Food & Drink

Sushi on a Budget: 13 Must-Try Cheap Eats in San Diego

San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and delicious food. One of the most popular cuisines in this city is sushi.

However, finding affordable sushi restaurants can be a challenge for budget-conscious diners.

That's why we've compiled a list of the best cheap sushi restaurants in San Diego.

These restaurants offer tasty sushi at reasonable prices, making them perfect for those who want to enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.

We've scoured the city to find the most delicious and affordable sushi restaurants.

From classic rolls to creative fusion dishes, these restaurants offer a variety of options to satisfy any sushi lover's cravings.

Whether you're a local looking for a new spot to eat or a visitor seeking a taste of San Diego's culinary scene, our guide to the best cheap sushi restaurants in San Diego will help you discover some of the city's hidden gems.

So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to explore the best affordable sushi restaurants in San Diego.

1. Sushi Deli 3

Sushi Deli 3
7986 Armour St, San Diego, CA 92111 (Google Maps)

Sushi Deli 3 is a hidden gem for sushi lovers on a budget. With a large menu of affordable options, this restaurant offers both traditional and experimental sushi rolls, poke bowls, and bento boxes.

The service is quick and attentive, and the outdoor patio is a comfortable place to dine.

Vegetarian options are available, and the portions are generous. Be prepared to wait during peak hours, but the food is definitely worth it.

Sushi Deli 3 is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious sushi without breaking the bank.

2. Yoshino's Japanese Restaurant

Yoshino's Japanese Restaurant
1790 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103 (Google Maps)

Looking for delicious and affordable sushi in town without compromising on quality and taste?

Look no further than Yoshino's Japanese Restaurant! This family-owned and operated eatery has been serving up traditional Japanese dishes and sushi for over 30 years, offering a wide variety of options to satisfy any craving.

The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the staff is friendly and attentive.

The food is fresh, authentic, and consistently excellent, with standout dishes like the Spicy Crunchy Roll and Calamari Tempura.

Whether you're a sushi lover or just looking for a great meal, Yoshino's Japanese Restaurant is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking delicious Japanese cuisine at an affordable price.

3. Ichiban

Ichiban
1449 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (Google Maps)

Ichiban is a cheap sushi restaurant that offers delicious and authentic Japanese cuisine.

Their inari is the best in town, and their sushi is surprisingly good, especially during happy hour. The staff is professional, and the service is outstanding.

They have a nice casual atmosphere, and their bento boxes and bowls are worth trying.

Although their food portions are on the smaller side, they offer great deals and are always worth a visit.

4. Todo Sushi

Todo Sushi
9823 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92126 (Google Maps)

Todo Sushi is a cheap sushi restaurant that offers creative and well-prepared sushi.

The service is good and the sushi chef sometimes hands out extras like stuffed jalapenos for free.

The presentation of the sushi is beautiful and the portions are generous. The menu has a lot of half-price options and the lunch specials are a great deal.

Todo Sushi is a casual Japanese sushi bar that serves inventive and carefully presented rolls.

5. Domo Kitchen

Domo Kitchen
9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92123 (Google Maps)

Domo Kitchen is a hidden gem for budget-friendly sushi and Chinese food. The family-owned restaurant is unassuming but serves up flavorful and well-prepared sushi rolls.

The California roll and Hot Lips Roll are highly recommended, and the lunch specials are a steal at $7.95.

The staff is friendly and attentive, making for a pleasant dining experience. The only downside is the small portion sizes for some dishes.

Parking can also be a hassle during peak hours. Nonetheless, Domo Kitchen is a great spot for a quick and tasty sushi fix without breaking the bank.

6. Pho & Sushi by Mai's Kitchen

Pho & Sushi By Mai's Kitchen
2852 Main St, San Diego, CA 92113 (Google Maps)

Pho & Sushi by Mai's Kitchen is a hidden gem for those who love affordable sushi.

This Vietnamese and sushi restaurant offers delicious and plentiful food. The service is friendly and attentive, and the bathrooms are clean.

However, be aware that they automatically put spicy mayo sauce on top of every sushi roll.

