Izakaya Masa - San Diego

This place is overrated. I genuinely do not understand the raving reviews for this restaurant. That being said, my review reflects my opinion of the restaurant independent of these aforementioned expectations.There was a line at opening, so they definitely have a following. If you want to get in, you should come in early. However, they didn't fill all of the tables. Maybe they're short-staffed. Food: The have an extensive menu, which I appreciated because everyone in my party was able to find something to order. The prices were also relatively reasonable. However, the food was mediocre and surprisingly very salty for some dishes.Ambiance: It was very traditional in there, though the tables were fairly small, and the lighting was fairly dark where we were seated. Nonetheless, I liked how the decor reflected the energy of the restaurant.Service: Besides the food, another reason I had a subpar experience for this place was because of the service. The waitress was very pushy with us, and was honestly very unaccommodating. I did not feel at ease dining here.For such reasons, I do see myself returning, despite the restaurant being in a convenient and nearby location. Given the relative proximity to other Japanese restaurants, I know I can satisfy my cravings elsewhere.

Food wasAlright, Service was terrible and they don't provide cups or things for kids , it was my husband ,me my 5 year old my 7 year old my 6 month old and my 1 year old my kids barley eat as parents know a lot of kids barley eat we left the table super clean yet they had the audacity to add on a big tip that they in my opinion didn't deserve my husband and I were really the only ones that ate yet they wanted to consider them my two baby's that just sat part of the 6 or more party, when I told them that I wasn't paying a 20 something dollar tip because my toddler nd baby didn't eat and my other two kids barley ate they gave me such big attitudes and just all Around terrible experience if you see two parents with little kids that barley eat and you don't even have the right things to accommodate them don't be those jerks that automatically tips ur self when you didn't provide good service!!!!!Also this place isn't for kids save yourself the trouble. Not kid friendly at all. It was clean but not kid friendly.

It was amazing sashimi and good decor inside the restaurant. I felt go back to Japan at Izakaya( Drinking and eating bar) I love everything and going to to one of my favoriete place.

Solo dined at the bar on a Tuesday! The place was steady busy the whole time and service was quick. I got the takoyaki, fried garlic, Kama, and hakata ramen. The ramen and Kama were exceptional. Broth had delicious flavor and the Kama was melt in the mouth delicious. Overall a very yummy meal and I would return!

Takoyaki was great, i think they're the easiest thing to get right so I'm glad they nailed it. The curry had awesome depth, very savory, and the breading on the pork was crunchy, buttery, and kept the pork most. The broth in the ramen was too good. It was complex and rich yet surprisingly light. I am not sure if it is classic tonkotsu, but if it is then they did some type magic to keep it so light. We also got the yellowtail cheek which was also good, super flaky and fishy... But that's what it is, fish