typical authentic Japanese food! «Sniff sniff, they don’t stick to traditional ingredients,» you’re right they don’t– It’s supposed to have a Mexican twist on it.
Let’s get another couple of comparisions out of the way, before giving them a fair shot. It’s NOT Sushi Ota (amazingly fresh off the boat sushi prepared by Japanese trained sushi chefs) and it’s NOT Sushi Deli ($ 5 rainbow rolls, .99 cent nigiri, free sake with beer purchase) but it’s fun and different and is perfectly suited to funky Hillcrest and downtown, where people are all about the fusion.
I have been to Sushi Itto on many occasions, because my friends and sister love it. Below are the greatest hits, none include tempura of any kind, because tempura’ed sushi is blasphemous! Trust me and order them – they are OISHI!
–Scorpian’s Maki roll
–Dot com roll
–Spicy scallop handroll
–Tampico roll
–Yakimeshi rice with steak and chicken
Wash it all down with a Sapporo, and call it a day!