The pho broth is also worth trying. All in all, it's a great place to grab some tasty sushi without breaking the bank.

7. Matoi

Matoi
4212 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111 (Google Maps)

Matoi is a cheap sushi restaurant that offers an authentic Japanese dining experience. The knowledgeable chef prepares top-notch sushi that is both fresh and delicious.

The restaurant offers a comprehensive sake list and has a great vibe with a 90s hip hop playlist. The menu changes based on availability, ensuring a unique dining experience every time.

The staff provides traditional world-class service and the chef is more than happy to talk about the food.

The restaurant offers multi-course sushi meals including nigiri and sashimi, making it an upscale eatery for elevated sushi fare. Matoi is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic Japanese omakase experience.

8. Sushi Diner 2

Sushi Diner 2
10330 Friars Rd #114, San Diego, CA 92120 (Google Maps)

Sushi Diner 2 is a small and cozy sushi restaurant that offers great food at affordable prices.

Their sushi rolls are delicious and come in a variety of flavors. The Sushi Roll Combos are a great deal and allow customers to try different rolls.

The service is excellent and the staff is friendly. Although the restaurant can get warm, the food quality is not affected.

Sushi Diner 2 has a cool vibe and is perfect for those looking for a casual dining experience.

9. Sushi Deli 1

Sushi Deli 1
228 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103 (Google Maps)

Looking for affordable and delicious sushi in the city without sacrificing quality and taste, then look no further than Sushi Deli 1.

This sushi restaurant offers a wide variety of sushi rolls, ramen, noodle dishes, and curry at a very reasonable price.

They also have options for vegetarians, vegans, and fish eaters. The atmosphere is great, and the staff is friendly and quick to serve.

Sushi Deli 1 is definitely worth a visit for anyone who loves sushi and looking for a great value.

10. Gorilla Eats Sushi

Gorilla Eats Sushi
6334 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115 (Google Maps)

Gorilla Eats Sushi is a cheap sushi restaurant that offers delicious vegan options.

Their crunchy rolls are a must-try, even for non-vegans. The restaurant's tuna nigri and caterpillar roll are also highly recommended.

The food is so good that even a big sushi fan will have a hard time believing that the rolls are plant-based.

Gorilla Eats Sushi is definitely worth a visit for their tasty and affordable sushi options.

11. Kaki Sushi

Kaki Sushi
10428 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92124 (Google Maps)

Looking for a delicious and affordable sushi experience in San Diego that won't break the bank, Kaki Sushi is the place to be.

With refreshing drinks and friendly staff, this hidden gem will leave you wanting more.

The Kaki roll is a must-try and the teriyaki chicken is to die for. The restaurant has a humble decor and a quiet atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing meal.

Don't miss out on this amazing sushi restaurant that is sure to become popular in no time.

12. Kawaii Sushi

Kawaii Sushi
6171 Mission Gorge Rd # 103, San Diego, CA 92120 (Google Maps)

Kawaii Sushi is a hidden gem for sushi lovers on a budget. Despite its unassuming exterior, the quality of their sushi is impressive.

The menu offers a wide range of options, from classic nigiri to creative rolls with unique combinations of flavors. The service is friendly and attentive, making for a pleasant dining experience.

The restaurant also offers happy hour deals that are hard to resist. Although the decor is nothing special, the focus is on the food, and it definitely delivers.

Kawaii Sushi is a must-try for sushi aficionados looking for a great meal at an affordable price.

13. Osaka Japanese Food & Sushi

Osaka Japanese Food & Sushi
4242 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego, CA 92108 (Google Maps)

Osaka Japanese Food & Sushi is a cheap sushi restaurant that delivers great value for money. The food is of good quality, and the portions are generous.

The service is efficient and friendly, and the interior is clean and well-maintained. The special rolls are a bit pricier, but the appetizers are a great value.

The chefs roll the sushi up correctly, and the rolls don't fall apart. The only downside is that the building needs better air circulation.

If you're looking for affordable and delicious sushi, Osaka Japanese Food & Sushi is definitely worth a try.